Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1886-08-05
CIVILIZATION.
A Drama OF T0-morrow-Scene, Bostor
Common-TIme, n Sunday In 1000.


COmm0n-Time, u Sunday In 1000.
People walking slowly up and down.
with Bibles and hymn-books in their
hands. Enter Intelligent Foreigner,
gazing at the Cogswcll Fountain.
Intelligent Foreigner-Qu people,
these Americans. | arrived only this
morning by the Cunard steamer and
find the town as quiet as the grave. /
had to walk ali the way from the docks;
no cars or cabs TO be found anywhere.
All, here is a citizen. will accost him.
Sir, viii you be kind enough to direct
me to some hotelp Every place scem0
to be closed. Has any sad event oc-
Cured? Is the Nation In mourningp
Modern Athenian-No, this is tho
Sabbath. 1t is against the law to open
an hotel on this holy day.
Intelligent Foreigner But-'pon my
wordl How very extraordinary. i
must have a place to sleep, you know.
And am hungry; will you not tell me
where / may diner
Modern Athenian = Dining Is for
hidden to-day. The Sabbath Is a day
of fasting.
Intelligent Foreigner-Bless my soull
a
travel-stained, and you see / have a
beard Of weeks growth. Are there no
barber-shops herep
Modern Misunderstanding on the
Lords day is criminal offense. Il Is
possible to be shaved only between
Monday morning and Saturday noon,
and then it is necessary TO produce o
certificate of good character signed by
the Mayor and Police Commissioners.
Intelligent Foreigner-Most extraor-
dinary! But what arc all these good
people doing in the parkP They seem
bent on meditation.
Modern Athenian-The statutes re-
quire all citizens to assemble here Sum
day mornings and engage in service
of prayer and thanksgiving, led by tho
members of the Common Council and
the Board of Aldermen.
Intelligent Foreigner-Howvery print
tive! Who are these clerical gentle
men coming this wayp
Modern Athenian-The Police COM
missioners. Step aside and bend tho
knee as they pass. 1t is required by
the statutes.
Intelligent Foreigner-Very, odd tbis.a
Sir, thank you for your information.
| shall write book on the "Habits and
Customs of the Americans. / will
make note of what you have told me.
CTakes out a pocket diary and begins to
write.)
Modern Athenian-Hold for your lifet
This is sacrilege. No one is allowed to
write upon the Sabbath. 1t is crime
punished with hanging.
Intelligent Foreigner-Dear me, dear
me! And this is your boasted Republic
can Freedom, with a large 4. Thank
heaven, am the subject of monarchi
/ will stay here no longer. | begin to
fear for my life. bid you good day,
sir. lights cigar and walks of rap
idly.)
Enter policeman clad in clergy
mans gown.
Policeman-Hold varletl say thcrel
Whist Catches Intelligent Foreigner
by the collar)
Intelligent Foreigner-How now, sir
rahl What means this indignity? [
shall complain of you to the British
Consul. Let me 90!
Policeman-Aisy now, aisy. Be quiet
or I'll put the irons on ye- Come on
now, yer my prisoner.
1hUeillgent TOKei9ncr-Nlufet. lr0nSl
Prisoner! What does this mean? What
have done?
Policeman-Done, is it? Faix haven't
yer been guilty ov violatin' the statookl
Yer smokin' cigar on Sunday.
That's tin years at hard laborl Yer q
carryin' cane on a Sun day. That's
five years solitiry confoinment. Yer a
walkin' faster nor mile an or haluf
an hour. That's six months at the IS
land. Como on viii me Ter the staytiun
house.
Intelligent Foreigner Wrctched man,
is this your Land of Liberty, the Home
Of the Free, and the
Policcman-Comc on wid yer.
Exeunt to the staiion-house.