The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-03-17
THEN AND NOW.

the Tiber are crowded with the citizens o.
Rome. They push well down the water
steps, upon which stand little circle OF
weeping women. These women are of the
family of the man who stands upon boat
surrounded by crew of dark haired Car
thaginians. Back of the mass of people
rise the white buildings of the city, and
beyond these, away off in the distance, tower
the mountains crowned by the beautiful
Italian skies.
The man who stands so calmly taking
his last look upon Rome and the Roman
people is Atillus Regulus. He had been
one of the most proud, gallant and sue
cessful generals Rome had ever had, but
he had at last been defeated in a great bat
tie by the Carthaginian Xanthippus and
taken into the African city in the trail of
a war Chariot prisoner.
After holding him a prisoner for some
time the Carthaginians sent him to Rome
to lay before that nation certain terms and
treaties. Before leaving he was taken into
a temple, and there, standing before the
gods, he took the most binding oaths to re-
turn to Carthage.
When the Roman senate assembled to
hear the message of which Regulus was
the bearer, he urged upon them not to ac-
cept the terms. He told them that he be-
ieved the senate should never concede to
such terms, and he also said that he be-
heved the Carthaginians could never force
the senate refused the terms it would mean
his death, but he was a Roman citizen,
and Roman citizens always thought of
Rome first, honor next and life last.
The Roman citizens did refuse the terms,
and so Regulus is standing in the boat
bidding Rome and her citizens a last fare
well. He bids his family goodby, and,
turning to the young men who crowd the
shores of the Tiber, he is about TO speak.
The noise and hustle of the people are in
stantly hushed, and his voice is heard say
ing:
Il could not love my country so had she
been capable of different decreel What
matters it that ones life must be sacri-
feed in such a cause?'
And then the dark skinned crew drop
the oars into the water, and a citizen of
Rome is being borne rapidly down the I'll
Der toward the great blue sea across which
torture and death await him.
Mr.. Purviance has finished his coffee
and having lighted his cigar is looking
over the morning paper. Mrs. Purviance
sitting across the table, is still slipping her
second cup of the nerve destroying bean.
Suddenly Purviance gives vent to an ex-
clamation.
What is it, dearP' asked his wife, set
ting down her cup. sis it those Cubans
and Spanish againP'
'NO,' he answered, without looking
from his paper, ''it's nearer home this
time" And he continues to read.
"What can it be?'' wonders his wife as
she again sips her coffee.
Whatever it is, she feels certain she will
be told as soon as her husband reaches the
end of the column he is reading.
NIr. Purviance lays down the paper and
looking at his wife says mysteriously:
f'Now, what do you suppose has hap
penedY''
Really, can't imagine" she makes
reply: ,...s
''Wel, then, this has happened" says
Mr.. Purviance: g A resident of our city
says that this city has beens'-he picks up
the paper and reads-'shas been held up
and bunkoed successfully as ever
countryman was worked by fimfiam-
mers" He lays down the paper and looks
questioningly at his wife.
"What do you think of that?'' he asks
"Why, it's perfectly awfull' she
claims 'Who do you suppose did such
thing?''
81 can't answer that says her hus-
band. 81 dare say we shall know before
long,
For moment there is silence. Then
his wife asks:
''Do you believe it?''
'There's no doubt of it," returns he;
the grand jury is making an investiga-
ton now. 1t seems that the city clerk,
and the council, and the police are especial
1y corrupted -
''The police;" cried Mrs Purviance in
alarm, ''why, shall be afraid to sleep
nightsP'
husband soothingly. Perhaps the police
force isn't very bad. The main trouble
seems to be robbing the city of money
well, can't see the difference re-
turns his wife eff the police rob the city,
wouldn't they just as soon rob usS'
ftYou don't understand about such
things" says Mr.. Purviance.
81 don't wish to understand cries his
wife. 81 want to live in city where
can feel safe from robbers and murderers
and such people. / should like to know
how we are better off than those poor reo-
pie who have to contend with TaInmany l'
81 say, it isn't as bad as that, said Mr..
| Pursuance. For Mr.. Purviance was a man
who took a great personal interest in mu-
| nicipal reform in his city. He liked to
| think that his city was a model city in
every respect of city government.
''Shall we tell the children?' asks Mrs
Purviance.
''Why notP" he asks.
'fWhy not?" echoed his wife. "Do you
! want the children to know that officers of
the city, whom they have been taught to
look up to and respect are a band of
thieves3 That the flag that floats over
! their schoolhouse is only to cloak crimef
If you do, DON'T
ooh, come now" says Purviance. "The
guilty persons will be punished. -
1T isn't that that hurts me- returns
his wife. do you remember that fresco
1 of Maecari's in the Palazo-the one you
thought so impressive? Well, Regulus was
what call a good citizen. Do you think
we have as good citizens in this city? Even
one?''
Haven't you any faith in me, my
dear?'' asks Purviance.-St. Paul Globe.
! Obliging.