Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-11-01
DAILY SHORT STORY
An Economical Prince.
[OriginaI.l

mead or q miniature monarchy His
brothers and cousins were his minis
tiers and chief officers, his female rel
atives danes of honor to his princess.
The government was supported by a
tax ON the people which produced in
our money about $4,000 II year. OF
course Ii was necessary to be very eco
nomical.
The occupation of the inha bitants of
Sarvania was growing grapes which
produced sour wine After awhile
the soil became barren, and there was
no crop and no income. The people de-
clared that since there was nothing to
pay with they should not be taxed, but
the prince argued: IF there is no tax,
there is no government. That means
anarchy. Anarchy means 40 more
crops. The people will starve." That
did not satisfy the malcontents, and
there was a rebellion. Three hundred
men armed with scythes and pitch
forks stormed the palace. They were
met by the regular army of fifty men
under the general in chief, routed and
their leader was captured.
The possession of this arch rebel Oc-
casioned the prince as much mental
disquietude as the capture of Jefferson
Davis caused President Lincoln. In
the Sarvania case il was simply mat
ter of economy. There was no execu-
toner in the principality, and to send
for one from 4 distance would be very
expensive. Considering that the royal
revenue was cut Off. this was not to be
thought OF. And yet If the man lived
his keeping would be drain on the
exchequer. \ cabiner council was
called to consider what was to be done.
The prince stated the case. 1t would
require an expenditure of $500 TO de-
prive the traitor of the necessity for
food, and it would require 5000 year
to feed him. The cabinet decided In
favor of the smaller expense. hoping
that the income TO the people and con-
sequently the government might be re-
stored.
A jailer being expensive. the prisoner
was put on his parole not to leave at
first his Jail, afterward the Kingdom.
He readily gave the required promise,
since he had no means of support and
his Jail was small house hired for his
especial occupation. there being no
other prisoners in the principality.
Some makeshifts at fertilZing the soil
were adopted which were partially
successful. slender crops raised. and at
the end of five years n sufficient sum
of money was saved by the govern
ment TO hire an eXecutioner. But that
year the prince desired to go on tour
and required all the means he could
scrape together When he returned, he
received Il petition from the prisoner,
who stated that he was tired of life
and desired that the sentence be car
+ ed out.
Here was an embarra ssment. \ cab
met council was called, and it was de-
termined to attempt to secure the serv-
ices of an eXecutioner on credit. Eu-
rope was searched for one who would
agree to accept a debenture OF the
principality, but none was found.
Meanwhile the prisoner was taken i'll
with a fever. and the government was
encouraged by q secret hope that he
would die. Unfortunately he recov-
cred. The physician who pulled him
through was banished.
One day while the prince was hunt
ing he became separated from his suit.
His horse, stumbling. threw him. and
his royal highness plunged headlong
into a well. \ man who was fishing in
stream near by heard his calls for
help and. going to the well. leaned over
the wellhouse and asked what was the
matter.
'T am drowning" called a feeble
voice.
The man above let down the bucket
and then slid down the rope. Present
ly the princes suit came up and, hear
ing sounds in the well, went there to
find out whence they emanated.
''Wind up the roper' cried a voice
from below.
The crank was turned. the work re-
quiring several men, and the prince
was brought up in the arms Of
"Great heaven-the prisoner
When the prince. who was more
than hurt. recognized his
preserver, his heart beat with new
hope. Here was good cause for a
pardon.
You have saved our royal life" he
said. ASK any boon, and it shall be
granted"
II have only to beg that your high
ness will free me from an existence
that has long been a burden
The countenance of the prince fell,
and the courtiers made no effort TO
conceal their displeasure. Taking the
prime minister aside, the prince con-
fered with him.
'.It will cost $500 TO execute him."
said the ruler. "May we not compro-
mise with him for less amount?'
''Try him. replied the minister.
mo" said the prince after reflection;
at will avail nothing" Then sudden
ly he added, 81 want your resignation"
The minister bowed to his sover-
eign's will, and the prince, turning
a gain, said to the prisoner:
You are hereby appointed prime