Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-03-15

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The Observer. in Town Topics.
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q THE GOVERNOR AND The BEAR. G.
II A PRENcHMAN's FANTASY OF 70
III BARNUM AND INDIA. u
~ TRANSLATED From the French.) ~
E151S1s2s25151S257
Summoned in haste for an unexpect-
ed meeting, the Town Councillors of
Sydney City assembled in the Senate
Hall. Sydney City is one of the quiet
est and most peaceful communities in
India. Nothing unexpected ever hap
pens there and the days pass in Sc
rene monotony. This may serve to
explain the tumultuous emotions of the
worthy councillors on this occasion.
Arriving at the hall, they FASTENED
to ask what was the matter Had
any terrible catastrophe occurred?
Had the police discovered some new
and horrible crime? The eager ques-
lions new from one side of the room
to the other, but to no purpose. No
one knew anything about the matter.
Finally, to their great relief, a bell
rang, the door opened and the presi-
dent of the council, the venerable Ra-
jah Por. appeared. But alas! the un-
easiness felt by mis- colleagues was
only too clearly stamped upon his own
face. He looked haggard and worn.
Taking his seat, Rajah Por began, IN
a cavernous voice:
The ancients, our masters in the
noble art of learning"
The president was well instructed
man, but he had selected poor time
to air his eruditlon. From all sides of
the hall came low murmurs.
Tell us the reason for our assem-
bling. What has happened?"
The President bowed graciously.
Very well, then, gentlemen. This
is the reason of your presence here
now. You know that his Excellency
the Governor is about to honor Sgd
ney City with visit for the first
time. / do not hesitate to say that
We nave done all in our power to pre-
pare magnificent and worthy recep-
tion for him. Who could have fore
seen what has actually occurred?
This morning received telegram
from his Excellency. 1t contained
these simple words: Arrive to-mor
row morning early for bear hunt"
The Councillors gave one low, stimuli
taneous groan. There is one indispen-
sable condition for bear hunt. There
must be a bear And hunting for
bears in the pleasant forest around
Sydney City would be like fishing for
crocodiles in the Atlantic Ocean!
I'VE are ready for discussion" said
the president. as horror-stricken 81
lence fell upon the room Il entreat
you all to show the greatest calm. Do
not all talk at once."
He might better have said, do not
all be silent at once for no one said
a word. The president insisted.
Some one must say something.
KaschemirKousch, you are a clever
man, what is your opinion as to the
best thing to be done?"
Kaschemir Kousch ventured the
opinion tina. the best thing to do was
to tell his Excellency that, as there
we're no bears in Sydney City, it would
become necessary for him to postpone
his hunt.
This proposition was Immediately
voted down. If the Governor waflte d
bear, bear must be procured. 1t
would be highly impertinent to sug-
gest to his Excellency that he was but
poorly informed of the fauna of one
of his own cities.
"Rahma-Dou, what nave you to
say?" asked the president.
Rahma-Dou suggested weakly that
mechanical bear might be made
which would answer the purpose.
There was no time for this, however,
and the suggestion Was passed by.
"Surah-Maboul, have you any advice
to offer?" continued the president, IN
voice that sounded almost imploring.
Surah-Maboul was silent for mo-
ment, and then brilliant inspiration
seized him. why should not bear
skin be borrowed somewhere and one
Of the Councillor dress up in it and
enact an appropriate pantomime?"
This idea was received with much
applause until one of the members
remarked plaintively:
but, his Excellency would shoot at
US and that would not be pleasant"
Once more silence filled the hall.
To organize bear hunt without any
bear, this was the problem that con.
fronted them. No wonder they were
utterly discouraged.
Presently one of the youngest Coun.
cillors rose to his feet.
''My dear cottages" he said, "a
have an ideal"
Every eye was Immediately turned
upon him and every pair of eyebrows
raised in inquiry.
DO not ask me to explain my idea
1t is secret! Only be prompt at the
meeting tomorrow. The bear will be
there"
The Senate, as one man, drew a
long breath of relief. The question
WAS Stllleu mere NOulu De d DSdl.
The next morning at daybreak
every one was at the place of meet
ing. The entire Council was to be
present at the hunt. The President,
Rajah Por, received the Governor with
long speech, in which he lauded his
Bxcellency as the greatest among men,
and the Council gaped in admiration
Of the brave spectacle he presented.
So complete hunting outfit as that
worn by the Governor had never be-
fore been seen In Sydne City. Gould
It be possible for or man tc use so
many knives. pist' and guns, or was