Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-03-15
The GOVERNOR AND THE BEAR.
A FREkCHMAN'S FANTASY OF
9ARNUM AND INDIA.
slated From the French.)

~ (Ira STATED From The French. ri
TIl52T52G551S15157751T15151515151LSi
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 flew 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, 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
cayernous voice:
The ancients, our masters in the
noble art of learning"
The president was a we'll instructed
man, but he had selected poor time
to air his eruditlon. From all sides of
the hall came low n1urmurs.
Tell us the reason fer our assem-
bling. What has happened?"
The President bowed graciously.
Very we'll, 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 a visit for the first
time. I do not hesitate to say that
we nave done all in our power to pre-
pare a 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. II 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.
Kaschemir-Kousch, you are clever
man, what is your opinion as to the
best thing to be done?'
Kaschemir Kousch ventured the
opinion thai the best thing to do was
to tell his Excellency that, as there
were no bears in Sydney City, it would
become necessary for him to postpone
his hunt.
This proposition was Immediately
voted down. If the Governor wanted
a 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
a 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
10 offer?" continued the president, in
voice that sounded almost imploring.
Surah- Maboul was silent for a 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