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AN ALLEGORY: 
 
 CONTAINING AN INTERESTING 
 
 ^r\alog7 
 
 Between the Order for Discovering 
 
 NATURAL CURIOSITIES 
 
 AND 
 
 FOUNDING CITIES, 
 
 AND 
 
 p^%3-^ 
 
 The United States of America. 
 
 PAGr21. "How President Illinois came to be elected, we suppose was in 
 this wise :" " He was a great Sworci-^man, having been taught the art of fenc- 
 ing by his Uncle Sam, Americus." 
 
 Page 41. '• And the prospect of his re-election was quite good, as thousands 
 upon thousands of officeholders would work to bring this about." ' But the 
 disaffected and ' Reformers ' looked about for an opponent to him, and finally 
 selected Hon. Mr. Tribune, whose whole life had been a labor of love for the 
 human race, as their standard bearer." 
 
 FOB SALE AT AGENTS : No. U9 Coat es Street, Phila. 
 Price 20 Cents. 
 
 .. ^ /^7^ 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by J. WESLEY CLARK, 
 In the OflSce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 

 f 
 
 XPLANATO 
 
 F\Y p 
 
 ONTENTS. 
 
 e-^sx*-^- 
 
 An Allegory, A Fable or Type. 
 
 Analogy, Resemblance between Subjects or Things. 
 
 Cave, Resemblance to American Greatness and Grandeur. 
 
 Fishermen, Resemblance to Discoveries of America. 
 
 Order of the Cave, Resemblance to American Citizens. 
 City of Columbia, Resemblance to Settling the Country. 
 Its Officers, Resemblance to President and Cabinet. 
 Hon. Mr. Whale, Resemblance to Secretary of State. 
 
 Vault, 
 
 Gunpowder, " 
 
 Swells, 
 
 Interiorman, 
 
 Informationman, 
 
 Lawgiver, 
 
 Secretary of Treasury. 
 Secretary of War. 
 Secretary of Navy. 
 Secretary of Interior. 
 Postmaster-General. 
 Attorney-Geu eral. 
 
 Fish Hawk Island, Resemblance to San Domingo. 
 
 Tyranical Order, " 
 
 Roaring Lion Order, " 
 
 Comeouters of the Cross, " 
 
 Hon. Mr. Solomon, " 
 
 President Illinois, " 
 
 Vice-President Indiana, " 
 
 Hon. Mr. Tril)une, " 
 
 Spain 
 England. 
 Ancient Church. 
 Hon. Charles Sumner. 
 President U. S, 
 Vice-President U. S. 
 Hon. H. Greely. 
 

 ^ 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 There is a most singular cave on the Atlantic Coast, con- 
 nected with which are some of the most daring adventures and 
 strange stories that were ever known. 
 
 And though the description will be meagre compared with 
 its realties, yet, it will be best to present what light we can, 
 hoping that from so doing the reader will be enabled to 
 imagine the other untold facts. 
 
 It was discovered in a very remarkable way, and had its dis- 
 covery remained a secret, the adventures and strange trans- 
 actions to be related would never have been told : while it is in 
 and of itself, one of the greatest wonders in existence, and all 
 connected with it, whether of adventure or romance, partakes 
 of the same nature. 
 
 Four men who had been out in an open boat fishing, about 
 one mile from their 'homes, which consisted of three small 
 houses, were caught in a squall, and were under the necessity 
 of making for the nearest shore. They finally made for a small 
 cove-like opening in the side of the mountain-like shore, think- 
 ing to be free from the wind, as after entering it, the space, 
 after about twenty feet, became about four times as wide as the 
 entrance, which was about twenty feet wide, hence the width, 
 after entering the first twenty feet, became a fine little minia- 
 ture bay or cove. * 
 
 They had often visited this place for refuge or pleasure, but 
 never at any other time than about low water, at which time 
 it was just deep enough for a boat to float without grounding, 
 and have several feet "sea room" either side; and above their 
 heads at the entrance, it was as high in comparison to the 
 width after entering, as the height to the width at entering : 
 
then, beside a fine little cove, it was much like entering a dark 
 house, for all the light was from the entrance ; and as there was 
 plenty of "driftwood," they had on several occasions built a 
 fire on the shore of the cove to be enabled more fully to see its 
 beauties and examine its size. 
 
 On this occasion they at once did so, thinking to make them- 
 selves comfortable and happy. 
 
 But what was their consternation to remember that the tide 
 was rising as well as the wind and storm : for it commenced to 
 come through the entrance like a race horse, and to as sud- 
 denly rise as the squall had, extinguishing their fire. 
 
 Securing a quantity of pitch pine, which makes a fine torch, 
 for as the tide arose it shut off" the light, and as it arose far 
 above the open space, it came in with a deafening roar, which 
 to the now imprisoned men appeared appalling. 
 
 One of their number was inclined to seek escape through 
 
 diving and swimming out, but upon reflection saw that he could 
 
 not t^o against such a current, though it would have been an 
 
 easy feat had the tide been going out : yet they had nothing to 
 
 fear, as the distance over head was far above the reach of high 
 
 water, and having their boat, and being provided with torches, 
 
 they could go on an inspection tour around the basin; and 
 
 this they did, discovering the cave which we will now describe. 
 
 As they rowed around, they were much surprised to find on 
 
 one side another open space, just level with the top of their 
 
 boat ; and it was about twenty feet wide, by about twelve feet 
 
 high, about like the opening from the outside to the basin; 
 
 and having plenty of time on their hands, they thought it best 
 
 to look further. 
 
 Landing, and taking a*long rope to secui'c the boat, giving it 
 sufficient play should the tide ebb before they were through 
 with their explorations, fastening it securely to an upright stone 
 pillar, apparently made for the purpose, with torch in hand to 
 licrht them on their way, they started forth tu explore a natural 
 wonder. 
 
 They passed through this hall-like entrance into another 
 
chamber : the entrance as to size, length, termination and all 
 was just like the one below, excepting the water in one, and 
 the stone column in the other, to which they had fastened their 
 boat. 
 
 Still going on and around, they found another entrance about 
 five feet above the floor of the first; they succeeded in climb- 
 ing into this, and in all particulars it was the same as the other, 
 excepting the stone column ; and yet they found another, 
 makino; three above the basin. 
 
 The atmosphere was good as on the open land, had the same 
 appearance in all respects, the smoke passing away as readily 
 as though in open air, leading them to think that there must 
 be an outlet as well as an inlet; and looking sharply they 
 finally discovered an opening which they concluded led out 
 above : it was like a gradual winding stairs. 
 
 Observing that there was a draft of air so powerful that they 
 could not keep their light, unless they could contrive some 
 means to shut off the draft ; this they in part accomplished by 
 forming of their jackets of oil cloth, a shield to the light. In this 
 way they come out upon the very pinnacle of the highest land 
 on all the coast for miles, and about half a mile from the shore. 
 
 The outlet was slanting, just enough to be a comfortable 
 up-hill walk, and in width and depth as the inlet below. 
 
 Finding it now quite clear, they concluded to go to the shore 
 in the vicinity of their boat, for they hardly felt like retracing 
 their steps ; they knew it would be of no use to go direct, and 
 also that they could not reach their boat but by swimming or 
 having another boat. 
 
 As the outlet was in a great piece of woods, and among great 
 rocks, and as there were many places among them looking just 
 like the land entrance to the cave, there was but little proba- 
 bility of seeing or finding it without marking; this they did 
 for future guidance. 
 
 Following the direction indicated by their pocket compas-, 
 they soon found themselves at home; and after refreshinsc 
 themselves, and resting sufficiently long for the tide to recede, 
 
6 
 
 they, taking another boat, went for the one they left, which 
 they found all right; but they had to sacrifice a portion of 
 their rope, as the distance from the floor above to the boat was 
 more than they would like to jump; they therefore concluded 
 to fasten a small piece of drift wood to the portion left, to direct 
 them at any future time. 
 
 Now, this place could be nade into anything desired — a fort, 
 a palace, or a den for pirates or smugglers, or for any kind of 
 good or evil purposes ; and the reader will think it was as won- 
 derfully occupied as the wonderful cave required to correspond 
 with itself. 
 
 Whether those four fishermen were the first who ever entered 
 this wonderful place, is unknown ; but probably they were. It 
 was never any advantage to them, other than what we will now 
 relate. 
 
 In their vicinity, the population was very sparse ; and before 
 they had time to gossip among their neighbors, they took a 
 small lot of fish to the nearest market, which was a small city 
 a few miles distant ; and while disposing of their fish, they 
 mentioned their discovery to a very distinguished looking man 
 in the prime of life. 
 
 He told them to say nothing further of their discovery, and 
 himself and a few friends would visit the place, for they were 
 curiosity hunting, and if it aff'orded tliein enjoyment, they would 
 pay them for the pleasure. 
 
 Full arrangements were made, and next day the stranger, 
 with three others, arrived in a fine pleasure boat ; and, accom- 
 panied by the fishermen, they went to explore their singular 
 discovery. 
 
 Great satisfaction was expressed by the strangers upon con- 
 cluding the examination of the cave ; and upon inquiry, they 
 found the fishermen poor, unambitious men, as willing to gain 
 a livelihood by entering the employment of others as to fish 
 with and on their own hook. 
 
 The strangers then made a bargain with them to enter their 
 employment ; and the wages to be paid wore so large that they 
 
were anxious to conclude the agreement. Of course, the work 
 was to be of that nature they could perform; but there were to 
 be obligations on their part, as well as on the part of the other 
 men. 
 
 The fishermen were now informed that they were organized 
 discoverers of natural curiosities, and the founders of cities ; 
 that all who entered their employ became members of the order 
 for discovering natural curiosities and founding cities. They 
 thought this a queer name for an order ; but they concluded, 
 if the name and workings of the order corresponded, that the 
 cave would prove a suitable acquisition; and if their connection 
 with the order proved profitable and pleasant, they would be 
 content. 
 
 Accordingly, they were informed that they must be regularly 
 initiated; to this they readily complied. 
 
 From the boat was brought a human skull, and a long pointed 
 double-edged sword, having in plain letters thereon, ''the sword 
 of justice." 
 
 They were then requested to place their hand on the skull, 
 and repeat the following oath : — 
 
 "1, in remembrance of the certainty of my own mortality, do 
 solemnly pledge my own life and soul, that I will keep the 
 secrets of the order for the discovery of natural curiosities and 
 founding of cities inviolate till death, and will hold him guiltless 
 who shall pierce my heart with the sword of justice, should I 
 break my oath and perjure my soul, and will raise my own 
 hand to slay the guilty." 
 
 Each one in turn took this oath, and each were handed one 
 hundred dollars in gold. A password was then given them, 
 which was the "sword of justice," with some further instruc- 
 tions. 
 
 After the ceremony, they were told that they might attend 
 to their own business for ten days ; on the elevenih, they were 
 to visit the cave in the same way as now, at the earliest hour 
 in the morning that the tide would serve them ; to come without 
 
8 ^ 
 
 light, and to climb up by the rope, or the best way they could. 
 This day arrived, and the four men kept their appointment. 
 
 Entering the cave on the flood tide, they sought, in the dim 
 light, for the rope they had left, and they were surprised to find 
 what appeared to be a vessel's shrouds ; and by them, they, 
 one after the other, ascended ; and, as they passed along, they 
 were greeted by a loud command to halt, which they, in still 
 further surprise, did. They were then commanded to march 
 in single file, ten paces apart, and give the countersign. They 
 followed this order also, one after the other giving the password, 
 as they had been instructed. 
 
 And now another surprise awaited them, for at the inner ter- 
 mination of the entrance, they came to a partition, a door was 
 opened, and they entered the extensive hall, at the farther side 
 of which a small taper was burning; they were told to cross to 
 the light, and to ascend to the next hall; here they found stairs; 
 wondering and amazed, they proceeded, and again were met with 
 the command to halt; then to advance and give the counter- 
 sign as before;- after which they were told to enter the hall of 
 justice. 
 
 They entered and were in total darkness, and in every direc- 
 tion in all parts of the hall, a most singular noise met their 
 ears; they were in a complete circle of curious musical sounds, 
 no harmony, as all seemed to play to suit their own fancy; 
 there were one hundred Jews-harps being played at once; this 
 lasted about one minute, then all in the circle spoke up, saying, 
 "Let justice be done." 
 
 And, in the twinkling of an eye, the great and spacious hall 
 was so brilliantly lighted, that all, the new comers especially, 
 were obliged to shade their eyes from a score of great lights on 
 either side; with great magnificent reflectors, the light was 
 made exceedingly great. 
 
 All was silence again for one minute, when a most gigantic 
 man in a mask, with the identical sword of justice in his hand, 
 
approached the four men and said, " Strangers as yet to the 
 sternness of the sword of justice, advance to the altar." 
 
 Great letters forming this word were painted on a very trans- 
 parent cloth, which was stretched in front of a bright light, 
 clearly showing where was indicated for them to appear. 
 
 Here, on a table, was the identical skull upon which these 
 men had placed their hands when taking the oath, and the 
 same giant, who was about eight feet tall, and large in propor- 
 tion,' again addressed them in the following manner : 
 
 " Place your hands on the emblem of mortality, and answer 
 my questions." 
 
 Here they all placed their hands on the skull. 
 
 " You will answer each for himself, just as you choose." 
 
 " Have you kept inviolate your sacred oath ? " 
 
 He here drew the sword of justice as though in readiness to 
 slay them, should they reply in the negative; but each replied, 
 " I have." 
 
 He then asked them, they still holding their hands on the 
 emblem of mortality, '' Do you renew your oath ?" 
 
 To which they all said, " I do." 
 
 " Do you regret having entered the order for the discovery 
 of natural curiosities, and founding of cities ? " 
 
 " I do not." 
 
 " Do you regret that you discovered this great natural curi- 
 osity, the cave ?" 
 
 " 1 do not," they each replied. 
 
 He next said, " brothers sing," and one of the best songs, 
 thought the fishermen, that they had ever heard, was sung by 
 a score of voices. 
 
 The giant then gave a sort of kick, and sent two feet or 
 more of his height, with his sailor-like trowsers, half way 
 across the hall ; he then removed a large padded coat and his 
 mask, and then stood before the astonished men, the fine look- 
 
$0 
 
 ing man wiio had first been informed of the cave; and grasp- 
 ing each by the hand, the meeting was most cordial. 
 
 Calling each by name, he introduced them as the original 
 discoverers of the cave; "and in their honor," he added, "we 
 will now repair to the upper banqueting hall, and spend a few 
 hours." 
 
 They then went up the next flight of stairs, and passed 
 through the hall entrance, which was brilliantly lighted, to the 
 spacious hall above, which was as magnificently lighted as the 
 one below, and beside, it had been floored and richly carpeted 
 and most elegantly furnished with all kinds of furniture that 
 could be named, even to a piano, and all the luxuries that could 
 be brought together. 
 
 The halls were warmed by a large and substantial stove 
 placed in the centre of the middle hall, with a large funnel 
 reaching to the height of ten feet, then extending along 
 to the next hall entrance, through which it passed, and through 
 the next hall, and on, all the way up and out of the steep 
 and winding way to the outer world, completely warming 
 the second and third apartments, and all the passage way 
 out. 
 
 And to as fine a repast as could be provided, they all sat 
 down ; consisting of all kinds of meat, fish and fowl, and a rare 
 dessert; everything desirable that money could procure, and 
 taste desire, was on the occasion in abundance. In fact, it 
 was the dedication of the great, grand establishment. 
 
 Untold gold and a hundred men could do a great deal in 
 a few days, and to celebrate the occasion with conferring the 
 second degree on the initiates, was very proper and calcu- 
 lated to impress' the new recruits ihat the greatest oi' secret 
 organizations was a stupendous reality. 
 
 After doing justice to ihe food and injustice to their stomachs, 
 they proceeded to do injustice to their heads, by freely using 
 the juice of the grape and other kinds of costly drink?, and in 
 story-telling with toasts and songs, they spent quite a large 
 portion of the day. 
 
11 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Now we must say something more about this wonderful 
 place, and will begin with the shore entrance. 
 
 They built a huge gate for the entrance, and by two upright 
 iron posts, and a cross piece at the top for a frame to the gate, 
 this was securely bolted to the wall on either side, so that 
 it was quite as firm as the rock itself; the gate was now hung 
 on its huge hinges on the cross piece, so that it could swing in 
 or out as the tide might be going. 
 
 The gate was placed half-way within the entrance, or about 
 ten feet from the outside ; it worked like magic ; on the flood- 
 tide, it looked but a shallow place, not suitable for a boat, and 
 the same on the ebb-tide. 
 
 On the inside they had a powerful windlass and chain, which 
 they could hook into a ring on the gate and draw it up and 
 keep it open when desirable ; though, ou pressing against it very 
 slightly, it yielded readily and would go with the tide, allow- 
 ing the water to pass in or out as though no gate was there; 
 and to finish the gate, they had the frame and all painted, and 
 so disguised that it looked like the natural appearance of the 
 surrounding wall, and a stranger would not observe that it was 
 not a part of the mountain side. 
 
 Inside, the space was about eighty feet, either way, being 
 plenty of room for dozens of boats, both large and small ; after 
 the gate was hung or put up, it was darker than ever, yet they 
 had plenty of light when they required it; the shrouds were 
 drawn up when not in use ; the land entrance did not require 
 any disguise, though they carefully made it more difficult of 
 approach. 
 
 The three halls or separate caves, which were all connected 
 by a passage-way, twenty feet wide, were now more fully pre- 
 pared for occupancy. 
 
12 
 
 The first was called the golden room, for here was where the 
 stores were deposited, consisting of everything of value that 
 could be named ; the other rooms we will more fully describe. 
 
 The third room, or banqueting hall, was divided into various 
 rooms, the cooking arrangement and a part of the sleeping 
 apartments were here, while in the hall of justice were many 
 cots, in fact, from the water, where dozens of boats lay, to the 
 outer passage, the place was fully occupied. 
 
 Perhaps it might be thought an unhealthy place for a dwell- 
 ing, but they had pure air constantly and could have the tem- 
 perature of the place to suit them ; besides they were out and 
 in, not constantly confined, though it was one of the most 
 healthy dwellings that existed, more so than many large houses, 
 and infinitely more so than those places of human degradation, 
 under-ground dwellings, and prison-like houses of the poor. 
 
 We now see this wonderful place fixed up to suit its occu- 
 pants and owners, and will now interest ourselves about the 
 workings of this order. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 In this organization were several oflicers, whose duty it was 
 to have charge of a certain department ; in this way everything 
 went on like clock work ; the officers were changed as often as 
 the correct working of the cause demanded, while the leader 
 held his position for four years. 
 
 The President. had about as much power as a king. 
 
 His counsellors were talented men, seven in number, and 
 each filled a distinct office, and by having all the different 
 departments attended to, the prosperity of the estnlilishment 
 was great. 
 
 The four fishermen were commissioned watchmen, two to 
 watch by day and two by night, and before they had been 
 
13 
 
 members of the order one month, the^^ concluded that the part 
 of the name of the order which came first, was a very correct 
 one, for the curiosities and wonders that were brought together 
 fairly surprised them. 
 
 About the men going and coming that did not seem strange, 
 for both night aud day they were ever busy. 
 
 One day the four fishermen were requested to go out for 
 fish, and were informed that Indians were about, and they 
 were cautioned and told to be on their guard ; but they had no 
 fears, for they were on the best of terms with them, for they had 
 done them a favor once ; when their chief was wounded they 
 had secreted him from other Indians, his enemies, so they had 
 their friendship all right; still, it would not do to let them learn 
 of the cave and the new afiairs therein, for Indians are greater 
 skulking thieves than Negroes, if possible. 
 
 But this day was an unfortunate one for them. 
 
 They had got well out and began to fish with fine prospects, 
 when they discovered three canoes of Indians at a distance, 
 and fearing that they might not be the friendly ones who gen- 
 erally came in that direction, though seldom any others came, 
 they started for the shore, and the Indians at once gave their 
 favorite war-whoop, and started in pursuit ; but our lusty fish- 
 ermen had a good start, and while the Indians were yet one 
 mile or more off", they plunged into their safe retreat, for for- 
 tunately it was flood tide, for an hour or so. 
 
 The four men remained just inside to hear what was the 
 opinion of the savages. 
 
 Presently they came up, and in broken English sputtered 
 away after this sort : 
 
 "Pale faces fools; scare him dreadful; go bang against rock ; 
 big fools; old boat rotten ; too much ballast; go to bottom." 
 
 They then looked about to see if they could make any dis- 
 coveries of the boat or men, but failing, soon left, and our fish- 
 ermen leaving their boat, hastened up through the cave, and 
 running with great speed along the shore, suddenly showed 
 themselves to the Indians, and, being armed with fowling pieces, 
 
14 
 
 they gave them a charge of small shot, as they wished not to 
 kill, but to punish and frighten them. 
 
 But they were more frightened to see them come back from 
 the bottom of the sea than by the shooting; they appeared to 
 think they had charmed lives, or were devils, and as they never 
 returned, it was concluded that the trick had its desired effect 
 on them. 
 
 Why this organization should admit these fishermen to their 
 order looked very strange, but upon reflection, we can under- 
 stand it; they needed such men; they knew of the cave, and to 
 secure their silence and private possession of it, induced them 
 to take this, the only wise and safe course; and having 
 removed their families to the city named before, they could 
 give their undivided attention to their duties. 
 
 Who these men were, or whence they came, the fishermen 
 knew not, and cared but little ; they were now members ; to go 
 back they would surely perish, to continue seemed all right; 
 they were certain of several things ; they possessed untold 
 wealth, and they saw nothing out of the way ; the chief was an 
 inveterate smoker, and seemed to be absorbed in thought while 
 smoking. 
 
 His history and name were a little odd ; he was not ashamed 
 of it though ; in fact, the name of the order was singular, and 
 how much the workings of the order wero in accordance with 
 it they had not yet learned ; " but what is in a name ?" 
 
 We now find this most wonderful cave occupied, it being 
 completely transformed, and the order for the discovery of 
 natural curiosities and founding of ciiies in complete working 
 order. 
 
 Wo will now notice several things connected with this mys- 
 terious cave. 
 
15 
 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 
 One day, at the close of the duties, the watchman saw a 
 great, grand ship approaching under full sail, with three 
 curious flags flying to the breeze. 
 
 One was pure red, having the emblem of the sun ; one was 
 pure white with the moon for an emblem ; while the other was 
 pure blue, having the stars. 
 
 They had noticed in the cave just such flags, and conse- 
 quently thought the ship connected with the order; and when 
 they came in proper distance they took in sail and cast anchor, 
 and then immediately discharged, a small swivel. 
 
 Making full report of their observations to the President, 
 they were ordered to row out to the ship and take any message 
 back that they might have to send ashore. 
 
 They obeyed orders, and as they aj.proached the ship they 
 were hailed and ordered alongside, and were surprised to see 
 one of their own officers on board. 
 
 He at once handed them letters to be taken back. 
 
 And the aff'air wound up by the fishermen being ordered to 
 pilot the ship in as near to the shore as possible, after which 
 they and all hands on board, with all tho.se within the cave, 
 manned all the boats, and made a lively time in taking to the 
 shore the cargo of the ship quite as fast as it could be dis- 
 charc;ed. 
 
 It consisted of every nameable kind of goods, valuable pack- 
 ages, and bales of dry goods, and everything a great establish- 
 ment required. 
 
 They were several days in effecting a full discharge, and a 
 safe storage within the cave, and as they had worked both night 
 and day till they had the job done, they felt like having a good 
 time, and accordingly did so, for it proved that all on board the 
 ship were members. 
 
 Soon the ship left for parts unknown, at least to the fisher- 
 men, which led them to think they were not fully trusted, but 
 
16 
 
 they could not complain as they were from the first employed, 
 and their connection was more like an honorary one. 
 
 One day a letter was handed to one of the fishermen with 
 directions to take it to Vice President Indiana. 
 
 He was told to go one mile north, following what was called 
 a spotted line, that is, trees with a piece of the bark shaved ofi" 
 close enough together in a direct line, so that one could follow 
 it as well as a road, and when he came to a tree having a spot 
 on all four sides, he was to turn to the right and go another mile 
 to the city of Columbia. 
 
 Setting forth with his gun that he might- shoot any game he 
 might happen to see, in an hour or so, he, following the spotted 
 line which he did not know existed before, till he came to the 
 tree spotted on either side, he then turned to the right, and 
 after going about one mile he came to a settlement that he knew 
 did not exist six months before this time. 
 
 He was confounded ; it is true the houses were new, most of 
 them made of logs ; and a grand location it was for a city, on 
 a large river emptying into the ocean, at the mouth of which 
 was as fine a bay as exists on the face of the globe, and by 
 water quite a number of miles from the cave, while across by 
 land it was but a short distance. 
 
 Our fisherman began to think the name of the order a correct 
 one. 
 
 As he passed along he saw u sign which read Superintendent's 
 Office, and to inquire he approached the door for that purpose, 
 and found himself in the presence of the Vice President, and to 
 him he delivered the letter, and soon took one in return, and 
 observed the superscription was to his " Honor President 
 Illinois." 
 
 He learned two of the leaders' names and began to feel inter- 
 ested about the names of the others, and he soon had an oppor- 
 tunity to learn them too. 
 
 After reporting upon Ins i-cturn, he ibuiid |)lenty lo do. 
 
 He was informed next day that he could visit the cit}- where 
 they first met the president, to take letters to several now 
 absent. One of these was addressed to the Hon. Mr. Whale, 
 
17 
 
 "Well," soliloquized he, " Mr. Whale would make a good 
 fisherman if he chose to adopt that calling, though, perhaps he 
 is one now, comparatively, he, being a Whale, lives on little 
 fishes, maybe." This officer looked after the interest of the 
 order away from home. 
 
 Another was to Hon. Mr. Swells. He looked after the de- 
 partment of the sea, and he too had a watery name — " Swell ot 
 the sea." 
 
 Another was Hon. Mr. Gunpowder. He looked after the 
 arms and ammunition ; and it was very singular that his name 
 and ofiice were so similar in meanino;. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Interiorman was another, and he looked after the 
 affairs of the great order at home. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Lawgiver was another ; he saw that everything 
 was done according to law. 
 
 One was addressed, Hon. Mr. Infoirmationman ; whose dutv 
 was to see that all letters and mail matter were duly delivered. 
 
 Hon. Mr. Vault was another officer, making seven in all, 
 beside the President and Vice President. He had charge of 
 all the gold, like Judas of old, and was as great a man as any. 
 
 The fisherman began to think that the officers of the order 
 were as peculiarily named as the order. 
 
 Arriving safely he delivered the letters, for following direc- 
 tions he had no trouble in finding them ; he had seen them all 
 before, but as his duties did not bring him into close business 
 relation, he had not learned their names. 
 
 Upon his return he had quite adong chat with his three old 
 chums ; he had visited all their lamilies, as some one of them 
 did every week, so that they all went home once a month. 
 
 And as they usually discussed the affiiirs of the great cave, 
 its management, its officers, their merits, and the probability of 
 success in its various departments, just as the common people 
 ever do the condition of their country, its prosperity or adver- 
 sity, and also the capacity of their rulers, he delivered himself 
 in this wise to his interested brother fishermen : 
 
 " Boys, do you know that this organization of ours is destined 
 3 
 
18 
 
 to fill the whole earth with its glory ? " One of the others 
 replied : 
 
 "As to this organization, I do not know about that; if it 
 had not been for us common fellows and our discovery of the 
 cave, I guess we should not be much greater than other organi- 
 zations of the world in different parts, of which we have heard 
 so much ; and though it was us common men that discovered 
 the foundation for this greatness, I guess we shall not be much 
 better off for it after all, for though we belong to the order 
 and are under all the oaths and obligations, and do all the 
 watching and common work, it don't seem to benefit us much. 
 
 " Of course we have a home, so do all the common poor of 
 other orders in all parts of the world, but you see though we 
 got a start at first just like the settlers in a new country, 
 where are we now ? 
 
 " Why we work night and day, and when we have paid our 
 rent, which is enormous, and bought all other necessary things, 
 settling once a month, it takes all we can earn to make our 
 families comfortable ; and while we beat the bush others will 
 catch the bird. 
 
 "Our President, for one, will become very wealthy, you see: 
 I believe that that whole cargo of goods came free of duty, but 
 they don't come any cheaper to us, and I bcigin to think that 
 the President and that big Whale and those others in office, 
 are getting all the cream, while we poor wretches get the 
 skimmed milk, and watered at that. 
 
 " I should like to know how much the rest of the order re- 
 ceives that are not office holders of the higher grade — I mean 
 all hands belonging to the order — they seem to be happy men; 
 they discuss the merits of everything, and have a great task in 
 making the laws of the order, and seeing to everything gen- 
 erally; overhauling his old Whaleship terribly, thinking that 
 he don't feel so much interest to have the organization grow- 
 in greatness, and true glory, as he does to make money out 
 of the position he is in. 
 
 "They think he don't throw his whole suul into the office he 
 
19 
 
 fills, as they think its interests demand, and the President of 
 the great cave, though elected to the greatest office in the gift 
 of the order, with the expectation that he would be very ener- 
 getic, seems to be satisfied to let everything go about as it may, 
 thinkinsr that his officers will receive all the blame and he still 
 
 O 
 
 hoard up great riches. 
 
 "Then the Hon. Mr. Vault, he is named about well enough, 
 for he has charge of the great vaults of the cave, and locks up 
 all the revenues that come in, and pretends that there is only 
 a proper amount on hand, and therefore keeps turning every- 
 thing into money for the sake of being the richest organization 
 on earth. 
 
 "But those whose duty lead them to look after the interests 
 of all think that while the officers have so much gold, more 
 than they can count, that the common people ought to have 
 an opportunity to lay up something for themselves, too. 
 
 " Yet the leaders cry out that there are great expenses to be 
 met in founding cities, securing new curiosities, and to pay off 
 other expenses of the order with the money, though what debts 
 were standing against the organization were not yet due, and 
 the pinching wants of the poor might be relieved by less tax- 
 ation and all bills met when due, but as it was in the hearts of 
 those in power to oppress the poor, this course would be thought 
 excusable. 
 
 "I tell you we four men are not all who need a change, and 
 I hope that one of those men who go after the big ones will be 
 elected to office in due time; then we will see better times, 
 
 " Then while some endure all things in hope of having their 
 turn in office, and others hammer away to bring around the 
 joyful day of justice, we must live in hope." 
 
 We see by this condition of things as described by the 
 fishermen, that the greatest organization in the world, with the 
 greatest cave on earth for a favorable development of their 
 great strength and beauty, may grow or diminish. 
 
20 
 
 But as there is not a person on earth without a fault, nor 
 an organization without an error, and as men may grow good 
 or bad, so a great organization mny become more perfect and 
 its glory shine brighter, or it may imperceptibly degenerate, 
 and its retrograde at last be seen ; therefore we henr the voice 
 of warning, or of praise, as the case may be, for men will not 
 keep silent ; we then witness a natural result. 
 
 CHAPTEE V. 
 
 The new city soon became a world in miniature, consisting 
 of all nations and religions, and coveriner an extensive tract of 
 country, and where the land entrance of the cave existed stands 
 one of the greatest and most magnificent houses in all the 
 country. 
 
 It is from the foundation to the top black, consequently it is 
 known as the Black House; it is very capacious, while its un- 
 derground arrangements are very superior to those of any 
 other. So we find everything in a prosperous condition but the 
 common people. 
 
 The President, by virtue of his ofiice, was respected and 
 greeted by all as though the existence of all things depended 
 upon his will ; and some thought the great organization in all 
 its departments, with the flourishing condition of the great city 
 of Columbia, was owing to his greatness; but others thought 
 very differently. . 
 
 Whatever the policy of the order might be in reference to 
 administering its laws for the purpose of enriching itself, or by 
 dealing in a sharp manner with foreigners, or unjustly taxing 
 its members, the President and his officers did not allow any 
 one, great or small, to attack the policy they thought best to 
 adojit. Though they might be in an error, they would not allow 
 
21 
 
 their position in any particular to be assailerl. The opponent 
 might be superior in every sense, and capable of criticising the 
 acts of the chief magistrate of the order, or his subordinates; 
 such daring mm would be placed in tlie background, and all 
 the opportunities wherein such fe-arless champions for tlie right 
 could be of great assistance, they were over pi'evented, if pos- 
 sible, for fear their influence might become too great. 
 
 Thus things began to be quite out of joint. 
 
 It was soon learned that the President of the order was a 
 mere figure-head ; that when he was really weighed, or tested, 
 that he was found very deficient. 
 
 Whether it was his almost constant habit of smoking, that 
 had changed the man, and made him very inferior, or whether 
 he was always an inferior man, we cannot say; perhaps the 
 organization had grown beyond his abilities — hence his inferi- 
 ority was seen. How he came to be elected to the great office 
 we suppose was in this wise. 
 
 There were capable men in the order, many of whom would 
 have made a good President ; but they thought best to select a 
 man who might be the most available, on account of not having 
 been previously engaged in meddling with the workings of the 
 order, and then they could make a Lion of him, by reason of 
 his great office, though he could not make the office great, — 
 though, like many others, he was great in his own peculiar 
 calling. 
 
 r O 
 
 He was a great swordsman, having been taught the art of 
 fencing by his Uncle Sam., Americus. And it is best for all 
 men to seek greatness in their own sphere; then they may 
 excel. /And as he had been brought into notice by his greatness 
 in accomplishing the defeat of a set of rascals who had estab- 
 lished themselves in such an antagonistical position to the order, 
 that the excitement on tlie discovery of the plot and its over- 
 throw by him raised such an enthusiastic gratitude, that, in 
 their haste to reward him for his good turn, promoted him to 
 the great office. 
 
 (the enthusiasm of the impulsive put him there, not his 
 
22 
 
 adaptation for the office ; therefore, it was one constant struggle 
 to control him in his new position/'^ 
 
 Such a head of the order, while controlled by the greai Whale 
 and other officers, would so act under their directions, they 
 being all self, that the body of the membership would rebel, 
 and raise their voices against the manner the order was worked, 
 for avariciousness appeared to be one of the ruling passions of 
 the managing department. 
 
 Hence, ships were sent abroad to fetch back stores, while 
 officers were appointed to visit all the people throughout the 
 city of Columbia, to gather tithes from all ; so that the rich, 
 feeling oppressed, would make the poor pay double the rent 
 and double prices for all kinds of necessaries of life. Such ex- 
 tortion caused the people to cry aloud for reform, they feeling 
 that, had the head of the order stood up for the rights of the 
 people, that this state of things could not have come to pass. 
 
 Crushing the poor, and enriching a few, was wrong policy. 
 Raising up the poor, by having all things equal, as they used 
 to, was a better one. 
 
 "What made it so very distressing, was the President's unwise 
 use of his almost monarchical power. 
 
 He had very much changed since his election to office. He 
 had been taught in. his youth that those in authority were like 
 a general of an army, his own opinion being the correct guide, 
 and independent of the people he would have his own way. 
 
 This idea he had still, and thought to carry it out. It was 
 a pity that his Uncle Sara., Americus, taught him in this way, 
 for it made him like a balky horse or mule, though the most 
 contrary beast will go when they want to. So he was ever 
 ready for any enterprise that met his views; but if anything 
 was proposed that did not, or had no interest for him, he would 
 smoke away, puff! puff! and let them talk on, and fret away. 
 As they could not act without him, he was bound to have his 
 way so long as he was in power; for when his term of office 
 expired, he might, or he might not, be re-elected. But as he 
 had become wealthy, it was not so important on his own 
 
23 
 
 account, yet anxiety, like excitement, is a condition of mind 
 that may pass from one to another. 
 
 Consequently, those selfish intriguing office-holders were 
 anxious to have him re-elected, for tliey too wished to make a 
 fortune; and they were aware, that should some one be elected 
 to the Presidency from the number of those who were so clamo- 
 rous for justice, that they would have a poor prospect of re- 
 appointment to office; hence President and counsellors became 
 anxious for his re-election. / 
 
 This subject now became the every day topic, and all argu- 
 ments, bv both those in favor of conducting; the order on the 
 same principles for four years more, and those who desired a 
 change, tliat could be brought forward, were so constantly 
 agitated, that they were all learned by heart. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 About this time other orders of very distinct laws and man- 
 ac;ement of their internal affairs, were unfortunate enou<;h to 
 become involved in the affairs of the order for the discovery of 
 curiosities and founding cities, and the President and his ad- 
 visers were perplexed in managing the difficulty. 
 
 It had ever been the rule of the various orders, for each one 
 to mind his own affiiirs; and if they did not, to so hold them 
 up to public scorn, that they would be ashamed of their acts, 
 and soon seek reconciliation, for though distinct orders, it was 
 no reason one should say, " we are right, and you are wrong," 
 for it is often the case that all are both right and wrong in 
 some respects. 
 
 But the President and his officers appeared to think that in 
 all things, money was the object, hence, to settle any affair that 
 did not prove to their advantage, might as well rem.ain un- 
 settled. 
 
24 
 
 So, at this time, it was constant turmoil without, and great 
 dissatisfaction within, the cave. 
 
 The time had now come that it would be safe to allow all 
 who wished to visit this wonderful part of creation to do so. 
 
 Great was the wonder of all, when they beheld the natural 
 grandeur of the cave, and vast hoards of wealth in every con- 
 ceivable form; showing clearly the ability of the President to 
 live in his present style. 
 
 He lived like a prince, and his fine cquippage might be 
 coveted by a king. 
 
 Who earned all this? 
 
 The fact was, the order knew no more about its funds, than 
 though there were none. We will listen to the fishermen as 
 they again express their minds. 
 
 " .Boys, I'.ow much do you suppose I have .saved the past few 
 years, since we joined the order?" 
 
 They re[ilied, " Not much I guess, with your f;\mily of wife 
 and nine children." 
 
 " Well, boys, as I live, 1 have not saved one dollar ; we have 
 just lived; my rent is so high, and all kinds of provisions, that 
 when we pay off all the bills, I am just where I was when I 
 used to fisli for a living. I think we would have been wiser, if 
 we had S"Ciired a share of the profits. 1 shall go in for a change 
 at any rate, so long as I can vote." 
 
 To this they all heartily agreed, and each replied that their 
 comrade had told their own story. 
 
 One of them remarked, " I think it strange that the Presi- 
 dent and his counsellors have such an influence with so large 
 a portion of the order." 
 
 "Kot in the least," exclaimed anothor, " you see, some one or 
 more of the order are relatives to those men in office, so they, 
 who are in power, and called the 'insidei-s,' because they con- 
 trol the money and all the offices, and administer the whole 
 affiiirs of the great cave, have everything their own way; from 
 
26 
 
 the hio-hest to the lowest, all work tosrether, and so make the 
 largest part of the order. /y/?^ / /l'--'^ 
 
 " But if all who do noi desire ar^' benefit from the finances, 
 are as many in proportion beyond our acquaintance, as there 
 are within our knowledge, I would not wonder, if we rally every 
 man, we succeeded in efiecting a change in the administration 
 of our afiairs. 
 
 " There is one thing about it, as all are permitted to see the 
 inside of the cave, I think the ladies, in particular, will see 
 where the great wealth of the order is, how it has been used, 
 and how it will be likely to be, if there is not a change. 
 
 "Well, boys, I am determined to invite my wife and nine 
 children over here next week, when I go home, and I advise 
 you to do the same; there is nothing like enliglitening the peo- 
 ple, and the women will be better than a newspaper to spread 
 the real truth broadcast over all sections. 
 
 "And when the women of our members see the great riches 
 of our chief and his officers, and realize how short a time they 
 have been in securing their wealth, they then will see why we 
 all have been compelled to pay double price for every article we 
 have consumed, though it is pretended that we owe other orders 
 large sums of money, and that we owe debts of honor, which is 
 all pretence, that they may have an excuse to use extortion." 
 
 The very next week various common people saw for them- 
 selves that while they had been groaning with poverty's pinch- 
 ing want, others were groaning under the load of hoarded 
 wealth, fretting tor fear of thieves, and seeking new avenues to 
 spend money, or to put it at interest in new ways. 
 
 One old lady exclaimed : " Why, I declare, when our Presi- 
 dent was first elected to ofiice he was as poor as a poor fisher- 
 man, and now he is as rich as a king." 
 
 " I don't wonder that while he, with his family, can live in 
 such grandeur, having the great Black House to live in, all free, 
 and we have to pay such rent, that it shows the cause for such 
 a contrast. 
 
 " I guess if he would take my husband's place, and his wife 
 4 
 
26 
 
 my place, that they would very soon wish a chancre in the ad- 
 ministration of the order; I wonder the men endure it; I know 
 we women would not if we could vote ; and I am certain that to 
 see the organization in such a condition is enough to drive any 
 lady of just indignation to any extreme that might have a ten- 
 dency to bring the high down and to bring up the crushed. 
 
 "Why I have known of as fine families as our chief's, 
 or as they ever were or ever will be, who have been so em- 
 barrassed financially that they have been compelled to go to 
 the dispensary for medical advice, though hitherto having a 
 plenty, and all because our chief and his counsellors make it 
 impossible to live in comfort." 
 
 Now, these were the common people, and they concluded 
 that why the President v^^as so highly pleased with the cave in 
 the first place was that it would make a grand place for him to 
 hoard up riches, and to retain this office another term of four years, 
 he could use a great' fortune to influence votes, and then have 
 plenty left, though it would look a little weak to have to resort 
 to such means, yet it would be better than to be defeated, and all 
 his counsellors, with a promise that they shoiild remain in ofiice, 
 would do all in their power, for, while working for him, liiey 
 were working for themselves ; and the same arrangement was 
 also made with all the minor officeholders. 
 
 Though it would be a little risky to buy votes, yet a present 
 to a man would make him feel as though he could not vote 
 against such a friend any more than though he held an oflSce. 
 
 He would very much dislike to make a fight and then fail, 
 and as the time approached he thought it best to use a liltlr 
 strategy to secure, his re-election. 
 
 Accordingly he made a bluster about the high rates of tax- 
 ation, as though he was in favor of a repeal of those obnoxious 
 and severe measures so oppressive to the people, while it was 
 privately understood that no material change must be made. 
 
2V 
 
 Then the people would think he saw the importance of a 
 change for their benefit, so give him their support again. 
 
 This apparently was the course lie was taking, and it might 
 have done very well had not the ladies in every direction taken 
 up the subject, and so clamored for justice that the men gen- 
 erally found that if for no other than to appease their " women 
 folks," that they would be compelled to vote for a change. 
 
 Hence we see, that though the women cannot vote, that they 
 control the polls, and therefore the destinies of the order and 
 the future occupancy of the Black House, and the great cave, 
 for storing riches, were to be disposed of indirectly by them. 
 
 But if any one thought that the stupid, indifferent chief of 
 the cave was not sufi&cient to the occasion, they " reckoned 
 without their host." 
 
 While others were anxious, he would pufF, pufF, at his " long 
 nine," and study out what could not be arrived at in haste. 
 
 " Nothing like indifference to the turmoil of the common 
 people" he would say ; yet he kept himself well prepared for 
 anything favorable that might "turn up." 
 
 He was crafty as well as a great smoker. 
 
 There were men in the order that were as much superior in 
 abilities to him in every respect as a learned statesman is to an 
 ignorant, self-willed, old fogy Chinaman. 
 
 And it was of vast importance to his interests that such men 
 be snubbed in their own aspirations and zeal for the welfare of 
 the order. 
 
 Several of these men were the projectors and theestablishers 
 and developers of the great, grand order, and stood in about 
 equal importance to the general order as the first discoverers of 
 the cave. 
 
 Hence, while they were at work hammering away trying to 
 modify laws and bring about a favorable change for the general 
 good, they had the respect, love, and influence of the common 
 people. 
 
 Therefore, for the party in power to succeed, it was import- 
 ant that these should be shorn of their strength. 
 
28 
 
 To effect this, they were charged with all kinds of short- 
 comings and deviations from the correct course good and true 
 members should follow ; consequently, whenever important en- 
 terprises that involved the interests of all were under con- 
 sideration, and upon which all had a right to express their 
 mind, these men were so crowded and insulted by being called 
 to order in debate, or refused the opportunity to act on the 
 subject under discussion as referees, or insinuations expressed 
 as to their real object in taking the stand they would, they had 
 but a poor opportunity to throw their whole strength into the 
 cause of general good. 
 
 But the subtle old smoker did not think it best to stop here. 
 
 Though they were brothers of the same order, and sworn to 
 be faithful to the secrets of the order, and were under the 
 same constitution and laws, yet the same door to promotion 
 being open to all, it followed, of course, that they had a right, 
 both moral and legal, to do the best they could in accomplish- 
 ing their object — the election of their favorite; and had they 
 only thus far gone, it would have been better. 
 
 But unscrupulous men will resort to any means to accom- 
 plish their object, for it is a well-known fact that if a man may 
 act wrong in one particular, so he may in others, and feel as 
 well satisfied with himself as when using dishonest means for 
 his own aggrandizement; in other respects, then, he who would 
 crush the poor to enrich himself in money or a great name, will 
 do anything else to gain that object upon which he has cast his 
 whole soul. 
 
 What a misfortune to this great order that its chief did not 
 remain where he bore an honored name and was beloved by all, 
 for though a large portion held him in high esteem for his 
 office sake, quite as many now scorned his present career and 
 as greatly desired a change or the close of his term of office, as 
 they had been to promote him to it. 
 
 And it will hardly be credited that very unscrupulous means 
 were resorted to to accomplish the ruin of other.- that he 
 raisht succeed. 
 
29 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 There was one champion of the oppressed and downtrodden 
 named Solomon, and he was rightly named, though perhaps not 
 so wise as Solomon of old, yet he could be called a second 
 Solomon with propriety. This man thought more of the 
 general good of the order than he did of his personal advan- 
 tage or the benefit of a few. 
 
 It was important that he should become powerless or a change 
 in the government of the order would be certain. 
 
 One day the chief addressed one of the fishermen in a rather 
 more social way than is common for such men, and said : 
 
 " I wish you would find another cave like this one, except- 
 ing the outlet, though I would like to have one that could be 
 closed up with a gate or heavy door. 
 
 "And I wish it known only to the discoverers ; and as you 
 had such good fortune in finding this one, I conclude you have 
 a faculty for such an undertaking. I will procure you and 
 your comrades a furlough for a week, that you may make the 
 eflfort ; and if you are lucky in the attempt, I will give you each 
 a fine house in the new city, though its existence to all others 
 but those I choose to inform must remain a secret. 
 
 " Now, if on these conditions you will |act, let me know to- 
 morrow." 
 
 He then shook hands for the second time as he left, just as 
 interested great men are wont to do about election time with 
 the common people. 
 
 The proposition was fully discussed that evening by the four 
 men, and they concluded that they would undertake the enter- 
 prise, as it was honorable, and, if successful, would prove to 
 their advantage. 
 
 They did not know what such a cave was wanted for, but 
 concluded for secret party caucusing. 
 
30 
 
 But they reported to his chieftainship that they would make 
 the effort ; they could but fail. 
 
 " Now," said the great smoker, as he blew the puffs of smoke 
 Away, "you must remember your oath." 
 
 " Remember our oath; what oath, your excellency ?" 
 
 "Why your oath to hold inviolate the secrets of the order 
 of which you are members." 
 
 "As to that, most certainly, though we did not know that 
 this affair was a secret of the order." 
 
 " I pronounce it so ; am I not the chief? Do I not represent 
 the order ? " 
 
 "All right, your honor ; we will remember and obey." 
 
 " Now, boys," said the leader of the four — he always thus 
 addressed them — " I supposed it was a secret of our Chief 
 Magistrate. At any rate, I so understood him yesterday, as 
 none were to know of it but those he chose to inform ; I, thinking 
 it wanted for a sort of private room for preparing the work to 
 be done during the campaign ; and he now tells us that it is a 
 secret of the order. Then, of course, it as much belongs to one 
 as another of our members; and as no oath requires us to keep 
 secret what belongs to the general order, like anything else 
 holden in common, we can take counsel in reference to it, if we 
 choose, though, if we succeeded, the cave, it seems, was to be 
 appropriated by the President's chosen ones, like other things." 
 
 " But we will start on our voyage of discovery, and act in 
 accordance with our own inclinations." 
 
 They set forth, and after visiting every high rocky shore, 
 and many islands, they found just the place they wanted, 
 though different from the other. 
 
 It was on an island of considerable size, densely wooded, 
 while the small growth and vines, with "under-brush," made 
 progress almost impossible. 
 
 A large bird named Fish Hawk completely covered the trees 
 with their nests ; on some of the trees every branch had one or 
 more. 
 
 Hundreds and thousands of these large birds swarmed the 
 
31 
 
 entire island, giving to the place one of the most forsaken spots 
 on earth, so far as human existence goes; and in climbing over 
 rocks and through almost impregnable thickets, frightening 
 clouds of birds, while thousands of half-fledged ones stretched 
 their long necks and tottering long legs, to see the cause of so 
 great a fuss among the old ones, they came to a curious opening 
 in the side of the hill. 
 
 It was sufficiently large to allow all four to walk abreast for 
 ten or twelve paces, after which it was about wide enough for 
 two, for about the same distance ; it then extended in all direc- 
 tions about one hundred feet. 
 
 Concluding it just the place they needed, as its advantages 
 were that it was high and dry, and about ten rods from the 
 shore, and also from the wild appearance of the place, seldom, 
 if ever, visited ; — they took a chart of it rudely drawn, so that 
 its whereabouts could be easih' found among the various islands, 
 though the numerous birds would be a good guide, as this island 
 alone appeared to be appropriated by them, no others containing 
 any. They returned to report. 
 
 Though they were very jubilant over their discovery, in an- 
 ticipation of the good fortune to them, yet they were sorely 
 puzzled about its belonging to the order, if the order wore to 
 know nothing about it. 
 
 Their spokesman again expressed himself: 
 
 " I wish the honorable Mr. Solomon had been at home before 
 we started, for he would have explained all the particulars to 
 us, for he is not so reticent as our Chief. 
 
 " But, as it is, we will go to him about it, if we feel a doubt 
 about our promised houses; perhaps, too, he will yet explain 
 why the order needs another cave. Maybe they intend to have 
 it for a private storehouse." 
 
 Thus talking, as folks will, about everything they don't un- 
 derstand more than those things they can fathom, they arrived ; 
 and the leader repaired to the Executive presence, to lay before 
 his Honor their success. 
 
 He made the report, as we have seen it, and was thanked and 
 
32 
 
 told tbnt all the deeds should be made out the next day, and 
 cautioned him about its being known. 
 
 While their friend was absent, the Hon. Mr. Solomon hap- 
 pened to pass that way, and being on social terms with them, 
 he accosted them, and inquired after their comrade, and was 
 informed of his errand to the Chief, with all the particulars of 
 the agreement, their good fortune, with a full and complete 
 description of the island. And as they were the original dis- 
 coverers of the island cave, they were the legitimate owners, as 
 they had been of the great cave now belonging to their order. 
 
 He was very much surprised at the Prd^sident's freak, and 
 could see no sense in such a purchase ; and had the scheme been 
 introducod into public meeting of the order, he would have in- 
 quired into the propriety of it, and that he should offer four 
 houses belonging to the general organization for an island of 
 wild trees and thousands of Fish Hawks, only because it con- 
 tained a cave, was as much a riddle to him as ever old Bible 
 Solomon found to puzzle him, and to see through it he would 
 renlly need the wisdom of his old namesake. 
 
 Kow the "pet scheme of the President" was a one-sided 
 affair, and a little underhanded, though his reasons for gainint; 
 posschsion of this worthless spot were to be learned to the regret 
 of those who stood in his way. 
 
 He took rather too much on hiin.-<»_'lf when he undertook the 
 scheme of buying this little island. 
 
 It was the cave he wanted, and he had saved enough to buy 
 the (to him) wonderful place, and more too. 
 
 But he intended to pay out of the funds as though he was 
 "all in all." Perhaps he wanted the place, that he might set 
 up a new order when he should find himself out of office ; and 
 peihaps he did not. 
 
 But the su'DJect v.'as brought up at the next general meeting, 
 and a more surprised man than his excellency never lived to 
 find his action in the premises criticized, and completely over- 
 thrown by the Hon. Mr. Solomon. 
 
 Let his intention be what it might, he felt so much chagrin 
 
33 
 
 at his failure, that he resolved to seek revenge on his opponents, 
 though he knew that Mr. Solomon had the general good at 
 heart, yet he had no right, thought his greatness, to cross his 
 path; and to remove him was now as great a desire as to possess 
 the Island, for he considered him a dangerous rival iu the order, 
 as he was a great man, and, should he be elected to the highest 
 office, he would make it greater still in dignity by his own 
 greatness; he was a statesman understanding all things per- 
 taining to any position he might occupy. 
 
 The President determined to carry out his first plan, and 
 again sent for the fisherman, and stated to him that he would 
 like to visit the Island, with some friends. 
 
 Accordingly they made a trip to the Island, and the enor- 
 mous number of birds so very much surprised the President, 
 that he took another segar, and lighting it took a seat on a 
 mossy bowlder for a smoke, the others following his example, 
 so far as sitting down ; and there this great man sat absorbed 
 apparently in observing the great flock of Fish Hawks. 
 
 After smoking three segars, he arose and expressed a wish 
 to proceed. 
 
 They now entered the cave, and finding it satisfactory, he 
 expressed himself in this style : 
 
 " I have been admiring the very fine prospect, and lively 
 view (referring to the birds) obtained on this Island of the 
 sea; and the cave suits, while its surroundings and location 
 are more than grand; it borders on the Divine, as the innu- 
 merable birds are like a great cloud of witnesses to the exist- 
 ence of man." 
 
 The Fish Hawks were verv much disgusted at being intruded 
 upon ; for they always appropriate an Island in this manner 
 till disturbed by man, though sometimes they will seek a lone 
 tree. 
 
 Off" the coast of Maine is an Island answering the above dis- 
 cription fully, excepting the cave. 
 
 They returned from their private trip, and as the subject 
 had been discussed, but not settled, it was thought best to 
 5 
 
34 
 
 make a great effort, as a failure at last could not be looked 
 upon by the opponents in any worse light than now. 
 
 Accordingly, a committee, who would report favorably, was 
 selected to visit the island, and though Mr. Solomon had given 
 a full and correct description, yet this committee portrayed its 
 beauties and advantages to such a degree that for a season the 
 indications were that the island would become an appendage 
 of the great cave. 
 
 The reason why it was desirable that the order should buy 
 the island was, the order would be responsible for whatever 
 disposition was made of it; and though it might be devoted to 
 some purpose foreign to what they might have anticipated, 
 yet the President would be blameless. 
 
 The President again expressed himself to his counsellorrf in 
 this wise : 
 
 " I believe that island a good place for offenders, and who- 
 ever might be unfortunate enough to be so wicked as to get a 
 home there, would be very fortunate to have so grand a view 
 of seeing the great flock of birds, and it would remind them 
 of the sweet days of liberty and lead to repentance, so that 
 when their days of exile were over they would be well pre- 
 pared to return to their allegiance, and it would be a fitting 
 place for that crooked stick who opposed its purchase, and if I 
 can get him there, I certainly shall." 
 
 This opponent was "splendid" in personal appearance, and 
 a great orator ; he had the hearts of the common people gen- 
 erally, and he might be in the way of the President's re-election. 
 Therefore all those means that could be resorted to to break 
 him down in public estimation would be, and every effort made 
 to place him in that position where he would be powerless, and 
 if he could banish him to this island he would be out of the 
 way fully. 
 
 But for all tlie great efforts to secure the island, it wa.s lost 
 to the order. 
 
35 
 
 CHAPTEK VIII. 
 
 The troubles of this organization had but just begun. 
 
 Having a man for their chief who had been educated by his 
 Uncle Sam Americus in the art of fencing, was not what they 
 needed. 
 
 Ever so good a swordsman may not be suitable for a con- 
 trolling and civil head. 
 
 Disputes are very unpleasant in any form and under any 
 circumstances, and, as before mentioned, several orders very 
 similar to the order for the discovery of natural curiosities 
 and founding cities, though not having so fine a cave, had 
 broken the international-like laws governing all independent 
 orders, and the leading men of the order, and all the common 
 people cried aloud to have justice done. 
 
 But the President feared, it is presumed, that though he 
 had won great renown as the leading swordsman in the art of 
 fencing, and had acquitted himself so satisfactory as to be en- 
 thusiastically promoted, would not like to loose that great name 
 gained, as he might if he again stepped to the front ; he also 
 knew there was more money in his present course, and as all 
 his counsellors shared in the money, of course nothing would 
 be done. 
 
 But this management brought out all the strength of Mr. 
 Solomon and a large number of like stamp, while the people 
 called loudly for a change in the departments of Mr, Whale 
 and Mr. Gunpowder. 
 
 But all the satisfaction they got was smoke, smoke, till the 
 President might as well have been an Opium eater or smoker 
 as to so completely make himself oblivious to all these tilings 
 by such an intemperate use of the "long nine." 
 
 The causes of dissatisfaction with one of these orders were 
 various. 
 
36 
 
 One was they had got to quarrelling among themselves, and 
 every form of brutality that could be practiced upon the dis- 
 satisfied was put in practice; it was a distinct branch of this 
 old and tyranical order that had become weary of its op- 
 pressive power. 
 
 They made overbearing and cruel laws, and so overtaxed 
 the discontented portion that they had become desirous to 
 set up for themselves, inasmuch as a separate order would 
 be less expensive and under their own control, having a new 
 and better code of laws, like grown-up children starting out 
 and making a home of their own. 
 
 But no, they must remain for the sake of the revenue 
 brought to their old home by oppression. 
 
 Honorable men of other orders looking on in sympathy, 
 and witnessing all kinds of wrong, would seek to render 
 assistance to the oppressed, though the least friendly feeling 
 shown by such was snubbed by this oppressive order, and 
 lest assistance might reach the now frantic and oppressed, 
 there were various great ships of war and innumerable armed 
 men on the alert to prevent any such demonstration. 
 
 And as some of the ships of the order for the discovery of 
 natural curiosities and founding of cities, sought as usual to 
 carry on a legitimate traffic, these oppressive old fogies insulted 
 them in every possible way, and though the Hon. Mr. Swells, 
 who had charge of the Department of the Sea, called the atten- 
 tion of the President to it, nothing was done, and though insult 
 upon insult was given to members of the order, imprisoning 
 some and confiscating their property, and killing others, yet no 
 effort was made to prevent it. 
 
 Is it a wonder that the people called for a change, and cheered 
 on their champion, Mr. Solomon? 
 
 The Chief could ill atford to lose his renown as a swords- 
 man : he wa.s unpopular enough now, besides the Hon. Mr. 
 Whale, who had charge of the foreign afi'airs of the Govern- 
 ment, positively declared that more money could be secured 
 
37 
 
 by letting things alone, than interfering and asserting their 
 rights. 
 
 Other important affairs now agitated the order. 
 
 There was an immense sum of money to be paid to them by 
 an ancient order named the Roaring Lion. 
 
 The name was taken from the king of beasts, and suggested 
 by the comparison made by the Evil One and the Lion, as both 
 are represented as going about seeking whom they may devour, 
 it clearly suggested this name as characteristic of this old 
 order. 
 
 The Bearing Lion order had become involved in aiding and 
 abetting those rascals who had been discomfitted and brought 
 to naught by the greatest of swordsmen, who subsequently had 
 been promoted in the order, and they were now informed of 
 the immense sum of money they must pay to settle the expense 
 their meddling had caused, while it would punish them quite 
 properly, and lead them to see that other's rights must be 
 respected. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 It was soon to be decided whether the present incumbent 
 should be re-elected to the presidency, or that some other more 
 suitable man should be, and so have the Black House, with all 
 its privileges and honors, as the great smoking swordsman 
 President had for tlie last four years. 
 
 It was very desirable on the part of all in office to remain 
 another term of four years, as the great money times by the 
 agreement of the Roaring Lion order, would make very desira- 
 ble a position of trust and power. 
 
 And as the greatest of smoking Presidents had promised all 
 officers, both great and small, that they should remain in office 
 
38 
 
 if be was re-elected, but little else could be attended to besides 
 those affairs whicli would be of advantage to them. 
 
 Though the law allowed a re-election at present, yet, Mr. 
 Solomon and others were endeavoring to make a law changing 
 this, believing that it would put a stop to corruption, and, of 
 course, have a tendency to purify the order ; this was another 
 reason why the President did not much like this man. 
 
 If he had only waited till he had been in office a second term, 
 as others had been, he thinking himself entitled to the compli- 
 ment, yet, fearing he might not be, he was ready to join hands 
 with any party that could turn the scale in his favor. 
 
 Amid all this turmoil and strife, there were various men 
 mentioned as suitable ones for the great and honorable position 
 as Commander-in-Chief of all the land and naval forces of the 
 order. 
 
 There were various qualifications important to be eligible to 
 the office ; lacking any one of these prevented the otherwise 
 qualified individual from becoming the President. 
 
 One of these requirements was, that his father must have 
 been a member of the order at the time of the candidate's birth. 
 
 Now our long-headed President would smoke and think, 
 then think and smoke. 
 
 ■ In his cogitations he would scan the condition of the civilized 
 world, and most vividly the state of a very ancient order, called 
 Comeouters of the Cross, came before his mind's eye, and if 
 that ancient European order could be induced to come to the 
 vicinity of the great Cave, and the two orders unite in electing 
 him, then foes within and without would be powerless. 
 
 A great many of this ancient order had already united with 
 the order of the Cave. 
 
 We will glance at this ancient dilapidated order. 
 
 It was more than eighteen hundred years old, and its name 
 was derived from its founder, because he came out from the 
 wicked world and lived a good life, and ever since a faithful 
 successor has been elected to fill the office as head of the order, 
 retaining the office for his lifetime, being a great contrast to 
 
39 
 
 the length of the term of the head of the order for seeking 
 curiosities and founding cities. 
 
 Now the great head of this ancient Order of the Comeouters 
 of the Cross was a very old man, and soon he must go the way 
 of all the earth, and furthermore ungodly and worldly orders 
 had caused him a great deal of trouble, fairly shaking his do- 
 minions from centre to circumference, and causing the now 
 aged head to feel anxious to seek a new locality for his waning 
 power. ^ 
 
 He was confidently informed that if he would establish his 
 order in the vicinity of the great cave, that all should be done 
 for him during his Hfetime that was consistent for distinct and 
 friendly orders to do (perhaps the President had the Fish Hawk 
 Island in view, in part for his safe retreat from worldly care). 
 
 Let that be as it may, he was informed that his successor 
 could be selected from the native born persons comprising the 
 great order of the cave, as there were many talented and fully 
 competent men who were Comeouters of the Cross, and now be- 
 longed to the order. 
 
 After which he could be elected to the Presidency of the 
 order for seeking curiosities and founding cities, also, as he 
 would be eligible to fill this office. 
 
 The President thought that as he had been elected on ac- 
 count of his good fortune as a swordsman, that the people would 
 be as likely to make a choice from any other of the walks of 
 life, and an ecclesiastical profession would be as unobjection- 
 able to the order as a choice from the profession of arms. With- 
 out doubt it would prove a wiser choice, as the mode of govern- 
 ing among the Comeouters of the Cross was altogether by moral 
 suasion, and not by sword and bayonet, using the language 
 " Come, we will do to others as we would they should do unto' 
 us," leading the order in the path of love and peace, and though 
 the contrast would be very great from the present policy, yet 
 a contrast, though great, is often beneficial. 
 
 Then, after "ruling with a rod of iron" four years more, the 
 President would be quite willing to retire in favor of one who 
 
40 
 
 might know as little about statesmanship as himself; then his 
 successor in office would not excel him in a wiser discharge of 
 duty ; for one so selfish would prefer a successor with whom 
 the order might become as much disgusted as a large portion 
 were with him. 
 
 This commanding all to obey, whether right or wrong, till 
 the people would appeal to law for protection, was a condition 
 of things verv undesirable, and to continue such a po.icy by 
 re-election o^' the great smoking swordsman was to say that the 
 sword and gun should rule, and not law and order. 
 
 It was true that a chief so fall of self, and a desire for the 
 aggrandizement of all his poor relations, as to seek them out, 
 that he might put them in a position in the order, where they 
 too could improve their condition, and not hereafter be a dis- 
 grace to him, or pensioners upon his bounty, would also receive 
 gifts from the rich, rewarding them with that class of offices 
 which would enable them to doubly save enough to m.ake up 
 for the gift made to the President, beside the salary and honor. 
 We learn by this that after all the poor relations are provided 
 for, those who desire an office must be either able to make a 
 present which would be equivalent to buying it, or they must 
 be so influential in the order that a position of eminence would 
 make them an advantage to the party in power. Kelatives, 
 with the rich and influential, then, were the ones eligible to 
 office. 
 
 But the prospect of his re-election was quite good. Thous- 
 ands upon thousands of office-holders of the minor class, with 
 those holding great ones, would work day and night to bring 
 about this. 
 
 Though the President might meet with the fate of the frog, 
 who thought to swell himself up to the size of the ox, and burst, 
 yet he would not take warning from the common people, .but in 
 various ways show his superiority to them. 
 
 How singular that after the common people had elected him 
 as a poor, though fortunate, swordsman, that he should take 
 great delight in magnifying his superiority to them in various 
 
41 
 
 ways ; though many thought his good fortune like the luck of 
 the miner who finds a big lump of gold, yet is not superior in 
 any respect to his fellow miners. 
 
 One of the most common modes of convincing them that he 
 was a superior piece of human flesh, was to spend much of his 
 time in recreation at popular places of resort of the aristocracy. 
 
 At no time would he feel his greatness more than when 
 riding like a king, with his two great colored slaves and a team 
 of the most valuable horses in the world and his golden chariot, 
 puffing himself into oblivion with his ,long nine, so far as the 
 interests of his office might affect him. 
 
 Now, is it to be thought that those who had taken him from 
 their own level, and promoted him to office, thinking he would 
 still be a warm-hearted equal in the journey of life, that they 
 would feel satisfied with his magnificent display of his superioity 
 to them ? Nay, verily. 
 
 To his cost, he found too late, that his policy in all things 
 had been a blunder, — a sad failure at last. 
 
 Still, thase in office, and others equally interested, sought 
 again to bring him before the people, while the disaffected, 
 with equal zeal for reform in governing the order, looked about 
 among the numerous worthy and able statesmen for an opponent 
 to him, and here they found i gr^at difficulty, for many quali- 
 fied men who saw the President lacked statesmanship, united 
 in heart and head to move the people '>o seek, reform. Finally, 
 they selected a standard-bearer as an opponent, who had been 
 as much superior in bringing into the present glorious existence, 
 and its continuance in power the gr-^at order of the cave, to the 
 present chief, as the pen is mightier than the sword. His 
 name was odd, corresponding with everything else connected 
 with the order : It was Tribune. 
 
 As the President has been described, a description of Hon. 
 Mr. Tribune will be proper and interesting. 
 
 In personal appearance, he was about as interesting looking 
 man as could be found. When you first look him in the face, 
 you at once are reminded of the full moon. Great, grand, noble 
 6 
 
42 
 
 and mild. His talents were of the first order. None could 
 say he was inferior in any of those great abilities requisite for 
 the greatest office in the order. He was also great in goodness. 
 His great benevolence and great heart of love embraced all 
 mankind. His whole life had been a labor of love for the 
 human race. 
 
 As the sun shines upon the moon, causing it to give light by 
 night to the universal world, so the great eternal light, and 
 fountain of infinite wisdom and goodness so endowed this great 
 statesman, that the reflection through him to all mankind fully 
 showed that he would make a President after Grod's own heart; 
 ignoring self in his own aggrandizement, grasping in his arms 
 of love, all, both high and low. 
 
 This kind of President was very much needed. Ruin was 
 threatened all around. Help must come, or a sadder time than 
 was ever experienced woiild be the lot of the order. 
 
 The time was soon to come when the popular vote would de- 
 clare whether the present smoking swordsman should be re- 
 elected, or the Hon, Mr. Tribune should be called to the high 
 position he would so ably fill ; and should justice be done, the 
 election would be decided in favor of reform, and a redemption 
 from a condition little bettor than ruin ; and once more that 
 glorious condition of the order so desirable for happiness and 
 prosperity, that was once its pride and beauty, when all the 
 orders of the earth looked upon it as the greatest, wisest, and 
 best, would be restored. With a hope that victory will crown 
 the efforts of the reformers, and they be enabled to bring once 
 more the order out of chaos, and its prosperity be the greater, 
 and more fully appreciated, on account of its past fiery trials, 
 "we will put side and shoulder to the wheel" of reform, and 
 go forward from " conquering unto conquer," till its former 
 glory shines. Then we shall appreciate the restoration, and 
 live happily for having done our duty, and die with the reflec- 
 tion that the order is better for our having lived in it. " So 
 let it be." 
 
AN ALLEGORY: 
 
 CONTAININO AN I N T E R E ST I N O 
 
 r^klogy 
 
 Between the Order for Discovering 
 
 NATURAL CURIOSITIES 
 
 A N I) 
 
 FOUNDING CITIES, 
 
 AND 
 
 The United States of America. 
 
 Page 21. "How President Illinois came to be elected, we suppose was in 
 this wise:" " He was a great Svjorfhman, having been taught the art of fenc- 
 ing by his Unch Sain, Americus." 
 
 Page 41. "And the prospect of his ro-election was quite good, as thousaiid.s 
 upon thousands of office-holders would work to bring this about." " But the 
 disati'ected and ' Reformers ' looked about for an opponent to him, and finally 
 selected Hon. Mr. Tribune, whose whole life had been a labor of love for the 
 human race, as their standard bearer." 
 
 FOB^ SALE AT AGENTS: No. U9 Coates Street Phila. 
 Price 20 Cents. 
 
 Entered accordiug to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by J. WESLEY CLARK. 
 I n the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 

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