"WHAT a happy land you are!" said a Republican Form of Government
to a Sovereign State. "Be good enough to lie still while I walk
upon you, singing the praises of universal suffrage1 and descanting
upon the blessings2 of civil and religious liberty. In the meantime
you can relieve your feelings by cursing the one-man power and the
effete3 monarchies4 of Europe."
"My public servants have been fools and rogues5 from the date of
your accession to power," replied the State; "my legislative6
bodies, both State and municipal, are bands of thieves; my taxes
are insupportable; my courts are corrupt7; my cities are a disgrace
to civilisation8; my corporations have their hands at the throats of
every private interest - all my affairs are in disorder9 and
criminal confusion."
"That is all very true," said the Republican Form of Government,
putting on its hobnail shoes; "but consider how I thrill you every
Fourth of July."
