Like the poem, the music which was composed by Margaret, was also an inspiration. It interpreted the poem in a sad, sublimely pathetic strain, yet at times in bold and threatening torrents of color and passion. The very spirit of the words and the oath, that would be their guiding star throughout their lives, surged through it. In all respects it was a masterpiece of symphonic creation. CHAPTER IV HISTORICAL EVENTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY The senior class of the Diana Seminary were assembled in the auditorium, listening in a trance of respectful attention to Professor Cielo Allenson. He had just begun his review of the historical events of the 20th Century, now and then giving his individual comments upon the subjects presented. 1900 An Era of False Prosperity With the beginning of the 20th Century was inaugurated an era of false prosperity. The Census Bureau at that time furnishes statistics and comments upon the wonderfully perceptible decrease of the criminal classes, called foot-pads, sneak thieves and highwaymen, which was attributed chiefly to the existing national prosperity. It overlooks the fact, however, that a new species of miscreants, comparatively more dangerous, had begun to thrive like mushrooms in prolific numbers,--that of so-called commercial brigands or financial buccaneers who, under fascinating and attractive names, such as mining syndicates with their fabulous deposits of gold, offering bucketfuls of shares for a dime; banking and building loan associations, with palatial homes thrown in gratis to every subscriber; promoters of illusionary inventions, seeking shareholders, which would make them millionaires in the twinkling of an eye. Alchemists who, with their artful empyrics of legerdemain, transmuted base metals into gold, and were willing to dispose of their precious wares for pennies; Wall Street and race-track spiders posing as benevolent philanthropists, scattering fortunes right and left to every applicant, sapped the avaricious, sottish public of its dearly bought earnings. Strange to say, despite many colossal exposures and failures, as these adroit swindlers grew more subtle and audacious, the more the gambling-crazed public rushed to their destruction. The effect was appalling. In consequence of the depredations of these pirates of industries, the reputable business and financial firms were the greatest sufferers. Their legitimate transactions were paralyzed to such a tremendous degree that they were compelled to devise ways and means to counteract its evils. In 1908, after mature deliberation at a general convention in Washington, it was decided to raise ample funds and create a bureau under the auspices of the Federal Government called the Bureau of Frauds and Swindles. The duties imposed upon its officers were the ferreting out and prosecuting of the wild-cat schemes and to warn the public against them.