The causes of the decadence of nations are not the laws which have been enacted, but the flagrant violation of these very laws, actuated by greed, avarice and commercialism which are generated in the individual in power. The only remedy for this state is either a leader of intrepid courage or the awakening of the people themselves and their demanding reforms by public mandate. The true meaning of civilization is Universal Brotherhood, and in this sense, the leading lights in every stratum of life, whether in Government or in Commerce, in Religion or in Science, stand arraigned and indicted before the tribunal of conscience for retarding this laudable spirit of Brotherhood. Why do not Captains of Industry and Commerce, instead of throttling each other, by a unanimous effort, promulgate laws on a reciprocal basis among themselves? Why do not Scientists, instead of confining their efforts to individual endeavors, combine their forces so as to enhance the chance of accomplishing greater results in research and exploration? Why do not Spiritual Shepherds, instead of preaching intolerance and fanaticism, bring their flocks together in harmony? An Oriental scholar in the Congress of Religions, at the Columbian Fair, declared that "the flocks are willing to pasture together, but it is the shepherds who are keeping them apart." And in fine, why do not the Nations, each claiming the highest forms of civilization, instead of disseminating national, sectional and race hatred, form an alliance, which will advance the cause of Universal Brotherhood, and brighten the hope of bringing enduring peace to the world at large? In this golden era, with its vast numbers of diplomats, statesmen, theologians, scientists, and its countless fraternal organizations,--each preaching, fraternity, love and charity,--what evil spirit or genii prevents them from forming a union between two of the foremost and best forms of Governments,--America and Britain--perfect types in their entity, having similar laws, language and aspirations? Who will be the Savior, through whose agency this happy cross fertilization, inoculation or union shall be achieved? It was the above thoughts, and the idea of an alliance between COLUMBIA and BRITANNIA, that suggested in all seriousness the following frivolously allegorical narrative,--a potpourri of weird fancy, satire and imagination, a mosaic of the sublime and the ridiculous, on themes worthy of a master. Yet if some reader should find, even in this fantastic guise, an occasional thought worthy of arousing him to nobler efforts, the author will consider himself well rewarded. In regard to his prophecies for the future, he is willing to be called a consummate prevaricator should his desire for the betterment of mankind or the unity of nations take place much sooner than he has predicted, or the calamities fail to materialize or prove to be much lighter than he has foreseen. G. C. Floral Park, N. Y. CHAPTER I