Mr. Oseba's Last DiscoveryBell, George W. (George William)
Science
Mr. Oseba's Last Discovery
Bell, George W. (George William)
New Zealand -- Description and travel; Voyages and travels
"But Zelania occupies a unique position. She has no traditions, she has
no overlord, no organised trusts, no vested rights in hoary wrongs;
she has no withering precedents, no millionaire monopolies howling for
victims, and having room for many millions she may bide her time, and
if she cares for more people she may make her own selection.
"With her numberless wonders to attract the tourist, her splendid
opportunities for profitable industry, and her more wonderful social
situation to attract the inquiring thousands from many lands, she
will soon become, with sagacious management, the Mecca of the world's
leisured wealthy, and from these will come the best of all 'invaders.'
"My children, with all these splendid facts, I would not advise the
empty-handed to rush to Zelania, hoping to secure an easy livelihood;
but no person with an inquiring mind who loves Nature, who feels an
interest in the social progress of his race, and who is possessed of
moderate means, should allow himself to quit this fair and interesting
life, without visiting this most charming of all lands, this paragon of
social happiness, this paradise of Oliffa.
"Many of you, my children, after having read my report, and having
meditated more deeply upon the pleasures and profits of travel and
observation, will make this pleasing visit, and should the hospitable
people of Zelania meet any quiet, dignified, well-regulated stranger,
who says little, but sees and hears everything, who inquires without
criticising, admires without flattery, lends freely to all his friends,
and pays his own bills, they may 'guess' that he is a 'gentleman' from
'Symmes' Hole.'
"Measures, my children, the character of which would shock the tender
sensibilities of those who assume to be the saviours of society, have
vindicated the wisdom of Zelania's statesmen--by the demonstrated
applicability of these measures to the necessities of modern progress.
"Of all spots on the surface of Oliffa, this Zelania is most charming,
and of all people on the surface of Oliffa, these Zelanians have made
the greatest social advance, and occupy the most favored position for
future usefulness.
"Then, with all these masterful advantages, with an ideal country,
capable of supporting many millions of people, she holds--with a small
number of the choicest of the race--her own destinies in her own hands.
"So, my children, there is hope for the world. Genius has annihilated
time and space, commerce has brought humanity so in touch, that the
light of inspiration may come from without, and seeing the beacon from
afar, the oppressed of many nations will arouse and demand 'a little
more light.'"
Great idea, Mr. Oseba, worthy of the "Poet's Lore," for though the
watchman on the tower may be slow in gaining a glimpse, his keen eye
will finally behold its glowing effulgence.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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