"The Zelanians have discovered that despotism consists chiefly in a loyal observance of ancient customs, and they are giving new definitions to old terms--and then adjusting society upon the new definitions. In no country are human rights more respected, or vested interests more sacredly guarded, than in Zelania, but the outposts are extended, and no longer is the power of the few to legally wrong the many, sanctified as a sacred right. "In Zelania it has been decreed," said the sage Oseba, "that one man's rights must stop where another's begins--especially if there are several of the 'others.' In Zelania it has been decreed that the interests of 'all of us' are paramount to the interests of 'a few of us,' and, though the rights of no man must be infringed, the equal rights of the many must not be withheld. "Man is a social being, and how much of his rights--as defined by himself--he may be called upon to yield for the happiness of many--as defined by themselves--has nowhere been determined. "In Zelania, my children, the people have ideas, and the people rule. In Zelania the people may ask the lucky fellow who first struck the lonely island to 'set up a price.' They may ask that he who toils shall enjoy, that the size of a paddock be decreased, that the distance between drinks be increased, and, in Zelania, the statesmen with fidelity carry out the will of the people as expressed under the rules prescribed. "Now, my children, I have dwelt with some detail on the land system of Zelania, for of all nations on the surface of Oliffa, the Zelanians are gradually adjusting themselves most wisely to the permanent happiness of the people--and we may desire to send thither a 'colony.' "Zelania is a lovely land, my children, and, were there no principle involved, I would like to own it myself; but, alas! no 'principle' should be violated for so transient a pleasure." [Illustration: _Maori Woman and Child. Fashionably tattooed lip._] _SCENE VIII--Act III._ UTILITARIAN. Here the notes record that there had been a half-hour's recess, during which Leo Bergin mentions that he enjoyed a pleasant chat with the poetess Vauline, that she was very charmingly inquisitive, and that while he confessed his lack of eloquence as compared with that of Oseba, he thought Zelania had lost nothing through his modesty. Leo remarks that he showed the poetess many photos of the outer world, especially some fine ones of Zelania--among others, some of the leading statesmen and jurists--"all at the same sitting." But I will ring off Leo Bergin, and have Amoora Oseba continue his observations, as per Leo's notes boiled down--by the fire of genius. Mr. Oseba, on rising, is noted to have observed that men were human, to which I partially agree. Taking from the immortal Robert as a text, "Man's inhumanity to man Makes countless thousands mourn,"