by Mark Twain

I had learned the language little, I became greatly interested people system of government

nation had at first tried universal suffrage pure and simple, but had thrown that form aside because the result was not satisfactory It had seemed to deliver all power hands ignorant and non-tax-paying classes; and of necessity the responsible offices were filled classes also

remedy was sought The people believed they had found it; not destruction of universal suffrage, but enlargement of it an odd idea, and ingenious understand, the constitution gave every man vote; therefore that vote was vested right, and taken away But the constitution say that certain individuals given two votes, or ten ! So an amendatory clause was inserted in quiet way; clause which authorised the enlargement suffrage in certain cases specified by statute To offer to "limit" the suffrage made instant trouble; the offer to "enlarge" it had pleasant aspect But the newspapers soon began to suspect; and then out they came ! found, however, that for once--and first time history republic --property, character, and intellect were able to wield political influence; for once, money, virtue, and intelligence took vital and united interest in political question; for once these powers went "primaries" in strong force; for once the best men nation were put forward as candidates parliament whose business it to enlarge the suffrage The weightiest half press quickly joined forces new movement, and left the other half to rail proposed "destruction liberties" bottom layer of society, the hitherto governing class community

The victory was complete The new law was framed and passed Under it every citizen, howsoever poor or ignorant, possessed one vote, so universal suffrage still reigned; but if man possessed good common-school education and no money, he had two votes; high-school education gave him four; if he had property like wise, value of three thousand 'sacos,' he wielded one more vote; for every fifty thousand 'sacos' man added property, entitled to another vote; university education entitled man to nine votes, even though he owned no property Therefore, learning being more prevalent and more easily acquired than riches, educated men became wholesome check upon wealthy men, since outvote them Learning goes usually with uprightness, broad views, and humanity; so the learned voters, possessing the balance of power, became the vigilant and efficient protectors great lower rank of society

And now curious thing developed itself--a sort of emulation, whose object was voting power ! Whereas formerly man was honored only according amount of money he possessed, his grandeur was measured now number of votes he wielded man with vote was conspicuously respectful neighbor who possessed three And if man above the common-place, as conspicuously energetic determination to acquire three for himself This spirit of emulation invaded all ranks Votes based upon capital were commonly called "mortal" votes, because be lost; those based upon learning were called "immortal," because they were permanent, and because customarily imperishable character they were naturally more valued other sort "customarily" reason votes absolutely imperishable, since insanity could suspend them

Under this system, gambling and speculation almost ceased republic man honoured possessor of great voting power afford to risk the loss of it upon doubtful chance

curious to observe the manners and customs which the enlargement plan produced Walking the street with friend one day he delivered careless bow to passer-by, and then remarked that that person possessed vote and would probably never earn another; more respectful next acquaintance he met; he explained salute was four-vote bow I tried to "average" the importance people he accosted , -nature bows, but my success was only partial, because somewhat greater homage paid immortals than mortals My friend explained no law to regulate this thing, except that most powerful of all laws, custom Custom had created these varying bows, and they had become easy and natural moment he delivered himself of very profound salute, and then said, "Now there's man who began life as shoemaker's apprentice, and without education; now he swings twenty-two mortal votes and two immortal ones; he expects high-school examination this year and climb couple of votes higher immortals; mighty valuable citizen "

By and by my friend met venerable personage, and made him most elaborate bow, but also took off his hat off mine, too, with mysterious awe beginning infected

"What grandee ? "

" our most illustrious astronomer He hasn't any money, but is fearfully learned Nine immortals is his political weight ! swing hundred and fifty votes if our system were perfect "

" any altitude of mere moneyed grandeur that you take off your hat to ? "

"No Nine immortal votes only power we uncover is, in civil life Very great officials receive that mark of homage, "

common to hear people admiringly mention men who had begun life lower levels and achieved great voting-power also common to hear youths planning future of ever votes for themselves I heard shrewd mammas speak of certain young men as good "catches" because they possessed such-and-such number of votes of more than one case where an heiress was married to youngster who had but one vote; the argument being that gifted excellent parts that acquire good voting strength, and perhaps long run to outvote his wife, if he had luck

Competitive examinations were the rule and in all official grades I remarked questions asked the candidates were wild, intricate, and often required sort of knowledge not needed office sought

"Can fool or an ignoramus answer them ? " asked the person talking with

"Certainly not "

"Well, find any fools or ignoramuses among our officials "

rather cornered, but made shift :

"But these questions cover more ground than is necessary "

"No matter; if candidates can answer these tolerably fair evidence can answer nearly question you choose to ask them "

There were some things in Gondour which one shut his eyes to One was, that ignorance and incompetence had no place government Brains and property managed the state candidate for office marked ability, education, and high character, or he stood no sort of chance of election If hod-carrier possessed these, succeed; but the mere fact that hod-carrier elect him, as in previous times

now very great honour parliament or in office; under the old system such distinction had only brought suspicion upon man and made him helpless mark for newspaper contempt and scurrility Officials need to steal now, their salaries being vast in comparison pittances paid days when parliaments were created by hod-carriers, who viewed official salaries from hod-carrying point of view and compelled that view respected by their obsequious servants Justice was wisely and rigidly administered; for judge, after once reaching his place specified line of promotions, was permanency during good behaviour not obliged to modify his judgments according effect they temper of reigning political party

The country was mainly governed by ministry which went out administration that created it also the case chiefs great departments Minor officials ascended several positions through well-earned promotions, and not by jump from gin-mills or the needy families and friends of members of parliament Good behaviour measured their terms of office

The head governments the Grand Caliph, was elected for term of twenty years I questioned the wisdom answered that do no harm, ministry parliament governed the land, and liable to impeachment for misconduct This great office had twice been ably filled by women, women as aptly fitted as sceptred queens of history Members cabinet, under many administrations, women

pardoning power was lodged in court of pardons, consisting of several great judges Under the old regime, this important power was vested in single official, and he usually took care general jail delivery next election

I inquired about public schools There were plenty , and of free colleges too I inquired about compulsory education received with smile, remark:

"When man's child is able himself powerful and honoured according amount of education he acquires, don't you suppose that that parent will apply the compulsion himself ? Our free schools and free colleges require no law them "

loving pride of country person's way of speaking which annoyed me I had long been unused sound of it in my own The Gondour national airs were forever dinning in my ears; therefore glad to leave that country and come back to my dear native land, where one never hears that sort of music