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Thosa too larga to ba antiraly includad in ona axposura ara filmad baginning in tha uppar laft hand cornar. laft to right and top to bottom, as many framaa as raquirad. Tha following diagrams illustrata tha mathod: Un das symbolas suivants apparaltra sur la darnlAra imaga da chaqua microficha, salon la cas: la symbols — »- iu ■^hi IPJ^^TISIOTIO 1DT^,&.1^JL, SUITABLE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS. BY W. M. McVICAR, Principal Annapolis High School, N. S. & HALIFAX : W. MACKiNLAY. 1894. ,Jv Entered for Copyright in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, according to Act of Parliament of Canada, by A. & W. MacKinlay, 1894. AUG 6 1931 ■^rr ' *I7' ^^^mm 'To ii\y Fg11o^^. I '■ 11 .' li I 20 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. least. But boys ! we linger here too long, let me conduct you further and show you more marvels to excite your wonder. S. Aus. — I am ready. Come boys ! Let's be goiiig ! (They go out.) (Enter John Bull conducting India, Egypt, Burma, and Eastern Isles.) J. B. — Young ladies you h'is welcome, that you h'is to hall we can h'offer. My mistress says to me, " John,'* says she, " spare no expense nor pains to make my guests comfortable." H'and now H'i wants you to make your- selves to 'ome. H'i 'ave my mistress' h'own words for it. India. — We are gi*ateful for your warm greeting, John Bull. Nothing is lacking in your thoughtful preparation for our comfort. Egypt. — How can any other than a warm welcome be experienced at the hands of good mother Britannia ? J. B. — You h'is right, young lady. The kindest of mistresses ! the kindest of mistresses as h'ever breathed. {Goes out.) E. Isles. — Yes, worthy John Bull, you have well said the kindest of mistresses, and with her kindness is combined a most clever shrewdness. The lands I represent were naught till taken under the control of our gracious Britan- nia. Look to-day, and see the wonderful developmeat of energy and wealth. Our protector has not enfeebled us vrith undue nursing, but with consummate tact encourages native industry and talent. Our wealth is largely the product of home labor, that makes us proudly conscious of independence. May the imperial aegis of Royal Britannia ever be the safeguai-d of my domain. Egypt. — Her kindness to me is too recent for me possibly to forget her goodness of heart. In my desolation and distress, when no other hand was outstretched, our IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 21 Burma, and fond dear foster mother came to my relief. She has treated me as her own child, so that to-day I am enjoying a peace- ful prosperity. Burma. — Sister Egyp.;, am not I too a noteworthy example of her far reaching charity ? When my land was torn with dissension and civil discord, where else could I have obtained succour ? We, who are separated far, pursue our own way under different skies, but, by bitter experience, we have learned to know the terrible depression of that life passed without hope. To wake, to rise, to move, to lie down to sleep with no prospect of better things in all our lives. Thank gracious heaven, a new day has dawned, and I bless the guiding providence that sent Liberty to down trodden, prostrate Burma. India. — Mine is an older story and a longer one, but it's moral is the same. Where to-day should I be, had not the prudent counsels of our guardian divinity directed my conduct ? Vast as are my resourses, how could I ever hope to weld together the divided interests of my realms, were there not at my command to support my authority, not only the wisdom of Britannia's experience, but the strong hand of her power ? {Enter John Bull.) J, B. — Ladies, you will h'excuse this h'interuption, but h'it is time you was preparing for my lady's reception. H'allow me to show the way you are to go. {They follow him out. He returns alone.) J. ^.— They h'is h'all h'arrived, I think. What a tine lot they be too ! 'Ow mighty pleased their li'own blessed mother will be ? Tluit's a fact ' {Enter Uncle Sam ((.s John is talking.) [/. ^—That's a fac', Johnny ! that's a fac' ! No doubt abeout it ! kSOH h% 22 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 'H ■fi II .ill lU 11 i i : :\\ in \i |i ! !i J. B. — H'a fact it h'is that you've no business 'ere on my mistress's grounds and H'i doan't 'esitate to tell you so. U. S. — Why, Johnny Bull, you've got your bristles right up, haven't you ? What's the matter neow that you treat an old acquaintance like that ? J. B. — When H'i goes to make h'acquaintances, H'i doan't want no h'acquaintance with such h'as you, that H'i doan't. U. S. — I guess you don't remember me, John. Don't you know I used to be kickon up around here when I was a shaver ? J. B. — A shaver you h'is — a werry good name it h'is for you. H'and as for kicken up, you're at h'it whenever you gets the chance. U. S. — See here, old fellow, jest you go a leetle slow. It's a mighty sight easier to git my dander riz than it is to git it down agin, once it's up. I guess you ought to know that yourself, if your memory isn't too defective. J. B. — H'i goes slow enough to suit me, and H'i goes sure. H'i remembers you, h'as the same outrageous willian what's been prowlin' about my missus' premises time and time agen, a seein' what you could get to lay your 'ands on; h'and H'i wants you to get h'off afore H'i puts you h'ofF. U. S. — You measley old puss in boots, do yeou know who you're gabbin' at ? I'm a tail twister, I am ! I twist the tail of the British Lion till he howls in agon}-, I do ! I'm a roarin' tornado, a cyclone, an avalanche, and a dozen earthquakes all in one. Did you ever hear me holler ? No living, created bein' ever survived the first shock. ./. B. — H'i knows that there's nothm' more than 'oiler in you. You tries to frighten people what's scared of noise, but 'eres an h'individual what looks to see whether the thing that makes so much noise isn't a h'empty wessel any way ! You've h'allways been sneakin' h'around a tryin' to IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 23 take h'ad vantage of Mrs. Britannia. You stole a slice of land from New Brunswick, hand another from British Columbia, h'and then what should you do but trump up a big bill about that h'Alabam3^ You know you cheated my missus, and she paid you ten times too much, h'and your livin' on it yet — you willainous rogue ! Then lately you've been try in' to steal Miss Canada's fish, h'and to prevent honest folks ^rom travelling the h'open ocean in peace. H'i knows your tricks, H'i does, and H'i wants you to wacate the premises. U. S. — I'm not a goin' to kick up a row with you, you old scally-wag — when you've got such a crowd around j^ou to back you up. Tliat's what makes you so mighty brave. Jest you wait till I ketch you alone. J. B. — Yes ! Y'>u likes to square h'up to me, when H'i 'ave a 'alf dozen h'others at me. That's what you did afure, but John's alone now, h'and he wants j^ou to take your departure. V. S. — Don't you fret, I'm a goin'. But, payin* my debts is one of the few virtues I practice, and I'll be even with you for your bullyin', one of these days, see if I aint ? You bellicose old ^eer barrel. (John Bull advances in threatening attitude towards Uncle Sa7ii who retreats.) Curtain drops on 1st Act. 24 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. Acir II. Britannia's Grand Reception. {Britannia seated upon a throne in the centre of the stage. John Bull enters.) Britannia — Have my instructions been carried out in every particular, to ensure the comfort of my numerous and illustrious guests ? John Bull. — In every particular, my lady. If they didn't h'open their h'eyes wide, when they first seed the way things were fitted up for them at the old 'ome, h'i'm greatly mistaken. Br. — I consider no outlay too lavish at such a time, my worthy John. I wish to impress upon my children at this reunion, not only the depth of my affection, but, as well, the height of my esteem. The names of many of them are already honored the w^orld over, and are worthy of a!l con- sideration at our hands. The hour has come when I am to grant them a public audience, for the purpose of receiving their declarations of fealty and devotion. You will see that they are duly informed of my pleasure. J. B. — H'i will, my lady, this werry h'instant. (John goes out and returns.) "J' B. — They h'is comin', my lady, to piy their respects, h'and, my h'eyes ! What a bloomin' lot they be ! {Enter all in single Jile and arrange themselves in a semi- circle with Britannia seated in the centre, John Bull standing behind her. They then make low obeisance. IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 25 Br. — My children, welcome to the home ot'your youth ! Welcome to the presence of a fond parent, who has with vigilant and watchful interest regarded the successive stages of your growth ! Your progress has been more than a joy to me, it has been a glory and a power, for the reflection of your brightness has added lustre to my renown. Many a lofty distinction is claimed for me, but, far and away beyond all others, is the proud boast of being the mother of nations such as I see before me. In all your youthful trials you have had my sympathy, in your success I have been scarcely less exultant than yourselves. Strong emotion prevents the fullest expression of the feelings which sway tne at this instant. Britannia has been called great among nations, her influence is acknowledged in all deliberations, her wealth and power are undoubted ; but at this moment arises before me the vision of a nobler nationality, a more royal sovereignty than I have ever wielded, when you, my sons and daughters, making common cause with me, lend virile strength and fervent ardor to matured and prudent counsels. The results of my rich experience are your heritage, while from you I shall gain the buoyancy of fresh spirits and vigorous courage. " How beautiful is youth ! How bright it gleams With its ilkisions, aspirations, dreams ; All possibilities are in its hands, No danger daunts it, and no foe withstands." Welcome again, thrice welcome to the warm mother heart that beats with joyous throbbing at this evidence of your devotion. The blood thai, warms my veins courses in your own; the ambition that launched my earlj'- ventures impels each one of you ; the principles that guided my bark through stormy and troublous seas are those that shape your course; while the honor of a noble name is still sacred with the sons and daughters of my devotion. Accept the fond love of your royal mother, who waits with yearning impatience to hear the voices of her children. m IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. {All tofjether, or a feiv selected dep forward and repeat in concert the following address.) ADDRESS TO BRITANNIA. Hail Britannia, great and free ! Guardian of Liberty ! Thou hast ever led the van, As champion of the rights of man, When blows were struck in Freedom's name, To break Oppressior 's slavish chain. We, thy children from afar, Salute thee, fair and radiant star, Illumining with lustre bright. The selfish century's cheerless night : W^e bring to thee rich treasures, rare, Guarded with close and jealous care ; Product of soil, of sea, of mme, From Arctic Pole to Tropic Line : We bring to thee the love of truth. Thou taughtest us in days of youth ; And make return of talents ten. For one, imparted to us then : We bring the love of honest hearts. With faithful service it imparts : We bring to thee our force and might. To crush the wrong, to aid the right ; Until the battle fierce is done, The victory gamed and Freedom won. {Each character steps foriuard and addresses Britannia.) Can. — Royal mother ! August and noble lady ! Canada comes to-day before thee to oH'er the incense of her adora- tion. With firm reliance upon the potency of thy support, I have advanced with steadfast tread upon the ascending path of assured progress. Though to my unaccustomed eye the way before seemed trackless, with courageous heart and unflinching resolve I have followed the guiding star of manifest destiny With strong faith in the righteousness of my cause, I have gone onward to fulfil my mission, breathing, with uplifted heart, a prayer for divine direction. IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 27 Intricate and perplexing problems have demanded solution. Questions involving the welfare of millions yet unborn have arisen, and are still being worked out by the brave and true-hearted sons of my Dominion, until, in part has been fulfilled the prophetic words of thy own gifted Dufierin : " In a world apart, Canada dreams her dream and forbodes her destiny. A dream of ever broadening h£ ivests, multiplying towns and villages, and expanding pastures ; of constitutional self-government and confeder- ated empire ; of page after page of honorable history added to the annals of the mother country and to the gloriea of the British race." My fair young provinces, united now to face the mighty issues of growing national life, present them- selves before you. With interests diverse and aims seem- mgiy conflicting, it has been our labor to evolve a policy as free as possible from jarring discords. We are learning to think and feel in coramon, until, in the full fruition of our hopes, we experience the impulses of proud nationality. Our young Dominion has passed the experimental stage, and is moving onward to occupy a loftier place upon the roll of nations. No colony of the mother land has made greater strides in trade, wealth, population, or aught that tends to the material prosperity of a new country. The eyes of the world are turned to the illimitable wheat fields of the far west, to behold there the broad areas for the hungry millions of the future. Magnificent canals, aided by one of the most extensive systems of railway upon the globe, afford an outlet to the pent up freight of the interior. Fifteen thousand miles of iron track are already laid, while every year we count a thousand more. The Canadian Pacific railway crossing my Dominion from sea to sea stands conspicuous as a monument to my maiden enterprise. This mighty life belt is a source of strength and prosperity to me, while it forms one of the bulwarks of thy mighty empire. The brawny tars of Britain speed 3 28 IMPKRIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. on their way across its rails to guard thy realms. Should sudden danger menace thy interests on the Pacific, this avenue, straight and narrow, lies through my territory. Noble mother, the child whose early footsteps were thy concern, and whose course thou hast watched with indul- gent pride, now stands before thee to avow her filial attachment. The energies of my millions are fixed intent upon the peaceful avocations of the hour ; but let the day arrive when the motherland is beset with enemies, and every Canadian arm will be bared to hurl the foeman from thee. May that hour of peril never come, dear mother, for thy efforts deserve for their reward the dawn of that glad day when peace shall abound the wide world over. Ont. — As one of that bright Canadian band I here announce unswerving attachment to the red cross banner, the meteor flag of Britain, beneath whose folds the true and tried lads of Ontario marched to turn the invader from their soil, and dyed the turf with their hearts best blood. Nestling amid her circle of mighty lakes, a queen of beauty, sits Ontario. Upon her borders proud cities rise, humming with the busy industry of an active population. Her fair fields are rich with teeming harvests, amid which her people dwell content, surrounded by every evidence of thrift and comfort. Her wealth of mine and forest lies, as yet, almost untouched, awaiting the coming of thy crowded sons, Britannia, to assist in the mighty work of development. But Ontario boasts of more than brawn ; she glories in the proud possession of brain, and points with glowing pride to the neat school house in every hamlet, to the handsome high schools in her towns, and finally to the stately piles of her metropolitan universities ; all of which stand as monuments to the culture of her people. Upon such a foundation may safely rest the fabric of an empire. Que, — My sister Ontario and I have pursued our way together. At times the paths diverged, but yet again they IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 29 met and we journeyed on as one. Ontario boasts with reason of her intelligence, Quebec relies upon her faith. Amid his humble surrou)idings the peasant dwells in simple constancj'-, serene and hf-ppy, obedient to the voice of his superiors. His eye is v'iver raised to invoke the aid of Heaven that watches over and protects her trusting child. Quebec rests proudly secure in her magnificent resources. Mighty rivers course her virgin forests, upon whose waters float the stately ships of commerce. Along her coasts the hardy fisherman pursues his trade to win a sustenance from the teeming wealth of Ocean. The speech of England falls in broken accents from our lips, but our hearts falter not in their allegiance to the noble land that shaped our growing aspirations. Unfettered, we have developed our own civilization suited to the genius of a peculiar people, a people ready in return to bear aloft to victory, as they have done before, the glorious ensign of Britain. N. B. — I come in humbler guise than my proud sisters ; yet my quiet land has its attractions. In the forest solitudes the woodman's axe is heard; the fruit of his pro- digious labor floats lazily upon the waters of my thousand streams. The sportsman loves these haunts of the wary game, and oft his rifle rings its echo through the glades The angler casts his line to reap a rich harvest from the dark pools. Upon my shores rise the giant frames of ships, that take a form of beauty, then leap into the Ocean's arms to bear to other lands the wealth of forest, sea and mine. Thus, with even tenor, I pursue my way, thankful for the good that in my pathway lies, and growing into more perfect accord with my sisters of the young Dominion. N. S. — Noble Britannia ! Upon the threshold of a great continent, sits the fair and happy Province of Nova Scotia. Both sea and land contribute in unstinted measure to her support, and appropriately may she be termed the child of their auspicious union. What thou hast ever been to the 30 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. continent at thy door, that Nova Scotia hopes to be, in the fulfilment of her promise, to the great new world of the West. She has thine own rich stores of marvellous mineral wealth, the essential combination of coal and iron, that fit, her to become the busy workshop of the manufacturer iix the coming future. Her ships of wood that bear thy flag oa every sea, will in time give place to ships of steel from the sooty forges of her own Sheffields and Glasgows. The steel rails for our flourishing Dominion may well be manufac- tured at its doors, while a hundred tall chimneys will rise for one to be seen now. Safe harbors are to be found at every point along her coasts, aflbrding shelter and security to the noble ships that rank so proudly in the world's marine. In her quiet valleys spread rich meadow lands* and luxuriant orchards bend bowing beneath their weight of luscious fruitage. Her myriads of trim and natty fishing craft float buoyant upon the surface of the rolling main and train to deeds of bravest hardihood a race of heroic mould. They possess the qualities of heart and head that charac- terize the canny sons of Auld Scotia, and should the day of trial come, would prove as stern defenders of country^ faith and home. P. E. 1. — Britannia, the island of Prince Edward greeta thee. A tiny gem it is in thy proud coronet of power, but it sheds a light of purest ray, whose lustrous sheen remains undimraed. The tumultuous heavings of the uneasy sea forever moan their low complainings upon my shores, or rise into foaming fury in thunderous response to the shrieking hurricane. With these sounds always in their ears, my sons move on to ply their avocations, unspoiled by luxuriant excess, rewarded always with sufficient plenty. They learn to love their bonnie home, so if you seek the patriot come with me to see the hardy sons of the little isle which rests upon the bosom of the deep St. Lawrence Gulf, From Scotland they came in the olden days, they hold the IMPERIAL BRITAIN' : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 31 Scottish faith, and they hring a firm and Stirling character to all their undertakings. Our broad Dominion embraces a variety of typos, but none more constant and abiding than the Celtic stock of Prince Edward. Man. — Manitoba has been called the keystone of the mighty arch of sister provinces that span the continent from Atlantic to Pacific. " Here, Canada, emerging from her woods and forests, first gazed upon her rolling prairies, and learned as by an unexpected revelation that her old territories, though themselves more extensive than half a dozen European Kingdoms, were but the vestibule to that undreamt of dominion," whose illimitable dimensions stretch vast and wide beyond the horizon's verge. Across these boundless plains the eye now sweeps to behold a waving sea of bending grain whose magnificent harvest will tax every means of transport. An inpouring population of the better class adds daily to the industrial sinews of this rich and progressive region, whose area must soon comprise a number more of growing, energetic provinces. Then, when the hungry nations of the old world are no longer able to secure their bread from the great Republic to the south, they will come clamoring to the crowded granaries of the boundless North West, whose hoarded stores of golden grain will be poured out to satisfy their impatient need. B. C. — Great Mother ! I stand upon the verge of a vast and trackless ocean. Its waters lave my feet. My face is turned towards its heaving bosom. My gaze far reaching to its farther shore, discerns a countless multitude who stand with arms outstretched beckoning me to span the treacherous sea and win the golden favors of far Cathay. At my back rise, cloud-piercing in their dizzy heights, the thunder riven Cascades and Rockies, with gleaming snow white pinnacles. Within my forests the giant forms of towering pines stand majestic in all the vigor of their mighty growth, They fall before the hand of man, to rise 32 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. again as lofty spars of some proud ocean beauty. My mines pour forth their hidden treasures in lavish plenty, while fish to feed the nations of the earth crowd all rov rivers. My life story is but begun, few pages have been written, but clear and defir)ite are the impressions made. 'Twas yesterday, when an encircling arm was thrown around our n^.aiden Dominion, its iron zone touched the broad Pacific while the lethargic nations awoke to wonder for a moment To-day, an arm responsive stretches across the mighty Pacific to join hands in clasp of fellowship. To-morrow will dawn to see the pame warm grasp repeated upon the Atlantic, as thus, across our fair land, Britannia reaches out to touch the distant shores of China and Japan. Britannia. — Fair Canada, my proud and peerless beauty, and these thy graceful daughters, my children all, Britannia knows your worth, and thankfully acknowledges the sinewy vigor of your youthful strength. Go forward as you have begun, to win the laurel wreath of fame, and wear it ever on a spotless brow. Let not unworthy counsels turn you from a steadfast purpose to pursue the right, and always wear emblazoned on your shield in boldest characters the noble device — " Honor Only." W.J. — Biitannia! The golden seas of the tropics are bespangled with island gems that glister bright and spark- ling ir thy diadem of power. In the olden days these western waters witnessed incessant contests for supremacy, when the bold naval veterans of England drove from their vantage ground the valiant warriors of France and Spain. Hot and fieice waged the conflict, for the prize they strove to gain was held at noble value. It proved a rich possession, till the changeful course of trade swerved to other lands and neglect chilled the blooming industries of these noble islands. However, a brighter era h dawning, for labor is seeking new^ channels, products are becoming more varied and wilier markets are sought for the fruits that grow in ^m^mmmmm IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 33 such plentiful profusion. The mother land, as well, recognizes the increasing worth of her West Indian possessions. Ere many years elapse, the barrier that shuts out the vast Pacific will be pierced, and the mighty trade of Europe seek this avenue to the thickly peopled East. These islands here stand sentinel to guard the direct approach to either of the great projected canals. St. Lucia and Port Royal are being strongly fortified and thoroughly equipped as places of arms, should the day come when the sword must be drawn in defence of thy world wide Empire. Long may that dread day be deferred, while upon their sunlit waters float in peaceful security the thousand islands of our archipelago. NJld. — Britannia ! I stand in your presence to-day, the oldest British Colony. When Cabot braved the tempestuous northern seas, his glad eyes rested at length on my stormy coasts, and Prima Vista was the first jewel in thy colonial crown. The bleak winds of the inhospitable north forbid rapid growth, and I find myself o'er shadowed by my more favored brothers of the south. Look not on us for the Lotus-eating droamers of southern climes, who float on sapphire seas to breathe the air of sweet ^.erfumes ; ours is the Bersark race, the sons of viking.s, whose deeds are sung in the heroic sor.^s of the ancient skalds. As they went forth to beat the winter floods in days of old, so now our hardy sons of toil brave the icy barriers of the north on voyages of perilous hazard, llich rewards may amply repay their venturous courage, or else alas, too often, the hungry sea yawns to devour its devoted victims. In such a school are reared the patient, enduring sons of toil, who invoke the potent aid of the mother land to secure for them the rights and privileges enjoyed by brother Britons throughout the Empire. B. Africa. — August lady, our noble mother ! Of all thy wide possessions, Africa, to-day, shows the greatest attrac- mm —•^i^Mip^ppnfppRpiffiJiiii. ...I'jwwfii.. 34- IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. tions. The veil of mystery is being drawn aside to disclose the hidden wonders of the mighty continent. In all the recent past, the Briton bold has been found foremost to penetrate her forest recesses, to unearth her fabulous treasures and reveal the secrets that have been tor six thousand years locked in that silent bosom. In the coming centuries thy power must be manifest in Africa as it is to-day elsewhere. The older colonies of the south are working with feverish energy, pushing their way to the north and west. Already they have reached the Zambesi, and we may confidently expect to see within a few years a confederacy of English speaking states, including the Dutch Republics fast becoming anglicised. These states will comprise the rich gold fields lately occupied in Mashonaland, believed b}' many to be the Ophir of Solomon. North from the Zambesi up the great water way of Shire and Nyassa on to Tanganyika, Britain holds the natural highway to the vast recesses of the Dark Continent. Still north of Tanganyika, around the great inland waters of lakes Victoria, Albert and Albert Edward, from the rich alluvial plains of Uganda and Unyoro, to the waters of the Indian Ocean, stretch the great protected regions of Britain Zanzibar and Mombasa, upon the coast, are already rich emporiums. A railway to Victoria lake is to inaugurate th^ downfall of the iniquitous slave trade. On the eastern coast the possessions of the Niger company extend far into the unexplored interior, until they may in time join hands with their confreres on the shores of the Victoria. From the lakes northward to the borders of Egypt, reaches the great Soudan, soon to be again subjected to British influence. Thus, from north to south, from east to west, the sign of a mighty cross upon the bosom of Africa, rests the sovereign impress of Britain. Egypt. — Britannia ! I come to thee as thy foster child, raised from penury to this proud position b}'" thy benevo- mn^ IMPERIAL BBITA[N : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 35 lence. No tale from the Arabian Nights reads with more startling romance than the unvarnished story of my deliverance. From slavery to freedom, from oppression and hopeless degradation to happy independence. Eight years ago, anarchy and confusion prevailed, ruin irretrievable stared me in the face, debt augmented beyond power of seeming redemption weighed me down. Kind mother, you came to my rescue. You alone, with unselfish motive, sent to my assistance the wisest counsellors of your realm. Look to-day at the Egyptian land ! With a balance of trade in her favor of four million pounds Stirling — with a surplus of revenue — yes, ^ surplus ! A word never before heard in Egypt. A surplus, I repeat, of one million pounds sterling, to be directed, when the selfish greed of Britain's enemies is satisfied, to the reduction of my national debt. With swelling heart, I conve}' my sincerest thanks to thee, noblest of mothers, through whose aid Egypt stands almost alone in the (.normous growth of her industrial resources. Malta. — Three mighty foitresses stand guard over the great inland sea, upon whose extended waters the stately fleets cf England hold their triumphant course. Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus are England's towers along the deep, huge arsenals, where the colossal bulk of her ircncLd monsters may congregate, ready to hurl the destructive bolts of direful war upon the venturous power that challenges her pathway o'er the sea. For centuries, Malta was the home of knights who stood the bulwark of the ancient church against Saracen and Turk. The hearts of defenders as valiant beat to-daj' with the same knightly courage. But Britain boasts not of her warlike prowess. Her pride is in the wide expansion of her commerce. In these havens thousands of merchantmen lie at rest, or come and go upon the ceaseless errands of traU;^, an aggregate equal to four- fifths the commerce of the groat sea port of New York. At the far extreme. Cyprus guards the great Suez Canal, 30 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. through which about eight millions tons of shipping pasa every year, seventy-seven per cent of which is British., This highway to her Indian Empire must lie open, and Britannia guards with ceaseless vigilance both avenues of approach, for Aden, another bristling Gibraltar, stands at the Red Sea mouth, an effective barrier against hostile approach. Alts. — I have listened, Royal Mother, to the warm and heartfelt utterances of thv devoted children, which indicate^ the depth of the attachment that binds every colonial heart to the noble land that crave it birth. The great Canadian Dominion has spoken, the Isles of the Eastern Tropics, tha Dark Continent with all its hidden problems, the Island strongholds of the Midland Sea, the daughter of the silent Sphynx as well. Such a recital causes thy maternal bosom to swell with pride. Be kindly attentive now to the words of thy sons who live far remote beneath the Southern Cross. Let me speak for thy numerous offspring there, stalwart and vigorous scions of an intrepid race, who have knocked with resolute persistance at the portals of the mysterious South and forced an entrance to her secret chambers. They have compelled her to relinquish her choicest treasures, and commission me to lay them at thy feet. I represent not only the island continent, but the sunny isle of Van Dieman at the south, and the vast recesses of New Guinea at the north. In this immense and ancircumscrihed arena of tlie great southern world the Anglo-Saxon race is advancing with prodigious bound'^. Under strange and untried conditions it is solving the problem of existence with striking success. Where spread the tiowery fields a century since, rise now the crowded marts of commerce. Cities of half a million people crown the slopes of capacious havens. More than twelve thousand miles of railway are alreailv Iniilt, and thousands more must be constructed to satisfy the growing needs of an expanding trade. Mineral IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 37 wealth of untold value lies beneath the soil. Upon aiy pastures feed over one hundred and twenty million sheep, whose fleeces go to supply the looms of the old world. In some of my colonies the wealth reaches the astounding? sum of ten thousand dollars per head of population Individual land owners possess estates larger than the kingdoms of Belgium or Bavaria. These several colonies we trust will soon unite to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Though disunited now, they combine for defense. A formidable body of volunteeis is thoroughly equipped for service on shore, while an Australian Navy is being rapidly constructed to guard the coasts against invasion. Education is universal. Our Colonies are well governed, enlightened and progressive, jealous of the position Providence has assigned them as custodians of the southern waters. Manfully they a.ssert their rights, and even now, it would be a mighty power that dare venture to dictate to the imperious Australian in matters of southern concern. Hands off! is the word to every foreign inter- loper, and Britain needs no other champion of her cause, while the valiant sons of Australia stand shoulder to shoulder. N. Zealand. — Britannia, when tb}- children leave their own loved shores in search of fortunes new, have them direct their steps to thy counterpart on the other side of the globe — the fair Britain of the south, New Zealand. There awaits them a genial climate adapted to furnish the accustomed fruits and plants they left on tlie shores of Britain. They find iron, coal, and copper in unfailing qualities, agricultural facilities unsurpassed, and grand mountain scenery, varied with the quiet beaut}' of peaceful valleys and sunlit waters. There, too, the active pur-^uits of commerce enlist the energies of thy children, for New Zealand points with pride to a trade of over sixteen million pounds, with a balance of trade in her favor of three and a half million. In that 38 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. happy island of the Antipodes, enjoying the familiar sur- roundings of their youth, may thy sons labor with content- ment to build upon a sure foundation the proportions of a glorious state. E. Isles. — On the golden shores of the gorgeous East, bathed in odorous perfumes of orange and cinnamon repose the rich possessions for which I speak. Hong Kong and Singapore with states adjacent, though small in extent, are a concentration of energy. Here congregate the world's great marine. Every year twelve thousand ocean ships laden with the varied products of every clime enter these ports. They bear away to other lands the accumulated wealth stored in the capacious granaries of the Orient. Twenty thousand smaller craft (.2 every description, and gathered from eveiy side, cover the waters; the Chinese, the Jap, the Malay, the Papuan, the Fijian, the native from every little islet of the vast Pacific guides his frail craft to these emporiums of the east to exchange his little store for the products of the civilized world. The trade that is carried on in this way in these small dependencies of the Empire exceeds in volume the combined trade of the four European Kingdoms of Norway, Denmaik, Portugal, and Greece. What wonder, Britannia, that thou thyself art great, when thy children in the far off corners of earth thus wield the sceptre of supremacy ? Burma. — Burma is the latest state brought under thy protection, gracious Britannia. These years of firm and stable government have worked almost a miracle for my benighted millions. Already order is enolved out of chaos, confidence has taken the place of doubt and fear, indeed the day of prosperity is dawning upon those who never saw its blessed light before. The establishment of courts of justice and a scheme of civil administration, the extension of public education, tlie mild and friendly attitude of British IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 3& officials, and the respect shown for the religion of my country have won Burmese hearts, that now invoke the favor of the blessed upon their benignant guardian. India. — India, stands the last to greet thee, gracious and royal benefactor. I am the representative of a thou- sand states, of a population of three hundred million souls. My territories stretch three thousand miles from east to west, two thousand miles from north to south. Within these limits vegetation grows luxuriant in infinite variety. Vast areas of grain afford food at home and a supply as well for the hungry millions of Britain. My fields of cotton, rice, jute, cane, indigo, tea and coffee, my groves of cinnamon and cinchona require for cultivation the toilsome labor of these crowded peopl . The generous forests produce in untold variety woods useful and ornamental. Coal, and iron, and petroleum, supply light, fuel, and manufacturing facilities. But India is better known for hidden treasures of a rarer sort. Her diamonds, rubies, emeralds, amethysts, garnets, turquoises, and pearls bedeck the brows of pontiff, sovereign and peer, and flash resplendent on the coronet of beauty. All the wealth of mine, of field, of forest, the commerce of half a continent is regulated by the wise control of Britain. None may question the advantage India has derived from contact with western civilization. With the establishment of peace such as was never known before, and with the introduction of railways and other forms of British enterprise, the wealth as well as the population has been increased. Government, according to law, has taken the place of capricious despotism. By means of the introduction of systematic education, intellectually the gain has been incalculable. Trade has grown in thirty years from two hundred millions to eight hundred million dollars — over three times the trade of the great Empire of China. Of tea alone India and Ceylon now export one hundred and fifty million pounds per annum. Twenty PHP f^fmrnm 7 40 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. thousand miles of railway afford means of conveyance, forty thousand miles of telegraph give means of communication, irrigation works on an immense scale provide against famine in the years of drought. For defense, India relies upon the steadfast support of her contented sons. A sufficient force guards the great mountain passes at the north, which are impregnable against attack. The day that dawns to see a bold eiiemy as-iail the great foster daughter of Britannia, will close to find his shattered battalions hurled back in ruinous confusion beyond the arid steppes of Turkestan ; for countless myriads of my dusky native warriors would rnsh to arms to repel the invader, shouting with vast acclaim the glorious battle cry : " Maha-ra-n^e Kai " — " Victory for the Empress." Britannia. — The shrill bugle cry of the British soldier, taken up and repeated by the wearied sentinel on his lonely beat, rings round and round the world. On a thousand strands, a martial ardor fires the patriot blood when the deep roll of the drum sounds the British call to arms. On every breeze, 'neath every sk}' floats the prevailing banner of Eng- land. Never before waved standard over such an empire, never before has sovereign ruler listened to words of such universal homage. In days of Rome's imperial splendor, captive kings in golden fetters followed the victors trium- phant car. It remains for a later day, a more glorious era, to witness sovereigns of states grander than any Rome ever conquered, led in more gorgeous triumph by chains of greater tenacity than golden links. In this supreme hour Britannia triumphs, and leads you captive, ye rulers of earth's fail est, proudest realm, by the strongest of earthly ties — the God-like quality of Love. The drum beat arouses us, not to arms, but to deeds of emulation in fields of conflict, nobler far. It is our mission, advancing hand in hand, with reverend step, in fear of God and love of righteousness, to teach the cringing slave to stand erect : ^^^•^^mififim IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. 41 to bear the lamp of knowledge where its ray serene may penetrate the blackness of superstition; to stay revenge and temper justice with mercy ; to plant the seed of truth and nurse its growing germ ; and lead the world in for- bearance, temperance and law. • • Uncle Sam. — {Uncle Sam has been outsiile the circle, an interested listener. He now breaks through the ring and faces Britannia near centre of stage,'^ talking as he comes.) — Them's my sentiments ! Them's my sentiments, to a tee ! But am I awake, or am I dreamin' ? Is this S-a-m-u-e-1, {spells) in possession of his usual faculties, with his fc ot planted on the old soil, or is his spirit wanderin' on some other distant speer ? Where be I ? That's what bothers me. Where's the decrepit old lady, I've been hanging round here waitin' to see these mortal hours ? I had a hankerin' I couldn't shake off to set my eyes once more on lier venerable features. I've been an independent customer, I'll allow, and purty high steppin', when I first got the bit between my teeth ; but blood's thicker than water, and when I've been actin' sassiest, I was longin' all the time to hev a better understandin' with my old mother. But, Sam, here's the trouble. Where's the old lady ? It can't be possible you've hed your eyes shet all this time ! 'Yes ! I guess that's about the size of it. {Turns to Britannia.) I know that voice, and them clothes look just as natural as when she used to trot this very chicken on her knee. But, my gracious goodness ! She's found the " Elixer of Life," and drunk the Fountain of Perpetual Youth, dry ! — yes sir ree, dry as tinder ! That's what the matter. And, Sam, you're a confounded idiot, a waitin' all these years to be called home to pay your last, sad respects to as vigorous a female as breathes the vital air. {Uncle Sam offers his hand, she takes it, rises, and both advance hand in hand.) Mother Britanny, here's my hand, and you kin bet your last 42 IMPERIAL BRITAIN : A PATRIOTIC DRAMA. dollar that my heart palpitate-* right deown through it. {aside.) It's the same old British grip, only more so--^ steadier and steadier, tightening a little, and purty hard to let go when once it gits a hold. Britanny, I heard you a talkin' to them globe trotters of yourn about the work you hed cut out. Well now, jest count me in, won't you ? There's quite an extensive appurtenance of this footstool that doesn't fly the blood red flag — a piece of worsted of quite a different complexion suits our folks jest about as well. But we're goin' your way and workin' the same ticket. What's the use in disputin' ? John, here, and me hed a spat an hour ago, but what does it amount to ? I huld no grudge, and John jest wants your good sense to regulate his conduct, that's all. We've been workin' together for years to improve things in general all over the patch work of creation. Find an Englishman at work, and at his elbow, see if you don't ketch a Yankee brother, fired with the same resolution and wieldin' the same implement of speech. And, Britanny \ The Anglo Saxon's the Lingo that's goin' to swamp every barbarian dialect from Dan to Beesheby. That's the natural tongue of the roarin' British Lion, and the proud American Eagle screeches in the same melodious accents. When them two intelligences sees eye to eye on eny one subject, the rest of animated nature hes got to take a back seat; {To the audience.) So I make bold to ask all our kind friends who have listened with such patience this evening to bless the union, in every good work, of Royal Britannia and her proud family with the glorious Republo of the West. {Curtain falls.) mm^^^^^mmilfim