We
outsiders must take him as he is known to the international world. We of
course trust that he is an able, cultivated, attractive gentleman. There
are many such in the world. But this gentleman happens to be the head of
one of the great nations. Our interest in him centres in his relations
to his neighbor nations.
An English friend of mine was appointed to duty in a tribe of savages in
Africa. I dislike to call them savages after the testimony of my friend.
But they were just plain, naked folk, living in primitive simplicity in
their native land. The chief of this little tribe was, as my friend
asserts, a superior man, and, in spite of his undress, a good deal of a
gentleman. In physique he was superb. A sculptor's heart would have
leaped for joy at sight of him. My friend said to see him teaching his
young son to throw a spear was a sort of physical music. He himself
could throw a spear to an incredible distance with the precision of a
rifle shot. He ruled his little kingdom with surprising wisdom and
fairness. He was welcomed everywhere among his people as the friend and
counselor. His family relations were unimpeachable.
Pages:
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312