INDIRA AND OTHER STORIES
only too well aware that of late years there has been a lamentable falling off of polite instruction among us. The fact is indisputable; the remedy is easy. There has arisen a very real desire for education among us. Nowadays, it may be said, all sorts and conditions of animals are educated. Why should we not follow this example? This Congress has gathered to discuss the educational needs of our race. With these few words, I declare the meeting open, and invite you to begin your discussion of the important matters which will be submitted to you."
The assemblage indicated their approval of this brief oration by vigorous growls and roarings. Various resolutions were then read and supported by extremely long speeches, which, inspite of the correctness of the grammar and the excellence of the rhetoric employed in them, were, it must be admitted, terrific in utterance. In truth the woods trembled at the sound of oratory so sonorous. When other business had been transacted, the president sat up and said, "You
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