308 MARK TWAIN'S SKETCHES. 



people of any star, but shall treat all alike with urbanity and kindliness, never 

 conducting ourselves toward an asteroid after a fashion which we could not venture 

 to assume toward Jupiter or Saturn. I repeat that we shall not wantonly offend 

 any star; but at the same time we shall promptly resent any injury that may be 

 done usf or any insolence offered us, by parties or governments residing in any star 

 in the firmament. Although averse to the shedding of blood, we shall still hold 

 this course rigidly and fearlessly, not only toward single stars, but toward constel- 

 lations. We shall hope to leave a good impression of America behind us in every 

 nation we visit, from Venus to Uranus. And, at all events, if we cannot inspire 

 love we shall, at least, compel respect for our country wherever we go. We shall 

 take with us, free of charge, 



A GREAT FORCE OF MISSIONARIES, 



and shed the true light upon all the celestial orbs which, physically aglow, are yet 

 morally in darkness. Sunday-schools will be established wherever practicable. 

 Compulsory education will also be introduced. 



The comet will visit Mars first, and then proceed to Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and 

 Saturn. Parties connected with the government of the District of Columbia and 

 with the former city government of New York, who may desire to inspect the rings, 

 will be allowed time and every facility. Every star of prominent magnitude will 

 be visited, and time allowed for excursions to points of interest inland. 



THE DOG STAR 



has been stricken from the programme. Much time will be spent in the Great 

 Bear, and, indeed, of every constellation of importance. So, also, with the Sun 

 and Moon and the Milky Way, otherwise the Gulf Stream of the skies. Clothing 

 suitable for wear in the sun should be provided. Our programme has been so 

 arranged that we shall seldom go more than 100,000,000 of miles at a time without 

 stopping at some star. This will necessarily make the stoppages frequent and 

 preserve the interest of the tourist. Baggage checked through to any point on the 

 route. Parties desiring to make only a part of the proposed tour, and thus save 

 expense, may stop over at any star they choose and wait for the return voyage. 



After visiting all the most celebrated stars and constellations in our system 

 and personally inspecting the remotest sparks that even the most powerful 



