Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol3, 1919.djvu/222

 dirt that dropped from the roots; the big stones did not even fall out of the net work of the roots. In the meantime the army was rushing upon them with sounding trumpets and flying banners. The soldiers had caught sight of them and urged their horses forward.

But now the blacksmith grasped the oak and turning it around swept the valley clean with it as with a broom. Soldiers and horses were thrown back and aside like so much dirt. In a moment the valley was cleared, the men in the rear begging for mercy and displaying white flags. The blacksmith shook his oak switch at them and graciously allowed them to run away. As soon as peace was restored, the shoemaker crawled out of the underbrush, reduced in size and cured.

Merrily they continued their journey, until they reached the prince’s kingdom. The prince was received with royal welcome and a glorious wedding was celebrated. The three journeymen enjoyed themselves greatly at the wedding; the prince paid them well for their services and kept them in comfort all the rest of their lives.

Early in May three Bohemian journalists arrived in New York for a tour of Amerika. They are Vincenc Červinka, editor of the “Národní Listy,” Karel Pelant of the “Venkov” and Gustav Šmejc of the “České Slovo.” They were later joined by Hugo Vavrečka of the “Lidové Noviny.” Mr. Červinka is well known to every Czechoslovak as the man who was accused and convicted of high treason against Austria together with Dr. Karel Kramář, now Czechoslovak premier and publisher of the “Národní Listy;” Mr. Červinka was held in jail two years, and during that time not once did he get enough to eat. Mr. Pelant was in the United States ten years ago, spending here nearly a year in giving addresses in Bohemian settlements.

There is great eagerness among Czechoslovak people in America to see and hear these distinguished visitors. The editors are trying to comply with all the requests to speak, but their primary object in coming to America was to study American ways, especially as applied to journalism.

James B. Řezný, well-known Bohemian architect has been appointed member of the new school board of the City of Chicago, and confirmed by the city council. He will be one of eleven men and women who will have the spending of about twenty five million dollars a year for the benefit of three hundred thousand children.