In this novel, Twain proposed a state in which all citizens have at least one vote, but where further votes (up to a dozen) could be acquired through education, which was provided by the state for free, or by relative wealth. Furthermore no one was accepted to any public office without passing strenuous competitive examinations.
Main contents: The curious republic of Gondour -- A memory -- Introductory to "Memoranda" -- About smells -- A couple of sad experiences -- Dan Murphy -- The "Tournament" in A.D. 1870 -- Curious relic for sale -- A reminiscence of the back settlements -- A royal compliment -- The approaching epidemic -- The tone imparting committee -- Our precious lunatic -- The European war -- The wild man interviewed -- Last words of great men.