The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 2, No. 5, February 3, 1898: A Weekly Magazine for Boys and Girls

In Short

Published in February 1898, this periodical serves as a bridge between the classroom and the unfolding historical drama of the late nineteenth century. It distills complex geopolitical tensions—from the instability in Hawaii and Cuba to the scramble for Chinese territory—into accessible, plain language for boys and girls. More than just a newspaper, it functions as a pedagogical tool, reflecting the era’s commitment to self-education and the belief that children are capable of understanding the "great round world" if the information is presented with clarity and steady, unvarnished integrity.

The Story

The narrative arc of this issue is one of global interconnectedness. It opens with the cold, hard realities of empire-building, focusing on England’s strained diplomacy in China and the internal volatility of France during the Dreyfus Affair. The editors treat these events not as distant abstractions, but as pressing matters of concern for any informed citizen. They detail how the "policy of grab" drives international relations, positioning the United States at a crossroads regarding its own national mission.

This theme of expansion and sovereignty flows naturally into the specific case of Hawaii. The magazine provides a detailed, sympathetic account of the deposed Queen Liliuokalani, weaving in her personal history, her adoption customs, and her desperate, eloquent plea to the American people to reject annexation. This provides a sobering counterpoint to the ambitions of political figures like Senator Morgan and President Dole, who seek to integrate the islands for commercial and strategic gain. By presenting the Queen’s own words, the magazine forces the reader to confront the human cost of political maneuvers.

The focus then shifts to the simmering conflict in Cuba. The magazine captures the mounting tension between the United States and Spain, describing the agitation for war and the skepticism of the Cuban insurgents toward American intentions. It presents a world in flux, where the stability of one nation depends on the shifting loyalties and strategic interests of others.

The final act of the issue pivots from these high-stakes political dramas to the "Naturalist" segment, which serves as a grounding mechanism. Here, the story becomes one of intellectual curiosity, as the editors catalog the myriad questions sent in by young readers—from the habits of the mongoose to the celestial mechanics of sun-spots. This transition emphasizes that the "great round world" is as much about the wonders of the natural environment as it is about the rise and fall of regimes. The issue concludes by reinforcing the value of education, offering advertisements for historical wall maps and educational games, and profiling the waning life of William Ewart Gladstone, the "Grand Old Man" of British politics. It leaves the reader with a sense that history is an ongoing, labor-intensive process, demanding constant attention from both the old who shape it and the young who will inherit it.

How It Unfolds

The global landscape The issue begins by surveying the volatile state of world affairs, focusing on the pressures facing England and the social unrest in Paris. These reports serve to frame the world as a place where political stability is perpetually under threat.

The Hawaiian struggle Attention shifts to the annexation debate, providing a platform for the voices of those most directly affected by the shift in power. By contrasting the rhetoric of American politicians with the personal testimony of the deposed Queen, the magazine highlights the ethical tensions inherent in territorial expansion.

The Cuban instability The narrative moves to the Caribbean, detailing the potential for war between the United States and Spain. It illustrates how local insurgencies and international posturing can rapidly escalate into global crises.

The quest for knowledge The focus turns to the readers themselves, showcasing their diverse and earnest questions about the natural world. This section validates the child's perspective, suggesting that understanding nature is as critical as following the headlines.

The sunset of an era The issue closes with a somber reflection on the declining health of William Ewart Gladstone. This serves as a poignant reminder that while the world is constantly changing through political and scientific invention, the lives of great individuals eventually draw to a close, marking the end of one chapter and the start of another.

The People

Queen Liliuokalani stands at the center of the issue’s most compelling human drama. As the deposed monarch of Hawaii, she wants only to preserve her people's sovereignty and protect their way of life from foreign encroachment. Standing in her way are the powerful, annexation-minded figures like President Dole and Senator Morgan, who view the islands through the lens of commerce and strategic expansion. She ends her struggle not by reclaiming her throne, but by leaving a resonant, historical record of her people’s suffering.

William Ewart Gladstone, the "Grand Old Man" of Britain, represents the ideal of a life dedicated to public service. Though he is nearing the end of his ninety-year life, the magazine treats him as a moral compass for the century. He stands for the dignity of labor and the pursuit of knowledge.

Finally, there is the "Naturalist," a figure who acts as a mentor to the young readers. He wants to foster a spirit of inquiry, and he is challenged by the endless curiosity of children like Jane H. and Philip H. H. He represents the magazine's core belief that by asking questions, the next generation can master the complexities of their world.

In Its Own Voice

Regarding the moral weight of political actions, the magazine provides a powerful, direct plea from the deposed monarch:

"O honest Americans, as Christians, hear me for my downtrodden people!"

In describing the pedagogical method used to make history comprehensible to young minds, the magazine outlines a child-centered approach:

"Portions over which the children love to linger are brought out to the fullest extent."

The magazine also frames the importance of intellectual engagement through its assessment of the political career of Gladstone:

"No minute in his long life seems to have been wasted, and to-day, when nearly ninety years of age, he continues to labor to the utmost of his remaining strength."

What It's Really About

The central argument of the magazine is that young people are not mere bystanders in the march of history, but active participants who require intellectual honesty to navigate the world. It grapples with the tension between national ambition and moral responsibility, specifically regarding the "policy of grab" practiced by world powers. Beneath the news reports and the letters from the Naturalist lies the fundamental question: what does it mean to be a responsible citizen in a global society? It posits that understanding the interconnectedness of nations, the validity of cultural customs, and the importance of scientific inquiry are the essential building blocks for a more just and informed future.

Why Read It Today

Readers today will find this magazine a fascinating window into the late Victorian mindset, particularly its earnest, unironic approach to global events. It is a time capsule of 1898 that feels surprisingly modern in its concern for international trade, human rights, and the influence of the press. Those who appreciate historical documents will be struck by the clear, authoritative tone the editors use to address children—never talking down to them, but instead assuming they are capable of grappling with the nuances of a complex, evolving world.

However, a modern reader must be prepared for the period-specific attitudes embedded in the text. The magazine reflects the colonial-era assumptions of its time, particularly in how it characterizes the "civilizing" mission of major powers and the binary view of "advanced" versus "developing" nations. While the editors make a conscious effort to include the voice of a non-Western leader like Liliuokalani, the framing remains firmly within the context of a Western, predominantly American, worldview. Despite these limitations, the book remains a powerful testament to the value of educational journalism. It invites the reader to slow down and consider the "Great Round World" with the same curiosity and moral seriousness as the children of 1898.