 more experienced, at the periodical regradings. These regradings take place
in each industry at intervals corresponding with the length of the
apprenticeship to that industry, so that merit never need wait long to rise, nor
can any rest on past achievements unless they would drop into a lower rank. One
of the notable advantages of a high grading is the privilege it gives the worker
in electing which of the various branches or processes of his industry he will
follow as his specialty. Of course it is not intended that any of these
processes shall be disproportionately arduous, but there is often much
difference between them, and the privilege of election is accordingly highly
prized. So far as possible, indeed, the preferences even of the poorest workmen
are considered in assigning them their line of work, because not only their
happiness but their usefulness is thus enhanced. While, however, the wish of the
lower grade man is consulted so far as the exigencies of the service permit, he
is considered only after the upper grade men have been provided for, and often
he has to put up with second or third choice, or even with an arbitrary
assignment when help is needed. This privilege of election attends every
regrading, and when a man loses his grade he also risks having to exchange the
sort of work he likes for some other less to his taste. The results of each
regrading, giving the standing of every man in his industry, are gazetted in the
public prints, and those who have won promotion since the last regrading receive
the nation's thanks and are publicly invested with the badge of their new rank.«
    »What may this badge be?« I asked.
    »Every industry has its emblematic device,« replied Dr. Leete, »and this, in
the shape of a metallic badge so small that you might not see it unless you knew
where to look, is all the insignia which the men of the army wear, except where
public convenience demands a distinctive uniform. This badge is the same in form
for all grades of industry, but while the badge of the third grade is iron, that
of the second grade, is silver, and that of the first is gilt.
    Apart from the grand incentive to endeavor afforded by the fact that the
high places in the nation are open only to the highest class men, and that rank
in the army constitutes the only mode of social distinction for the vast
majority who are not aspirants in art, literature, and the professions, various
incitements of a minor, but perhaps equally effective, sort are provided in the
form of special privileges and immunities
