Chapter 6

Dr. Stockmann.

Quite right; no one can see them.

Morten Kiil.

[With a quiet, chuckling laugh.] I'll be damned if that isn’t the best thing I've heard of you yet.

Dr.StockmannStockmann.

What do you mean?

Morten Kiil.

But you’ll never in this world make the Burgomaster take in anything of the sort.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, that we shall see.

Morten Kiil.

Do you really think he’ll be so crazy?

Dr. Stockmann.

I hope the whole town will be so crazy.

Morten Kiil.

The whole town! Well, I don’t say but it may. But it serves them right; it’ll teach them a lesson. They wanted to be so much cleverer than we old fellows. They hounded me out of the Town Council. Yes; I tell you they hounded me out like a dog, that they did. But now it’stheir turn. Just you keep up the game with them, Stockmann.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but, father-in-law——

Morten Kiil.

Keep it up, I say. [Rising.] If you can make the Burgomaster and his gang eat humble pie, I'll give a hundred crowns straight away to the poor.

Dr. Stockmann.

Come, that’s good of you.

Morten Kiil.

Of course I've little enough to throw away; but if you can manage that, I shall certainly remember the poor at Christmas-time, to the tune of fifty crowns.

Hovstadenters from hall.

Hovstad.

Good morning! [Pausing.] Oh! I beg your pardon——

Dr. Stockmann.

Not at all. Come in, come in.

Morten Kiil.

[Chuckling again.] He! Is he in it too?

Hovstad.

What do you mean?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, of course he is.

Morten Kiil.

I might have known it! It’s to go into the papers. Ah, you’re the one, Stockmann! Do you two lay your heads together; I'm off.

Dr. Stockmann.

Oh no; don’t go yet, father-in-law.

Morten Kiil.

No, I'm off now. Play them all the monkey-tricks you can think of. Deuce take me but you shan’t lose by it.

[He goes,Mrs. Stockmannaccompanying him.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Laughing.] What do you think—? The old fellow doesn’t believe a word of all this about the water-works.

Hovstad.

Was that what he——?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes; that was what we were talking about. And I daresay you have come on the same business?

Hovstad.

Yes. Have you a moment to spare, Doctor?

Dr. Stockmann.

As many as you like, my dear fellow.

Hovstad.

Have you heard anything from the Burgomaster?

Dr. Stockmann.

Not yet. He’ll be here presently.

Hovstad.

I have been thinking the matter over since last evening.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well?

Hovstad.

To you, as a doctor and a man of science, this business of the water-works appears an isolated affair. I daresay it hasn’t occurred to you that a good many other things are bound up with it?

Dr. Stockmann.

Indeed! In what way? Let us sit down, my dear fellow.—No; there, on the sofa.

[Hovstadsits on sofa; theDoctorin an easy-chair on the other side of the table.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, so you think——?

Hovstad.

You said yesterday that the water is polluted by impurities in the soil.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, undoubtedly; the mischief comes from that poisonous swamp up in the Mill Dale.

Hovstad.

Excuse me, Doctor, but I think it comes from a very different swamp.

Dr. Stockmann.

What swamp may that be?

Hovstad.

The swamp in which our whole municipal life is rotting.

Dr. Stockmann.

The devil, Mr. Hovstad! What notion is this you’ve got hold of?

Hovstad.

All the affairs of the town have gradually drifted into the hands of a pack of bureaucrats——

Dr. Stockmann.

Come now, they’re not all bureaucrats.

Hovstad.

No; but those who are not are the friends and adherents of those who are. We are entirely under the thumb of a ring of wealthy men, men of old family and position in the town.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but they are also men of ability and insight.

Hovstad.

Did they show ability and insight when they laid the water-pipes where they are?

Dr. Stockmann.

No; that, of course, was a piece of stupidity. But that will be set right now.

Hovstad.

Do you think it will go so smoothly?

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, smoothly or not, it will have to be done.

Hovstad.

Yes, if the press exerts its influence.

Dr. Stockmann.

Not at all necessary, my dear fellow; I am sure my brother——

Hovstad.

Excuse me, Doctor, but I must tell you that I think of taking the matter up.

Dr. Stockmann.

In the paper?

Hovstad.

Yes. When I took over thePeople’s Messenger, I was determined to break up the ring of obstinate old blockheads who held everything in their hands.

Dr. Stockmann.

But you told me yourself what came of it. You nearly ruined the paper.

Hovstad.

Yes, at that time we had to draw in our horns, that’s true enough. The whole Bath scheme might have fallen through if these men had been sent about their business. But now the Baths are an accomplished fact, and we can get on without these august personages.

Dr. Stockmann.

Get on without them, yes; but still we owe them a great deal.

Hovstad.

The debt shall be duly acknowledged. But a journalist of my democratic tendencies cannot let such an opportunity slip through his fingers. We must explode the tradition of official infallibility. That rubbish must be got rid of, like every other superstition.

Dr. Stockmann.

There I am with you with all my heart, Mr. Hovstad. If it’s a superstition, away with it!

Hovstad.

I should be sorry to attack the Burgomaster, as he is your brother. But I know you think with me—the truth before all other considerations.

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, of course. [Vehemently.] But still—! but still——!

Hovstad.

You mustn’t think ill of me. I am neither more self-interested nor more ambitious than other men.

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, my dear fellow—who says you are?

Hovstad.

I come of humble folk, as you know; and I have had ample opportunities of seeing what the lower classes really require. And that is to have a share in the direction of public affairs, Doctor. That is what develops ability and knowledge and self-respect——

Dr. Stockmann.

I understand that perfectly.

Hovstad.

Yes; and I think a journalist incurs a heavy responsibility if he lets slip a chance of helping to emancipate the downtrodden masses. I know well enough that our oligarchy will denounce me as an agitator, and so forth; but what do I care? If only my conscience is clear, I——

Dr. Stockmann.

Just so, just so, my dear Mr. Hovstad. But still—deuce take it——! [A knock at the door.] Come in!

Aslaksen,the printer, appears at the door leading to the hall. He is humbly but respectably dressed in black, wears a white necktie, slightly crumpled, and has a silk hat and gloves in his hand.

Aslaksen.

[Bowing.] I beg pardon, Doctor, for making so bold——

Dr. Stockmann.

[Rising.] Hallo! If it isn’t Mr. Aslaksen!

Aslaksen.

Yes, it’s me, Doctor.

Hovstad.

[Rising.] Is it me you want, Aslaksen?

Aslaksen.

No, not at all. I didn’t know you were here. No, it’s the Doctor himself——

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, what can I do for you?

Aslaksen.

Is it true, what Mr. Billing tells me, that you’re going to get us a better set of water-works?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, for the Baths.

Aslaksen.

Of course, of course. Then I just looked in to say that I'll back up the movement with all my might.

Hovstad.

[To theDoctor.] You see!

Dr. Stockmann.

I'm sure I thank you heartily; but——

Aslaksen.

You may find it no such bad thing to have us small middle-class men at your back. We form what you may call a compact majority in the town—when we really make up our minds, that’s to say. And it’s always well to have the majority with you, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

No doubt, no doubt; but I can’t conceive that any special measures will be necessary in this case. I should think in so clear and straightforward a matter——

Aslaksen.

Yes, but all the same, it can do no harm. I know the local authorities very well—the powers that be are not over ready to adopt suggestions from outsiders. So I think it wouldn’t be amiss if we made some sort of a demonstration.

Hovstad.

Precisely my opinion.

Dr. Stockmann.

A demonstration, you say? But in what way would you demonstrate?

Aslaksen.

Of course with great moderation, Doctor. I always insist upon moderation; for moderation is a citizen’s first virtue—at least that’s my way of thinking.

Dr. Stockmann.

We all know that, Mr. Aslaksen.

Aslaksen.

Yes, I think my moderation is generally recognised. And this affair of the water-works is very important for us small middle-class men. The Baths bid fair to become, as you might say, a little gold-mine for the town. We shall all have to live by the Baths, especially we house-owners. So we want to support the Baths all we can; and as I am Chairman of the House-owners' Association——

Dr. Stockmann.

Well——?

Aslaksen.

And as I'm an active worker for the Temperance[9]Society—of course you know, Doctor, that I'm a temperance man?

Dr. Stockmann.

To be sure, to be sure.

Aslaksen.

Well, you’ll understand that I come in contact with a great many people. And as I'm known to be a prudent and law-abiding citizen, as you yourself remarked, Doctor, I have a certain influence in the town, and hold some power in my hands—though I say it that shouldn’t.

Dr. Stockmann.

I know that very well, Mr. Aslaksen.

Aslaksen.

Well then, you see—it would be easy for me to get up an address, if it came to a pinch.

Dr. Stockmann.

An address?

Aslaksen.

Yes, a kind of vote of thanks to you, from the citizens of the town, for your action in a matter of such general concern. Of course it will have to be drawn up with all fitting moderation, so as to give no offence to the authorities and parties in power. But so long as we’re careful about that, no one can take it ill, I should think.

Hovstad.

Well, even if they didn’t particularly like it——

Aslaksen.

No no no; no offence to the powers that be, Mr. Hovstad. No opposition to people that can take it out of us again so easily. I've had enough of that in my time; no good ever comes of it. But no one can object to the free but temperate expression of a citizen’s opinion.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Shaking his hand.] I can’t tell you, my dear Mr. Aslaksen, how heartily it delights me to find so much support among my fellow townsmen. I'm so happy—so happy! Come, you’ll have a glass of sherry? Eh?

Aslaksen.

No, thank you; I never touch spirituous liquors.

Dr. Stockmann.

Well, then, a glass of beer—what do you say to that?

Aslaksen.

Thanks, not that either, Doctor. I never take anything so early in the day. And now I'll be off round the town, and talk to some of the house-owners, and prepare public opinion.

Dr. Stockmann.

It’s extremely kind of you, Mr. Aslaksen; but I really cannot get it into my head that all these preparations are necessary. The affair seems to me so simple and self-evident.

Aslaksen.

The authorities always move slowly, Doctor—God forbid I should blame them for it——

Hovstad.

We’ll stir them up in the paper to-morrow, Aslaksen.

Aslaksen.

No violence, Mr. Hovstad. Proceed with moderation, or you’ll do nothing with them. Takemy advice; I've picked up experience in the school of life.—And now I'll say good morning, Doctor. You know now that at least you have us small middle-class men behind you, solid as a wall. You have the compact majority on your side, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

Many thanks, my dear Mr.Aslaksen.[Holds out his hand.] Good-bye, good-bye.

Aslaksen.

Are you coming to the office, Mr. Hovstad?

Hovstad.

I shall come on presently. I have still one or two things to arrange.

Aslaksen.

Very well.

[Bows and goes.Dr. Stockmannaccompanies him into the hall.

Hovstad.

[As theDoctorre-enters.] Well, what do you say to that, Doctor? Don’t you think it is high time we should give all this weak-kneed, half-hearted cowardice a good shaking up?

Dr. Stockmann.

Are you speaking of Aslaksen?

Hovstad.

Yes, I am. He’s a decent enough fellow, but he’s one of those who are sunk in the swamp. And most people here are just like him; they are for ever wavering and wobbling from side to side;what with scruples and misgivings, they never dare advance a step.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, but Aslaksen seems to me thoroughly well-intentioned.

Hovstad.

There is one thing I value more than good intentions, and that is an attitude of manly self-reliance.

Dr. Stockmann.

There I am quite with you.

Hovstad.

So I am going to seize this opportunity, and try whether I can’t for once put a little grit into their good intentions. The worship of authority must be rooted up in this town. This gross, inexcusable blunder of the waterworks must be brought home clearly to every voter.

Dr. Stockmann.

Very well. If you think it’s for the good of the community, so be it; but not till I have spoken to my brother.

Hovstad.

At all events, I shall be writing my leader in the meantime. And if the Burgomaster won’t take the matter up——

Dr. Stockmann.

But how can you conceive his refusing?

Hovstad.

Oh, it’s not inconceivable. And then——

Dr. Stockmann.

Well then, I promise you—; look here—in that case you may print my paper—put it in just as it is.

Hovstad.

May I? Is that a promise?

Dr. Stockmann.

[Handing him the manuscript.] There it is; take it with you. You may as well read it in any case; you can return it to me afterwards.

Hovstad.

Very good; I shall do so. And now, good-bye, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

Good-bye, good-bye. You’ll see it will all go smoothly, Mr. Hovstad—as smoothly as possible.

Hovstad.

H'm—we shall see.

[Bows and goes out through the hall.

Dr. Stockmann.

[Going to the dining-room door and looking in.] Katrina! Hallo! are you back, Petra?

Petra.

[Entering.] Yes, I've just got back from school.

Mrs. Stockmann.

[Entering.] Hasn’t he been here yet?

Dr. Stockmann.

Peter? No; but I have been having a longtalk with Hovstad. He’s quite enthusiastic about my discovery. It turns out to be of much wider import than I thought at first. So he has placed his paper at my disposal, if I should require it.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Do you think you will?

Dr. Stockmann.

Not I! But at the same time, one cannot but be proud to know that the enlightened, independent press is on one’s side. And what do you think? I have had a visit from the Chairman of the House-owners' Association too.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Really? What did he want?

Dr. Stockmann.

To assure me of his support. They will all stand by me at a pinch. Katrina, do you know what I have behind me?

Mrs. Stockmann.

Behind you? No. What have you behind you?

Dr. Stockmann.

The compact majority!

Mrs. Stockmann.

Oh! Is that good for you, Thomas?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, indeed; I should think itwasgood. [Rubbing his hands as he walks up and down.] GreatGod! what a delight it is to feel oneself in such brotherly unison with one’s fellow townsmen?

Petra.

And to do so much that’s good and useful, father!

Dr. Stockmann.

And all for one’s native town, too!

Mrs. Stockmann.

There’s the bell.

Dr. Stockmann.

That must be he. [Knock at the door.] Come in!

EnterBurgomaster Stockmannfrom the hall.

Burgomaster.

Good morning.

Dr. Stockmann.

I'm glad to see you, Peter.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Good morning, brother-in-law. How are you?

Burgomaster.

Oh, thanks, so-so. [To theDoctor.] Yesterday evening, after office hours, I received from you a dissertation upon the state of the water at the Baths.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes. Have you read it?

Burgomaster.

I have.

Dr. Stockmann.

And what do you think of the affair?

Burgomaster.

H'm—[With a sidelong glance.

Mrs. Stockmann.

Come, Petra.

[She andPetrago into the room on the left.

Burgomaster.

[After a pause.] Was it necessary to make all these investigations behind my back?

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, till I was absolutely certain, I——

Burgomaster.

And are you absolutely certain now?

Dr. Stockmann.

My paper must surely have convinced you of that.

Burgomaster.

Is it your intention to submit this statement to the Board of Directors, as a sort of official document?

Dr. Stockmann.

Of course. Something must be done in the matter, and that promptly.

Burgomaster.

As usual, you use very strong expressions in your statement. Amongst other things, you say that what we offer our visitors is a slow poison.

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, Peter, what else can it be called? Only think—poisoned water both internally and externally! And that to poor invalids who come to us in all confidence, and pay us handsomely to cure them!

Burgomaster.

And then you announce as your conclusion that we must build a sewer to carry off the alleged impurities from the Mill Dale, and must re-lay all the water-pipes.

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes. Can you suggest any other plan?—I know of none.

Burgomaster.

I found a pretext for looking in at the town engineer’s this morning, and—in a half-jesting way—I mentioned these alterations as things we might possibly have to consider, at some future time.

Dr. Stockmann.

At some future time!

Burgomaster.

Of course he smiled at what he thought my extravagance. Have you taken the trouble to think what your proposed alterations would cost? From what the engineer said, I gathered that the expenses would probably mount up to several hundred thousand crowns.

Dr. Stockmann.

So much as that?

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