It is obvious even to the doubtful or carping mind that if a new thing is done it is done by somebody first.

Others will do it afterward, but there must and always will be a first.
"Nobody ever swallowed a river before, beginning at its mouth and swallowing it clean down to its source, but a division of gallant young troops from Ohio have done so.

They are the first, and they must and always will be the first.

Doubtless, other rivers will be swallowed later on.

As the population increases, larger rivers will be swallowed, but the credit for initiating the first and greatest pure-water drinking movement in the history of the world will always belong to a brave army division from the state of Ohio." A roar of applause burst forth, and Warner, standing up, bowed gracefully with his hand upon his heart.