Which course ought he to decide upon?
In the point of view of fitness of soil, facility of communications, and rapidity of transport, the rights of the two states were really equal.

As to the political personalities, they had nothing to do with the question.
Now this hesitation and embarrassment had already lasted some time when Barbicane resolved to put an end to it; he called his colleagues together, and the solution he proposed to them was a profoundly wise one, as will be seen from the following:-- "After due consideration," said he, "of all that has just occurred between Florida and Texas, it is evident that the same difficulties will again crop up between the towns of the favoured state.

The rivalry will be changed from state to city, and that is all.

Now Texas contains eleven towns with the requisite conditions that will dispute the honour of the enterprise, and that will create fresh troubles for us, whilst Florida has but one; therefore I decide for Tampa Town!" The Texican deputies were thunderstruck at this decision.

It put them into a terrible rage, and they sent nominal provocations to different members of the Gun Club.