"Underwhelm" [noun] (1923)

[Douglas G. Wilson]

_Chronicle-Telegram_ (Elyria OH), 12 Nov. 1923: p. 12, col. 5:

<<"Since the discovery of radiant matter, scientists have generally
considered that the most useful and important of all inventions or
discoveries would be one to enable the practical release for the use of man
of the stupendous interatomic energy stored in matter," said Hudson Maxim,
famous inventor, recently. / "But there is one invention or discovery which
would far transcend even this in value. It is a system of self government
whereby the greatest good might be attained and the best united welfare of
the people served, instead of the people being overwhelmed and made
underwhelms of government officialdom -- robbed lean in civil life and
exploited and bled white in useless wars. / " .... ">>

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That's the inventor of the Maxim gun speaking. I suppose "underwhelm" here
is like "underling" ... or maybe "underdog"?

-- Doug Wilson