The Harris-Ingram Experiment | Page 7

below the level of the sea, from which
it is protected by embankments. This fenny district gradually had been
reclaimed, and to-day the deep loam and peat-soils, not unlike the rich
farms of Holland, are celebrated for their high condition of agriculture.
What mortgages the Hon. George Searles held were secured upon
Lincolnshire estates, some of England's best lands.
Hugh Searles, his son, however, had known only London life since he
graduated from Cambridge. His office was in Chancery Lane, and his
surroundings and teachings had been of the speculative kind, hence he
was a fit agent for his firm. Already he had acquired a sunny suburban
home in Kent, and was ambitious to hold a seat in Parliament. As he
walked the steamer's deck, he looked the typical Englishman, five feet
ten inches in height, broad shoulders and full chest; his weight about
two hundred pounds, or "fifteen stones" as Searles phrased it.
His face was round and ruddy, his beard closely cut, and his hair light

and fine, indicating quality. His step was firm, and he seemed always in
deep study. When addressed by his fellow passengers however, he was
courteous, always talked to the point in his replies, and was anxious to
learn more of America, or as he expressed it, "of the Anglo-Saxon
confederation." He was very proud of his Anglo-Saxon origin, and
Empire, and believed in the final Anglo-Saxon ascendancy over the
world.
On board ship were several young Englishmen, who were on their
return to various posts of duty. Three were buyers for cotton firms in
Liverpool and Manchester, and they were hastening back to Norfolk,
Va., Memphis, and New Orleans. Two of the passengers were English
officers, returning to their commands in far away Australia. Others, like
Searles, were crossing the Atlantic for the first time in search of fame
and fortune. These adventurous Englishmen thought it fine sport as the
"Majestic" sighted Fire Light Island to join the enthusiastic Americans
in singing "America." So heartily did they sing, that the Americans in
turn, using the same tune, cordially sang "God save the Queen."
At first Hugh Searles was a little disconcerted, when the whole Harris
family approached him in the Waldorf reception-room. Colonel Harris
cordially extended his hand, and said, "Mr. Searles, we are all glad to
meet you, and bid you hearty welcome to America. Please let me make
you acquainted with my wife, Mrs. Harris, my daughters, Gertrude and
Lucille, and my son, Alfonso."
"An unexpected greeting you give me, Colonel Harris," said Hugh
Searles, as he gave each person a quick hand-shake, thinking that to be
an American he must grasp hands cordially.
The family were much interested in the details of Mr. Searles's voyage,
as they expected soon to be en route for Europe. Mr. Searles said, "The
cause of the 'Majestic's' delay was a broken propeller in rough seas off
the Banks of Newfoundland. I am glad to reach New York." He had
arrived at the Hotel at ten o'clock and already had been to lunch.
Mr. Searles gladly accepted an invitation from Colonel Harris for a
drive, Mrs. Harris and Lucille to accompany them. Searles expressed a

wish to see the famous Roebling suspension bridge, so the coachman
drove first down Broadway to the post office, then past the great
newspaper buildings, and out upon the marvelous highway or bridge
suspended in the air between New York and Brooklyn. When midway,
Mr. Searles begged to step out of the carriage, and putting his arms
around one of the four enormous cables, inquired of Colonel Harris
how these huge cables were carried over the towers.
Colonel Harris explained that each cable was composed of over five
thousand steel wires, and that a shuttle carried the wire back and forth
till the requisite strength of cables was obtained. The expense of the
bridge was about $15,000,000, which the two cities paid. Its great
utility had been abundantly proved by the repeated necessity of
enlarging the approaches.
The drive to the Central Park was up Fifth Avenue, home of America's
multi-millionaires. An unending cavalcade of superb family equipages
was passing through the entrance at 59th Street. Colonel Harris
explained that "Central Park had been planted with over half a million
trees, shrubs and vines, and that which was once a waste of rock and
swamp, had by skill of enthusiastic engineers and landscape gardeners
blossomed into green lawns, shady groves, vine-covered arbors, with
miles of roads and walks, inviting expanses of water, picturesque bits
of architecture, and scenery, that rival the world's parks."
The ride and comments of Mr. Searles afforded the Harris family an
opportunity to study their guest, and on returning to the hotel, all
agreed that Hugh Searles was thoroughly equipped to protect his
English patrons in any