My next move was to draw up a prospectus, or a statement of what was proposed, and the necessity for it. I made no mention of Mr. Jasper’s offer, or what my wife and I would do. I wished to get every Eurasian in the station to have an interest and share in the affair. I had no idea of leaving any one out, no matter how poor they were, even if they could only subscribe a rupee. I do not believe in one or two, or a few, bearing all the burdens for the many. Besides, it was not so much for the money as a personal interest, to develop the manhood of even the poorest, and make them feel that when they came among us that they had a right there. I started out with the paper to get subscriptions. The first I went to was the personal assistant to the Commissioner of the Division. I knew he resented being classed as an Eurasian, and kept aloof from them, claiming that he was of French descent, but if he was not a dusky son of the sun then his color lied. Everybody knew that his grandmother was as puckhi a native woman as ever sat cross-legged and ate dhal bhat with her fingers. He never associated with Europeans, and had only two intimates of a like grade as himself. He declined very abruptly, as he had no interest in the matter. He held himself very lofty and reserved, as if he had been made chief toe-nail cutter by appointment to the Viceroy. I did not waste any time on him or upon his two friends, who made the same excuse. I was rather glad of their refusal, and only went to them to prevent their saying afterward that I had not applied to them. They were very important personages in their own estimation. Their money was not needed, and their manhood had no basis on which to develop. Among all the others I had great success. The plan was settled and the building commenced and pushed on as fast as possible. I wanted everybody to see that we meant business. All seemed to acquiesce in feeling that I should manage the affair. In fact I never had a thought about this but went ahead. Then my engineering education came into use. I assumed the whole responsibility, and whether the subscriptions were few or many, I concluded that my wife and I, if required, would balance every rupee of Mr. Jasper’s with one of ours. What I wanted most from the subscribers was their personal interest.