One morning, as I went to look at the work, I saw a well dressed European walking about, and examining the building, with the air of a Lord Moses at the head of the public works department. I paid no attention to him. He came up to me, and without a nod, or salutation, asked in an authoritative tone, “What is this building for?” as if I was some native mistree. I replied that it was for a library and reading room, with a lecture hall to be a resort for the Eurasian community. He asked, “Is it not too large for them? Could they not have done with a cheaper building? It is a very fine building, too good for them, it seems to me. In fact, I have not a very good opinion of the Eurasians.” I interrupted, “You are talking to one now, and I do not think your remark very becoming, at least, it is not pleasing to me, for you, a European, to speak so of a class of people, who are here, or the most of them, through the lusts and licentiousness of your Europeans.” I was angry, and he saw it. He reddened up and said, “Excuse me, but I did not know you were an Eurasian, and you know that present company is always excepted.” Either he was guilty of dullness, in not perceiving my complexion, or else of lying, and either was the same to me. I turned, and went to look at some work, and thus began and ended my only interview with the Commissioner of the Division. This little matter quite upset me for the day, for this reason. This man of pink eyes, white eyebrows, and yellow complexion, in appearance, manner and insolent words, was so like that paternal ancestor of mine that the sight of him, with his insolence, brought all those black, hateful scenes of my earlier life to my mind again, not that I cared so much for the name Eurasian, as applied to myself and others, for I had given him the word, but on account of his insolence and insulting remarks. On another morning came the Collector of the District, quite a different type of man altogether from the Commissioner. He was very courteous, praised the building and grounds, hoped our undertaking would be most successful, as it was just what was needed. “By the way,” said he, “why didn’t you send your subscription paper to me, for I would gladly have subscribed.” I thanked him, saying that except two, all the subscribers were Eurasians, as we preferred to have them own the building, and feel that it was theirs. “A very good idea,” he answered. “As you will not let me help you with money, I will give you my best wishes for your success, and bid you good morning,” and shaking my hand, he left. There was such a wide contrast between this man and the Commissioner, that I enjoyed as much pleasure from his call, as I felt angry and disgusted with that of the other.