The Harris-Ingram ExperimentBolton, Charles E. (Charles Edward)
Science
The Harris-Ingram Experiment
Bolton, Charles E. (Charles Edward)
Science fiction, American
It was clear to George and Gertrude that little or no hindrance would be
offered to wise plans of usefulness. It was finally agreed that Colonel
Harris and George should spend a week or two visiting some of the great
industrial centers of Europe, and that Alfonso and Leo should accompany
the ladies to Paris, and then visit the haunts of the old portrait
painters of the Netherlands.
It was also decided by George and Gertrude that they would be married in
Paris. This made the two lovers happy; for soon the two diamonds and ruby
would be advanced to the ring finger, as promised by Gertrude on Mt.
Holyoke. Each felt that an inexpensive marriage in Paris would be a
fortunate escape from possible criticisms at home. Colonel Harris had
promised Gertrude a special gift of a thousand dollars for the
approaching nuptials, she to do what she desired with the money. So she
decided to use only one-fourth of the gift for herself, to send one-half
of it to the Relief Society, and the balance to two ladies' benevolent
societies of Harrisville.
The discussion of these plans made the last night in London a happy one.
Happiness comes when we warm the hearts near us. When selfishness leaves
the heart, the dove of peace enters. Early next morning at the Victoria
Station, Colonel Harris and George saw their friends off for Paris. The
route taken was the one via the London, Chatham & Dover Railway, an
hour's run to Dover, thence in the twin steamer "Calais-Dover," an hour
and a half's ride across the English Channel to Calais, and from Calais
via railway to Paris, capital of the French Republic.
Then Reuben Harris and George Ingram left Victoria Station to pay their
respects to Henry Bessemer, civil engineer, who lived at Denmark Hill
south of London. They desired to study the conditions which make the
British people powerful. Both were aware that England was richly stored
with the most serviceable of all minerals, coal and iron, in convenient
proximity; that her large flocks of sheep supplied both wool and leather;
that Ireland had been encouraged in the cultivation of flax; that the
convenience of intercourse between mother country and her neighbors,
especially America, had enabled England to engage largely in the
manufacture of the three textile staples, wool, flax, and cotton. But
material resources are only one element in great industrial successes.
Both labor and capital are equally essential.
Englishmen have strength and skill. In delicate and artistic
manipulation, however, the Englishman may be surpassed, but he possesses
in a rare degree great capacity for physical application to work, also
tremendous mental energy and perseverance. Most of the world's valuable
and great inventions, as successfully applied to the leading industries,
were made by the English.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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