The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-09-22
CHAPTER II.

Whittingham there had been an arrange
ment made between ourselves and the
government, by the terms of which we
were to have the government business,
and to occupy, in fact, much that quasi
official position enjoyed by the Bank Of
England at home. AS quid pro quo, the
bank was to lend to the republic the sum
of 100000 at per cent. The President
was at the time floating a loan of one
million dollars for the purpose of works
at the harbor of Nottingham. This as
tute ruler had, it seemed, hit on the plan
of instituting public works on a large
scale as a corrective to popular discon-
tent, hoping thereby not only to develop
trade, but also to give employment to
many persons who, if unoccupied, became
centers of agitation. Such at least was
the official account of his policy; whether
it was the true one | saw reason to
doubt later on. AS regards this loan, my
Office was purely ministerial. The ar
rangements were duly made, the proper
guarantees given, and the June after my
arrival l had the pleasure of handing over
to the President the 100000. 1 learned
from him on that occasion, that to his
had been taken up.
I'VE shall make a start at once, SIR"
said the President, in his usual confident
but quiet way. I'm two years Whiting
ham harbor will walk over the world.
Don't be afraid about your interest. Your
directors never made a better invest
ment."
l thanked his excellency and withdrew
with a peaceful mind. l had no respon-
sibility in the matter, and cared nothing
whether the directors got their interest or
not. l was, however, somewhat curious
to know who had taken up the rest of the
loan curiosity which was not destined
to be satisfied for some time.
The works were begun and the inter-
est was paid, but l cannot say that the
harbor progressed rapidly; in fact, doubt
if more than 100000 ever found their
way into the pockets of contractors or
workmen over the job. The President had
some holes dug and some walls built !;
having reached that point, about two
years after the interview above recorded,
he suddenly drew off the few laborers still
employed and matters came to a dead
stop.
1t was shortly after this occurrence
that l was honored with an invitation to
dine at the Golden House. 1t was in
the month of July. Needless to say,
accepted the invitation, not only because
it was in the nature of a command, but
also because the President gave uncom-
monty good dinners, and, although a bach
elor had as we'll ordered household as
| I hav knn Nv foo
greatly increased when, on my arrival, I
found myself the only guest, and realized
that the President considered my society
in itself enough for an evenings enter
tainment. 1t did cross my mind that this
might mean business, and l thought it
none the worse for that
We dined in the famous veranda, the
scene of so many Nottingham functions,
The dinner was beyond reproach. The
President was charming companion
Though not, as l have limited, a man Of
much education, he had had a wide ex-
perience of life, and had picked up a man
ner at once quiet and cordial which set
me completely at my ease. Moreover, he
paid me the compliment, always so sweet
to youth, of treating me as a man of the
| world. With condescending confidence he
told me many tales of his earlier DAYS !:
and as he had been everywhere, his con-
versation was naturally most interesting.
Dinner was over mad the table cleared
| before the President seemed inclined for
serious conversation. Then he said sud-
denly:
Mr.. Martin, this country is in peril
Gus condition"
Your excellency," said 1, "do you refer
to the earthquake" (There had been a
slight shock few days before.)
No, sir" he replied, ITO the finances.
The harbor works have proved far more
expensive than anticipated. 1 hold in
| my hand the engineers certificate that
! $9O3,OOO has been actually expended on
them, and they are not fnished-not by
any means finished"
They certainly were not; they were
| hardly begun.
| "Dear me-" I ventured to say, ''that
seems a good deal Of money, considering
| what there is to show for it."
"You cannot doubt the certificate, Mr..
Martin" said the President.
I did doubt the certificate, and should
have liked to ask what fee the engineer
had received. But hastily said it was,
| Of course, beyond suspicion.