New Britain herald., 1914-08-06
HAPPY REFUGEES QUIT
 ENGLAND FOR HOME
American Character Shawn When
 932 SalI On Philadelphia.

; London, Aug 6.-American char acter was shown finely and typically l yesterday at Southampton when 932 l Americans sailed on the American liner Philadelphia. Of the total 502 were in the second class, which is the best the vessel affords since it was placed in the "one class service ] by the International Mercantile Ma | rne some time ago, and the remain 1 ing 43O were in the steerage. 1 It is safe to say that never since the Maytlower has ship sailed with 1 so important a list of steerage pas l sengers. This list of the Phila- delphia included many wealthy men i and women and many of prominence. ! They showed no annoyance at being compelled to travel in the steerage 1 and made no complaint at their novel ! position. They appeared happier than those in the cabin. All were laugh ing and in the best of spirits as they were escorted to their hunks. Three wealthy Pittsburg men agreed that this was true democracy, real ly illustrating the ultimate value ot money. The. men, women and chll- dren in the steerage seemed to look upon the voyage as a joke. Good na- ture reigncd throughout that part of the ship.
 Share Their Staterooms. It was good to see the spirit of chivalry that animated the more fortunate who were in first or sec ond class quarters. Persons who had staterooms to themselves went to the agents of the line and said: "I have too much room. Fill the extra berths in my stateroom.' Cultured American Women.
 Many of the steerage passengers were cultured American women and very soon they began exchanging berths, men in the first class state rooms giving up their places to wom- en from the steerage.
 II feel like boy again." said one man to a reporter This is a big ad- venture. We all intend to imagine we are camping out for a week."
 Manager Currie of the American line with a corps of assistants, did everything to aid the passengers, pro- viding extra supplies of good food and extra blankets and bedding for the steerage.
 Speaks to Voyagers. ...s
 When the passengers were aboard Col. A. w. Swalm, American consul at Southampton, a civil war veteran, made speech to the voyagers in which he said:
 This ship has been prepared at this extremely abnormal time in the best possible way for your accommo- dation. If you find any pikers aboard throw them into the sea. This is an emergency which tries our souls. I am thankful that what is best in the American character will come out. Thank God, you are going home in charge of such an admirable com mander as Captain Mills.''
 One Woman Hysterical.
 Of all the passengers only one woman was hysterical. When her mental equilibrium was restored by a little brandy it was found that she was hysterical merely from joy at finding herself safely aboard an American vessel
 Col Swalm's address evoked a storm of cheers. All crowded round him and as many as got close enough shook the hand of the old soldier.
 Orderly Authorization.
 Perfect arrangements at the dock insured an orderly authorization. Col Swalm stood at the end of the gang way. Many went up the gangplank without tickets. The American con- sul listened to their stories. If they were women he asked if they had any money and if the answer was in the negative he used his own judg ment and gave them some, while the quartermaster at the gangway turned
  aboard.