sociate
member was respected, if not on his own account, then on behalf of his
constituency, and all business was discussed and consummated with
the same courtesy and efficiency, as at a well regulated board of bank
directors.

Never before were streets so well paved, cleaned and sprinkled; never
were city improvements so promptly made without increase of debt, and
never did public schools prosper better. Men of experience on all lines
were drafted on special committees and commissions, and vigorous work
toward practical ends went forward on river, harbor, and other
improvements.

Electricity, supplied by the city, furnished power, heat, and light. High
pressure water relegated the steam fire-engine to the Historical Society,
and low pressure water, at minimum cost, was supplied to the people in
such abundance that during the summer season, before sunrise, all paved
streets were cleansed by running water and brush brooms. All sewerage and
garbage were promptly removed, and used to enrich the suburban
market-gardens.

Every country road leading into the city had its electric railway with
combination passenger and freight cars, and farm products for the people
were delivered in better condition, earlier at the markets, and at much
reduced prices. The advantages enjoyed by rich and poor in Harrisville
were soon noised abroad, and the influx of new comers constantly
increased the growth of the city. Mayor Ingram had been given a
re-election. Prosperity in his own business had brought great returns,
and the mayor's chief concern was, what to do with his accumulations.

One day the County Commissioners, the City Government, the Chamber of
Commerce, and the Board of Education were equally surprised to receive
from George Ingram the announcement that he would build for the people at
his own expense a court house, a city hall, a public library, and public
baths. He had often wondered how it was possible that other millionaires
could overlook and miss such opportunities to distribute surplus funds
among the people. Gertrude early observed the city's needs, and had
pointed out the opportunity to George, urging that part of her father's
money should be united with their own increasing wealth to supply funds
for the execution of their plans.

The four committees appointed by city and county acted speedily in the
consideration of details. It was decided to construct a group of
buildings on the park. The architecture adopted for