Clarence Day, Jr.

“ That is one of the last things that any tribe on earth ever seeks. Human beings are not sensible, hard-headed creatures. Far from it. They are temperamental, sir. Any misbegotten notion can rule them. When the fashion here was to have a home perched on a tall flight of steps, they all wanted that kind. Lame or strong, old or young, the poor things climbed 'stoops' daily for years. When largeness is fashionable, they will sacrifice comfort to largeness. ”

“ The new system gave people less room, perhaps, but still room enough; and it had other conveniences which more than made up for the change."
"True," said the explorer, "and the same will be true of buildings of state-rooms. There will be less room, but still room enough, and there will be new conveniences. Men who build ships have learned how to save space in hundreds of ways. They put in lockers instead of closets, for example, and place drawers under the bunks. Call such men to your aid. Tell them to design kitchens like a ship's galley—they'll be far more convenient. ”

“ The umbrella hats were the only kind suitable for use in the village. The tribe had once reduced the width of them, he added, from five feet to three. This he considered a triumph of human intelligence. But to give them up—no. People would not be comfortable or happy, or feel at ease, living without them. ”

“ There is an irreducible minimum."
"If you are speaking rationally and not merely conventionally," the explorer replied, "I quite agree that some people need space. There are people with active legs, restless eyes, who want to move about, even at home. ”

“ Nice, homelike upper berths, leased to bachelors, and whole compartments for families. And whenever a millionaire came along and wanted to make a great showing, he could lease a space equivalent to a private car. ”

“ But the explorer broke in. "If your business is to house human beings, I should think you would first learn something about them." He glared at poor Gary. "You will never learn by listening to their talk, sir. ”