It is this fact which gives such special value to the sort of experiences we are about to record from one of the later tours of The General, that of 1902-3.
Summing up the journey and its general impressions to an old friend, he writes:-- "Well, I have been busy and no mistake.

Day after day, hour after hour, you might say minute after minute, I have had duties calling for immediate attention.

Oh, it has been a whirl! But what a wonderful rush of success the nine weeks have been since I landed at New York.
"The people, the Press, the dignitaries of all classes have combined in the heartiest of welcomes ever given in this country, I suppose, to 'a foreigner' of any nationality.

It has been remarkable, and, indeed, surprising, for it was so largely _unexpected_.
"I have just come into this city of Kansas.

The two largest hotels have competed to have the privilege of giving me their best rooms, with free entertainment.