If I had told Mike I had seen his Satanic Majesty, he could not have hurried his final preparations more, as he has a horror of the “interviewer,” and we were determined to escape them while in Ireland.
When the reporter reached my side, he began at once: “I represent the Whig, the Belfast Whig. We want an account of this airship, if you please. What are your names? Where did you come from?” Before he could ask any more questions, Mike shouted loudly to me: “All aboard.”
I was glad to leap into my seat. Without another word, Mike vaulted into his place, started the motor, and before the astonished reporter could get out another word, we were sailing in the air.
The big crowd cheered and clapped their hands, as we rose gracefully towards Cave Hill. Ascending to the very summit of this hill, Mike turned the aeroplane in one of his familiar circles, and we made another wide sweep over Belfast. Below us we could see Belfast Castle. The Earl of Shaftesbury, grandson of the famous philanthropist, lives in this Castle, which is a modern mansion, as everything is around Belfast. The Earl has inherited some of the sterling qualities of his illustrious grandfather, and is a public spirited citizen. He was elected Lord Mayor of Belfast in 1907. Belfast is a remarkable city, different from any other city in Ireland. It practically came on the map in the 17th century, when it first became a centre for the export of linen in a small way.
As it is located at the junction of Down and Antrim two Presbyterian Counties, Belfast has always been a Presbyterian stronghold. There are upwards of 60 prosperous Presbyterian churches in the city today, and the Presbyterian Assembly Hall is one of the largest and most beautiful buildings in the North of Ireland.
One hundred years ago Belfast had a population of less than 20,000. Today it has nearly 400,000. Its wealth has doubled six times in the last 25 years.
Belfast owes its prosperity to the linen trade. This industry alone now amounts to sixty million dollars a year. The largest mill, which I could easily distinguish, covers five acres, with 6000 spindles, 1000 looms and more than 4000 employees.
There are also extensive machine shops, and its ship yards build the largest ocean liners afloat.
Here also are manufactured agricultural implements, “soft drinks” of all kinds, and machinery of every sort.
Its situation on Belfast Lough, at the mouth of the Lagan is picturesque, and, taken altogether, Belfast is one of the finest cities in Europe. Leaving it behind us we sailed due south, in the direction of Downpatrick, where St. Patrick is buried.