The next town I was anxious to visit during the autumn of 1849, was Hamburg. There were reasons why I should entertain great expectations of doing well there.
Firstly, there was abundance of gas to be had, and secondly, there had been no ascent there for many years.
Under these auspices, I started in company with the Prussian with whom I had associated myself in Berlin, and we took up our quarters near the Alster, quite sanguine as to being able to find a public garden or other locality from which to ascend.
My first application was to President Gossler, the head official and senator, to whom I presented my credentials, I was graciously promised every assistance, and was requested to apply again when a convenient place was found.
We rose early next morning with the express object of exploring Hamburg. Two or three agents, with a view of assisting in the enterprise, accompanied us, and it was not long before a well enclosed plot of ground presented itself; but obstacles arose as fast as localities sprang into view, the chief of which was a consideration (pecuniary of course), which was, no doubt, the custom of the country, but not at all palatable to my taste in the loose way in which it was required to be made; for instance—it was whispered, that the golden key was the thing here to unlock all difficulties,—good, so it is in most places: “But in what form do you propose to apply it?” I enquired of our agent.
“A few pounds to pave the way as a presentation would be advisable.”
“Indeed,” said I to our Hebrew-looking adviser, “I do not understand that vague sort of trafficking; if the holder of a piece of property will set a price on the letting of it, I will say yes or no!”
“They will let you have it for nothing, but you must be polite and expend a few pounds first with those you wish to help you.”
“That is not my style of doing business, and I do not approve of it.”
“Then you will not be fortunate here.”