The man with the white hat is named George. He is a rich man who has much power and prestige. He is asking the other man to make changes in accommodations because he is not satisfied with the arrangements that have been made for him on the boat. When he first entered his room on the boat, the first thought that went through his mind was about how small and dingy his room was. In George's mind, he considers himself a very powerful man and believes he deserves the best. George, however, is a man who is very manipulate with his words and asks one of the ship managers patiently to have things changed. 
