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Sara's eyes widened in surprise as she immediately rose to her feet the moment she saw Poul coming out from the council chamber's door.
"What happened? You've only been in there for under a minute? Did they reject you outright?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice.
Poul couldn't help but chuckle at her worried expression as he shook his head. "Didn't I tell you that I'll finish it in just under a minute? And here I am, mission accomplished," he said with a triumphant grin, spreading his arms playfully.
Sara sighed in relief. "So, how will we find out who won the contract?"
"I guess we'll just have to wait for them to phone us," Poul said."
***
Two days after the bidding proposal, the council members of the Chicago World's Fair convened a meeting to decide to whom they will grant a contract.
"I think it's financially clear that we take the better bid," Cregier said.
"Look, didn't you hear Mr. Russell? He said that alternating current is dangerous," Cannon said.
"Potentially dangerous," Lawson corrected.
"Oh? But didn't you print it in your papers about the dangers of the alternating current?"
Judge Tree interjected, "Regardless of the newspaper articles, we should base our decision on the merits of the proposals. Let's not forget that safety is of utmost importance."
Charles Schwab nodded in agreement. "Indeed, safety should be a top priority. But we must also consider the advancements and cost-effectiveness of each system. After all, this fair is about showcasing the future and innovation."
William Carleigh added. "Besides, there haven't been any accidents relating to alternating current, has there been one?"
"There was a man in New York who got executed using electric chairs with the alternating current system," Cannon said.
"But that execution was a success, right? The man died without any complications," Mayor Cregier chimed in. "It was a controlled use of alternating current, and it shows that the system can be harnessed safely when used appropriately."
Lawson nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we cannot ignore the fact that alternating current has its merits. It may have potential risks, but so does any electrical system. I heard that any current above 20 milliamps could be fatal, and both direct and alternating current has the potential to exceed that threshold."
"How about we look at this from another perspective, hmm?" Cregier proposed. "Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company will save us money but Russell will sell us tickets. He is a popular man, both domestically and abroad. So even if we decide to be practical at the cost, the returns would likely be much higher if we choose Russell Illumination Company."
"We need a clear majority, gentlemen. We have to decide what system we should use for the World's Fair," Schwab said.
"I think what Cregier is doing here is he wanted us to choose the Russell Illumination Company because I know that you, Mr. Cregier, have stocks in Russell Illumination Company," Lawson said.
"That's irrelevant, Mr. Lawson," Mayor Cregier retorted firmly. "My personal investments have no bearing on the fair's decision-making process. We are here to choose the best current for the Chicago World's Fair."
"And that best current…is the alternating current," Lawson interrupted.
Judge Tree intervened, seeking to steer the conversation back on track. "Let's not get sidetracked by personal matters. "I'll make a vote now. Since there's no proof that alternating current is dangerous and that Mr. Russell is just branding them as fatal so that he would get the contract, I will choose Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company as the company who will light up the fair," Judge Tree declared firmly.
"Me too," Lawson added, showing his support for the decision.
Charles Schwab nodded thoughtfully. "As much as I understand the appeal of Russell's popularity, we should prioritize the practicality and financial aspect of this decision. My vote also goes to Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company."
Cannon seemed to reluctantly accept the consensus forming among the council members. "Well, if that's the majority, then I concur. Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company it is."
Mayor Cregier, who had been staunchly in favor of Russell Illumination Company, looked disappointed but didn't argue further. "Very well, I suppose majority rules."
"Indeed it is," Carleigh said. "So are we all in agreement that the Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company will be awarded the contract to light up the Chicago World's Fair?" he asked, looking around at the council members.
One by one, they all nodded in agreement, except for Mayor Cregier, who had a slightly disappointed expression on his face. However, he knew that he had to respect the decision of the majority.
"Yes, it seems we have reached a consensus," Schwab said. "Axelsen and Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company it is."
With the decision made, the council members finalized the contract arrangements and informed both companies of the outcome through telephone calls.
Nielsen was in his office back in Pennsylvania when he received the news. He was on the phone with them, and the moment he heard that they won the contract, he jumped out of his seat with excitement.
"We got it! We got the contract!" Poul exclaimed, unable to contain his joy. Jonathan and Amelia looked up and cheered in excitement.
"Do we really?" Jonathan asked, making sure he heard correctly.
"Yes, we do!" Poul confirmed, beaming with pride. "The council has awarded us the contract to light up the Chicago World's Fair!"
Amelia couldn't help but jump up and down in celebration. "That's amazing news, Poul! Congratulations to all of us!"
"Let's spread the news to everyone!" Poul said. "I can't wait to inform Sara about the decision, well I guess I'll have to go to the hospital later.
***
While the Axelsen & Nielsen Corporation was having their victory celebration, back at Russell Illumination Company, the atmosphere was quite different. Russell, along with his secretary Sam Insull, sat in his office with defeated expressions etched on their faces.
"This is bad…Mr. Russell, if Morgan were to hear about this," Sam said carefully.
"I know, Sam, I know what will happen. You don't have to remind me," Russell cut him off, his voice stammering.
There was an agreement made between him and Morgan, that if they lost the contract, he would lose his company, and Morgan would take over.
While succumbing to their defeat, the telephone on his desk rang. Sam picked the phone up and asked.
"Who is this?"
His brows creased the moment he heard the caller's name. "It's Mr. Morgan, Mr. Russell, he said he would like to meet in your office tomorrow."
"So this is where it will end, huh?" Russell murmured,
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