stjorthotic Chapter 354 Secret Arrangements
Chapter 354 Secret Arrangements
Chapter 354 Secret Arrangements
After Kennedy left, Larry smiled and waved to Mr. Ford, trying to comfort his fragile little heart.
"It's nothing, Senator, you have your own schedule."
Ford breathed a sigh of relief. "—Oh, it's not that I'm afraid he'll be angry. I just feel that he left so soon after arriving—well, he is indeed quite busy."
The two walked side by side into the factory. Larry waved his hand, "But the senator also wants to know your progress."
He needs to know that his money wasn't wasted. Of course, I've already told him that developing a new product always takes time.
Ford nodded vigorously, saying, "Of course! Mr. Livingston, you're right. It's just a pity Mr. Kennedy can't see it, so please come in with me."
Two workshops further on, a complex belt-driven machine came into view in front of Ford. Looking at it, Ford couldn't suppress a smile. "This is an electric starter. You know, traditional cars need a hand crank to start. But an electric starter is much better—"
This is a DC series motor with a cast iron casing about six inches long and weighing over ten pounds, covered with a densely packed, complex set of gears. Some are made of brass and have helical teeth, allowing for axial sliding.
Although placed on a table, the machine has a foot switch underneath. It's clear that stepping on the switch connects the circuit. Next to it are four nickel-iron batteries connected in series, providing 32 volts.
Larry looked at the machine with some surprise. It was polished to a very high shine by the Mosuo, clearly indicating that it had been used for frequent testing.
I initially thought Ford was just using this as an excuse to slack off, but it turns out they're actually implementing innovations.
"Let me demonstrate!" Larry snapped his fingers.
Ford took two steps forward, gently placing his foot on the pedal, a focused smile on his face. "Sir, today I'm going to show you—the car of the future won't need a crank handle."
As he spoke, he pressed the pedal. A deep humming sound came from the oil-stained machine. As the starter motor began to spin at high speed, the small gears clicked and engaged with the engine flywheel.
The engine began to vibrate violently and spew out a plume of black smoke.
Puff—Puff—Boom!
The single-cylinder engine finally roared to life, scorching hot air billowing from the exhaust pipe. Ford released the accelerator pedal, and the electric motor automatically disengaged, silencing the hum.
However, this is clearly a demonstration. If this electric starter is connected to the car, then the car's internal combustion engine will continue to burn, and the entire car will be in a running state.
"Your electric starter is truly—exquisite!" Larry's face was solemn, but he was very skeptical that it was Ford's masterpiece.
Larry was very clear about Ford's strengths and weaknesses. It had strong system integration capabilities and its own ideas about internal combustion engines. However, it was somewhat rough around the edges; a sophisticated, gear-driven machine didn't seem like Ford's style.
Fortunately, Ford didn't mince words. Pointing to the machine, he smiled and said, "Henry Leland! Remember that name?"
Larry's eyes lit up. "Isn't that the mechanical supplier who went to Texas with Browning to test the firearms?"
"Yes! He's a master in the field of precision machining! We sat next to each other at the last dinner party, and he was very interested in cars, while I explained the difficulties I encountered on my long journey from Boston to New York." Ford began to speak at length.
"His company, Leland Forkner, specializes in high-precision gears and engine components. When he heard about my car manufacturing, he expressed great interest and was willing to contribute his expertise."
Larry stroked his chin, glancing at the car from left to right, and nodded as he said, "This is the very important electric ignition system, the clutch, right?"
Ford's eyes lit up. "Clutch, oh, that's a very important name. Your naming always gets straight to the point."
Larry remained silent, simply examining the machine. He was somewhat surprised, for this chance encounter had unexpectedly propelled the automotive industry, a technological marvel, forward by leaps and bounds.
They've even figured out the clutch!
It seems that as long as you get involved, you inevitably accelerate the technological advancement. I originally only intended the automotive industry as a reserve investment project, but a long journey led to a significant leap forward in the development of advanced automotive technology.
Larry pondered for a moment, then asked, "Is Mr. Leland really that skilled in precision machining?"
"To be precise, it's precision manufacturing," Ford nodded in response. "Look at those intricate brass gear sets. Mr. Leland also has his own ideas about automobiles. We really feel like we've known each other for a long time."
"So, did he invent this machine?" Larry tapped the machine's casing, which was still greasy and warm from being started.
"Yes! Mr. Leland sent someone to deliver this product. It's still a bit rough around the edges, but the principle is really perfect for automobiles—" Ford said, his face beaming and his eyes shining as he introduced the machine's technology.
Ford then went on to discuss the prospects of installing this electric lighter in a car.
In short, it makes starting a car safer, so you don't have to use a crank to start the car every time, like with a tractor.
"Great, great, great!" Larry could only nod in approval after hearing this.
Ford smiled happily. "I want to miniaturize it. Of course, if we really want to use this electric ignition in our own cars, we'll need to buy its patent—that's why I'm applying for more funding from the foundation."
Larry waved his hand. "He's not going to sell!"
"Huh? Why?" Ford asked, somewhat taken aback.
"You're overestimating yourself—Mr. Leland gave you this machine; do you think he's just doing a sales pitch?"
Larry sneered. Putting aside his earlier surprise, he immediately grasped the essence of the matter.
How could Leyland possibly be so kind as to improve cars and provide a crucial new machine? Just because Ford boasted about it for half a day at a dinner party?
Leland was also a machine enthusiast, and he could naturally see the future prospects of this revolutionary means of transportation.
He brought the electric starter here, not to sell it, but to get involved.
Ford looked skeptical, but instead of immediately refuting him, he thought for a long time before exclaiming in surprise, "You mean—he also wants to get involved in car development?"
"That's obviously the case. But Mr. Ford, do you think he'd be willing to come here as your subordinate?"
Larry stared into the other person's eyes.
Ford opened his mouth, then said, "I'm afraid not—he at least wants to cooperate, or take a stake—or even start something entirely new!"
With Larry's prompting, Ford suddenly realized the situation he was facing.
Ford is also a very shrewd person, but due to his engineering background, he tends to think a little shallow when no one is guiding him.
Larry wagged his finger and chuckled, "Since he was willing to send over an electric lighter, his first choice isn't to start from scratch. He still wants to cooperate. Henry, tell me, what do you think of him?"
Ford was still a bit confused. Hearing Larry's question, he looked up and asked, "Are you talking about a machine or a person?"
"people!"
Ford nodded quickly. "Very shrewd, and very honest. When he expressed interest in the car, he didn't deliberately ask me about the car's internal technical aspects—"
"The probing was very well done with boundaries —" Larry concluded.
Ford paused for a moment before asking, "But he didn't say he wanted to cooperate—when he sent the machine over, he just said he wanted me to see if it would help with cars."
"It's also a test, Henry!" Larry patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "I think you could be more proactive and write him a letter. Tell him you're very satisfied with the machine and, if possible, invite him to Boston—"
Ford nodded and said, "You're right. I'll write a letter now—well, do you think we need to cooperate with him?"
"You're the company's major shareholder! You need to come up with an idea first," Larry said with a meaningful look at Ford, a smile on his face.
Nominally, Ford remains the major shareholder.
Ford paused for a moment, then quickly nodded and said, "In that case, let me find out his attitude first!"
As he spoke, Ford hurriedly washed his hands, preparing to write the letter immediately. Larry, however, gave Ford's assistant a deep look—the Italian clerk Larry had placed by Ford's side.
The assistant gave a barely perceptible nod.
Kennedy returned to his office and immediately began working on his own tasks.
In fact, he had already taken appropriate measures against Adams and others for their actions. However, these measures were far from what Larry had planned, involving putting everything in the open.
But given the current situation, we need to make a bigger splash.
Following Larry's plan, Kennedy immediately began to upgrade his Leviathan, transforming it from a simple community security and mutual aid center into a "community service center" under the supervision of Catholic priests.
In addition to providing general community services, it will also offer language classes, job registration, legal advice and community relief—of course, the community relief portion will be transferred to 717-Eleven convenience stores.
Building on this foundation, the community will not be limited to the Irish community, but will extend this grassroots organization to the Chinese in Chinatown, the Italians in North Harbour, and other Eastern European immigrants.
This represents an expansion of grassroots organizations!
Of course, this is a long-term plan. In the short term, Kennedy requires all his current henchmen and Catholic priests to promote Larry's claim that all immigrants are one! Discriminating against Chinese people is discriminating against everyone.
Uphold justice! Uphold unity. Instead of allowing the Anglo-Saxons to create internal conflicts among immigrants and divide and rule us.
As Larry said: No man is an island. If justice dies, then no one can live well in the New World.
The Irish community is also fighting for Huang Meitang's acquittal!
As for Larry's underhanded tactics, Kennedy plans to begin drafting the temporary emergency bill now.
Larry and his men returned to Boston by carriage. Instead of going back to the Bay Area, they went directly to Mr. K and asked him to urgently print more gambling tickets.
"Yes, print 10 bonds and put them here with me. No, in addition to the ones that Dead Rabbit Gang printed, print double the amount of bonds! Now sell them on a large scale through various channels."
Larry solemnly instructed Mr. K.
"Okay—but why do this all of a sudden?" Mr. K asked, somewhat surprised.
"Don't ask! Just get on with it. It's Saturday already! The trial starts on Monday. The extra tickets won't arrive from New York in time—print them in Boston, but keep it a secret. No one can know we printed them."
At the same time, you should inform Dead Rabbit Help that the commission from the additional printing should still belong to them.
Mr. K dared not ask any more questions, and instead hurriedly began to arrange for the reprinting of gambling tickets.
After he finished making the arrangements, Larry called Mr. K over and whispered instructions to him.
"That Joe wants gambling tickets, right? Go and satisfy them in large quantities now—but do it subtly, tell them—you have connections in New York where you can collect gambling tickets in bulk. They'll have to pay extra."
Mr. K's eyes lit up, and he nodded, saying, "I understand, it means sending them all the newly printed gambling tickets!"
“Yes! But we also have your gang members. Get them to start selling to other old money in Boston—go into their neighborhoods, find those white people—and tell them that buying No bonds is a sure thing,” Larry instructed.
Seeing Mr. K nod, Larry solemnly said, "Remember, we won't show our faces! You need to use various channels to sell. Don't be afraid to share the profits. We need to squeeze a good amount of money out of them, but we can't show our faces, so we have to let the channels earn more."
Mr. K nodded in agreement immediately.
After arranging the distribution of gambling tickets, Larry rushed to Chinatown without stopping.
With only two days left before the court hearing, Master Ye and Elder Rong Hong were drinking tea in the courtroom, discussing the follow-up measures. Upon hearing that Mr. Livingston was coming to visit, their faces showed a mixture of surprise and joy.
"Please invite him in—no! I'll go greet him right now." Elder Ye hurriedly straightened his clothes.
Yung Wing also stood up, picked up his cane, and said loudly, "Great! I've been wanting to have a good talk with him for a long time—"
The two rushed out of the hall and saw Larry and three of his men standing under the eaves of the laundry shop on Ping An Lane.
"Mr. Yung Wing! Mr. Yip." Larry smiled and took two steps forward, extending his two hands to shake hands with the two men's four hands.
"You've finally arrived—let's go inside and talk in detail." Elder Ye smiled and pointed to the house.
The three rushed into the house, where Larry's bodyguards were sitting at the entrance of the laundromat. Soon, hearty laughter could be heard coming from the courtyard.