It was an innovation, a revolution. Mankind objects to both. It came from America, and though America has given tobacco, woman’s rights, the potato, model yachts, model States, and trotting horses to the Old World, that World still distrusts our work as boyish. We in turn deem the Old World a mere child, and our youth based on a completer maturity than they will attain for half a millennium.
Short’s Cut-off was so simple that it puzzled everybody.
I consulted half a dozen eminent engineers.
“Very pretty, indeed!” they said, and at once turned the conversation to the explosions on Western rivers. “Had I ever been blown up? How did it feel?”
But as to Short’s Cut-off, they only thought it a neat contrivance, but evidently by a person who did not comprehend intricate machinery.
I took it to a man of another order. England is the world’s machine-shop; he was England’s chief engineer. A great man he was, dead, alas! now. A freeman, who recognized the world as his country, and genius everywhere as his brother.
He understood Short’s Cut-off at a glance.
How I wish old Short could have been there, to see this great man’s eye glow with enthusiasm as he said: “Admirable! This is what we have all been waiting for. Padiham must see this. We must have it in every engine in England. Command my services to aid in making it known.”
“Can you recommend me,” said I, presently, “a thorough mechanic. I want some more models made of these valves and machinery, to illustrate their action.”
“You must go to Padiham, the best artisan I know in all England.”