The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is indeed very luxurious, and future generations may not be able to feel it, but now the 20-story building is an absolute skyscraper, which is extremely tall in New York.
The Pulitzer building that Li Yu visited before was also 20 stories high, but like later generations, today's houses will have higher roofs to strive for a higher record.
White is a trendy guy who drives a sedan and carries a Tesla. Li Yu was in a car with Mark Twain and Sierra.
Mark Twain originally didn't want to go, but after learning about Tesla's situation, he wanted to show his support.
After arriving at the hotel, the boss Astor did not expect that two more heavyweights would show up. If he had known about it, he would have rolled out the red carpet and attracted some attention to his hotel.
"Oh my god, not only Mr. Tesla, but also Mr. Li Yu, who is rising as brightly as the rising sun, is also here! There is also Mr. Mark Twain, the leader of the literary world, which really surprises me!" Mark Twain Wen quickly said to him: "Keep your voice down, I don't want people to know." The media found out that Mark Twain was thrown by an oscillator in Tesla's laboratory that day and made headlines for several days. , which made him afraid to appear in public during this period.
Boss Astor took Tesla, Li Yu and Mark Twain through the ceremonial Peacock Street and then to the Big Palm Restaurant.
After learning of their arrival, Westinghouse founder Westinghouse, Century magazine editor-in-chief Johnson and Mr. Morgan's assistant Spencer also came over to welcome them.
This lineup is still very luxurious. Westinghouse Electric has since become one of the world's top 500 companies, but it is not very famous yet, and Westinghouse Electric's power is inseparable from Tesla's alternating current.
Not to mention Morgan, the Morgan consortium now uses money as a medium to control everything, and plays an important role in the United States' finance, steel, railways, military industry, etc.
Before the establishment of the Federal Reserve, the Morgan consortium basically played the role of the central bank of the United States. Therefore, Morgan himself is very busy and rarely shows up too much, but Spencer can be regarded as one of his two most powerful assistants.
And Spencer studied engineering at the University of Georgia. Today, the U.S. economy is still in an extensive model. Manufacturers and bankers do not pay special attention to engineers, or even to management.
Therefore, it is difficult for people who study engineering to reach the top positions of large companies at this time. However, Morgan had a very sharp eye. He saw early that Spencer not only had engineering knowledge, but also had a talent for finance. He was a rare talent, so he promoted him.
Everyone took turns to come up and shake hands: "It's an honor to meet you two!" After a few words of greeting, they sat down at the dining table.
Today's protagonist is naturally Tesla, and Li Yu and Mark Twain were halfway through. "Century Magazine" editor-in-chief Johnson first said to Tesla: "Mr. Tesla, I have told you before that the magazine will publish your article on the front page, but you see that the manuscript you wrote will not attract readers at all. Interest!" Tesla didn't take it seriously: "Why not?"
"Let everyone see how the first draft was written." Johnson showed the content of the first draft Tesla wrote to him: "Whiskey, wine, tea, coffee, tobacco and other types of stimulants are all abnormalities that cause many people to cause of shortened lifespan, and should be used in moderation. But I do not think that drastic measures to suppress personal habits that have passed through generations are worthy of praise. It is wiser to preach moderation than abstinence. I myself have consumed enough alcoholic beverages to form a lake of no small size. ." Li Yu felt that it was a bit too off-putting. This article would have been more effective if it had been placed before the prohibition on alcohol.
Later, Tesla made a bunch of suggestions about hygiene, calling for maintaining personal hygiene. If it is a college entrance examination essay, it will be completely off topic and the score will be very low.
As a professional editor, Johnson knew the stakes better: "Mr. Tesla, I asked you to write an article introducing your wireless transmission technology. I don't understand radio and wireless power, but I can definitely see that you are not writing at all. These." Tesla said: "This is to point out the topic. The reason why I mentioned the suggestions about lifestyle and hygiene first is because they are closely related to invention. A good master of science must be temperate and clean. ." Tesla is indeed a very self-disciplined person. His weight has basically remained unchanged for decades, and he can be called a master of weight management.
Moreover, he pays great attention to appearance and dresses very well. Editor-in-chief Johnson said: "So, you are creating a character?"
"That's right," Tesla said,
"This is what you told me. You must first establish a good personality before the public can get to know me better." Johnson felt a little dizzy.
"Even so, what you wrote later did not have any specific content about your experiments. It was all about global wireless communications, the use of electricity to control the weather, and finally even imagined a world where machines could prevent wars from starting." Johnson He continued: "Mr. Tesla, I can clearly feel that these are some visions, visions that are difficult to realize. Since it is difficult to realize, why should the public and investors pay attention? Please believe in my professionalism as an editor. I Know what the public is eager to read from you. You should leave these more philosophical contents to philosophical papers and give us something tangible related to your experiment itself." Tesla said: "In that case, " Century Magazine is not as noble as you originally said. How can it be different from other magazines? After thinking about it during this period, I thought of some great content that should be added, such as this formula."
"Add?" Johnson took over Tesla's manuscript and immediately saw the formula: e=1\/2mv2.
"If I remember correctly, this is the kinetic energy formula? Is there anything worth adding?" Johnson asked puzzled.
"No," Tesla said,
"You have to see my explanation. m refers to the mass of human beings, v is the speed of human change, and e is the total energy of human beings. Not only is this wonderful formula, at the end I also quoted a very relevant Goethe Poetry: Look! These big trees look like bare pillars, but they can end the fruit and the shade." Johnson sternly protested again: "Can't be like this! I can't stand idly by when you clearly have the opportunity to make a good impression on others. , I watched you write such a useless article! Don’t complicate simple things anymore! Please forgive me for my haste, but all this is because of my respect for you, because My judgment on public interest points for more than 30 years." Tesla realized that Johnson's attitude was a bit serious and was about to get angry, so he had to accept his proposal: "I will make corrections, but this formula and Goethe's poem must be retained Come down." Johnson was helpless: "If you can simplify it, I can publish it like this." Mark Twain on the side smiled and said: "Maybe Tesla boy, you really should learn some writing and rhetoric skills from me." Editor-in-chief Johnson sighed: "I would be grateful if he could have 30% of the writing level of Mr. Mark Twain." Not only did Tesla tend to go off topic when writing articles, Tesla also often went off topic when giving speeches, and he lost track of where he was while talking.
Maybe he really has too many thoughts in his mind. Westinghouse, the founder of Westinghouse Electric, continued: "Mr. Tesla, we have been cooperating. Recently, the manufacturer in Pittsburgh asked me if I have a device that can convert alternating current into direct current. I want to know what you are experimenting with. Can progress be made in terms of patents and patents?" Tesla thought for a while and said: "Theoretically there is no problem, it can be done."
"Then please take it out as soon as possible," Westinghouse said.
"Because this allows us to undertake the production of such equipment with other manufacturers."
"As soon as possible." Tesla was a little perfunctory. Westinghouse knew that Tesla was now focused on his wireless power transmission, so he advised: "Please keep in touch with me, and don't find out about the lack of funds at a critical moment like last time with radio! "Westinghouse is also an inventor and a businessman, and he understands that Tesla lacks business acumen.
And he also knew that Tesla wanted his reputation as a scientist, while Westinghouse wanted profits.
It is always difficult for Tesla and the people around it to find the same path.
"When it comes to funding," said Morgan assistant Spencer,
"Based on our contacts with American politicians, they are more inclined to reward local talents. So, I think you can understand what I mean. Mr. Morgan also believes that radio can continue to be developed." Now Tesla has obtained American nationality, while Marconi, another inventor of radio, was Italian.
But Tesla was very proud in his heart. He did not like being compared with Marconi, but at this time he stubbornly said: "I will never accept preferential treatment for any reason." Although it is noble to say this. , but it is extremely easy for him to miss the opportunity to use investors' funds to continue developing wireless communication technology.
Spencer was a little unhappy: "Mr. Morgan doesn't want to hear this kind of reply."
"Because I have bigger plans," Tesla started talking again,
"My plan is not just for communications, I think that radio can transform the earth into a giant brain, able to respond to every part. If Mr. Morgan can invest the money he bought for another painting, I think I will Can go further." Morgan previously spent $150,000 on a "Portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire" by the British painter Thomas Gainsborough, and his initial investment in Tesla was almost the same amount.
Spencer said: "These are two different things. Mr. Morgan loves artworks and artists equally." Li Yu could hear that Spencer was also a little angry. It was now during the U.S. stock market crash. Although the Morgan consortium had deep roots, it was not exposed to the outside world. Investments have been cautious.
Moreover, Morgan was still busy acquiring international commercial shipping and harvesting companies, and was also defending an antitrust investigation launched against him by President Theodore Roosevelt.
In short, Morgan is now twice as big as one head. If it can't produce actual results, Morgan will not invest money.
Architect White interjected: "Mr. Tesla changed the power of the Wardenclyffe Tower transmitter, and the weight of the entire roof will be greatly increased. I estimate that the budget will be increased by at least $200,000."
"$200,000?!" Spencer was surprised,
"What kind of design costs so much money?" Tesla explained: "Of course it needs enough power. If it can be completed, I think it won't be long before the Wardenclyffe Tower project can generate an almost unlimited supply of electricity. It cannot be done by any other method so far." Spencer frowned: "Although I no longer study engineering, I think what you said is impossible." Spencer became more and more No patience,
"I would like to remind you again that Mr. Morgan is more interested in wireless communications." Tesla said: "I forgot to mention that I already have a better idea about wireless communications. After that, people can hold a cheap signal receiving device. A device that can receive information almost anywhere." His vision was a bit like wireless walkie-talkies and later mobile phones.
But Spencer knew that wireless communication was difficult, so how could it be cheap? Li Yu quickly added: "If Mr. Morgan takes a boat or travels in Europe, he will definitely want to know the situation in the New York Stock Exchange in time, which will be very effective for him to make judgments." Spencer finally relaxed his brows and finally listened. I got a reliable suggestion,
"It sounds like it is indeed worth the investment." Li Yu continued: "Yes, the application of this technology is also the advantage of radio." Spencer thought about it carefully, and then said: "I will consider your proposal carefully. Proposal, Mr. Morgan is likely to be interested in this project." Tesla said: "I knew Mr. Morgan would invest, and I have a better proposal about energy. I..." Mark Twain was immediately there Pulling him back, he whispered: "Stop saying a few words! Mr. Spencer is Mr. Morgan's plenipotentiary representative today. If he can nod, it means that Mr. Morgan is likely to agree. Don't cause any more trouble!" Everyone understood. , although real estate developer Worden and Westinghouse owner Westinghouse are both big investors, in front of Morgan, it is just drizzle. As long as Morgan's representative Spencer speaks, everyone has nothing to say.
The hotel owner Astor saw that everyone was talking and immediately called the chef to start serving the best dishes.
——Westerners and Chinese people are still different. Westerners often eat after talking, while Chinese people talk about things while eating, and even eating itself is talking about things.
Spencer's attitude indicated that it was very likely that Morgan would continue to invest in Tesla, so the dinner could be held in a cheerful atmosphere.
As long as he has money, Westinghouse knows that Tesla will definitely be able to solve the technical problem of converting alternating current to direct current; Warden at least knows that his rent at Wardenclyffe Tower can be recovered.
After drinking a glass of whiskey, Spencer said to Li Yu: "I didn't expect that Mr. Sir not only understands the high-level mathematical sciences and astronomy, but also understands the application of technology. He is really an amazing genius." Li Yu said with a smile: "I'm just going along. I thought of it." Then Spencer continued to say to Sierra: "I remember you, you belong to the Carnegie family, right?" Sierra smiled slightly: "You see so many people on weekdays, I didn't expect that your memory is still very good." Spencer said : "We also wanted to get to know Mr. Li Yu earlier, but we didn't expect to be stopped midway. When my people arrived at the Washington Hotel, they found that people from Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, and the University of North Carolina had all been tricked by you. Now." Sierra raised her wine glass and clinked it with him: "Why do you think Mr. Morgan is so busy?"
