Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 591 Lionel's inability to accept defeat!
The day after the elephant "Singer" was electrocuted, London newspapers published countless articles about it.
The Times published a lengthy article on the right side of its front page, titled "Major Warning: Edison's Experiment Reveals Deadly Dangers of Alternating Current." The article stated:
Yesterday's scientific demonstration held by the Edison Electric Light Company was undoubtedly a landmark event. Thomas Edison demonstrated to the public in the most direct way that alternating current systems harbor risks that cannot be ignored.

When a three-ton elephant dies from alternating current within seconds, any rational person must admit: such current is unsuitable for use in homes, streets, or any public place!

A comment was also inserted in the middle of the article:
In recent years, Lionel Sorel, renowned for his literary works, has vigorously promoted the so-called "advantages" of alternating current. While we respect Mr. Sorel's achievements in the arts, it must be pointed out that the technological field requires rigorous scientific spirit, not romantic imagination.

Electricity safety is a matter of life and death; it cannot be built on poetic ideals!

The Daily Telegraph's headline was even more sensational: "Death Telegram: Singh's Death Sounds the Alarm." The report provided a detailed account of the scene:

The elephant "Singer" collapsed instantly as 8,000 volts of alternating current passed through its body. The sheer force of that power left the 1,500 spectators in awe. Mr. Arnold White, the general manager of the Edison Company, was right—

If such an electric current were to accidentally flow into a residential building, the consequences would be unimaginable!

The newspaper also published a special commentary in its editorial section:

The French are promoting alternating current (AC) systems in Paris and even plan to build large power plants. We must ask: have they adequately considered the safety risks?
Lionel Sorel may be an excellent writer, but electrical engineering requires expertise, not literary inspiration.

Britain should learn from this and treat alternating current technology with caution!

The Illustrated London News published a full-page sketch of the scene. In the center of the image was the stiff corpse of an elephant, with an AC generator covered in black cloth in the background.

The caption reads: "[The brutal truth that must be shown for public safety.]"

Even some tabloids followed suit. The Daily Mail's front-page headline was "The French's Fatal Illusion," and the article stated:
Lionel Sorel, the French author best known for his novels and plays, now wants to take on the role of an electrical engineer. His company, Sorel-Tesla Electric, is attempting to bring dangerous alternating current systems to market.

Yesterday, Mr. Edison's experiment served as a sobering warning—we cannot allow the mistakes of Paris to be repeated in London!

Public opinion in London was almost unanimously in favor of the event, with citizens discussing yesterday's display.

In cafes, bars, offices... people constantly exchange stories and share their fears.

"I saw it with my own eyes, the elephant collapsed all at once!"

"I heard the French are promoting this kind of electricity in Paris, it's terrifying."

"The government should intervene; they can't risk our lives."

"But isn't direct current also dangerous?"

"That's different! DC voltage is low, at most it'll just give you a tingling sensation. Alternating current, on the other hand, can kill!"

"But wasn't Mr. Edison going too far? Did he really have to use electrocution to prove it?"

"Extreme? Is this what you call persuasive? Are we going to wait until someone gets electrocuted before taking action?"

Only a few engineers and academics have published dissenting opinions in professional journals.

A short article published in the Journal of the Institute of Electrical Engineers pointed out that "the voltage level, not the type of current, is the key factor determining the danger of electric shock."

But the journal had few readers, and its voice was quickly drowned out.

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The newspapers in Paris split into two factions.

Le Figaro published a report on its second page titled "London Experiment Raises Concerns About Alternating Current Safety." The article stated:
Yesterday's electricity demonstration in London was disturbing. Mr. Thomas Edison used electric shock to kill an elephant in an attempt to demonstrate the dangers of alternating current.

Regardless of its inhumanity, this practice does raise a serious question: Are alternating current systems truly safe?

The article continues:

The company 'Sorel-Tesla Electric' is reportedly competing for several municipal lighting contracts in Paris.

But the London experiment serves as a reminder that risks must be carefully assessed.

The choice of technological path is crucial to a nation's future development; a wrong choice could result in incalculable losses.

The Gauls took a similar stance, but its tone was more pointed:
Romanticism cannot replace engineering. Electrical engineering requires calculation and experimentation, not the imagination of a writer.

The London experiment demonstrates that we have not fully grasped the dangers of alternating current. The government should suspend related projects pending a more comprehensive safety assessment.

Another group of newspapers took a critical stance.

Le Parisien published a front-page editorial titled "A Cruel Performance." The article stated:
Thomas Edison killed an elephant. He claimed it was for science and for public safety.

But what we are witnessing is a meticulously planned act of terror. Using extreme cases to prove general conclusions is logically untenable.

Following the same logic, should we ban all horse-drawn carriages just because someone was killed by one?

The article incisively points out:

Mr. Edison's real purpose was to eliminate his competitors!
His direct current (DC) system was expensive and inefficient, and was being replaced by the more advanced alternating current (AC) technology. When he couldn't compete technologically, he resorted to intimidating the public!
This is a business tactic, not a scientific one!

The newspaper also published a short commentary by Zola:
Fear is the breeding ground for ignorance. When people are horrified by bloodshed, reason retreats. Mr. Edison knew this well, but Parisians should be even more sober—we cannot abandon better technology because of a brutal performance.

In Parisian salons and cafes, the debates were equally heated, but the disagreements boiled down to two points—

"That elephant is indeed dead. If alternating current is that dangerous..."

"Following this logic, gas lamps can explode, so shouldn't we go back to the candle era?"

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New York newspapers, on the other hand, took a much more neutral stance.

The New York World published a detailed report in its business section, objectively describing the events and then analyzing them:
Thomas Edison is the pride of America; his inventions changed the world. However, the way this experiment was conducted has sparked widespread ethical controversy.

……

The debate between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) is no longer merely a clash of technological routes, but a contest for the future of France and the United States!

The article also specifically mentioned:
John Pierpont Morgan had previously expressed interest in alternating current (AC) technology. Following the London experiment, Morgan's office declined to comment. Wall Street is watching closely.

The New York Herald's reporting focused more on the business aspect:
Edison's shares rose 5% after news of the London experiment broke. Investors clearly believe the demonstration will solidify the market position of direct current.

However, it's worth noting that France is still pushing forward with its AC power projects. 'Sorel-Tesla Electric' may win the contract for the Paris City Hall's public lighting system.

This competition is far from over!

New York, Wall Street, in John Pierpont Morgan's office.

J.P. Morgan put down the New York World and looked at his son, John Pierpont Morgan Jr., who was standing in front of his desk with a suitcase.

Old Morgan looked his son over: "Is everything ready?"

"It's ready, Father. The ship leaves this afternoon and will arrive in Paris in nine days at the latest, just in time."

Old Morgan nodded, picked up a Havana cigar, cut it open, and lit it.

"The situation in Paris is complicated. You've read the newspapers. Edison's actions have created negative public opinion against alternating current."

"But the technological advantage will not change just because an elephant died, especially Tesla's transformers, which make the cost of AC power only one-third of that of DC power."

Old Morgan took a puff of his cigar and slowly exhaled the smoke: "Technology won't change, but people's hearts will. Fear influences decision-making. Municipal officials, investors, ordinary citizens..."

They may not understand transformer technology or how to calculate the cost of electricity generation, but they understand how an elephant dies.

John Morgan Jr. paused for a moment, then asked somewhat uncertainly, "So you've changed your mind? You're not investing in alternating current anymore?"

Morgan shook his head: "Business is not gambling; I need to make a definite judgment. So you need to go to Paris and take a look."

John Morgan Jr. nodded: "I understand."

"And another thing. Don't just stay in Paris. Go see their labs, go to the Bois de Boulogne and check out that... 'theme park' construction site."

Furthermore, don't just talk to Sorrell; also talk to people like Tesla, Curie, and Poincaré.

"Yes, Father."

Morgan Sr. stood up and walked to his son: "This is your first time independently handling a major investment assessment. Your judgment will influence the future direction of the Morgan family."

He patted his son on the shoulder: "Hopefully Sorel won't let us down."

John Morgan Jr. knew that his father wasn't actually referring to Lionel Sorel.

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At 117 Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris, Lionel's doorbell kept ringing.

As late June and early July approached, the weather grew increasingly hot. The Parisian social season was drawing to a close, and the aristocracy began preparing to leave the city for their country villas to escape the summer heat.

But before that, many people wanted to speak with Lionel, including close friends like Zola.

They all hoped that Lionel would carefully consider "alternating current technology," as they didn't want to see the star of the French literary world ruined by a failed investment.

But without exception, none of them found Lionel.

The person who opens the door is either the family cook, who knows nothing when asked; or Petty, who not only can't say where Lionel is, but might also keep you helping with your homework for at least half an hour.

Many people thought that Lionel couldn't accept defeat and had gone into hiding.

They received an invitation in early July.

(Second update, please vote with monthly tickets.)
(End of this chapter)