Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1899-01-27
About a
Fellow Countryman.
Copyright. 1881

" EARS ago 1 was employed as an ex-
pert engineer by a European gov
eminent, and CHANGED to be closely tied
down at our hotel by my wifes serious
illness. Being thus alone and de-
pressed, I welcomed the sight of q
fellow countryman, solitary like my
self.
We met for several days, both at
table and in the smoking room, and
as our acquaintance ripened the con-
versation naturally drifted to topic
of mutual interest, ordnance or gun
merry.
II have come to Europe" said my
friend, who was a man of some so
winters, "to introduce patent"
"Ah, that IS interesting" said I.
"Yes, have worked for years upon
The loading of heavy guns and have
reached what 1 consider happy re-
suit"
sand have you presented your pa
pers to the war Officer" inquired.
"Well, that is the trouble ex-
claimed Col. Holden, whose face flushed
with suppressed irritation. 81 have
done so, with no success"
their reasons for not trying or exam
lining your model?" asked.
'0There has been no reply" he blurt-
ed out, his indignation showing itself
more and more.
"Ah, that is strange" said 1. 81 am
closely connected with the officers of
the department, and though 1 cannot
say they are quick to adopt innova-
tions, they are always courteous to
those who present themselves and will
usually, at least. make fair examina-
ton
well, don't see what is wrong with
my papers," said the choleric colonel,
as / now observed him to be. "Since
you are acquainted with those matters,
1T can do no harm to show you my pa
pers, and if you will have alike pa
thence and kindness you may throw
some light upon my quandaries."
II am quite at your SERVICE" l as
sured him. and so we appointed time
when 1 should go to his room.
The next day, at the hour named, /
raped at his door. 1t was promptly
opened and the colonel ushered me in
with evidences of excitement A gun,
about the size of one used on a pleas
ure yacht, little beauty, stood as if
ready for action, in one corner of the
room, while the large center table was
covered with papers.
To commence with, here is a copy
my letter to the war Office"
1 took up the sheet and controlled
ay features while 1 read a plain state
hof in vii sc 81.
ance and deplorable lack of advance
ment in the European ordnance" the
writer almost from a sense of pity
would show the - war Office how
to convert their very ancient guns
into modern ones if invited to make a
test of the model which he had
brought.
This was followed by a second and a
third note requesting an audience or
a hearing. And to none had there come
any reply.
well, my friend" said 1, after look.
Ing with considerable surprise at the
model and the patent. which was mar.
selous.y clever, "I fear you have no,
been happy in your tone toward those
officials. You see. though you may
consider them behind the time, it is
best not to tell them so. and if you
like l will undertake to get you, not
only hearing. but trial."
He thanked me heartily. and the
following day found myself at the wa,
Office. Herr Won Staed." said 10 the
secretary, a dignifed. courteous man
"a countryman of mine chances to be
at my hotel, and though he is, perhaps
what we term a rough diamond. an ole
soldier as we'll, he has certainly STRUCK
q clever invention which would be OF
use to YOU"
'Indeed!" said the secretary. "may
I ask who your friend is, and what j.
his invention %
Ills name is Holden"
AT which the secretary smiled ans
drew from pigeon hole the eccentr Ri
communication copies of which has
already seen.
81 fear your friend is over-burdenet
with conceit," observed the secretary
"Are you sure he has good thing?"
YES" 1 said. land if you will &C
cept my apology for his ind;screet an,
awkward style. I will undertake to re
dace him to greater respect"
The secretary motioned to domesti
hear the door and told him to reques
Lieut.. Stalehaver to join Us. When tn
young officer appeared the secretar,
kindly said. Lieut.. Stalehaver. pleas
listen to Mr.. Thompson's account of tn
invention offered 10 us last week i
those extraordinary letters"
after had explained the invention
Good, - said the honorable secretary
aLieut. Staiehayer, form q eommitte