The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1899-01-12
About a
Fellow Countryman.
Copyright, 1881.

" EARS ago was employ ed as an ex-
pert engineer by European gov
ernment, and CHANGED to be closely tied
down at our hotel by my wife's serious
illness. Being thus alone and de-
pressed, 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
- 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 man Of some 80
winters, "to Introduce a patent"
"Ah, that q interesting" said I.
"Yes, have worked for years upon
the loading Of heavy guns and have
reached what consider happy re-
suit" B
"And have you presented your pa
pers to the war Office" inquired.
well, that Is the trouble" ex-
claimed Col. Holden, whose face flushed
with suppressed irritation. II have
| done 30, with no success" sa
"But what was the reply-what were
their reasons for not trying or exam
lining your model? ?" asked.
''There has been no reply" he blurt-
ed out, his indignation showing itself
more and more. .-...
"Ah, that is strange" said I. II am
closely connected with the officers Of
the department, and though 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 solonel.
as now observed him to be. "Since
/ you are acquainted with those matters
It can do no harm to show you my pa
pers, and II you will have alike pa
tience and kindness you may throw
some light upon my quandaries."
II am quite at your SERVICE" as.
sured him, and SO we appointed time
when should go to his room.
|
raped at his door. 1t was promptly
opened and the colonel ushered me in
with evidences of excitement. gun
about the size of one used on a pleas
ure yacht, little beauty, stood as il
ready for action, In one corner of the
room, while the large center table wa.
covered with papers.
ITO commence with, here is a copy
Of my letter to the war Office"
took up the sheet and controlled
my features while read plain state
ment shat in view of the utter ignor
ance and deplorable lack of advance
ment in the European ordnance" the
writer almost from sense of pity
would show the - war office how
to convert their very ancient gunl
into modern ones II invited to make
test Of the model which he ha6
brought.
This was followed by second and ,
third note requesting an audience OF
hearing. And to none had there com,
any reply.
swell, my friend" said l. after look
ing with considerable surprise at tn
model and the patent, which was mar
velously clever, II fear you have no
been happy in your tone toward thos'
officials. You see, though you ma.
consider them behind the time, it i
best not to tell them SO. and if yo1
like I will undertake to get you, no
only hearing, but trial."
He thanked me heartily, and tn
following day found myself at the wa
Office. Herr Won Staed," said to th
secretary, dignified. courteous man
"a countryman of mine chances to b
at my hotel, and though he is, perhaps
what we term a rough diamond. an oil
soldier as we'll. he has certainly struc
clever invention which would be o
use to you.'
"Indeed!" said the secretary, ina
. ! ask who your friend is. and what
his invention?".
Ellis name Is Holden"
At, which the secretary smiled an
drew from pigeon hole the eccentri
communication, copies Of which ha
already seen.
~ fear your friend is over-burdene
. with conceit." observed the secretar,
! "Are you sure he has good thing?"
"Yes" I said, "and II you will a.
cept my apology for his indiscreet an
awkward style. win undertake to n
duce him to greater respect"
The secretary motioned TO domesti
near the door and told him to sequei
Lieut.. stalehsvsr 70 join u. When th
young officer appeared the seeretar
kindly said. Lieut.. StAlehaver, pleas
listen to Mr.. Thompson's account Of u