Setting: California, USA – 1888 

 

The sound of the train roared across the station. Passengers got off carrying everything from suitcases to their own children. James Arrington got off too, carrying only the essential for his business trip. His trip from Pennsylvania had proved to be an exhausting one, so he was anxious to get to the city and rest.

 

The San Pedro station was a fairly new one, so it was a sensation to locals. If only he knew that his steel business was the one providing the materials for such a novelty. He puffed his chest out and confidently walked off the station, calling a carriage to take him into the city. 

 

When he arrived, it was nearing dawn. He saw the city streets light up and allow him to see into the factories with laborers hard at work. He figured he should send a telegram tomorrow morning to let his family know he had arrived safely to Los Angeles. He hummed as he got off the carriage and checked in at his hotel. 

 

A long day awaits, James thought as he drifted off to sleep.

 

*******************************************************************************

 

James awoke to a sunny day. The sound of shuffling feet out in the street and the ring of the bells announcing the work day made him open his eyes. After getting dressed and eating breakfast on the lower floor of the hotel, James read in the parlor of the hotel until noon. Not long after he began heading towards his conversation.

 

He met up with an old merchant friend, now turned railroad entrepreneur, Charles Goodhill.

 

“Mr. Arrington,” Charles beamed, “long time no see!”

 

“Charlie,” James greeted, “Why so formal?” Charles smiled at the nickname. 

 

“We’re business men now,” Charles said. “It is only proper that we greet each other as such.” James laughed at that, seeing the way Charles dipped his hat in greeting.

 

“If you say so,” James said. They began walking around the city aimlessly to continue their conversation.

 

“Your railroads are turning out nicely,” James continued. 

 

“All thanks to you!” Charles said. “But you do have competition.” 

 

“I know,” James grumbled. “However, Mr. Carnegie is in deep water with those labor contracts meaning it will not affect me. Only hurt him.”

 

“Never say never, but as I was saying, I would like to continue receiving your steel shipments. As a nation we’re growing strong, and we should keep this pace going.” 

 

“Since when do you care about strengthening the nation? You talk like a diplomat.” James said.

 

“Since I formed a friendship with a diplomat.” Charles replied, turning to face James. They stopped not far from the center of town and entered a bar. Charles ordered two drinks and went back to their conversation after their waitress left. 

 

“A diplomat?” James asked once more.

 

“Yes, he travels to China often to establish relations between the US and China. How he supports long sea travel is beyond me.” Charles continued. “The other day he mentioned there were tensions between conservative thinkers and progressives. Some see industrialization as a curse.” 

 

“The last time I heard about China was when my father mentioned some sort of Opium war.” James said. “I still don’t understand why he thought it mattered.”

 

Charles only smiled, lifting his glass to take a drink. The waitress had quietly set them down when they were talking. 

“They matter more than you think James. It’s not just China, Britain was also involved which means we are involved too. My friend says the British wanted Chinese silk, porcelain, and tea. Any luxury to fill drawing rooms back home. And in exchange, the Chinese wanted silver.” Charles said.

 

“I thought the British had run out.” James said. 

 

“Almost,” Charles said, lowering his voice after quickly glancing around the bar, “Merchants began to grow Opium in India and sell it illegally along the coasts. As you might imagine, this did not fare well with Qing officials so they banned it and even threw it into the sea.”

 

“I see,” James said solemnly. “And I suppose the war started then. The British are not known for settling for less.” 

 

“Unfortunatley for the Qing, Britain had rifles, cannons, and steam powered ships at their disposal. Their defeat was inevitable.” 

 

The waitress had come back offering the two more drinks. Both accepted and carried on with their conversation once more.

 

“Last I heard, they’ve started building factories, but you know old men. They can’t let go of their ideals and protest against progressives. My friend said his last trip ended abruptly after some protest broke out near the capitol.” Charles laughed at this and shook his head. More people began entering the bar. Some eyed the two merchants briefly before going back to their own business. 

 

“And you know all of this because of your diplomat friend?” James asked in a light tone. He settled back into his chair, drink still in hand. 

 

“And a couple of other friends. Even my workers have something to say if you lend an ear. At least, the ones that can speak English that is.” Charles replied. James finally laughed at that and finished his drink. 

 

“In that case, we can’t stay behind any nation. Let’s settle out a new deal Mr. Goodhill” James said. 

 

Charles reached out to reach James’ hand. “Gladly Mr. Arrington.”