Before the voyage
ended every available part of the "Campania" was explored.
Gertrude was surprised to find an engineer so cultivated a gentleman. He
was surrounded in his oak-furnished office by soft couches, easy chairs,
works of art, burnished indicators and dials. Mr. Siemen received his
orders from the captain or officer on the bridge by telegraph.
"It's mere child's play," said May, "and as easy as touching the keys of
a great organ."
Mr. Siemen now conducted his friends into the engine-room. "It is not
easy to imagine the tremendous force of the two swiftly turning screws or
propellers exerted against the surging waters of the Atlantic," he said.
"Our 30,000 horse power engines, a horse power is equal to six men, equal
180,000 strong men pulling at the oars, or twice the number of men that
fought at Gettysburg to perpetuate the American Union."
"Wonderful!" said Colonel Harris.
"Steam guided by command of the officer on the bridge, with slightest
effort, also steers our immense steamer."
"Mr. Siemen, tell us please how the steamer is lighted?" said George.
"We have fifty miles of insulated wire in the "Campania" for the electric
current generated by our two dynamos, which give us 1350 sixteen-candle
power lights, equal to a total of 22,000 candle power, absorbing 135
horse-power.
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