Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World Chapter 142 The Company's Statement

A week later, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Poul was reading the newspaper that was delivered to him hours ago. The headline of the newspaper read, "The Pittsburgh Current." With a cartoon depicting Poul Nielsen and Jonathan Axelsen holding a thunderbolt striking the town with lightning.

He shut the newspaper and set it aside on his table. Alia, who was standing in front of him, looked at Poul with concern.

"Mr. Nielsen..." Alia uttered.

"I know," Poul straightened his tie, and leaned back in his chair. "Jas Russell is beginning to run a sar campaign on us. Well, that's understandable, given that he is threatened by our system."

"But his statents towards you and Mr. Axelsen are wrong," Alia said. "Please, to protect your reputation, you must issue a statent to the press, and prove him wrong."

"I don't have ti to deal with the press and neither does Jonathan," Poul declined her suggestion. He continued. "Our electric distribution is the best in the world and that speaks the loudest. His fear tactic could only get him far but when it cos to the real competition, we are the ones that are going to prevail."

Alia furrowed her brows. Despite the odds, Poul looked seemingly calm, as if he knew how the events were going to unfold in the future. If only she also had that confidence and belief in the future. She had been working for Poul and Jonathan for a few years now, and she had never seen them back down from a challenge. But the stakes were higher now, and the attacks from their competitors were more vicious than ever.

Alia knew that Poul and Jonathan were right. According to their estimates, their electric distribution system was revolutionary, and they had poured months of hard work into it. It was only a matter of ti before the world recognized their system's potential and adopted it.

But the sar campaign was affecting their business. Such as the project from the New York Board of Transportation, and clients from the air brakes and signal systems showing signs of apprehensiveness.

Alia cleared her throat. "If I may, Mr. Nielsen. I could draft a statent for you. All you have to do is approve it."

"Didn't you just hear what I said? I said we are not going to issue a statent."

Alia sighed and stepped closer to Poul's desk.

"With all due respect, Mr. Nielsen, I must insist that you reconsider. The longer we stay silent, the more damage Russell's campaign will do to our reputation and business." She paused, trying to emphasize her point. "We need to show the public that we are not afraid to defend ourselves and that we stand behind the quality of our work."

Poul leaned forward, his expression stern. "And I'm telling you, Alia, that I do not want to waste any more ti on this. Our electric distribution system speaks for itself, and we have more important things to do than to engage in a dia war with Jas Russell."

Alia took a deep breath and mustered all her courage. "I understand your position, Mr. Nielsen. But as your secretary, it is my duty to make sure that our company's image stays intact. We cannot afford to let our competitors tarnish our reputation with false accusations."

Poul looked at Alia, his expression softening. He realized that she was right. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't ignore the fact that their business was being affected by Russell's sar campaign. And he couldn't let their hard work go to waste just because he didn't want to deal with the press.

"You're right, Alia," he said finally. "I've been so focused on the technology and the competition that I forgot about the importance of our image. Very well, please draft a statent and I will review it before we release it to the press."

Alia felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen. I believe this is the best course of action for our company."

Poul nodded again. "Let's get to work, then." He pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from his desk and handed them to Alia. "Show what you've got."

***

Days later, in the sa location, Alia stood in front of a journalist from a different dia company. Their notes and pencils were ready to take note of what she was about to say.

She cleared her throat and began.

"To the esteed mbers of the press and the public.

It has co to our attention that our company, Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing & Distribution Company, has been the target of a sar campaign by Jas Russell, the founder of the Russell Illuminating Company. We understand that our system is a threat to his business, but we would like to clarify so of the false accusations made against us.

Firstly, our alternating current electric distribution system is not dangerous, as Russell has claid. Our system has been tested and proven safe by multiple tests. In fact, our system is much more efficient and cost-effective than Russell's system.

Secondly, Russell has claid that our company does not care about the well-being of the public. This is simply not true. We have always put the safety and satisfaction of our stakeholders as our top priority. Our team of engineers and technicians work tirelessly to ensure that our systems are reliable and safe.

Lastly, we would like to remind the public that our company is committed to innovation and progress. We believe that our electric distribution system is the future of electricity distribution and we are excited to share its benefits with the world.

We hope that this statent clears up any misconceptions about our company and our alternating current distribution system. We are proud of our work and we stand behind it. Thank you for your attention."

After saying that, one of the journalists who listened to her statent raised a hand.

"So you are saying that alternating current is not as dangerous as Jas Russell claid?"

"Yes, if the alternating current is dangerous, there would be accidents by now. But looking around, there isn't."

"But what about his other claims where your company is stealing his designs, particularly in the light bulbs," the journalist asked again.

"That is simply not true," Alia replied. "The design of our incandescent light bulbs is far too different from what Russell's has been using, therefore it is new and not a copy of his bulbs. Anything else."

"So, your company is going to face Jas Russell in court?"

"To show our confidence to the public and to this country, we will show up to the court and face Jas Russell's allegation. If there are no more questions, we can now end this press."

As Alia finished releasing the statent. She sighed and walked away, leaving the journalist to their work, who was scribbling down notes.

Poul walked up to Alia with a smile on his face. "Great job, Alia. You did a great job out there," he said, patting her on the back.

Alia smiled, feeling proud of herself. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen."

"Jas Russell is indeed a pain in the ass. We will definitely see him in court."

"We can win the case, right?" Alia asked.

"Of course, there's nothing for you to be concerned about the outco as it has already been decided," Poul said confidently.