Chapter 138: Rivals in the Same Team

In the financial field of the United States, the families of the Boston consortium were probably the first to transform from international labor trading into the banking and insurance industries. When later generations mentioned the history of American consortiums, they would add that it was the oldest consortium in the United States. The core of the Boston consortium was the Lowell, Adams, Lawrence families, plus the Kennedy family that emerged later.

The core of this family should not be the Kennedy family which has not risen in this era, but the Adams family. The reason is very simple. The Adams family has a very strong political background. It once had the first father-son president in the history of the United States, which established the Adams family's position in Boston.

Samuel Adams was one of the initiators and organizers of the Revolutionary War; John Adams was one of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, etc. Their family has an inseparable relationship with the establishment of the American democratic system, and also produced the first father-son president in American history. John Adams served as a member of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State, and later became the sixth president of the United States.

The current head of the Adams family is Charles Adams II. It seems that the chairman of Raytheon Company a hundred years later will also be a member of the Adams family.

"So who is this?" Sheffield blinked and his eyes fell on the man following Keane. The man was about thirty years old and dressed meticulously. Between the young and handsome men in the 19th century and the bearded men, he seemed to belong to the former.

"Master William, I teach Lyman Lowell!" Lyman Lowell smiled friendly and introduced himself. "I came to Arlington with Mr. Keane this time. I hope the host here will not mind. I also bring greetings from the Adams and Lawrence families and come to discuss business with the Sheffield family."

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it!" Sheffield said with a hypocritical smile, "I have to be careful when doing business with you. Last time, the Adams family cut off the foreign aid of the Confederacy, which made the Dixie people gnashing their teeth. If we are fooled again this time, the citizens of the South will think that our family has become traitors."

Sheffield said with an innocent expression, "Please forgive me for not being an adult myself. That's the truth. I hope Mr. Lowell can understand."

During the Civil War, the British government maintained official neutrality, despite widespread British opinion that the Confederacy should be recognized, largely due to the efforts of Charles Adams. After the war, President Grant appointed him to lead an international delegation to resolve the issue of compensation for losses caused by Britain's support for the American South during the Civil War. Adams won $15 million in compensation for the United States from Britain.

"Master William, people cannot live in the hatred of the past. Today's friends may become tomorrow's enemies. Isn't that right? Although Mr. Adams cut off foreign aid from the Alliance during the Civil War, it was also for the consideration of all citizens. The result of the war speaks for itself, and the Sheffield family did not suffer any losses." Lyman Lowell said, "Why not ask Madam Anna to come out so we can have a deep talk."

"Don't ask grandma to come out. Just because you said our family suffered no losses, it's enough to make it impossible to discuss anything." Sheffield acted as if he was asking me to forgive him. Just because her husband died in the war was enough. "Except for agriculture and animal husbandry, all the family businesses have been handed over to me. Grandma happened to be taking a walk at this time, so there's no need for her to come out."

I added in my mind that it would soon reach other people's ears anyway, so it would be the same whether I showed up or not.

"First of all, we are optimistic about the acquisition of Boston Fruit Company!" Lyman Lowell automatically ignored Sheffield's hostility and extended an olive branch of cooperation between the two parties. "And several of us have helped a lot in the process. This time I came to Arlington with sincerity and proposed a cooperation that looks forward to the future."

Oh? Sheffield raised his eyebrows and looked at Keane, who quickly said, "Boss, it's like this, Mr. Lowell made a great contribution to the acquisition of Boston Fruit Company."

"We are partners, don't call me boss!" Sheffield nodded with a warm smile, "Even if it saves a little money, it will be calculated in hundreds of millions of dollars. I don't dare to accept such a big gift."

"That's not the case. When it comes to agricultural and animal husbandry products, the extensive Sheffield Alliance in the South has significant advantages. Even without our help, this can be done!" Lowell laughed. The Sheffield Alliance was a new name they gave to the shareholders of the United Fruit Company who had been established by the returning southern plantation owners with the help of the Sheffield family.

Huh? Sheffield didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Others were oil tycoons, railroad tycoons, and steel tycoons, but when it came to his family, he became the wheat king! Morgan had the Morgan Alliance, Rockefeller had Standard Oil, and when it came to his family, it became the Sheffield Alliance?

"Mr. Lowell, please tell me your purpose. It's not easy to accept such a big gift. Please share any suggestions you have!" Sheffield thought about it and decided to have a frank talk about the other party's purpose.

"Master William, you want to get involved in electrification, and your family has this kind of prestige in the South. The hostility in the hearts of the Dixie people is equivalent to public opinion supporting you. However, if only your family is promoting this matter, perhaps there is enough money, but it is too risky." Lowell nodded and explained his purpose in detail. "As far as I know, the Sheffield family's industry does not have a banking industry! It may be difficult to raise funds in this way, and we can help you promote electrification."

"Wait a minute, please forgive my impoliteness!" Sheffield waved his hand to stop Lowell from continuing, and asked with a puzzled smile, "Mr. Lowell, do you know who the opponent of promoting electrification is? Don't you think it's a bit reckless to get involved?"

"Of course I know. Sheffield United's rival in the electrical industry is Morgan!" A gleam flashed in Lowell's eyes. It was not hatred, but it was not a positive emotion either. "He is the king of the banking industry..."

The king of the banking industry? Sheffield scratched his head and remembered a saying: competitors are enemies.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

I recommend a new book published in the same period, "Soaring My Aviation Era". An Xiyou is also an old author. I didn’t expect that we would be publishing the same book in the same period again this time.

(End of this chapter)