He was strongly supported
by a large number of the mechanical engineers of the country, and the
speaker had the honor of seconding the resolution that he be first
president. The intention was that engineers from all parts of the
country should join to form a compact body capable of discussing
and judging of all mechanical subjects and appliances. In this the
institution had been eminently successful, and it numbered among its
members mechanical engineers in every large town in the country, and has
increased in strength and importance.
The last twelve years have been marked by many very important
changes, while low prices have generally ruled. Among other causes of
fluctuations in demand and supply (and consequently in values) must be
mentioned the occurrence and the threatening of foreign wars, which
disturbed the course of commerce greatly for some years. Such causes
must be considered as extraneous to the sphere of influence possessed by
good or bad manufacturing or engineering. Mr. Cowper does not look upon
the very great expense of improved war material and implements as an
unmixed evil for this country; for it so happens that we can better meet
such outlay than any other nation, and thus our wealth gives rise to
greater power and security than our neighbors possess; while, seeing
that we are not an aggressive nation, such power tends materially at
once to the progress of this country, and to the peace of the world.
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