y Belgium, and thence they
journeyed via historic Cologne to Westphalia, Germany. Here are some of
the most productive coal measures on the earth, which extend eastward
from the Rhine for over thirty miles, and here one wonders at the dense
network of railways and manufacturing establishments, unparalleled in
Germany.

At Essen are the far-famed Krupp Works, one of the greatest manufacturing
firms on the globe. These works are the outgrowth of a small old forge,
driven by water power, and established in 1810 by Frederick Krupp. His
short life was a hard struggle, but he discovered the secret of making
cast-steel, and died in 1828. Before his death, however, he revealed his
valuable secret to his son Alfred, then only 14 years of age. After many
years of severe application, Alfred Krupp's first great triumph came in
1851 at the London World's Fair, where he received the highest medal. At
the Paris Exposition of 1855, as well as at Munich the year before, he
also won gold medals.

Abundant orders now flowed in for his breech-loading, cast-steel cannons.
In severe tests which followed, the famous Woolwich guns were driven from
the field. The Krupp guns won great victories over the French cannon at
Sedan, which was an artillery duel. At Gravelotte and Metz the Krupp guns
surpassed all others in range, accuracy, and penetrating power, and Herr
Alfred Krupp became the "Cannon King" of Europe. Americans remember well
his gigantic steel breech-loading guns at the expositions held in
Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Alfred Krupp, however, delighted more in improving the condition of his
army of employees. He provided for them miles of roomy, healthful homes.
He formed a commissariat, where his employees could secure at cost price
all the necessaries of life. He also established schools where the
children of his employees could receive education if desired in
technical, industrial, commercial, and mechanical pursuits, and in
special and classical courses as well. He devised a "Sick and Pension
Fund," for disabled workmen, which scheme Emperor William II. has made a
law of the German Empire. He likewise created life insurance companies,
and widow and orphan funds. The golden rule has been Alfred Krupp's
guiding star. He was always kind and considerate, and never dictatorial.

When asked to accept a title, he answered, "No, I want no title further
than the name of Krupp." Alfred Krupp died July 14, 1887, in the 75th
year of his age.