The Titan · Chapter
VII: Chicago Gas explained
Cowperwood, through his partnership with Peter Laughlin, gains valuable market insights and begins to plan a major consolidation of Chicago's gas companies.
What happens
Cowperwood, through his partnership with Peter Laughlin, gains valuable market insights and begins to plan a major consolidation of Chicago's gas companies. After initial resistance from the entrenched gas company owners, he pivots to a strategy of forming new companies in the suburbs as a wedge into the city. He recruits the experienced gas man Henry De Soto Sippens to lead the practical operations.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Cowperwood's relentless drive to consolidate Chicago's gas industry and his strategic pivot to suburban franchises demonstrate his ambition for financial and political power.
Wealth and Its Illusions
The entrenched gas company owners reject Cowperwood's buyout offers, clinging to their existing wealth and control, while Cowperwood sees greater potential through consolidation.
Characters to notice
- Frank A. Cowperwood
Plans to consolidate Chicago's gas companies; recruits Judah Addison as investor and Henry De Soto Sippens as practical gas man.
- Peter Laughlin
Rejuvenated by Cowperwood's ideas, brings market gossip and follows Cowperwood's trading advice.
- Judah Addison
Agrees to support Cowperwood's gas consolidation scheme as an investor, but not as an open partner.
- Henry De Soto Sippens
A practical gas man who had previously failed in Chicago; recruited by Cowperwood to build plants and secure suburban franchises.
- Anton Videra
Director of the Wheat and Corn Bank; provides market intelligence to Cowperwood.
Key passages
“Old Peter Laughlin, rejuvenated by Cowperwood’s electric ideas, was making money for the house.”
Peter Laughlin, energized by Cowperwood's innovative thinking, was generating profits for their firm.
Highlights Laughlin's renewed vigor and the success of the partnership.
“Cowperwood’s first project was to buy out and combine the three old city companies.”
Cowperwood's initial plan was to purchase and merge the three existing gas companies serving Chicago.
Summarizes Cowperwood's primary strategy for entering the gas market.
“Well, now, here’s your chance, Mr. Sippens, urged Cowperwood, subtly. Between you and me there’s going to be a big new gas company in the field.”
Cowperwood hinted to Sippens that a major new gas venture was imminent and offered him a role.
Shows Cowperwood's persuasive recruitment of Sippens.