Part 3, Chapter 18 Summary and Analysis

"Number 8, Birmingham Gauge" replaces high-wire antics with nasty politicking over who will supply wire for the Great Bridge. Brusque, hardworking Congressman Hewitt is campaign manager for his friend, Gov. Tilden, the Democratic candidate for President, whose chances look good against unknown Rutherford B. Hayes. On Sep. 7, 1876, Hewitt moves anyone connected with the Board should be excluded from bidding on the $1 million contract for wire. He removes his own wire business from contention and threatens to resign if Roebling is allowed to bid. John Riley asks whether infirm Roebling should be removed before he makes mistakes. News from Spain that Tweed has been arrested reminds the public of his connections with the Bridge, making Hewitt's resolution seem all the more praiseworthy.

Roebling cites health and other pious reasons for resigning before coming to the heart of the matter. Hewitt, with...