Cavalcade of America 35-10-23 003 The Spirit of Competition

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Cavalcade of America 35-10-23 003 The Spirit of Competition"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Cavalcade of America 35-10-23 003 The Spirit of Competition
• Release Date: May 29, 2025
• Description: Dive into the Golden Age of Radio with classic American stories that shaped the nation's heritage. This episode explores the enduring spirit of competition through historical narratives that highlight faith, courage, and the relentless pursuit of progress.

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Introduction

The episode opens with an invocation to America's enduring traditions and the role of the DuPont Company in fostering economic progress through scientific advancement. The Unknown Narrator sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of preserving stories of faith and courage, curated meticulously by educators and historians affiliated with the American Historical Association.

“These are true episodes brought to light by the careful search of distinguished educators and historians prominent in the American Historical Association.” (00:01)

The Cavalcade Orchestra introduces melodies from the popular tunes of 1890, setting a nostalgic tone for the listener.

Segment 1: The Oklahoma Land Run of 1889

Historical Context and Setting

The Unknown Historian introduces the essence of American competition, illustrating how friendly rivalry has been a catalyst for national progress.

“What trait is more American than the spirit of healthy competition? Friendly rivalry has done much to advance our nation's progress.” (03:36)

The scene shifts to the year 1889, capturing the anticipation surrounding the opening of Indian territories for settlement, an event that would later be known as the Oklahoma Land Run.

Characters and Dialogue

Molly Nesbitt, a determined woman, discusses the recent presidential proclamation to open 2 million acres of land, offering 160-acre plots to settlers.

Molly Nesbitt: “2 million acres of land to be given away. I don’t know why anybody’d want to take up land in the wilderness like that. Why, for a home, of course. For a living. A fresh start.” (04:52)

Her husband, John, expresses concerns about the overwhelming number of applicants, yet Molly is resolute in her decision to stake a claim.

Molly Nesbitt: “I’m going to join the run and stake a homestead. …I know the very spot I’ll claim for us.” (05:20)

Charles, another family member, voices skepticism about Molly's chances amidst fierce competition.

Charles: “What chance would you have against a bunch of hard riding land grabbers?” (06:46)

The Land Run Begins

As the land becomes available, hundreds of thousands flock to the border, each eager to claim their piece of the promised land. The environment is depicted as chaotic and strenuous, with settlers pushing, scrambling, and enduring harsh conditions.

Unknown Historian: “From all over the country they came. A hundred thousand people in trains and wagons, in buggies, on horseback … Once there, they waited for days.” (07:20)

Molly Nesbitt stands out as a determined individual amidst the crowd, prepared to face the challenges of the rush.

Molly Nesbitt: “I’m going in.” (08:06)

Conflict arises as Molly contends with other settlers trying to secure their claims. Charles mocks her determination, leading to a tense exchange that highlights the fierce nature of the competition.

Charles: “You can’t beat an engine pony for endurance and over rough ground.” (08:12)

Outcome and Reflection

The segment concludes with the successful staking of her claim by Molly, symbolizing the triumph of perseverance and the American spirit of competition.

Unknown Historian: “Competition and civilization. Rivalry and progress. This spirit has always been strong in the heart of the American people. It changed the country from a wilderness to a land of hope.” (12:00)

The narrative underscores how such competitions have historically driven America towards progress and innovation.

Segment 2: The Steamboat Race of 1870

Setting the Stage

Transitioning from land to river, the Unknown Historian delves into another historical competition—the steamboat race between the Robert E. Lee and the Natchez on the Mississippi River in 1870. This event captivated not only America but also garnered international attention.

Unknown Historian: “Before the Oklahoma land rights, the roots of American love of competition led back to an incident which caused excitement throughout the civilized world.” (12:28)

Characters and Initial Conflict

Captain John W. Cannon, the owner and commander of the Robert E. Lee, engages in a discussion with Captain Tom Leathers of the Natchez, highlighting their competitive spirits.

Captain Cannon: “She was still in Vicksburg loading when we pulled out. You must have done some mighty fast traveling to overtake us.” (15:08)

Their camaraderie quickly shifts to rivalry as Captain Leathers challenges Captain Cannon to a monumental race along the entire length of the Mississippi River.

Captain Leathers: “Let us have a race. A race all the way up the river from New Orleans to St. Louis. 1200 miles.” (17:18)

The Race Commences

The Unknown Historian describes the national and international hype surrounding the race, with enormous wagers placed not only in the United States but also in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and Europe.

Unknown Historian: “Enormous sums were wagered not only in the river cities but in large cities all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain and Europe.” (19:14)

On June 30, 1870, the levee at New Orleans is teeming with spectators eager to witness the historic race.

Unknown Historian: “The levee at New Orleans is thronged with people eagerly awaiting the start.” (19:39)

Progress of the Race

Throughout the race, regular updates are provided by various characters, including reporters and family members monitoring the progress of their favored vessel.

Charles: “The Robert E. Lee breaks all records of the town of Natchez in 17 hours and 11 minutes.” (22:45)

As days pass, the tension builds with each milestone marked by local establishments and the betting community closely tracking the race's outcome.

Unknown Historian: “From New Orleans to St. Louis in three days, 18 hours and 14 minutes. That was the record of the Robert E. Lee.” (25:48)

Conclusion of the Race

Ultimately, the Robert E. Lee triumphs, underscoring the significance of preparation, determination, and the innovative spirit that fuels progress.

Unknown Historian: “Racing was responsible for the improvement of the Mississippi steamboat … the spirit of competition brought better travel conditions, faster transportation of merchandise, progress and advancement.” (25:48)

Closing Thoughts: The Essence of American Competition

The episode concludes by tying together the historical narratives with contemporary reflections on competition. The Unknown Narrator highlights DuPont's role in modern innovation, emphasizing how the same spirit of competition continues to drive scientific and economic advancements today.

Unknown Narrator: “I wish that all of you could have sat with me at a dinner table where I met a number of men whose daily work consists of the hardest sort of competition … These chemists told me they take salt as a basic raw material and make things as far apart as insecticides for farmers and cosmetics for beautiful women.” (26:41)

This reflection serves as a bridge between past and present, illustrating the timeless nature of competition as a foundational element of American identity and progress.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Unknown Historian: “What trait is more American than the spirit of healthy competition? Friendly rivalry has done much to advance our nation's progress.” (03:36)

• Molly Nesbitt: “I’m going to join the run and stake a homestead. …I know the very spot I’ll claim for us.” (05:20)

• Charles: “You can’t beat an engine pony for endurance and over rough ground.” (08:12)

• Unknown Historian: “Competition and civilization. Rivalry and progress. This spirit has always been strong in the heart of the American people.” (12:00)

• Captain Cannon: “She was still in Vicksburg loading when we pulled out. You must have done some mighty fast traveling to overtake us.” (15:08)

• Captain Leathers: “Let us have a race. A race all the way up the river from New Orleans to St. Louis. 1200 miles.” (17:18)

• Unknown Narrator: “These chemists told me they take salt as a basic raw material and make things as far apart as insecticides for farmers and cosmetics for beautiful women.” (26:41)

Conclusion

"Cavalcade of America 35-10-23 003 The Spirit of Competition" masterfully weaves together historical accounts of pivotal competitions that have shaped American progress. Through engaging dialogues and insightful narrations, the episode celebrates the unyielding American spirit of competition, illustrating how it has been a driving force from the westward expansion to technological advancements in chemistry. For listeners unfamiliar with the original broadcast, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes, characters, and events that underscore the essence of competition in America's rich historical tapestry.

Transcript

[Unknown Narrator]

The Cavalcade of America. Just as traditions of American character have grown up with our people, so the dupont Company has grown with the nation to occupy an increasingly useful place in our economic life. And dupont presents the Cavalcade of America in the belief that the stories of faith and courage you will hear on these programs represent a heritage too precious to be forgotten. These are true episodes brought to light by the careful search of distinguished educators and historians prominent in the American Historical Association. Today, as ever, America carries its traditions forward, driving through to new accomplishments, though well exemplified by the research of DuPont chemists in creating better things for better living through chemistry, in every chemistry, in every walk of life. This spirit of get ahead, this desire for constant improvement has always inspired and will continue to inspire the Cavalcade of America. We set our stage tonight for the year 1889 with the melodies that were popular in the gay 90s played by the Cavalcade Orchestra.

[Unknown Historian]

What trait is more American than the spirit of healthy competition? Friendly rivalry has done much to advance our nation's progress. In every walk of life we find the urge to succeed, to advance, to conquer. Difficulties and opposition often spurs us to win where praise softens and bring self satisfaction. Our nation's history has many examples of contests out of which came advancement and improvement. But tonight we are concerned with but two. It is the year 1889. The paths of empire are leading westward. New territories are opening. Broader horizons are stretching before an eager nation. In her sister's home, Mrs. Molly Nesbitt is reading a recent copy of a St. Louis paper.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Anna. Charles, look here.

[Charles]

What is it?

[Anna]

Somebody dead.

[Molly Nesbitt]

The president. President Harrison dead? No, no, of course not. He's issued a proclamation. Oh, is that all? From the way you acted, I thought Indian territories to be opened up at last made part of the. Or what do you call it? The public domain.

[John]

I saw something about that a few weeks ago in the paper.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Now, to speak of it, and you never told me.

[John]

Well, Congress ratifies so many bills.

[Molly Nesbitt]

2 million acres of land to be given away. I don't know why anybody'd want to take up land in the wilderness like that. Why, for a home, of course. For a living. A fresh start. Oh, I suppose there are folks, but thousands of them. Land hungry folks who've been waiting years for the chance. John always said it would come, that it was bound to come, if only he could have lived to see it. But at last it happened. The government bought the land from the Indians. It's to be open for settlement. 160 acres. To a person. I Know the very spot I'll claim you.

[John]

You'll claim?

[Charles]

Yes.

[John]

What are you talking about?

[Molly Nesbitt]

Well, I'm going to join the run and stake a homestead. Why, Molly. Molly, I've been waiting for this day for years. The day when I could get land. Land of my own for myself and my children.

[John]

You've got a home here with Anna and me as long as you live, Molly, you know that.

[Molly Nesbitt]

I know, and I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful. But a home of my own is what I want, and here's your chance to get it. Well, now, Molly, we'll see. We'll just think it over a while. There's no time to lose in thinking it over. The president's proclamation was issued three days ago. The land will be opened in less than a month. Hundreds of folks around the road already, most likely on the road heading for the line. You mean you have to go there? Of course. Like you suppose. I thought you sent in an application or something. You don't ask for a section of land. You go and stake it out if.

[John]

You can get it.

[Molly Nesbitt]

If you can get it?

[Charles]

Yes.

[John]

2 million acres and 50,000 folks may be after it.

[Molly Nesbitt]

More likely 100,000.

[John]

Then what chance have you got?

[Molly Nesbitt]

Everybody's got an even chance. They aren't letting anyone across the line beforehand. Not a day, nor an hour, not even a minute.

[John]

A lot of them will slip in ahead of time.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Just the same, they'll be disqualified if they do. It says so right here in the paper. Well, will everybody line up at the border and wait for the hour? Yes. The signal to start. It'll be a race. Every man for himself. Molly Ness. But you don't really mean you're going to join that rush.

[John]

What chance would you have against a bunch of hard riding land grabbers?

[Molly Nesbitt]

Poor, best in the world. Because I know just the place John always hoped to stake out for us someday. You follow an old freighter's trail. There's a grove of cottonwood and a little creek and some rolling hills. Oh, I could head right for it.

[John]

On foot, I think.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Or on horseback. Or in a wagon. I'll find some way.

[Unknown Historian]

From all over the country they came. A hundred thousand people in trains and wagons, in buggies, on horseback and on mule, back in oxcart and in prairie schooners. On foot. Even a crazy, heterogeneous procession. Pushing, scrambling, cursing, laughing, eager to get to the line. Once there, they waited for days. Some of them under a burning sun amid choking red dust. No place to rest, nothing much to Eat even less to drink. Waiting for the hour when the land would be open. In the midst of this mad milling crowd was Molly Nesmith.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Back.

[Charles]

Keep back, everybody.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Well, quiet boy, quiet.

[Charles]

You making the run, ma' am, or just watching?

[Molly Nesbitt]

I'm going in.

[Charles]

With your husband?

[Molly Nesbitt]

No, alone.

[Charles]

You've got nerve.

[Molly Nesbitt]

I got a good horse.

[Charles]

You're right. You can't beat an engine pony for endurance and over rough ground. Now that fell over yonder with the black mare. He won't be in it with you and me. No, that's a racetrack horse he's got.

[Unknown Narrator]

Trained for short spurs.

[Charles]

Watermelons.

[Anna]

Ripe watermelons.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Watermelons.

[Charles]

A farmer with a whole cartload of them by guys. Yeah, and they're going fast. Come on, let's try and get one.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Oh, I. I don't dare to leave. I. I fought all night to keep this place right in front.

[Charles]

Well, you stay here and I'll go there. Come on, get in there, Jerry. Well, what the blaze is that?

[Molly Nesbitt]

You can't push your team in here. The. My place.

[Charles]

Yeah, your place is back home, lady, tending to your knitting.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Well, this runs open to all comers, isn't it? I've got just as much riding here as anybody.

[Charles]

Well, I hope you're a good rider. Cause if you ain't, there's no telling. Let that pony of yours stumble in the coyote hole and the rest of this thundering herd will ride right over you.

[Unknown Historian]

Trample on you.

[Charles]

You ever seen the cattle stampede?

[Molly Nesbitt]

Yes.

[Charles]

Well, it's going to be 10 times worse because then I'd running blind and all after something.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Well, they're human beings. Though.

[Charles]

This noise sound human to you? They are herd of wild animals to tell you of pinned up, raring a go. And just cause you're a woman.

[Molly Nesbitt]

I'm not asking any favors or giving any. This is my place here in the line.

[Charles]

Fantastic. Got one. I got one. I. I got a piece of watermelon anyway.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Oh.

[Charles]

Paid a dollar for it at that. Yeah, kind of warm, I'm afraid, but it's youthy here.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Why couldn't I go on? Oh, no, there's only enough for one. You eat it.

[Charles]

Say, what do you take me for anyway? Think I'm gonna guzzle watermelon when you stand there with your tongue hanging out and your lips all cracked and dry. Here, take half.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Thank you.

[Charles]

Hit the spot, don't it?

[Molly Nesbitt]

You know, I could bury my whole face in it. My eyes.

[Charles]

My eyes smart too. Like fury. It's all that brush smoke where they've burned the Prairie ahead of it.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Yeah, they did it to clear the way for us, I suppose.

[Charles]

Yeah, and the smoke out. The sooner. What? The sooner the fellows who thought they'd sneak in sooner ahead of time and hide in the scrub. Oh, that some has managed to get in. Got their claims all staked out. But now most likely.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Oh, but there's a penalty.

[Charles]

Sure. Oh, there'll be plenty.

[Unknown Historian]

Arguments and shooting and lawsuits.

[Charles]

You see that fellow yonder in the spring wagon?

[Unknown Historian]

Yeah, he's a lawyer.

[Charles]

Getting in on the ground floor.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Oh, then. Then they're not all going in for land.

[Charles]

No, some are making for the town site. Merchants, builders, tomb keepers. A jackrabbit just run out across the line calling him a sooner good thing. Something to make him laugh and relieve the strain.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Charles]

Back every body. Keep back.

[Anna]

Only a few minutes.

[Charles]

You better mount your pony, ma' am. Be ready.

[Molly Nesbitt]

All right.

[Charles]

The militias all got their watches out and they're guns ready to give the signal.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Well, how can we ever hear over all this noise? What? Why there isn't any noise. Have I. Have I gone deaf all of a sudden?

[Charles]

They're listening for the signal. It's almost news.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Yes.

[Charles]

Oh boy. Oh, goodness.

[Unknown Historian]

Competition and civilization. Rivalry and progress. This spirit has always been strong in the heart of the American people. It changed the country from a wilderness to a land of hope. Even before the Oklahoma land rights, the roots of American love of competition led back to an incident which caused excitement throughout the civilized world. Our cavalcade orchestra takes up the Mississippi and the days of 1870 with an excerpt from Freddie Go say's Mississippi.

[Anna]

Sweet Sam sa.

[Unknown Historian]

It is the year 1870. Down the brown waters of the Mississippi steams the Robert E. Lee loaded with cotton for New Orleans. Captain John W. Cannon, owner and commander of the mighty packet, stands on a hurricane deck talking with one of his.

[Unknown Narrator]

Passengers.

[Charles]

Here in Baton Rouge. Darwin. Be there on the boat 20 minutes now. Making good time this trip, Captain. And the Robert E. Lee makes good time every step. Isn't a bull on the river cinder. Yeah, you talk just like Captain Leathers of the N Lers. That wind there, the loud mouth breath. Yeah, now care what you say. Captain Tom Leathers happens to be a good friend of mine level on his boat. Well, I did come up on the mackers. You happen to be a good friend of mine too. So I reckon I'd travel back on the leap. Well, what do you think of the Manchester? A beautiful boat. Prettiest lines I think I ever saw. Handsome ears as handsome does. Well, the matches can do plenty Leather claims she's the fastest boat on the Mississippi. And I don't know the Robert E. Lee's got them all. I d. Here comes the natches now. How do you know it's her? Think I don't recognize that whistle? She was still in Vicksburg loading when we pulled out. You must have done some mighty fast traveling to overtake us. Well, we've made a lot of stops, says Chris. Here she comes around the bend. You're right. It is an ashes. Pretty, isn't she? Giving along there as quiet and graceful as a bride. Bride. Hey, Sam. Dan who Balloon. Tell Charlie to speed up a bit, Madam Cannon.

[Molly Nesbitt]

You're not going to do any risky.

[Charles]

Don't worry, ma' am.

[Molly Nesbitt]

I'm scared to death of you, Ms. Bull.

[Charles]

We're not not going to do any reason, ma' am. I pray. Kiwi just wanted to get out of the way of the net. She. She's gaining on us, Captain. I said, why don't Charlie pile on the wood and speed her up? She's pouring up on her passes, Captain.

[Molly Nesbitt]

No, you mustn't let her pass.

[Charles]

I thought you was the one who just said that.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Yes, I know, but I. Well, it's all right of me if you speed up a little. I can then see that of the boo get ahead of us.

[Unknown Historian]

Fine.

[Charles]

Please don't, Char. Char says we're making all the speed.

[John]

We can, sir, with the fuel we got.

[Charles]

Con. Nathan. Well, we're taking our more at Baton Rouge, sir. That rude. I want it now. Sorry, sir, but we're doing the best. All right, all right. Last old le. You can't hardly blame him for wanting to show off with a brand new beautiful boat. Well, he's done it with every boat he ever had. Way back in 55. Ah, when he had the first matches I had the old le. It's a favorite trick of his. Sneaking up and then swooping back. He standing on the staff now, Captain. Up almost the breast of our stern hares. It.

[Anna]

Listen to those folks on the nature.

[Charles]

Don't let him beat us, Captain. Don't let him. He's pulling right up along inside now. Look at the way she touched the water. Don't let her go as well. We have gone as fast as we can, ma' am. Look at him as he goes fast, Captain waving at you, the old fool. Out. Show him. I'll show the mey mouth old rascal who's got the best vote. Well, why don't you challenge him to a raid and prove who's got the best vote a town. Joe, let us to a race. A race. What is a race? All the way up the river from New Orleans to St. Louis. 1200 miles. And then we'll see which is the fastest boat on the Mississippi. The N or the Robert E. Lee.

[Unknown Historian]

From this challenge came the race which attracted nationwide worldwide interest. The race between the Natchez and the Robert E. Lee. Enormous sums were wagered not only in the river cities but in large cities all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain and Europe. Late afternoon, June 30, 1870. The levee at New Orleans is thronged with people eagerly awaiting the star.

[Charles]

Well, I went down New Orleans by.

[Unknown Historian]

My wife sewing machine the Lord.

[Unknown Narrator]

I'm.

[Charles]

Taking on the lease. $500 that the Nazis will be there.

[Unknown Historian]

Don't bravo.

[Charles]

When I mean that's the boat that bears the honor name of our general. That's the boat with the best machinery, say I. Yes. Only four years old and she's bigger. She looks bigger because she's wider and rises higher out of the water. But actually she's not as big. Her name's always the biggest than he was. You Southerners are always loyal. They're about to start. Look, Billy is backing out. Oh, what would I give to be a call her not for love or money. Could you or anybody else get passage on us? Captain Canna refused positively to take any passengers of cargo. Naturally he needs a room for fuel. What's he burning, wood or Coke?

[Unknown Narrator]

Both.

[Charles]

Understand he's got a big supply of things on hand for extra speed. Rosen pitch tallow candle is piking out. Ah, but she's a beauty, has dignity. The Lee looks as if a cyclo had struck her.

[Unknown Historian]

Even her wheelhouse is removed.

[Charles]

Captain Cannon has made thorough preparation and Captain Levers had made practically none. He's even carrying a cargo and passengers and still he wins another 500 on the Robert. He Le Baker leaves around the to the south. They're off.

[Unknown Historian]

At Johnny Hawkins famous saloon on the corner of Common street and Variety's Alley, New Orleans. Hundreds waited all night for news.

[John]

The Lee was leading at 24 mile.

[Charles]

Point ahead by 4 minutes and 40 seconds. He won't hold the lead long once Old Levels begins to let the matches out.

[Anna]

Telegram for Matthews.

[Charles]

The Robert E. Lee passed there at.

[Anna]

1:28Am the match is left at 1:38.

[Charles]

Just 10 minutes later. The next bulletin will be from the town of Nazis.

[Unknown Historian]

The following morning, July 1st in a Creole hall.

[Molly Nesbitt]

Which one you betting on, Miss Lucy? The Natchez Manda why, Miss Lucy. I know. But the Natchez was the boat Mr. John and I took our honeymoon trip on.

[Charles]

Lord.

[Molly Nesbitt]

And so she was, Ms. Lucy. And you're betting on the Robert D. Le Mandel. How you get Sir Moses? A rascabite on the Lee, isn't he? He sure is, ma' am. And that good for nothing doggy tells me. Yes, Sam, what is.

[Charles]

I just put a bulletin up down at the square. The Robert E. Lee breaks all records of the town of Natchez in 17 hours and 11 minutes.

[Anna]

Glory be.

[Unknown Historian]

And I know you all. Stock Exchange house on the morning of July 2nd.

[Charles]

What's the latest on the board, Frank?

[John]

Well, Consolidated is selling.

[Charles]

All due tapes are consolidated. Who's ahead in the race? The robbery, Lisa. He passed Memphis, sir, at 10 minutes past 11. All business has been suspended for the day. I told you the Lee would win.

[John]

Don't be too sure. The race isn't half over yet.

[Charles]

The Lee's gaining all the time though.

[Unknown Historian]

If you win by an hour, he's got an unfair advantage.

[John]

Having attended a funeral in Mitch Tre.

[Charles]

He's got a smart cat.

[John]

A thousand dollars at the neck's will.

[Charles]

Reach St. Louis first.

[Unknown Historian]

Take it in an exclusive London club. July 1st.

[Charles]

What's the latest cable report, Briggs? Right past Cairo, sir. Cairo? Not Cairo on the Nia, sir. Cairo on the Mississippi. Oh, quite extraordinary, isn't it, sir? A race that runs for days on end. Most extraordinary. Brigs. Just why are they doing it, sir? Well, Americans are always racing and competing. But why, sir? Why dash Aldrigs? I. I don't know. But I do know I've got ten pounds wages on the dashes. Yes, sir. And I have ten shillings on the Robert E. Lee.

[Unknown Historian]

St. Louis shortly before noon, July 4th, 1870. For miles, both banks of the river are crowded with people. The hills are swarming with them, waiting to welcome the winner, whichever it may be.

[Charles]

There she comes. I can see her. It's a Natchez Natches. Your granny wife. Believe you can tell her the way she rides.

[Anna]

I don't see how you can tell anything. There's a boat in the way.

[Charles]

Oh, I've seen the lead too many times. N. You can't pull me.

[Unknown Historian]

I sure believe the Nastras is way behind.

[Anna]

But he was passing up the last we heard.

[Charles]

There's 25 of my money says it's the lead taken strangers.

[Anna]

Oh, I can't wait.

[Charles]

No three days a long time parade. Yes, sir. Hey, that's her whistle. Is there only one on the river like It.

[Molly Nesbitt]

No, no.

[Charles]

The Lee. Come on, Captain Cannon, we're waiting for you. It's the lead. All right.

[Anna]

It is. It's fancy.

[Unknown Historian]

I'm sorry to disappoint you, miss, but I'd know the least whistle anyway.

[Charles]

Where? Yep, it's the Le. I can read her name now.

[Molly Nesbitt]

I saw General Robert Le Care one.

[Charles]

Now trouble with that 25, friend.

[Anna]

Where's the N. What happened to her?

[Charles]

Well, reach for the Robert E. Le.

[Anna]

The most of history. The champion champion of a.

[Unknown Historian]

From New Orleans to St. Louis in three days, 18 hours and 14 minutes. That was the record of the Robert E. Lee. Racing became more than a mere contest between rival captains. Racing was responsible for the improvement of the Mississippi steamboat racing rivalry. The spirit of competition brought better travel conditions, faster transportation of merchandise, progress and advancement. Just as the Oklahoma land race was instrumental in conquering a wilderness. Let us be thankful that this inherent quality remains an essential element in our country's lifeblood. For the spirit of progress helps make America a nation.

[Unknown Narrator]

The other night I found out again that the American determination to strive and succeed is very much alive today. I wish that all of you could have sat with me at a dinner table where I met a number of men whose daily work consists of the hardest sort of competition. Competing with nature, using their brains and ingenuity to go nature one better. They were all research chemists. As they swapped experiences across the table, I was amazed to learn how far into the future their thinking extended. And also how close they were to discovering new secrets of nature that will change and improve our lives tomorrow or next week or a year from now. One of those men told me the story of the part salt plays in chemistry. Well, you know, I hadn't the slightest notion of the number of useful things that dupont makes for us out of salt. Common salt. I thought salt was just something you put on French fried potatoes and something that's makes it easy to swim in the ocean. But these chemists told me they take salt as a basic raw material and make things as far apart as insecticides for farmers and cosmetics for beautiful women. Every time I pick up a salt shaker now, I remember that dupont uses that same material to make products used in ethyl fluid for gasoline and duprene, the marvelous synthetic rubber that beats nature's own rubber in many ways. Even adhesives, cleaning fluids and ingredients for dental purses. All out of the stuff I throw over my left shoulder for luck. And salt is lucky after all. We're lucky to have it around. And we're lucky to have chemists who know what to do with it, how to turn it into many useful products. Another time I'll tell you more of these fascinating adventures in the chemist's constant effort to provide better things for better living through chemistry.

[Charles]

It.

[Unknown Narrator]

Next Wednesday evening at this same time, Frank Craven, well known playwright, director and popular star of stage and screen, will be our guest star when dupont presents the Cavalcade of America. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.