Why does cap'n tommy agree to the contest between john henry and the steam engine?

he thinks that the steam engine will work much faster than john henry.

john henry threatens to quit if cap'n tommy doesn't let him compete.

li'l willie convinces him that the contest will lift the spirits of all the men.

he is promised a free steam engine if john henry wins.

He is promised a free steam engine if John Henry wins.

Explanation:

John was an extremely strong man who managed to do the work of 10 men alone. He worked for Cap'n Tommy.

One day a man tried to sell Cap'n Tommy a drill. this man said that the drill was very resistant, did the work of 20 men, contrary to the workers, the drill did not have to stop work to rest. Cap'n Tommy wanted the drill, but he did not feel like paying for it, so he had the idea of making a bet. The bet was between John and the drill. if the drill would win, Cap'n Tommy would buy it, if John won, the salesman would give the drill and $ 500 to Cap'n Tommy.

the lowest among the social higher rank were the working class. this class remained detached to the political progression   of the country and was hostile to the other two classes