The Iron Age 1903-04-09: Vol 71 Iss 15

THE [RON A Review of the Hardware, Iron, Machinery and Metal ‘I rades. Published every Thursday Morning by David Williams Co., 232-238 William St., New York. Vol. 71: No. 15. New York, Thursday, April 9, 1903. FRO0 A ee Beng Powaas Reading Matter Contents.........page 56/- Alphabetical index to Advertisers “* 171] Classified List of Advertisers..... “ 164) Advertising and Subscription Rates“ 69), Guaranteed for Nitro Powders. Grade K Grade K E D. Sen for hanasenis new € atalog, saat issued, cont: long com plete description of Guns, $25.00 to $75u.00. Matled frec. . 5 2 * ® Bristol’s Patent Steel Belt Lacing, RAaMINGTON ARMS COO.7 ImiICcwnw, NW. WZ. SAVES 313-317 Broadway, New York. 86-88 First Street, San Rae Time, Belts, Seld by all Gun Vealers. Not KRetailed by the Mauufaciurers. Money. GreatestStren, READY TOAPPiy §=FimisHED Vow With Least Me Send for Circulars and Free Samples. THE BRISTOLCO., Waterbury. Conn SE SAMSON SPOT CORD Alse Masene were Phenix Exe So |. > , Cord, 7 h ea SAMSON cntanae wonxs, Boston, Mass. REGULAR PATTERM. TURNBUCKLES. ; CAPEWELL HORSE NAILS Branch OMice, 11 11 Broadway, Cleveland City Forge and iron Con”'- “Glaveland, 0. NEW YORK, Branches : PORTLAND, ORE., PHILADELPHIA, BUFFALO, CHICAGO, DETROIT, BALTIMORE, ST. LOUIS, CINCINNATI, NEW ORLEANS, BOSTON, SAN FRANCISCO, DENVER. THE CAPEWELL HORSE NAIL COMPANY | HARTFORD, CONN. PLATE PATTER BESSEMER PIG rard Building, Phila. PILLING & CRANE, fete nae eeE f Trade, Boston. REGU LAR PATTERN. Excelsior Straight-Way Back Pressure Valve. This valve has no dash pots, springs, guides or complicated levers to get out of order. It is simple, reliable and well made. Never sticks, and can be relied upon at all times when using exhaust steam for heating ; or when used as a relief, or free exhaust on a condensing plant, it has no equal. Itis noise- less and free from any complicated attachments. if not, return it at jobber’ sexpense. JENKINS BROTHERS, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago Scent |_ THE AMERIGAN TOBE &°STAIEING CO,” well as skill and we tools. HOT AND GOLD ROLLED Apollo is right in a dozen ways STRIP STEEL. APOLLO BEST BLOOM GALVANIZED IRON Every sheet ought to be perfect ; where other galvanized irons are sometimes right and sometimes Fac-Simile of Bar. wrong. Beware “ Imitetions. American Sheet Steel Company, New York “We MAGNOLIA METAL C0 " ‘ Sam, Francisco, N 1 Montreal, Boston Owners and Sole Manufacturers, 611-513 West I3th St., Pittsburg aa : Platelet ag ta Chicago, Fisher Bidg. NEW YORK. of Babbitt Metals at competitive prices¢ THE IRON AGE. Awsonss Beas —|MITERBURY BRASS G0 |7# Pm & Arona Ws, MANUFACTURERS OF wD OPPER Oo. ESTABLISHED 1865. Ferree CO lau oncnd mit vaso. com SHEL ANG Roll Brass BRASS AND COPPER | Provisence'store, Xo. 181 Dorrance St. ~ soc Seamless Tubes, Sheets, Rods and Wire. a a na I FR E PRINTERS’ BRASS, JEWELERS’ METAL, GERMAN msm —__|GERMAN SILVER) tose: "rt = Tobi nB ronze ete | anata (TRADE-MaRK REGISTERED.) for Trimmings, &c. Condenser Plates, Pump Linings, Round, Square and Hexagon Bars, for Pump Key Stock 29 MURRAY ST., NEW YORK. Piston Rods and Bolt Forgings. Cutlery Metal 144 HIGH ST., BOSTON. Seamless Tubes for Boilers Electrical Purposes 199 LAKE ST., CHICAGO, and Condensers. 99 John Street, - = New York. Plated Ware THOMASTON, CONN. WATERBURY, CONN. Randolph-Clowes Co., ¢)“Pope’s Isand White filetal”|§ SCOVILL MFG. CO., Manufacturers of Main Office and Mill, for like uses when extra drawing BRASS . WATERBURY, CONN. and spinning is required. GERMAN SILVER MANUFACTURERS OF ee Sheets, Rolls, Wire, SHEET BRASS & COPPER, 9 | R-A-A-7.A-77-2 AAAI Rods, Bolts and Tubes, BRAZED BRASS & COPPER GENUINE No. 1 BABBITT. = iene aera TUBES. ent as Geen tn aoledenele SPECIAL BRASS GOODS TO ORDER SEAMLESS BRASS ¥ ; “Saves In every seem” 3 Factories, WATERBURY, CONN. n t e@. DEPOTS: & COPPER TUBES a ee 5 TO 36 IN. DIAM. y New York Offiee, 258 Broadway, Postal 7) —_ GREATEST DURABILITY. NEW YORK, CINCAGO, BOSTON. Telegraph Bldg., Room 715. Chicago Office, 602 Fisher Bldg. ee SEER Bridgeport Deoxidized Bronze and Metal Company, ; JOHN DAVOL & SONS, PRAAAAAAARDAA: Bridgeport. Conn. AGENTS FOR NNN ee eee eee 3 | Brooklyn Brass & Copper Co., DEALERS IN . 3 COPPER, TIN, SPELTER, Matthiessen & Hegeler Zinc Co., LEAD, ANTIMONY. 100 John Street, - N i, LA SALLE, ILLINOIS. en a SMELTERS OF SPELTER Arthur T. Rutter AND MANUFACTURERS OF SHEET ZINC AND SULPHURIC ACID. En ee Special Sizes of Zinc cut to order. Rolled Battery Plates. WILLIAM S. F EARING Selected Plates for Etchers’ and Lithographers’ use. OR Selected Sheets for Paper and Card Makers’ use. 256 Broadway, NEW Y K. ene Small tubing in Brass, Copper, ZINCS FOR LECLANCHE BATTERY. Steel, Aluminum, German Silver, &c. Sheet Brass, Copper and Ger- man Silver. Copper, Brass and Hit NNW ae MALL RAEUmmmE ssmi cca b Copper and Brass Rod. ocmaaite’ 4 West Monroe St., Chicago. 66 i 99 NSAY Om VSIA UOONCM ACUI yee: U UTD ITT Repke PHONO -E LECTRIC SpE Oe. yh) | HMSS, BROVZE nd aLouIMua casTINgS.| VV SSSR. Or LI—LT~ Founders, Finishers, NEF. NELGH wre. 06, 08 UDHURY STREET, BOSTON W. G. ROWELL & CO., BRIDGEPORT, CONN. TELEPHONE d HENDRICKS BROTHERS oe . PROPRIETURS OF THE . Belleville Copper Rolling Mills, LINES. Brazsiecers’ Bolt ana Sheathing Bridacsert, BRIDGEPORT BRASS CO., Conan. Murray St., New York No better counter oe made, Importers and Dealers in ~~ “SS . ee $3.00 Ingot Copper, Block Tin, Spelter, Lead, Antimony, etc. |! on -a Guaranteed. 49 CLIFF ST., NEW YORK. R.A. HART, BATTLE CREEK, MICH. ‘THE IRON AGE TuHurspbay, Aprit 9, 1903. The Mesta Reversing Engines for Blooming rill. An important feature of the extensive improvements now being made by the Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad Company at their steel plant, at Ensley, Ala., is one of the largest reversing engines that was ever built, to drive their 44-inch blooming mill. This engine was built by the Mesta Machine Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., and is here illustrated. The shaft of this engine is hollow forged, and with disk and balance wheel weighs 143,000 pounds, and required a special four- truck car to carry it. This is probably the heaviest load that was ever taken South over the railroads, and after reaching Cincinnati, over the Pennsylvania Railroad, the 4). & C. Railroad and the L. & N. Railroad refused to take it over their lines on account of the excessive weight. strains on links and eccentrics, which are present when lwo eccentrics drive a link through offset connections. The reversing is accomplished by means of a steam operating cylinder, whose piston rod is connected by a pair of links to the tumbling shaft. An oil check cylinder directly in line with the steam cylinder has its piston on the same rod. The valve which distributes steam to the operating cylinder and the valve which by-passes the oil in the check cylinder are on the same stem or valve rod. ‘This rod is controlled through a floating lever by the operator’s lever and the motion of the operating cylinder piston. ‘The latter motion tends to move the valves to their central position and so bring the operating piston to rest. 'The motion of the operator’s lever has the opposite effect. Thus the operating cylinder piston moves only as indicated by the motion of the operator’s lever and is held rigidly in any position in which it is placed by the THE MESTA REVERSING ENGINES FOR BLOOMING MILL It finally was taken over the B. & O., Southwest, Illinois Central and other roads to its destination. Engines of this type are necessarily made very massive on account of the heavy work they have to do. The speed is high for such heavy engines, often reaching 200 revolu- tions per minute for a short period, and all moving parts must be made exceptionally strong and at the same time as light in weight as possible, on account of the high speed, thus requiring high grade forgings and use of steel castings instead of cast iron. The stationary parts, such as the main frames, &¢., are made very massive, of cast iron. The steam cylinders are 55 inches in diameter and #6 inches stroke Piston valves are used to distribute the steam. ‘They work in removable cast iron bushings and have adjustable packing rings. The steam enters the steam chest at the center and exhausts at the ends of the valve chamber. Branch exhaust pipes connect the ends of the valve chamber with exhaust pipes below the floor. The piston valves are operated by means of a re- versing link motion. A triple eccentric is used to drive each link. The two outside sections have the same angu- lar advance and are, in effect, one eccentric. They drive one end of the link. The middle section drives the other «nd of the link. The arrangement avoids all the side oil check cylinder. The links are absolutely under the control of the operator, who can hold them without ef- fort in any position. When brought to their central posi- tion they impart no motion to the main valves and the engine comes to rest. This feature furnishes a means of stopping the engine in case the throttle valve becomes deranged and cannot be closed. The engine can be operated cutting off at any part of the stroke. The valve stem connections, rocker arms and all other parts of the valve gear are substantially constructed, and, where practicable, are furnished with means of adjustment. All nonadjustable bearings have steel pins and bronze bushed eyes. An indicator is provided, by means of which the operator can observe from the pulpit the posi- tion of the links. The whole valve mechanism is sup- ported on the tie piece between the bed plates. This engine when operated under the usual every day conditions will attain, for short periods, a speed of 150 revolutious per minute and wil! develop upward of 16,000 horse-power. snes The Pittsburgh Filter Mfg. Company of Pittsburgh, Pu.. bave been incorporated with a capital of $150,000, and will take over the business of the company hitherto trading under the same name. Their offices have been re- sg 5 3 as ie a ee 2 THE IRON AGE. moved from the Empire Building to larger quarters in rooms 1501-1502 Farmers’ Bank Building. The company have contracts on hand for installing their water soften- ing and purifying plants at a large number of places throughout the country. ao The Machinists’ Demands on Chicago Employers. Lee S. Fisher and J. J. Keppler, business agents of District Lodge No. 8, International Association of Ma- chinists, Chicago, have addressed the following communi- cation to employers of machinists in that city: “Inclosed on separate sheet, the members of the In- ternational Association of Machinists, by almost a unani- mous vote cast in the last week of February, 1903, in- structed their representatives to present to the various manufacturers employing machinists or machinists’ ap- prentices, in Chicago and vicinity, that they desire and will endeavor to enforce, if necessary, by all lawful means at their command, to establish those conditions by which they may be employed as therein set forth, believing they are justly entitled to all, under present conditions, for the amount of product placed at the disposal of their em- ployer from their labor. “ We believe, as stated in Article 1, that not more than nine hours should be required for a day’s work, and that not more than 54 hours on night shifts. The half holiday on Saturday during the summer months has become a custom (especially in large cities) rather than a rule or law, and has been assisted as much by the employers as the employees, and should be granted in addition to the shorter work day. “Article 2, pertaining to the increase, is based on the general condition of trade, and inasmuch as there has been no collective demand made in this vicinity since May 1, 1901, and not from the fact that we might have the power to enforce it. “ Article 3, pertaining to overtime, as there has been practically no opposition in the past, there should be no objection to it now. “ Article 4, governing the employment of apprentices, should receive the earnest co-operation of the employers for its rigid enforcement, for the protection of the boy that is trying to elevate himself so that he may be a credit to his employer as well as to his fellow workmen. That he should not be engaged as an apprentice until he is 16 years old and not after he is 21, and should serve four years, and be given an opportunity at all branches of the trade as far as it is possible. That he should be dis- missed at the expiration of six months or at the most nine months, if in the judgment of the superintendent and the journeymen machinists’ committee men he is not qualified to learn the trade, so that he may,secure employment at some other trade or profession that he may be more pro- ficient. “ Article 5 is based on the assumption that every man is entitled to an opportunity to earn enough to maintain himself and those that may be dependent upon him, if the co-operation between employer and employee can devise a way to obtain these results. “ We would ask that the conditions contained in state- ment be complied with on or before May 1, 1908. If a written agreement for one year or more is desired by the manufacturer, we are ready at all times to enter into one, based upon the conditions set forth in statement, with provision for arbitrating any differences that may arise, thereby preventing any strike or lockout until any dif- ferences have been thoroughly investigated.” The inclosure, to which reference is made above, is as follows: We submit herewith a statement of conditions under which the wachinists and machinists’ apprentices desire to govern their employment, to be enforced on or before May 1, 1903. 1. That nine hours shall be the standard work day. All time worked over nine hours in any one day shall be considered overtime, except on. night shifts, that rot more than 54 hours shall be worked in the five nights—viz., Monday, Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (This association has no ob. jection if a further reduction of hours can be secured by mutual agreement between the employer and employees, to establish the April 9, 1903 2. Wage Scale.—That not later than May 1, 1903, machin- ists, die and tool makers shall receive a 5 per cent. increase over and above the rate paid January 1, 1903. And such additional amount to those that would still receive less than 30 cents per hour and 35 cents per hour for die and tool makers, except out- side men, who are to reccive 50 cents per hour, eight hours to constitute a day’s work for all outside work. 3. Overtime.—Time and one-half to be paid for all time to be worked over the regular day schedule up to 12 o’clock mid- night. After 12 o’clock, Sundays and legal holidays—viz., New Year's Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, 'Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, to be paid at the rate of double time, except on the company’s own repairs of its machinery, so that the factory may be in running order the following day, for which time and one-half is to be paid. 4. Apprentices.—One apprentice may be employed for the shop, irrespective of the number of machinists employed, and cne to every five machinists thereafter. This is to apply to day force only, as apprentices are not to be employed on night shifts. If overtime is worked they are to receive time and one- half or double time as applied to journeymen. The minimum rate for apprentices per hour to be: Cents Pa: CE: Ee us one eee KX iE as at es 8 ey eT 10 One year to one year six months.............+-- 12% One year six months to two years..............+-. 15 ‘'wo years to two years six months............. 17% Two years six months to three years............ 20 Three years to three years six months........... 22% Three years six months to four years............ 25 After which they are to receive at least the minimum journey- men's scaie. ~ 5. That should an occasion present itself whereby it will be necessary for the employer to make a general reduction in their force of employees, on account of national panic or a general depression in the trade, the regular standard work day may be reduced so if possible all may have an opportunity to secure em- ployment, so that be may provide for himself and those that may be dependent upon him for support. —$— $$$ Aultman, Miller & Co. in Receivers’ Hands. At Akron, Ohio, on April 5, Judge J. A. Kepler of the Court of Common Pleas appointed George W. Crouse of Akron and H. P. McIntosh of Cleveland receivers of Ault- man, Miller & Co., manufacturers of Buckeye binding and mowing machinery. The appointment was made upon the application of Mr. Crouse, the president of the com- pany, and was considered a protective one, looking to ar- ‘angements for aa adjustment with the creditors. The firm of Aultman, Miller & Co. were established in 1863, being among the pioneers in the harvester field. The late Lewis Miller, one of the founders of Chautauqua Assembly. was the inventor of most of the machinery which made the Buckeye products famous. The Buckeye shop was for many years the largest factory in Akron, formerly employing 1000 men. A statement has been sent out to the creditors, show- ing that the assets of the company as fixed December 31 are $1,751,650. This is $134,000 short of the liabilities as they stood before that time. George W. Crouse, presi- dent of Aultman, Miller & Co., is personally liable on over $1,500,000 of the indebtedness. The creditors are nu- merous banks, those of Chicago holding more of the pa- per than any other one city. One Chicago broker had placed more than $500,000 of the notes. The cause of the firm’s trouble, Mr. Crouse is reported to have said. was ruinous business methods which competing companies for the last ten years have followed, sending an army of men over the country to sell machin- ery to any one who would buy, regardless of the pur- chaser’s responsibility. mpieateiteacanitill aims icens In a decision rendered in connection with the draw- back on foreign pig iron on exports of reapers, binders, mowers and rakes manufactured by the Champion Di- vision of the International Harvester Company, the Treasury Department says: In liquidation, the quantity of imported pig iron which may be taken as the basis for allowance of drawback may equal the quantity consumed as declared in the drawback entry, after official verifica- tion of exported kinds and sizes, provided that in no case shall it exceed for each kind of machine exported 66 2-3 per cent. of the net weight of the castings for the corre- sponding machine as shown in the manufacturer’s sworn statement. To the weight of the imported iron so ob- tained may be added 5 per cent. thereof to compensate for loss in manufacture. ha'f holiday on Saturdays during the summer months.) SRR nr as eee ee April 9, 1903 Government Machinery Contracts. Efforts to Correct Faulty Practices. Wasuineron, D. C., April 7, 1903.—An effort is being made by certain prominent manufacturers of machinery to bring about a modification of the present practice of the departments, and especially of the Navy Department, in the purchase of costly machines of all kinds. The latest developments in this movement indicate that while legislation may be necessary to secure all of the desired results, yet it is within the discretion of the heads of departments to do a great deal to remedy the difficulties of which complaint is now made. It is no secret that within the past two or three years the Government, and the Navy Department in particular. lias acquired a considerable quantity of machinery pur- chased under the usual specifications by advertisement and proposal which has proved almost worthless and is how occupying valuable room in the various navy yards and naval stations, representing a large loss in money and in the efficiency of the various plants for repair and con- struction work. It is not alleged that the condition of affairs to-day is much worse tban it has been for some time past, but the enlargement of machinery plants at several important naval yards authorized within the past three years has necessitated the purchase of unusually large quantities of machinery and the shortcomings of the present system of purchase have already been em- phasized. Inadequate Specifications. The criticisms of the present policy of the Navy De- partment in this regard may be summarized under three heads: First, the preparation of inadequate specifications as the basis for bids upon machinery and especially cost- ly machines which may or may not conform to standard types; second, the acceptance of low bids without careful inspection of the machines tendered and without regard to the relative superiority of other machines offered at somewhat higher prices; and, third, the failure of the Department to require manufacturers supplying inferior and inefficient machines to furnish and make good the same guarantees as would be required by a private manu- facturing concern making similar purchases. It is very frankly stated in communications to the Department that some of the largest manufacturers of machinery have de- cided not to bid further upon Government contracts be- cause of the conditions complained of, and it thus ap- pears that the competition upon which the Government must rely, not only for the best goods but also for rea- sonable prices, is likely to be withdrawn. Concerning inadequate specifications it is alleged that they are drafted, not with a view of securing the best machines that can be had, but rather with a view to de- scribing a machine of average grade which can be fur- nished by any one of a considerable number of manufac- turers. Such specifications, under the law as interpreted by the present Paymaster-General, shut out absolutely all manufacturers of high grade machines of the same general character, and thus the Government secures much machinery of a quality which would be rejected by a private manufacturer. ‘The law in this case as con- strued by the Department is stated by the Paymaster- General as follows: Under the law the lowest bid complying with the specifica- tions under which an article is advertised must be accepted, and the bureau is therefore not at liberty to exercise the same discretion in placing contracts as is usual with private parties, althongh it may be shown at the time that by paying a higher price better machines could he secured. Such being the interpretation of the law, it is urged with much force that, inasmuch as the Department fully controls the character of the specifications, they should be drawn with the utmost care and with a view to allow- ing contracts to be awarded to the manufacturers tender- ing the most desirable machines, both quality and price being considered. Several of the best known manufac- turers in the country, it is asserted, do not build ma- chines that can be sold within 25 or 30 per cent. of the cost of greatly inferior machines which nevertheless technically comply with the terms of the Department’s specifications. It is entirely competent, however, for the THE IRON AGE. 3 Department to provide in its advertisements for the pur- chase of superior machines, the condition that they shall be found upon inspection to be of sufficiently high auality to offset the difference in price. Inspection of Machinery Suggested. A very practical suggestion has been made to the De partment with reference to the inspection of machinery to cost to exceed a certain fixed amount, say $2500. Un- der the present system nearly all machiyery is bought upon the basis of photographs and descriptions and is frequently accepted even when found not to be exactly what was desired. Little or no machinery is examined in advance of the awarding of contracts, and such inspec- tion as is now required is intended only to prevent the Department, after it has awarded the contract, from be- ing compelled to take a machine which does not meet the specifications. It is proposed as a remedy for this condi- tion of affairs that whenever the Department receives proposals for a machine to cost more than the sum men- tioned it should send from one to three of its experts to inspect all of the machines offered and report upon their relative efliciency in order that the Government may se- cure the best possible value within reasonable limits of price. It is contended that such an inspection would be made by any large private concern buying machinery on the basis of competition, and that under such a system the Government would rarely, if ever, find itself in pos- session of useless machinery purchased because the man- ufacturezs submitted the lowest bid. It is the position of the Department that it has no fund available with which to defray the cost of such in- spection as is suggested, but the manufacturers meet this point with the assertion that the expense would be very small and would be gladly borne in every case by the successful competitor, provided the leading producers throughout the country could have a guarantee that their proposals would be carefully and intelligently examined and the awards made with reference to quality as well as price. Even should an act of Congress be required to authorize such a system of inspection as is proposed, it is contended that the necessary authority might easily be secured in connection with the annual Naval Appro- priation bill, for it is believed Congress would promptly recognize the desirability of purchasing high grade ma- chinery at a fair price in preference to that of an inferior quality at slightly less cost. Manufacturers Should Be Held Accountable. The suggestion that some method should be found for requiring manufacturers furnishing the Government with poorly designed, carelessly built machines to make good the luss incurred is offered not only on behalf of the pub- lic treasury, but also in the interest of all reputable manufacturers who are unable to meet such competition on a price basis. It is asserted in this connection that part at least of the fault lies with the officers who ac- cept inferior machinery without careful examination and adequate testing, but it is also stated that under the pres- ent system the Government has no recourse should any machinery purchased be found, after technical accept- ance, to be valueless because of flaws or inferior con- struction. Instances in which the Government within the past two or three years has purchased costly machines only to find them useless are cited in this correspondence, notably certain machinery for the League Island Navy Yard, costing several thousand dollars, which has been absolutely abandoned and the contractors not required to make good any part of the loss. It is notorious here that attempts have been made from time to time by dealers as well as manufacturers to induce the Government to buy machinery of inferior quality, some of which is said to have been built for private parties and rejected by them, but usually these attempts have failed because the machinery did not conform to specifications. Where there has been a technical compliance, however, the Gov- ernment has awarded the contracts and pocketed the loss. The present disposition of the Department officials having these matters in charge is to make no important departure in the methods now in force. This is usually the case with reference to necessary reforms, especially where the change proposed, if adopted, might be regarded cn eee See NaS RANEY C2 Ue A AN NN OLENA EES ONE a nd + 2 a Sh NAR 4 THE IRON AGE. as a reflection upon officials of the Department. Leading manufacturers, however, are very anxious that a change should be made and are likely to take the matter up not only with the Department heads, but if necessary with the Congressional leaders having charge of the annual appropriation bills. : Ww. L. C. Catalogue Suggestions. ¢ BY ALBERT STRITMATTER. In the machinery world the catafogue is an important factor in the distribution of the factory’s product. This applies no matter by what means the machinery or other products are sold—i. e., whether the goods are sold through the medium of the catalogue alone or in con- junction with dealers, traveling representatives, &c. This being the case, it is hard to understand why some manu- facturers and jobbers get out a catalogue at all, for their efforts in this line certainly are not at all attractive. In order to get an idea of the enormous amount of money which is wasted in catalogues just recall, if you can, the number of catalogues you have received in the past six months, and then try and bring to mind those which have impressed you as particularly attractive or offering any inducement to give your business to the senders of the catalogue, In order to get the most impressive effect of the di- - versity in the appearance of catalogues, take all those you can secure from the manufacturers of any one line of machines. For instance, take all the steam engine catalogues, or all the gas engine or pump catalogues, and compare them. That this is the best way in which to judge of one’s own catalogue is proven by the fact that the prospective purchaser of any piece of machinery has all of these catalogues before him. Of what value is it, except incidentally, to compare your pump catalogue with that of a gas engine manufacturer? You are trying to impress favorably the purchaser of machinery you manu- facture, and your catalogue will be compared, consciously or unconsciously, with those of your direct competitors. When you have all of these catalogues before you, note the differences in their general appearance. Here is one with a cheap cover of unattractive color and qual- ity. If you happened to come up to a table on which these various catalogues were spread you would certainly not pick up that catalogue first, but this other one with a cover and cover design which show that the whole cata- logue is likely to be attractive and interesting. Then compare the quality of the paper used in the catalogue, the appearance of the type, the general make- up and presswork, &c. All these things at least uncon- sciously affect the prospective purchaser of machinery. A salesman once said to the writer: “ Do you know, I hate to take out my firm’s catalogue when I go to see a man. He generally has on his desk Jones & Co.’s cata- logue, or that of Smith, Brown & Son, and you know they are real works of art. Now look at mine, would you? Why, it’s a disgrace for a firm to compel its representa- tives to take such a thing as that out. Suppose I went out on the road dressed with the same general appear- ance as that catalogue. How much sticcess do you sup- pose I would have?” After the general attractiveness of a catalogue, and really of more importance than it, comes the quality of the reading matter. Many catalogue writers seem to feel that if they will only make their statements strong enough it will be all right, whether they are strictly true or not. They forget that the readers of catalogues do not always accept implicitly the truth of everything they read. If they did the truth would indeed be a strange contortion. For instance, how can we believe that one man’s gas engine will use only half the fuel of all others when we read in the other catalogues that each has the lowest fuel consumption of any engine on the market? We should bear in mind, in writing our own catalogues, that they should be strong, but more than that—they should be convincing. ‘This is the thing to be aimed at. And as an aid to this plenty of good, clear illustrations of the machines and their parts should be used. In reading a number of catalogues recently the writer was impressed with the lack of clearness, and therefore April 9, 1903 the lack of force, of certain catalogues as compared with others. For instance, in describing the governor of an engine one catalogue showed both a photograph and a diagram of this part of the engine, and described clearly its action. The other catalogues stated that the governor was simple and regulated closely. How much more con- vincing was the former than the latter method! But, says the manufacturer, if I put everything like that in my catalogue my competitors would get the benefit of it all. In answer to this we can only say that if- any manufacturer wants to know how your machine is con- structed he will have no difficulty in finding it out so long as you are selling your machines. It is a well known fact that every manufacturer knows in a great degree the method of construction and operation of his competitor's machines, and if he does not his salesmen do. The subject of errors in catalogues would in itself be sufficient for a long discussion. Of course there should be the utmost care taken to avoid typographical errors, but these are frequently of less importance than the other errors which actually occur. In one case a cata- logue did not mention the name of the manufacturer of the machines it described except at one place, and that was at the head of a testimonial letter which was direct- ed to the firm. This catalogue made something‘of the impression that would be made if a traveling man called on a customer and gave him a blank card and then en- tered into the discussion of his machine without mention- ing who made it. Still another catalogue, in presenting a statement of comparative costs, stated that if the manufacturer’s en- gine were used instead of electric current from a city power plant, the operating cost per year would be $4000 as compared with $3000 for the city current. The ad- vantage, from this statement, was with the city current. What was intended was $400, instead of $4000, as com- pared with $3000, when the saving from the engine in question became apparent. In another case it was said that an engine of a cer- tain size would drive a certain number of “ 10,000 candle power are lights.”” When we recall that even the ordinary 2000 candle power are lights are only nominally of that candle power, and as a matter of fact are much less, we can see the absurdity of the statement made. It was evi- dently a typographical error for “2” instead of “10,” but the catalogues went out without any correction. In other cases statements are made as facts when they are merely the personal opinion of the writer and are dis- puted in actua] practice. Such an instance is illustrated in the statement that “it has been proven that a horizon- tal engine is more economical than a vertical engine,” and vice versa. One man’s horizontal engine might be much more economical than some vertical, but another vertical engine might be even more economical. Again, “ we do not figure on pipe with any of our en- gines, for it is never furnished by anyone,” is rather a ludicrous statement to make, for any manufacturer will furnish pipe with his engine if he is paid to do so. Many of the oddities in the catalogue field exist from the fact that we are less likely to criticize our own chil- dren than we are those of other people, and errors which we would call ridiculous if in our competitors’ printed matter we allow to remain in edition after edition of our own catalogues. It will do no harm, and it is likely to do a great deal of good, if we will occasionally follow the plan before suggested—of getting together and compar- ing with our own the catalogues of our direct competitors. Do not be more lenient with yourself than you are with your competitors, for the prospective customer will not be, and do not stop trying to improve your catalogue unti! yours is better than any of the others. a The production of Bessemer steel ingots in France in 1902 was 1,014,934 metric tons, as compared with 816,- 677 tons in 1901. The output of open hearth steel in- creased from 608,674 tons in 1901 to 620,366 tons in 1902. - The total production of rolled Bessemer steel was 682,814 tons, of rolled open hearth steel 517,408 tons, of puddled and forged steel 12,041 tons, of blister steel 1004 tons, of érucible steel 12,715 tons and of rerolled scrap steel 4670 tons. April 9, 1903 THE IRON AGE. 5 4 the Patent Office. should be used only to distinguish be- tween different surfaces, textures or materials and right- The Globe Oblique Tumbling Barrel. The accompanying half-tones show the new oblique tumbling barrels which have recently been placed on the market by the Globe Machine & Stamping Company, These tilting tumblers will run in either position shown in the cuts or at any intermediate elevation. They are adapted for cleaning, brightening or polishing sheet metal stampings, small iron or brass Cleveland, Ohio. castings, forgings, &c., work. They can be used for either wet or dry tumbling. The work can be seen while it is being tumbled, and samples of the parts in process of finishing may be taken out during the operation without stopping the machine and the finish inspected as the work progresses. <A ratchet and pawl hold the barrel in any desired posi- tion, and by means of the hand wheel the elevation of the barrel may be adjusted to suit the requirements of giving a very fine finish to the lv used is a great aid to proper i'lustration. A perspec- tive drawing will often show more in a single view than two or three other figures, but such drawing should be inade understandingly and not be a distortion of the sub- ject, as too many of such attempts are. 3. A good drawing saves much description and time tor the attorney. who, if he can trust his draftsman, can often turn the inventor or case over to him and not know its substance until the drawings are all done. Then when he gets ready to take up the case it will be much easier for him to grasp it with a good illustration before him. 1. It saves time and study for the examiner and thus tavorably disposes him toward the case and expedites its progress toward issue. Every case worth putting in the office, however sim- ple, should be illustrated to the best advantage, as it not THE GLOBE OBLIQUE the parts to be operated upon. Thus the most delicate stampings or castings may be finished without danger of distortion or breakage. Necessity for Good Patent Drawings. A circular to inventors issued by Frank S. Blanch- urd, patent drawings, 1707 Marquette Building, Chicago, calls attention to the very great desirability of having good drawings accompany applications for patents before the United States Patent Office. Among the points he enumerates are the following: In the old days of models there might have been some excuse for neglecting the drawing, but now it should have certain qualifications essentially necessary to its usefulness. 1. It should be a picture of the invention, so that it can be discovered, with a minimum of description, just what the inventor desires to show forth. Sometimes the simplest invention requires the best quality of illustra- tion to bring out its difference from anything that has gone before and in what consists the improvement. 2. It should be dissected in such a way as will best show all its parts, their relation to each other and mode of action, and this should be done with the least possible number of figures and lines that will properly bring out the points. Surface shading, generally discouraged by TUMBLING BARREL. only draws attention to it more favorably but may help sell the patent, either before or after its issue. iaidiiniimeis Upon application of the creditors of the American En- gineering Works and of Chas. E. Billin & Co., selling agents, Chicago, the Equitable Trust Company were ap- pointed receivers for the American Engineering Works und the Royal Trust Company for Chas. E. Billin & Co. It developed, however, that the two receivers represent- ing practically the same concerns could not agree, hence both receiving companies resigned. Subsequently the Equitable Trust Company were appointed receivers for both the American Engineering Works and Chas. EB. Bil- lin & Co. At a meeting of the creditors held March 30 at the Great Northern Hotel, Chicago, Mr. Caffeen of the lilinois Steel Company was elected chairman and Mr. Lang, secretary. At this meeting the Equitable Trust Company reported $1250 orders on hand. It was there- fore determined to run the manufacturing plant for one week. With the fulfilment of these orders it is probable that the court will appoint a trustee to take charge of the business, Details of the production of rolled iron in France in 1902 show that of the total of 625,826 metric tons, 401,272 tons was puddled iron, 5580 tons was made of charcoal iron, and 215,974 tons was obtained from rerolling scrap. — weer: is te i i" 4 i ES 5 eine) Se See es, en wee Ate, Sy 4 neers a Seepeenoeeer saat eee ss 6 THE IRON AGE. April 9, 1903 THE METAL TRADES ASSOCIATION. THE BUFFALO MEETING. When the two days’ session of the fifth annual con- vention of the National Metal Trades Association came to a close last Thursday at Buffalo, N. Y., one of the most important gatherings of employers ever held in this coun- try was concluded. The meeting was remarkable, not only for the unanimity of opinion regarding the plan for action in the correction of evils attending present day trades unionism, but for the aggressive stand and fear- lessness of action toward meeting and correcting these wrongs, which characterized the transactions. Short as the assemblage may seem to have been, every momeut of the time was devoted to hard work along the lines of a skillfully formulated and excellently executed plan. Following on the opening proceedings, which we re- ported in the last issue of The Iron Age, the session was replete with results of considerable moment. In launch- ing the movement looking toward the establishment of a national federation of employees, which it is intended shall paralJel the American Federation of Labor, a reso- lution was adopted after enthusiastic and timely re- marks. The resolution provides that the president of the association and commissioner invite executive officers of other like associations aiming to bring about fair and equitable dealings between employer and employee, and their respective freedom of employment, to form a per- nianent organization to serve as a clearing house for ideas and a means of obtaining concerted action in the attainment of the objectsof suchassociations. In close rela- tionship to this stand two resolutions which were passed, oue commending and approving the work of the National Association of Manufacturers in opposing wrong legisla- tion which has been pending before the National Con- gress. The other provided for the appointment of three delegates to attend the New Orleans convention of the National Association of Manufacturers to present the views of the organization they represent and to offer and further such action as shall be in line with the policy of the association. A resolution which also indicated the trend toward the National Federation idea requested the administra- tive council to co-operate with other like associations in the establishment of an educational bureau, which is to disseminate correct information in order that the heresies of trade unionism may be controverted. Another momentous topic which commanded much serious attention and prompt action was that of the boy- cott. Two significant resolutions voiced the sentiments of the convention on this subject. One indorses the for- mation of a national organization to resist the boycott by proper and legal means and to stimulate public aversion to it. The other recommends that when a member is placed under the ban of the boycott he be given prefer- ence over his competitors by other members of the asso- ciation in making their purchases. As a result of the gratifying reports in connection with the tendency of some nonunion employees to organ- ize among themselves, a resolution was passed approving the organization of independent workmen and pledging the moral support of the association to such enterprises. The convention decided to establish and foster local employment bureaus, and in addition to offering financial assistance to such movements voted to engage a corps of organizers to be at the services of the district chairmen, both for the purpose of working up the employment de- partment and for the furtherance of the objects of the as- sociation in the various localities. The work of the em- ployment bureaus is also to have in view a national fed- eration or formation head, which shall at all times be kept informed as to the doings of employees in all parts of the country. In definition of the position of employers in reference to making agreements with their employees, a resolution showed such a procedure to be permissable under the con- stitution of the association, so long as the embodiments of the “ Declaration of Principles,” which was adopted in New York June 18, 1901, be adhered to. As a result of the reading of an interesting paper sug- gesting a uniform system relating to apprentices, a reso- lution was adopted instructing the Administrative Council to prepare a form of indenture or code governing the em- ployment of apprentices. WEDNESDAY EVENING. An informal smoker was tendered to the members of the association by the Manufacturers’ Club of Buffalo in the rooms of the Ellicott Club, Ellicott square. Social in- tercourse was intermingled with the programme of the work of the convention on this occasion, as most interest- ing speeches were made. After an address of welcome by J. C. Larkin, president of the Manufacturers’ Club. W. LI. Pfahler of the Abram Cox Stove Company of Philadel- phia, the honorary member of the Administrative Council of the association, made an enthusiastic speech. As Mr. Pfahler is considered the father of the Defense Associa- tion idea, his remarks were received with marked interest and owing to their true ring were applauded heartily. He stated that such associations were not hostile to the laboring men but to the men who led them. In this con- nection he stated that there is no reason why the work- man should not be the employer’s best friend, and dwelt upon the necessity of the co-operation of employer and employee. He disavowed that the present movement among em- ployers was a labor question, hut placed it in the light of a readjustment of the units of work, a readjustment of methods. This readjustment is quite natural, he said. in view of the developments in the industrial and com- mercial world. He spoke of the days when a manufac- turer or employer knew every man in his employ and called attention to the fact that things had grown so rapidly that the one was no longer in as close touch with the other as was necessary in view of the fact that one is dependent upon the other. There is no reason, he said, why the man who is dependent upon your success should not be interested in it. He then spoke of the mini- mum wage question by stating that the workmen must not let the 10 or 15 per cent. of worthless men brand the class. Mr. Pfahler concluded with a reference to the maintenance of individuality by stating that every man must run his own manufacturing establishment himself and rely upon the support which the number can give in a moral sense alone. General Samuel M. Welch of the Sixty-fifth Regiment, N. G. N. Y., gave a stirring address upon the subject of “ Militia.” He concluded by urging employers to exercise more liberality with their men in connection with this question, saying “ you manufacturers should not deter your men from joining the active militia, but should en- courage them. In Buffalo some manufacturers, instead of placing obstacles in the way of their men in joining the National Guard, restore their places to them when they are called away and pay them one-half or full pay while they are absent on military duty. When a man in your employ is called out to perform a duty which he owes his country, society and yourself, see that he is welcomed back and thanked for the service he has done for the State.” Commissioner Du Brul delivered some well chosen words upon the necessity for organization, which were enthusiastically received. THURSDAY JIORNING. Henry M. Leland of the Leland & Falconer Mfg. Com pany, Detroit, Mich., presented a paper on the subject of The *“* Minimum Rate.’ The enthusiastic trades unionist devotes much time to tne consideration and discussion of the minimum rate. Excepting possibly the complete unionizing of his entire craft there is no other one theme that so commands and absorbs his time and thought. I want, with your kind permission, to look at this question for a few moments April 9, 1903 from perhaps a somewhat broader standpoint than the one commonly followed in discussing the minimum rate. May I explain at the start that, notwithstanding whatever may be said in this paper which may seem like criticism of trade unionism, it is not my purpose to antagonize nor to attempt to destroy these labor organi- zations, nor do I understand such to be the purpose of the National Metal Trades Association. I desire above all things to have our wage earners prosper, because when labor is well paid and well em- ployed there are a great army of consumers, who create an enormous demand, which keeps the wheels of com- merce and of industry in constant motion; and the United States of America is the greatest and best market on earth largely because of the immense army of intelligent and high grade wage earners who are well paid and prosperous. To force them to lower and to 2 cheaper and lower scale of living would be unwise. The criticisms I shall make relate only to what in my humble opinion are their mistaken views of the best way to ad- vance their own interests. The thought of the originators of the minimum rate theory as applied to trades unionism was doubtless to establish the least rate of wages that should be paid to any tradesman or journeyman employed at his regular trade, and perhaps if this minimum rate could be kept low enough