The committee was also instructed to look about for a desirable site on which to build the works. This raised the hopes of the towns within the iron districts. Delegates from several States have appeared before the board to extol the desirability of their various townships. As yet, however, it is not decided whether the Government will build the works at all, and so the matter of place has not been taken into serious consideration.
It was supposed that the Bethlehem Iron Works and perhaps the Carnegie works might make some offer to the Government by which the works could be under the control of the Government, or the armor could be made at the price the Government offers ($300 per ton). No offer has as yet been made.
A suggestion has, however, come from a man who thoroughly understands the manufacture of armor-plate.
He says that by the use of a new process of making steel the plate can be turned out at a much less cost, and with half the waste that there is in the present method of making it. The plant to make this new-process steel can be built for half the money required for the old-style plant, and moreover the armor-plate can be turned out in a much shorter time.
By the use of this process he asserts that the finest armor-plate can be made at a cost of $150 per ton, and at that price there would be a margin of $50 profit.
The armor factory board has written to him, telling him that they will be ready to consider any proposals from him in a few days, and will inquire into his process.
The manufacturer says that if the Government does not take kindly to his plan, he will start his own factory, and make armor-plate at $150 per ton.
There is little fear that the article which this Mr. Carpenter offers is of an inferior character, for all armor-plate is carefully tested before it is accepted.
The people who have gone to the Klondike gold hunting have found out for themselves the truth of the saying that "all is not gold that glitters."