The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-06-27
Example OF PETER the Great.
RUSSIAN OFFICER A WORKMAN IN AMERICAN
SHOPS -..-....~. t..

~ :. Example o. Eefer zane Gre@t.
A RUSSIAN OFFICER A WORKMAN IN AMERICAN
SHOPS.
An incident, quite peculiar fits kind, cs-
sentially Russian In character, has Just come
to light, which has become the leading gossip
in Philadelphia. Some fifteen months ago
a workman, speaking English fluently, with
but slight foreign accent, applied for po-
sition as rnaehinest in one OF the largest
shops in Wilmington, Del, where marine
engines and iron-hulls are built. There
being stress Of work just at the time the
intelligent appearance OF the mechanic Sc
cured him Il position in the shop. Every
day the new employe was to be seen at the
workbench prosecuting his labors.
A Dlaning-macbine was placed soon IN
der his charge, and he displayed so much
skill aud Judgment 10 the tasks allotted to
him that work requiring the greatest exact
ness was soon contided to the foreigners
care. The man was remarkably quiet and
industrious, and, though. reticent, was uni
versaily liked by the American machinists.
He lodged in z clearinghouse with his fell
low craftsmen. After remaining i'll the
principal shop in Wilmington for some
three months, one day the man drew his
wages and left for Chester, Del, where,
furnished with letters OF introduction from
the superintendent OF the Wilmington shop
to the boss III Chester, he soon found
new position.
In Chester be remained some four
months, and was employed in riveting the
iron bulls and in bending the plates. His
superior intelligence soon commended him
to q higher position, which he seemed anX-
ious to occupy. This was in the drafting
room, where the hulls were designed. In
this new occupation his skill was instantly
remarked. At Chester he remained some
six months, when he LETT quite suddenly
and repaired to Philadelphia. Here the
foreign workman endeayored to enter into
the largest locomotive factory in the world,
but his request was at first lefused. How
he managed to get footing in the
Philadelphia shop, whether by means OF
q douceaW or some private influence, never
can be known. Suffice it to say, the foreign
workman, who was so proficient in con-
suructing marine-engineS and iron vessels,
and who was q capital draughtsman, was
now employed i'll the construction OF loco
motives at Baldwin's, on Broad street,
philadelphia. Placed first as helper in
the FORCES, it was found that he had the
skill of master smith. 1t was not very
long before his worth was appreciated, and
a higher class OF machine-work was put
III
was manifested the part of the work.
man, who one day left with wages I'M
claimed, and was next traced to Baltimore,
thence to New York, and then back agar
to Wilmington.
Now, when the Russian Government
commenced making the purchase OF ships
and machinery in the United States some
months ago persons owning steam-Vessels
were somewhat surprised ut the knowledge
the Russians had OF all the ships offered
them. The secret was soon disclosed.
Principals OF large shops in Philadelphia,
Wilmington, and Chester were thrown dl-
rectly in communication with tine-looklng
Russian post-captain, speaking English f1u-
emily. who recalled to them the workman
who had received their wages. The cap
tain, q thorough, practical workman, ana at
the head OF one Of the principal imperial
naval bureaus, had been sent to the united
States by the Russian Government pur-
posely to inspect, in the most tnorou9h
manner, the actual character OF American
work.
OF course, the Russian captain was per-
fectly posted. Vices OF construction,
sighted work, this officer unhesitatingly
smoke about. From his Judgment there
was no appeal. He knew exactly what was
wanted; could estimate with rapidity VIVA.
such or such vessel was worth, what re-
pairs would cost, how. many thousands OF
dollars it would take to change merchant
steamer so as to fit her with guns--in fact,
the whole minutiD OF naval construction
was at his fingers ends. It may be inter.
esting to note this event as resembling some
little the well-kHown story OF how Peter
the Great went to Holland to learn ship
building. It; has taken, then. some centu-
ries only for Russia to send over here an
expert who in a peculiarly original way was
enabled to inform himself as to- the cha
racter Of American work. -Neao Yorb pa
per. ss ST. t5I ~ iR