The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-20
THE CHILLED-PLOW WORKS.
A Probability that The divers Will Remove
Their Establishment to this City.


It is altogether probable that indianapolis will
soon receive the most important acquisition in
the way of manufacturing enterprise that it
has had for years Mr.. James d. Oliver and his
son. Joseph Oliver, proprietors of the famous
plow works, at South Bend are seriously con-
templating the removal of their enormous es-
Enlistment to this city, and as an evidence of
the fact that there is something more than mere
talk in the matter the Messrs. Oliver are in the
city. investigating it's facilities and advan,
tages, and on yesterday made trip around
the Belt railroad, inspecting the manu-
featuring suburbs of West Indianapo-
lis, Haughsville and Brghtwood, and the
many eligible building sites about the
city. 1t has been definitely settled that their
business is to be removed from South Bend, and
Indianapolis is most favorably regarded as the
most desirable point for their new location
There are several reasons for the removal from
South Bend. The shipping facilities there are
not entirely adequate, for thing; but the most
potent reason is the inability of the town to
afford proper protection for the works. as evil
denced during the recent strike. There are two
or three immense manufactures at South
Bend, of which the Oliver Chilled Plow Works
and Studebakers wagon works are the
most extensive. A majority of the
working class are employed at one Of
these. and their every move is made
the subject of common gossip and comment.
Many of the laborers have been so influenced by
incendary Socialists from Chicago as to be en-
4 h. oh &c a11I Ia
ment, and the situation is such that the general
interests OF the concern are jeopordiZed. The
removal of such au establishment to Indianapo-
lis would mark the beginning of business
boom greater than any ever heretofore enjoyed
by the city; which fact seems to be generally
recognized by the citizens and no effort will be
spared to extend every inducement desired in
order to secure it. AT least forty of ground
will be required and the buildings and ma
ture of at least 5000, 900. The works employ from
900 to 1000 hands, and the monthly payroll
foots up over 900.
The visit to Indianapolis was made at the in
vitation of the Board of Trade. An impromptu
excursion around the Belt railroad was organ
lied yesterday morning by Mr. V. I. Malott
chairman of the committee appointed by the
Board to attend to the matter. 1t started from
the Union depot at IL o'clock, about forty mem
bers of the Board of Trade, including most of
the board of governors and number of rail
road men, making up the party. All resent
expressed the earnest hope that the vlsl
tors would decide to come Mr.. Oliver
stated that they had no favors to ask in the
way of donations, and there is no danger that
lack of lberaity on the part of the city will re-
suit in their refusal to come. They desire TO
know, of course, what they have to expect in the
way of taxes and similar expenses, and will not
decide a question of such vital Importance to
them without careful canvass of the situation.
An idea of the magnitude of the works at South
Bend may be derived from the statement that
they have twelve acres three full city blocks)
under roof and thirty eight acres In their in
closure; and it is their desire to increase their
capacity at least ne-half, in case they rebuild.
representative of the Journal called upon
the Messsrs. Oliver at the Denison, last night,
and asked what had been their impression of the
city's advantages. Mr.. Joseph Oliver replied:
I'VE have been very greatly pleased. and are
AS matter of course, we cannot decide so I'M
portant question without very careful consid
GRAFTON. but it does not express our preferences
too strongly to say that regard Indianapolis
as the most favorable place for us to settle.
There will be no trouble about securing
eligible building sites, and the city presents
great many advantages which regard with
favor. What we desire most is protection for
our business. We employ about thousand
men, and since 1876 until orr present strike have
never shut down except on legal holidays-not
even to take an account of our stock. We have
enough stock on hand to last us for time, but
are anxious to be permanently settled before the
beginning of summer. hope we may find it
possible to settle in Indianapolis, and can add,
by way of encouragement that we have been
agreeably surprised by what we have seen dur
ing our visit
The Board of Trade has appointed special
COMMITTEE consisting of V. TsMalott, chairman;
E. B. Martindale, John Fl. Holiday. A. FL. Nor
dyke, and Allen NJ Fletcher to confer with the
divers with reference to the matter, and the
city's advantages will be ably presented by those
gentlemen Tie visitors will probably return to
their home at South Bend to-day, but will pay
another visit to indianapolis before announcing
their decision. Meantime every effort will be
made by the Board of Trade to secure advan-
tageous offers and it is to be hoped they will be
successful.