Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-11
CONVINCED AT LAST.
George ]. Snelus Pronounces the
Adams Steel Process Success.
HE is ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHEI
At the Production Of Steel Ingots Cheaper
Than Bessemer Pig.
DOINGs OF THE DAY In LABOR CIRCLES

The Adams process for making Open
hearth steel direct from the ore has been
pronounced an unqualified success by the
most noted metalluigist in the world.
George J. Snelus, Vice President of the
British Iron and Steel Institute, which met
in this city few weeks ago, left the re-
mainder of the delegates after the tour OF
the country had been completed, and came
here a second time for the express purpose
of making a more thorough examination oil
the Adams process than he had been per-
mitted to make while here the first time.
He has been here for two or three
DAYS and has witnessed several heats
at the works of Measrs. Park Brothers &
Co., where the process is in operation. Mr..
Sneus is at the head of several of the most
important steel works in Europe, and is
consequently interested in every new devel-
opment in the industry. He is interested
in the Dowlais works, in Wales. and the
West Cumberland Steel Works, on the west
coast of England.
He is particularly interested in direct
processes as the first patent he ever took
out was for such process. Mr.. Snelus and
Sir Lowthian Bell arr the recognized au-
thorities Of the world on such matters, and
although the latter read paper at the re-
cent institute in this city, in which he pro-
nounced the direct process a failure, he
afterward admitted it was a success. While
standing in the Black Diamond Steel
Works, with a numbsr of other delegates,
watching heat, he said: "Had I seen that
first never would have read nv paper"
CONVINCED A sKEPTIC.
Mr.. Snelus has spent the last tive or three
DAYS with Messrs. Blair, Adams and Protz-
man, examining the Uystem and testing the
product He continued his examination until
he was thoroughly convinced as to its merits,
noon with ]. D. Weeks, giving the latter his
opinion of the matter. A DISPATCH reporter
made an effort to secure an interview with the
distinguished expert, hut he declined to see
anyone. From MIR. Weeks, however, was
learned the result of Mr.. Snelus' examination.
ut is a process of great promise" said he.
"All that needs to be dome IS the working out
of few minor details, and there is process
from which can be brought astonishing results.
The three great items OF expense seem to have
been pretty thoroughly disposed of. These are
the maintenance of the apparatus, fuel and
labor. Another important factor affecting the
success of the system is the waste, and SO long
as the ratio of loss in a given lot of stock re-
mains undetermined the question of waste is
unsettled. The estimate of l215 per ceEt loss,
however, would seem to exceed the facts. and,
if that be correct. there is no further doubt as
to the cost of production being confined within
the original claims"
Does the process come up to your expecta-
tions?i was asked.
Il had expected great things of it, Judging
from what read of it. But must say, the re-
suits are much greater than 1 had hoped to
witness. ! am perfectly delighted with 1t, and
am very free to admit it Is the most astonishing
process1 have ever seem"
SAFE INVESTMENT.
Would you recommend the erection of
plants in various sections of the country for
the exclusive operation of the system?"
S"Most unhesitatinglv. 1t would be safe in
vestment beyond doubt The little irregu-
larities in the system at present can soon be
overcome, and with furnaces properly con-
structed much greater returns can be had than
have yet been experienced. i am satisfied that
by the Adams process, in certain sections of
the country, ton OF steel ingots can be made
cheaper than ton of Bessemer pig can be
made in Pittsburg. That means, of course,
where the ore can be had at the right price,"
Nj Snelus also left a letter written over his
signature, for the benefit OF the owners of the
process in which he said it had gone beyond an
experimental scale, and had reached the point
where he could eonscientiously pronounce 1t
an absolute success"
Mr.. Weeks was seen after his interview with
Mr.. Snelus and he said: There is no further
need for doubling the success of the Adams di-
rect process. never have had any fear about
it coming out all right and am more convinced
than ever, now that Sir Lowthian Bell and Mr..
Snelus have Endorsed il"
Mr.. Snelus left last night for New York,
whence he will sail for Europe to-day.