The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-11
PROPOSED NEW ENTERPRISE,
Probable Establishment Of a Steel Plant
in Richmond.
THE ADAMS DIRECT PROCESS USED.
interesting Interview With Major T.. :.
uutter, Of Iynchburg-uis Plans and
Purposes Explained in DotaiI.

Major Edward S. Hut.er. Of Lynchburg.
was at the Exchange yesterday, where he WAS
met by a representative Of THg TINS, and in
a course Of conversation with him il was de-
yeloped that his visit here was for the pur-
nose Of establishing a steel blast in this city.
This being a matter OF unusual interest the
Major was 10 once recognized as frst-class
subject for an interview, and the following
conversation ensued:
What are your plans about this plant ~
"A party OF Us have bought the right for
North Carolina and Virginia Of the Adams
direct stcel-making process, and we wish 20
establish plant OF II N this city. as we think
TINS the most favorable location for such an
enterprise In the State
why did you select Richmond"
pure as a matter Of business. Only two
Al the stockholders IN our company are per
s0nallv interested IN Richmond. and We did
Mt select II because we cared to build up this
citv particularly. but because there Is already
market here for all the steel we can make by
our process. and because We can get reasona-
he freight rates 10 Richmond for our ores
he decision was not made from any senu-
mental idea, assure You. but because, for the
reasons given, Richmond would be the most
eligible point for our operations
What is the peculiarly Of your process -
"ltmakes steel direct from the iron ores IN
stead Of from pig iron metal. IL IS now being
tested AT the Cambria works at JOhnstOwn,
Pa. and at some steel works near pittsburg.
These works use the Lake ores. but we are
satisfied that excellent steel can be made
direct from Virginia ores. and these we pro-
pose 10 use II the plant is established here
il will be entirely home industry
What steps do you propose 10 take first"
We 30 not want any one 70 take our word
for it, and only propose 70 start operations
after success has been practically demon
strated You know there Is often "a big
difference between the tally stick and the
corn. and we do not wish ANYTHING T. be
taken on hearsay. We will hrst ship our
Virginia ores TO the steel works already men,
toned. which are using the Adams direct
process. When these have been converted into
steel. We propose TO invite your Chamber Of
Commerce 20 send a committee of competent
men 20 Pennsylvania 10 see the process. and
report on the result of the experiments. Al
lot they have seen for themselves and re
ported TO the Chamber, We propose TO move
actively towards the establishment of the
plant. which viii. we estimate cost about
$4,000
You are. then. confident Of success"
Absolutely. The celebrated German
metallurGist, Onellus. when he heard that it
was claimed for the process that il could con-
vert the iron ores directly into steel without
their first having TO be turned into pig metal.
be- wrote paper proving scientifically that II
could not be done. Before reading this paper.
however he was taken to some works
where the direct process was be-
ing used and saw with his own
eyes the steel made from the ore He
immediately wrote TO the society before
which the paper was 10 be read. saying that
while he had theory on his side he could not
deny his senses. and that therefore he would
not read his article SO You see that success
is absolutely certain but as have said We DO
not want anything TO be taken on hearsay.
We will show the process and show the re-
suits of tho tests with our ores before we ask
prise
This ended the conversation and wishing
the Major good luck IN an enterprise likely
t. prove so valuable and important 10 Rich
mond'- prosperity, TINS TINES man withdrew
for the purpose. Of giving the public all the
information he had been able TO extract FROM
tho interview