The morning times., 1896-01-23

Senator Smith OF New Jersey, wants an
armor plate manufacturing establishment
in tlIis city.
In the Senate yesterday he introduced
Il bill 10 this effect. and had it referred
10 the Committee on Naval Affairs. He
asked that $1,000. 600 be appropriated to
erect the buildings and purchase suitable
ma oh inery.
As business man, with the best in
terests OF the country at heart, he felt
impeled to offer the bill. lie thinks that
this country should reap the benefit OF
her own Investments. SO he wants TO cut
the knot and give The government IA chance.
In Il talk with u Times representative yes
terday, he said:
WHAT HE FOUND.
Il ain "a new man on the Committee on
Naval Affairs. | have been taking great
Interest In ihc arinor plate investigation
now going on. aInoig the first things that
struck me in The whole business was the
immense sums of money the Two fi;ms
making armor plate were adding TO their
profits each year.
The intention of the government in
making the first contract for arnior plates
WAS to help the establishment OF Irmor
plate factories in this country. 1t was
hoped that such establishments would
spring up al over the cJun.ry.
Secretary Whitney made the first con-
tract with the Bethi,hcu peop C during Mr..
ClevelaBd's first administration. Under
Mr.. Harrison. Secretary Tracy divided the
coniract with the Carnegie people of Pitts
burg. Under and by what authority he
made the division l do not know. I've
never found cut even yet. But IL was
divided ali the s.irne.
What is the consequence? Both firms
have been really paid subsidy. Not
under such a term. bat the contract figures
were high enough - encourage the indus
try. As consequence. look what they
have accomplished.
Both firms. The Bel hlehem and Carnegie
have made Il bg profit each year-a profit
large enough u ply good dividend On the
the capital invested. and. III addition, large
enough 10 pay for the entire arinor plate
pants themselves They are now making
arnor plate and selling it IN Russia al half
the price this government is paying for its
1rmor plate.
We nave. as yet. seen nothing to- lead
US 10 believe that III, government is going
to get its arm0r plate in the future at
any less cost. Neither of these firms have
notified US to this intent.
HIS REASONS GIVEN.
1T was for these reasons that Offered
the bil!. / think tie government should
secure some advantage. If II has already
paid for the plants OF these two companies.
why not stop spending money In this direc-
ton. Let the government erect its own
u Einor plate pants. and in a few years il
Will be saving money.
Il mentioned Washington in the bill be-
cause | think there would be less objection
10 this city than any other in the country.
Bat aln wiling TO leave the site To the
board OF naval officers the Secretary OF
the Navy is empowered to appoint
Mr.. Smith is member OF tic District
Committee and is taking q deep interest
in local measures. He is in favor OF ch>:per
gas. and viii give the measures EOw before 4
me COMMITTEES boxing to that cni his most
careful attention.
Il an heartily in favor OF any measure
that is for the benefit of the citizens OF
Washington" he said, us he concluded his
talk.