The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-06-04
HICKMAN AT 1T AGAIN.
Another Attack ON American Bridges
and Locomotives.

LONDON, June 3.-Sir Alfred Hickman,
former president of the British Iron Trade
Association, has replied 10 the response of
Lord George Hamilton, secretary OF state
for India, to his recent attack I'm the House
of Commons upon American-built locomo-
tives and bridges lie quotes from the re-
port OF the Burmah Railway Company for
the first half of 1900 TO show that American
locomotives used on the line burned 35.5 per
cent. more fuel per train for each mile and
235 more per vehicle for each mile than
British-built locomotives. and he declares
that the alterations alluded to by Lord
George Hamilton were made I'm the ten
ders only. so as TO enable the carrying OF
more fuel After inquiring why certain re-
ports have not been published. he says: The
Burmah Railway officials seem resolved to
screen the Americans at all cost"
After inquiring why, il American compe-
tition is founded on superior chemical re-
search and technical education. British
makers should be full OF orders from
Americans to deliver Immediately at any
price, he remarks: Surely that is some
evidence that the world outside the Indian
railway officials considers British engines
and material better and in reality cheaper.
The official locomotive engineer reports TO
the Burmah Railway that the engines
show early signs OF wear and want OF
cost Is not true economy.
Sir Alfred then cites Egyptian railway
reports against Belgian engines and quotes
from an Assam railway report. dated April
10 1901. as saying that American locom0-
tives take "a per cent. more coal and % per
cent. more oil than British. This. Sir Al
fred AYERS. conclusively proves bad work.
manship. He affirms that the great advan-
taRe which continental and American man.
ufacturers have over British manufacturers
is due TO what practically amounts 20 ex-
DOunfieS. adding. American
gineer has a protected market, which en-
ables him TO make enormous profits at
home and even TO sell at a loss abroad. still
getting a satisfactory return on his capital.
! venture to assert with confidence that but
for the 81 per cent duty we should sell
more engines i'm America than the Amer
leans would send here.
Discussing the Goktiek viaduct. I'm Bur-
NAH, Sir Alfred says Lord George Hamil-
ton refuses to give Mr.. Constable an op-
portunity OF proving his statements about
the bad American work ION the assurance
of gentlemen who have proved their par
tiality To the American bridge building COM
pany, showing them In advance the private
estimates for the projected bridge over the
1rrawaddy, and who, by every SHIFT ana
contrivance. have endeavored TO stave of
the publication OF the reports OF their own
engineers"
Sir Alfred's long arraignment concludes
with a request for the appointment OF a
committee 10 investigate the subject.
Commenting on Sir Alfred Hickman's re-
joinder 10 Lord George Hamilton. the Daily
Chronicle says: "As Sir Alfred Hickman
points out. British trade Is locking after
itself extremely well. However. he proves
too much, because. IL British firms are full
o. business. where lis bis grievance? IL
seems that what really hlls him and others
like him with alarm is the fact that British
trade paramountcy IS threatened. We must
admit that this paramountcy is doomed.
but the anxiety on the subject is quite
sentimental"
The Daily Mail also comments on Sir
Alfred Hickman's letter IL defends Amer
lean locomotives and asks for further evil
dence concerning the Gottick viaduct. IL
considers the fact that British firms are
obliged 10 refuse orders not a sign of pros
perity, but sign that they fail TO keep
sufficient stock.