be under the control of the Government, or the armor could be made at
the price the Government offers ($300 per ton). No offer has as yet been
made.

A suggestion has, however, come from a man who thoroughly understands
the manufacture of armor-plate.

He says that by the use of a new process of making steel the plate can
be turned out at a much less cost, and with half the waste that there is
in the present method of making it. The plant to make this new-process
steel can be built for half the money required for the old-style plant,
and moreover the armor-plate can be turned out in a much shorter time.

By the use of this process he asserts that the finest armor-plate can be
made at a cost of $150 per ton, and at that price there would be a
margin of $50 profit.

The armor factory board has written to him, telling him that they will
be ready to consider any proposals from him in a few days, and will
inquire into his process.

The manufacturer says that if the Government does not take kindly to his
plan, he will start his own factory, and make armor-plate at $150 per
ton.

There is little fear that the article which this Mr. Carpenter offers is
of an inferior character, for all armor-plate is carefully tested before
it is accepted.

* * * * *