Page 131 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 131

inventor was thus able to choose the most direct and
simple forms of construction. This is an important point, as all others, in
seeking to avoid their patents, have had to make extra joints and pieces
in their mills. The working parts of the "Eclipse" mill are of wrought
and malleable iron whereas, in other mills, they are of cast iron. Their
methods of manufacture adds at least one-third to the cost, but it doubles
the strength and durability of the mill. They make no claims for cheap-
ness in the first cost of the "Eclipse." They could, with their patents
and manufacturing facilities, make a mill cheaper than any in the mar-
ket, if they would use cheap material but they assure the public that
nothing but the best of material will be used, and they will always en-
deavor to make the best mill, and never the cheapest. The cost of erec-
tion, pump and piping, and other fixtures, is as much for a poor mill as
for the "Eclipse ;" therefore, upon the entire outfit, but a few dollars can
be saved in taking a poorer mill. Is it prudent to risk the probability of
an almost total loss upon the investment, for the sake of saving the few
dollars that provide you both with the BEST mill, and a reliable guarantee ?
They guarantee the "Eclipse" as follows :
To be the best wind mill made ; to be self-regulating ; to possess 15
per cent. more power, and to stand 50 per cent. more strain than section
wheel mills. The Eclipse has received 100
first premiums ; 2 gold, 2 bronze and 5 silver
medals. Mr. Collins, also manufactures one
of the principal accessories to wind mills and
pumps, especially important in this section.
Tanks—he makes these from the size holding
750 gallons to that holding 93,000 gallons—
His tanks are constructed with the greatest
care, of the very best materials and made by
the best workmen. He has all of the
best machinery and mechanical ap-
pliances for facilitating, expediting and
perfecting his products ; add to this his experience of over 13 years,
his natural aptitude to his business, his industry, enterprise and energy,
and there need be no reason to wonder at his success, and his conceded
position at the head of all competition. Mr. Collins has sold 363 wind
mills and 800 tanks during the last few years. He established himself in
business in 1872. His trade has annually increased, until he now controls,
by odds, the largest patronage in this section. His place of business is
commodious and convenient ; 36 feet on Houston, and 75 feet front, two
stories high in the rear, by an average depth of 55 feet, and a platform 22
by 60 feet. He carries a large and comprehensive stock of wind mills,
pumps, gas and water pipe, steam pumps, horse powers, railway water
supplies, etc. He employs 12 assistants. He carries stock averaging $10-
000 in value ; his annual transactions will reach $50,000. His trade ex-
tends through Texas and into Mexico.