Larry,

tell the Finder to do the job.

**********
> I want to create a file and place its icon in a certain 
> position relative to the another preexisting icon.
> Reasonable?
**********

As an introduction to Finder Scripting you may find it
helpful to read
"Scripting the Finder from your Application" by Greg Anderson
that appeared in "Develop" Issue 20, June 1996 and 
that is available from Apple's Website.

Good luck,

Herbie
*********************************
Munich/Bavaria