The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-08-24
F,o,a che Pittsb,.rr Gazstt<.

From the Pittsb~g Gazette
Meeting OF Pennsylvania Iron Masters.
At meeting of furnace-owners from various
counties in Western Pennsylvania, held at the ST.
Charles Hotel Pittsburg, on Saturday, August iSth
lS49, the Hon. c. Myers, Of Clarion, was called 10
the chair; David Richie and w Cowell, OF Arm
strong, X. Clap, of venango, and w. T. SPeer' OF
Butler, vice presdents and George $. King. OF
Cambria, and w. W. Wallace, Of Mercer, appoint
ed secretaries
The object of the meeting was then stated by the
chairman-to take into confederation the depressed
state of the iron tradcto ascertain the there
OF, with view Of pointing out some remedial nea-
sure TO protect that great branch OF Pennsylvania
industry from falling into the ruin with which
it was visited in lS4O, Al, and 40. Upon motion,
committee OF five appointed to make report
to this meeting at O'Clock this evening.
The chair then appointed the following commit
tee; Nathan Evans of Clarion, 7. Kerr OF Clarion
ID. Richie of Armstrong, Jacob Black OF Clarion
and John Linton Of Cambria.
The meeting then adjourned to meet at the same
place, at O'Clock, p. IN.
The meeting having assembled, agreeabiy to adj
journment, the committee made report: That in
pursuance of their appointment they had required
to the history of the iron business OF this country
for the last thirty years. That they find that as
early as during the embargo system OF 1905 sue
ceeded by the war OF 1872 the iron business OF renn
sylvania had increased TO degree unexampled at
any former period. That this prosperity continued
till the close of the troubles and war with Great
Britain, which, so long these lasted, afforded
to labor That so soon as this protection
| moved by the re-opening OF trade with England,
consequent upon the peace the price of iron, ag
ricultural produce, and labor, went down TO a de-
gree indicating the absence of almost any demand
for agricultural produce and labor. That up to
1916, pig iron sold in the Pttsburg market at $50
per ton; wheat, through the country, at 81 80 per
bushel; and the price of labor was $40 per month.
That in 1920 and 1921, pig iron had fallen to less
than $40 per ton, wheat to 25 cents per bushel and
labor to SO per month. That the successive tariffs
of 1922, 1924, and 1928, had tendency TO restore
the prosperity of all these interests, each of which
continued to improve until the effects Of the COM
promise tariff of 1888 came to be felt in the mar
kcts OF the country, by reopening ports to the
| iron OF England. That the system of this compro-
mise reached its minimum rate in 1872 Thatsuch
its effect upon the interests alluded to- that pig
iron, which had increased in value to 1855 and $50
per ton, in 1886, fell TO SIT SO and $ls in lS42
That wheat fell from ~ SO per bushe TO 40 cents
and labor, from being in demand at high rates in
cash, went begging. That we find decided i'm
provement in each of these important interests in
ls43, and continuing through 1874, ls45, 1916,
and lS47 That during the years from 1912 to 1916,
seventy five new furnaces were erected i'll the
| ties represent. Thatsihc 1886 there have been
| but three new furnaces built. That pig iron which
was in current and ready demand in lS45, and I'M
| demand and sales weekly reported to us of good
| iron at $40 per ton. That from these facts your
committee are brought to this inevitable conclu-
sion: that, as iron and labor are protected by an
That that protection is withdrawn, they languish
and die. Your committee, therefore, tender for
consideration the following
Resolved, That the present depressed state Of the
iron trade has its origin, and is entirely caused by
the low rate of duty at which English iron is admit
ted into this country under the tariff law of 1896
and its injudicious ad valorem principles.
Resolued, That fvesxths of the value of pig iron
consist of labor; and this labor can be procured
in England at less than third of what il usually
commands in good times in this country, we, in the
United States, can never compete with the English
iron masters, except by reduction of labor to the
pauper rates Of that country protection from ts
competition.
Resolped, That it is not the wish of any of this
| meeting, and We hope of no American, to the
rates Of labor in this happy country, reduced to
| the rates of poverty in Europe.
Resolped, That, to insure different and more hap
Ply state OF things among the labor of this coun-
try, including all its mineral and agricultural pro-
ducts, must be protected in our markets from the
| redundant labor of other countries.
RESOLVED, That we and each of us pledge our
selves to use the utmost of our exertions to pro-
cure such protection, which only be secured by
a duty of specific values.
Resolved, That it is the duty of the iron men and
agrcultursts of Western Pennsylvania and else.
where, to hold meetings in their different counties
| and organize for the purpose of petitioning Con
gress for a change from the present ad valorem TO
system of specific duties of adequate projections To
! the labor of the country.
Resolved, That this meeting recommend a con-
vention Of the furnace-owners Of Pennsylvania
Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, TO be held in the
city of Pittsburg, on Wednesday, the 2lst of No.
vember next, to take into consideration all neces-
sary and further action in the premises.
The preamble and resolutions were severay
read and discussed, and finally unanimously adopt
ed. After which, upon motion of Ralph Clapp, ESQ.,,
| il was
Resolved, That the papers in Western Pennsy
vania and others friendly to the interests of Amer
lean labor, be requested to publish the proceedings
here had.
Whereupon, motion made, the meeting ad-
journed sine die.
c. MYERS, Chairman
DAVID Richie,
R WLseS g. O .ss Vice Presidents.
w. +. SPEER,
George $. King, 1so.-o,.-;.