The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-11-29
the Iron Interests.
Ar OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO
TIVE IRON n


TsEAsrRy DEPARTMENT, August, 1857.
This department Mas been furnished with undoubted
evidence that there s great difference between from
different mines in the United States in the degree and
rapidiy with which they become oxdized Congress,
the different irons OF this country that particular
Ii these experiments shall establish important fact that
have irons entirely nearly proof against the
sion OF oxygen, will multiply the uses Of such iron to
very considerable extent for purposes which is
applied, and give the preference other
for many purposes for which iron IL used.
The very large extent 10 which this material Il super
sedng the Of wood and the public buildings
erecting at q cost of many millions Of dollars annually,
under this department. renders Of the greatest import
know what irons resist for the longest period the
action of oxygen II is hoped that the great interest the
iron masters have in the result Of this experiment will be
considered sufficient apology for requesting samples Of
their iron and the ores from which they are made.
have therefore TO request that you will forward 70
this department, by mail or express two three small
samples OF iron and sample Of ore from each Of the
mines worked by the samples Of iron not exceed
quarter OF pound each and the ore not to exceed
halt pound in weight would also request information on
the following points, viz The extent of the ore deposit
facilities Of mining ore its distance from furnace,
and distance Of furnace from market, and mode
Of transportation thence; the fuel used; relative
cost Of charcoal COKE crude, bitumnous and anthra-
cite from kind OF tux and It's COST &c. The capacity
Of the establishment and the amount of iron produced
during the last year and what would be capable OF
producing under ready sale and renuneratng prices;
any popularity Of the produced whether there are
rolling mills in the vicinity and what descriptions OF iron
they roll TO what purposes most OF the products OF your
establishment mostly Produces when did your works first
go into operation what has been the annual production
and what the ruling prices each year since your
were first started. You viii please give the State and
county in which your iron mine is situated
and the distance your fuel is transported. As
it is the intention Of the department TO furnish
you with the result Of the experiments, you will
please the Post Office through which TO address you
II you know Of any your neighborhood Interested
in the business who does not receive copy of this
letter. you will forward his address will be sent to
him. You will realize the value of the information which
il is sought to be obtained by this circular when you
feet upon the growing importance Of the iron interest of
the country--a fact attributable in small degree 10
the introduction Of iron a substitute for other mate
rails in public buildings.
The policy OF afordng encouragement TO this gren in
erest by promoting its production and increasing its
sumption, has been commenced by the government and
am DESTROYS Of obtaining all the information which
be had on the subject with view to its further deveope
ment.
This circular will be addressed to persons imme
diately connected with iron establishments il is be-
lieved that there will be not only Willingness but
anxiety the part Of every 10 advance the object
which the department has in view.
am DESTROYS OF obtaining the information asked for at
the earliest practicable moment
HOWELL COBB, Secretary of the Treasury.