New-York tribune., 1870-02-05
STEEL RAILS md RAILROADS.

SHE'LL IIiLD BND AdILhOdDo'
As efforts are made to induce the belief that
the Protection of Iron and Steel-making is
only advocated by Republicans, and that the
proposed duty on Steel Rails is adverse to the
interest of our Railroads, we have great pleas
ure in submitting the following correspondence
between two eminent Democrats, one of whom
is President of the Erie Railroad and the
other potent in Tammany Hall, beside being
relied on by Commissioner Wells as an author
ity in matters connected with Iron. Hear
them
OFFICE OF TIE ERIE RAILWAY CoMPANrI
NEw-loRk, Jan. 70. 1870.
DEAR SIR: Herewith send you printed circular
received by this morning requesting my signature to
memorial upon the subject OF the duty on Steel Rails
forwarded with the circular. provided the views ex
pressed concurTed in by IL seems TO me that
our policy should be foster and encourage home pro-
ducts rather than open markets TO such formidable
competition as would inevitably result from the reduc
ton OF duty so strongly urged in the memorial. BY
establishing extensively the manufacture Of steel Rails
soil, and protecting their production
by Tariff which would efectually prevent
the importation of European rails TO any
great extent, we would in my opinion, be
largely the gamers in the long run; FOR the capital in
vested would all be kept in the country our operatives
would find constant and lucrative employment, and the
general effect upon business could not fail TO be ben
efcia am at loss to perceive why we should con-
tribute so large an annually build the trade
and manufactures OF foreign countries. while our own
interests are sacrificed by just so much.
Entertaining these views, do not feel at liberty TO
attach my signature 10 the memorial
should be pleased. however, TO have your views on
the subject and. should you coincide with me the
opinion have given shall feel strengthened in the
yiciion that the gentlemen whose names attached to
the circular have made mistake Respectfully yours.
JAY GOULD, President.
ABRlM s. HEWITT esq, No. II Burllng-slip City.
MR. HEwITI's REPLY.
NEw-YoRK. Jan. 81, 1870.
DEARS beg leave to acknowledge the receipt OF
your favor OF Goth nst and to state that not only fully
concur the views which you express regard 10 the
duties on Steel and Iron Rails, but at loss TO add
anything which will make them more fOrcible and
venture suggest that you will allow me TO send copy
Of your letter to the Committee Of Ways and Means.
The fact is that steel and Iron Rails be made in
suitable localities in this country-and notably on the
line of the Erie Ralway-with little labor in any
part OF the world; and the only reason why we pay
more for American rails is, because we pay higher
rate for the labor which required for their manufac
turc, but for greater quantity OF labor Free Trade
will simply reduce the wages Of labor to the foreign
standard which will enable TO sell rails in COM
petition with foreign rails; but, as a matter OF
course, the ability of the aborer to consume will be
reduced, and serious loss be inflicted on commerce.
general industry. and the business OF the railways
especially The only why Tariff is necessary
supply the laborer with such wages as will enable him
TO travel and consume not merely the neeessares Out
some OF the uxuries of modern civilization
Besides. IL we have Free Trade, we cannot expect TO
procure supplies from abroad by increased shipments
gan for already the European markets take from us
all that they require and amount OF purchases OF
goods from them will induce them to buy food than
they need and which they now take as a matter OF
necessity Faithfully yours, ADRIAN S. HEWITT.
Jay GOULD, esq, President Erie Railroad.