New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-02-04
THE DUTY on STEEL RAILS.
AN ARGUMENT BY II. V. POOR IN BEHALP OF RE-
DUCTION OF THE DUTY.

AN ARGUMENT BY H. V. POOR IN BEHALP OF A RE-
DUCTIoN OF THE DUTY.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.-The Committee on
Ways and Means began this morning the hearing OF
arguments the subject OF the duty steel rails The
bill under consideration before the committee is In
roduced by Mr. Covert Of NewYork fixing the duty on
steel rails at SIT per tonthe present duty being S2s.
Mr. Henry V. Poor OF New York. editor OF the Rail
way Manual" appeared for the Illinois Central and
number OF other railroad companies, aud submitted
argument favor OF the bill II IA said that Mr.. Poor
has LATELY opened Il bure.u In New-York City for the
purpose OF aHtang for reduction of this duy, and
that lie been sending circulars TO the railroad
companies Of country, inviting them to join with
in the crusade.
Mr. Poor began to-day by making an elaborate state
ment OF the origin aud growth OF the railroad sysem Of
the country and then said that In the great depression
which followed the panic Of 1873 there only LIZ
milesf railroad constructed, against 1870 miles In
1871 end that the price of steel rails in this country
fell to $40 ton only $40 than the duty. III 1870
a impetus was given to railroad construction and
4445 miles were built In that He estimated that
1000 miles would he but in 1880 If the needed amount
Of rails be had. He claimed that ample supply OF
rails be obtained only by promoting the importation
offoregn rails by reducing the duty. He said that
the steel rails needed during the yenr for renewals
wond be at least 100000 tons 80 that for The old
and new roads combined there would be an annual de-
mand for 600 900 tonsdoub,e the capacity of ali fbe
American works. whether producing steel or iron rails
Unless rails can be had from other than American
sources vast mileage Of railroad lines protected
and for which money can be readily provided would
main in allegiance indefinitely.
He said that American steel makers II might he sup
posed w0nld willingly consent 10 return 10 lower duties
they deaf to all appeals If action the subject
was 20 be had at ALL that action should he immediate.
The difference price OF steel rails. between $40 and
$50 ton, a difference which would apply this year
to 1000 or 1000 miles OF railroad. each mile requiring
about 100 tons Of steel rails In Texas alone than
100 miles Of line awaiting construction, provided
rails be had. IL for Congress TO whether
year.
SIR. Poor quoted letter published in THE NEW YORK
TRIBUNE on the 18Th Of April last from Mr.. ID. J. Nor
re, president Of the American Iron and Steel Assoc
ton, commenting severely Mr. Vauderbilps
purchase OF 1900 tons Of English steel rails.
He asked the committee how long that great monopoly
tine American iron ana Steel Ass0eatiOnl would al
lowed 10 bully. only quiet and respectable citizens
acting within the scope OF their rights and duties
Congress itself.
The witness was subjected 10 close examination by
Mr. Kelley and other members OF the committee. par
Icuary 10 the effect OF the American rail pro-
duction the market price He gave IL as his opinion
general terms that II there had been American
production OF steel rails the competition OF English
manufacturers among themselves would have kept the
prices just az low.
The argument will be continued tomorrow.