Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1883-04-01
THE MANUFACTURED or srRsL MAILS
an WHEELING.

IN Wh6HAANd.
II is some time since we heard the
first mention of steel nails, and beyond
the talk Of projectors here and there,
the idea has boen, so far IS the trade
and public are concerned, but the prom
ise Of better days. All concede the
inperiorty Of the steel nail, and that
1t will speedily take the place Of iron.
All understand the necessities OF the
hour which demand its manufacture.
This is the age of steel; the iron age has
passed.
To those who are acquainted with the
inner workings of our great manufac-
turing concerns, the slowness and eau
tiousness with which they have pro-
ceeded, and must necessarily proceed, in
matters which involve the investment of
large capital have made them hope only
10 be disappointed from week to week,
aud from month to month; but at no
time has the idea been abandoned.
Wheeling mills are preparing, although
quietly. From sources that cannot be
questioned, we are informed that the
Bellaire, Benwood and Riverside COM
panies will each erect a steel plant this
spring, aud work will be begun just as
soon as the weather breaks. Each
mill it is said will have to invest from
one hundred and fifty to two hundred
thousand dollars. The works will COM
prise what are known as converter and
a redueer, each costing in the neighbor-
hood of eighty or ninety thousand dol
lars, and giving capacity,as estimated,
of one hundred tons per day, or there
abouts. 1t is thought, moreover, that
the mills can get along without using
the Bessemer patents: or at any rate
not more than one out OF the twelve or
fifteen of tina. name will be required,
while It's cost will not probably exceed
four or five thousand dollars, beingthus
comparatively inexpensive. 1t requires
no hopeful mind, therefore, to see
that very soon Wheeling mills, and
these three without further delay, will
be prepared 10 make their own steel as
well rs their own nails.
Upon several occasions We discussed
the steel problem upon the basis ofone
large mill; that one TO supply all the
Others in this neighborhOod. We point
ed all the great advantage to be de-
sired from it, and urged measures look
ing to the securing of so promising an
establishment within our midst. But
since the plan of one large steel plant
has been abandoned, and the one We
have just spoken of adopted, what will
he the probable effect upon Wheeling
as compared with our former prospects?
Let us see. From the magnitude of the
venture and needs of such an establish
ment it has become pretty certain that
10 place in Wheeling or near there to
could be found suitable in all respects
and at the same time for sale ut IeaS-
enable price. 1t does not appear likely
that Wheeling would have gotten the
works, therefore. And to lose them
and the business that would naturally
spring up in the neighborhOod Of such
an extensive establishment would have
been a most serious if not fatal blow
to Wheeling's prosperity and prospects,
crippled as she now is.
Under the present programme, how
ever, the sum total of advantages will
still accrue and be equally divided in
the different portions of thecOmmunity.
Large numbers of hands will be en-
ployed at each of the mills, the laxably
value oftheir property will be rateable
increased, and the consequent demand
ofthe additional population will create
new trade and give an impetus to every
branch of business.
Added to this advantage is the fact
that under the present arrangement the
several mills will remain competitors. 1t
will be to the interest Of each to outstrip
the other both as regards the nailproduct
itself and the steel out of which the
nail is made. There will be an endeavor
to be first in the field; energy and de-
termination will be in demand, and we
may consequently expect more rapidity
in movement and construction and an
earlier completion of the long talked Of
plan. And when once the steel be-
comes as much a product as the iron
nail has been there will no longer be
any doubt rs to Wheeling's ability to
sustain herself as the leading nail GEN.
ire in the United States, and as sound
community in all respects whatever.