The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-04-10
A Suggestion.

1t is estimated that there are about
three hundred furnaces in the East and
West ont of blast. This is in part the re-
suit of overproduction, causing reduc-
ton in the price of iron to such figures that
it is not profitable to make it, where the
cost is as great as it is in the East. The
fact that ton Of pig metal costs at the
Eastern furnaces about $3.50. according
TO the statement recently published by Mr..
Morehead of Philadelphia, and that
equally rs good an article can be made in
Virginia at from Sl2.30 to SIS, should be
suggestive to Eastern plant owners. 1t is
possible, and even probable, that the de-
mand for iron will increase as the Spring
opens and u better market he offered, such
as would Justify the renewal of opera
lions at the furnaces now suspended. The
history of the iron trade shows, however.
that depression is alto Unexpected condi-
tioh every year and when the price is
brought down to the figures now ruling, it
opens the market to foreign competition,
with eastern products, notwithstanding
these facts to contemplate, it is strange
that eastern iron men do not consider the
ACCESSIBILITY of removing their plants to
localities where the manufacture of iron
would impose less cost. and enable them to
successfully compete with the foreign man
nfactures in the most unfavorable condi-
ton OF the iron market. Several weeks
ago we made a comparison between the
cost OF production of a ton of iron in
Virginia and Pennsylvania, the data being
furnished by the owners of plants in the
respective States. The Virginia iron,
delivered at the market in Philadelphia or
New York, would cost less than the Penn
sylyania iron by about two dollars ton,
and about the same amount less than
Scotch pig, delivered in New York, with
the tariff added Now if iron can he
made in Virginia, SO rs to successfully
compete with foreign manufactures, in
the most unfavorable condition of the
market, would it not be well for the plant
owners of the east, where they have been
compelled to suspend operations, OF con-
tlnue at loss, to remove their plants to
Virginia ? This would be entirely practi-
cable at comparatively small costa cost
that would be made up in a short time af-
ter commencing operations under the new
auspices Iron properties could be pur-
chased in Virginia at moderate prices, con-
venient to fuel and limestone, and accessi-
bic to railroads. Take for instance Angus
ia county as point. Here the coke could |
be gotten either from the ovens in West |
Virginia, OF Southwest Virginia, where |
they will be soon established limestone is |
in the immediate vicinity, in great album
dance, of the iron-felds. and if the fur
nae s were located either at Staunton or |
Waynesboro existing buildings could be
procured for the accommodation of the |
operatives, with schools and Echurches at |
hand, and competing lines of railroads to |
offer inducements for transportation of the |
iron to market.
1t is a suggestion that eastern iron men |
might consider, for we think it would have |
money in it for them and us if they would |
give it practical application. Two dollars
a ton on iron-the amount that could be
realized in the difference in the cost of
production in the two localities would. be
a good profit, and would give the assurance
of continued operations here instead of |
being compelled to blow out in the East
to prevent loss in depressed times.