The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1886-09-14
The IRON Industry

The old iron works still stand in this
city, owned by men who have no inter!
est in Ogden or Utah; they lie idle
gradually but surely falling into decay
through unuse. While it is not at all
likely that another ton Of iron will ever
be made in their furnaces; while they
will be permitted TO tumbl- down and
mingle with mother earth, the material
of which they are constructed return
ing to its original elements: while this
is likely 10 be the result, We say, yet
have they a history; one, too. that Is
likely to prove of lasting benefit to Ug-
den City. They were built for the pur-
pose of starting an industry in
this city that eventually would have
brought millions of dollars in
coin into our Golfers. They were
built as an experiment 10 test the
reliability of the theory that iron
could be made from the ore with which
cur mountains abound. Local capital,
knowing nothing of that theory, fearful
lest it shoulI prove only bubble. IN
vested wsrily. True, some thousands of
dollars OF local capital were put into The
CO Germ; but the originatOrs had 10
float the stock in the eastern markets
to raise the Necessary funds to carry on
the experiment. Tne stock was taken
Oy eastern men who Sained a controll-
ing interest in the enterprise. Later
fell in the hands of men who were in
terested By larger investments, in fur
nishing this market with the product
which 1t was proposed TO manufacture
here. These men closed down the
works; but not until a quality of iron
was made here that was inferior TO
none. 1t was made, too, at price that
left a large margin of profit TO the in
Vesto.s. What, thei., was the lesson
taught 10 Ogden by the history OF this
concern? Just this. 1t demonstrated
beyond q doubS the original theory
that iron can be made here. 1t teaches
local capital to keep the investments IN
local enterprises at home, and not
trust them in the Lands of foreign
SPECTATORS who care nothing for the
fostering of home Industries. With
tn Sc TWO lessons prominent before our
mOnied men, what Is there to prevent
the successful building and operation of
works right here for the manufacture OF
pig iron. That iron can be made, Is no
longer doubtful, 1t has been done and
that successfully.
Let our CAPITALISTS luluh q 1tLl4C Ou
the subject. They have hcndreds OF
of dollars already invested
in property here. Rents are very good
times but they are moth
ing like they would be were 1000 more
men employed here at remuneraliVe
wages. With works for the manu-
facture of iron running in full blast;
with mills for the manufacture
of nails and of wrought iron in
operation how much,would the business
of the city be improved, and how great
z corresponding increase in value would
real estate have? Here is man owing
$4,000 in tools and machinery, with
real estate located as favoFably as land
could be situated for the purpose; with
experience of practical nature that
will enable him to make success OF the
and he asks you to take
hold with him and set the wheels of
commerce in motion; increase the
value of the property OF yourselves and
others; furnish employment to these
IDLE men; feed the hungry and clothe
those who have no clothing; benefit the
whole city and country and pocket the
profits OF a magnificent business. Why
not do itP