New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-13
MIR. SCOTT, THE PROTECTIONIST
HIS OPINIONS WHEN HE MADE PIG IRON.
rte ERIE CONGRESSMAN THEN PREDICTED COR
REcTLY THE RESULTS OF TARIFF REDUc
oN-,N ApprAU TO CONGRESS-
UN-AN ATTEAb TO NV'"I' '1'7''
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]


IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
putshurr July 1o-Just eighteen years ago, whom
tho free trade Congressman william l.. Scott, OF Erie,
was largely interested I'm the manufacture OF pig IRON
In the Shcnango Valley no was one OF the strongest
advocates of a high tariff to be found In 1870 wheh
a change I'm the tariff discussed I'm Congress, tho
Democratic manufacturers In and around Lancaster,
becoming alarmed at the attitude their party had
taken, issued a circular letter to their members In
Congress and the public, protesting against any re-
ducton Of the tariff on pig iron. The arguments
used were similar 10 and stronger than those ao-
vanced by Messrs. Kelley, Mckinley, Reed and other
protcctonsts in the House Of Representatives at tho
present session The outcry against tho reduction
was taken up by manufacturers all over the state
and in the shenango Valley. second letter signed
by twelve iron men Of Sharon, Eric, and Sharpsvle
was forwarded to Washington. Congressman Scott
and General James Pierce, were proprieors Of tho
Mt Hickory Iron Works. and they signed the circular,
which was unearthcd to-day and reads as follows:
As Democrats and as manufacturers of pig Iron In
the shenango Valley, Mercer County, Penn we cor
diay adopt the sentiments embraced I'm the foregoing
hc Lancaster crcula) and add, as applicable 10 our
own particular section, mat tho rstfnt9n or ing
Of our business In the valley there are in operation
metal Coal is produced in tho Vicinity Of the
furnaces and the ore is brought from the mines se OF
number OF persons are directly and indirectly
ployed every one at al conversant with the bust
Of the furnaces for themselves and families Any
measure, therefore. which Will have the effect to de-
proposed reduction Of the tariff pig iron will do,
Is greatly to be deprecated We should also state
valley four rolling mills OF large capacity. TINS
large Iron business has grown up under the protection
thousands OF employees and n home market for the
products OF our farms, stimulating industry IN every
binding In harmonious interests entire community.
Why should this prosperous state of affairs be dis
that domestic competition IS rapidly reducing prices
to the consumer -Four years ago pig iron sold stead
It Is Is III" worth only S36, while the cost
Of production remains substantially the same
transportation. and cannot be materially reduced un
less by reduction Of wages, which, asofricnds OF
be presented TO the manufacturer either TO suspend
operations reduce the cost of manufacture by re-
ducng wages to the European standard Such must be
the effect Ct Withdrawing protection Is it not better
that our own resources be developed: and our own
foreign capital and labor for the supply Of our
own wants, while our own remains undevelopc1 and
unproductive? Experience teaches that the Interests
OF consumers are best promoted by encouraging do
nestle production: for, whenever the manufacturing
business Of this country has been Frustrated has
several times been, by unfrendly legislation. or from
other adverse causes the foreign manufacturer in
variably takes advantage Of the situation TO inspire
higher prices and reap rich harvest at the expense
OF country. until our manufacturers are again en-
couraged to resume operations. We should regret to
the Democratic party tale false position on This
great American question by advocating policy
hostile to American industry. You are respectfully
referred 10 the proceedings OF meeting OF the iron
manufacturers at Sharon. Mercer County, Penn pub.
lished I'm The Bulletin Of the American Iron and
Steel Association Philadelphia, January 10. IN
which the Of manufacturing pig iron. freight 10
and expense at PtShnrg exclusive Of interest CAPT.
tai IS stated at 81 81 per ton market price $36 ~,
leaving 81 81 per ton profit, which Will surely not be
regarded as extravagant
General James Pierce died at Sharpsvillc several
years ago and his son. Jonas, formerly
Democrat, was consistent enough to get out Of that
fc bciny
a member OF the Executive Committee of tho Repub-
ncan State League. The prediction made by the
iron men proved true in every particular The rate
was reduced from $40 or S12 to 81. Serious embar
itssmcnt followed and many OF tho plants sus
pended operations. The English manufacturers
took advantage OF the situation. and imports were
largely Increased I'm 16713 and prices were advanced
to $50 ton until the American furnaces again start
ed 1t TOOK years to overcome this adverse plecc Oh
legislation