Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-04-13
CARNEGIE on THE TARIFF.

Mr.. Andrew Carnegie is being
roundIy abused by the professional pro-
tectionists on account Of his recent in
terview deprecatng any further agita-
ton of the tariff, though there is no
doubt that nine-tenths of the iron and
steel manufacturers Of the country are
with him in this sentiment Z These
professional protectionists, who have
none but a selfish partisan interest in
the matter. while Mr.. Carnegie has
vast business interests at stake, in
searching for some mean motive for
Mr.. Carnegie's position, assert that as
the new tariff was made satisfactory TO
his particular interests, he has no fur
Their concern in the question. The
truth is the new tariff makes substan-
tial reductions upon the products he
manufactures. On steel beams the re
duction is 80 per cent; on steel rails,
A per cent. and on steel billets, slabs
and blooms. from % to 80 per- cent.
When these reductions were made the
calamity howIers asserted they would
bring ruin upon the iron and steel
industries. But they now assert that
the tariff schedule was made satisfac-
tory to Mr.. Carnegie; and if it be
agreeable TO him it must be agreeable
to other steel manufacturers in the
same branches. Hence the alleged
ruin" of the iron and steel industries
is proved to have been false cry out
of the mouths Of the calamity howlers
themselves. A much more genuine
and sincere proof of its falsity is wit
messed in the activity that is peryading
these industries.
But. apart from the high authority
of Mr.. Carnegie, why should not the
iron and steel manufacturers Of the
United States deprecate agitation of
the tariff? They know better than
any one that the only competition
against which they have to contend
is at their own doors. But for the
cost of transportation it is pointed out
that the pig iron OF Alabama, Tennes-
see and the Lake Superior region could
be laid down in England and Belgium
for less than it can be made in those
countries. What occasion, then, is
there for fear of foreign competition?
Exports Of American manufactures Of
iron and steel are steadily increasing,
and imports are as steadily dwindlng.
OF the imports the bulk consists Of
tin plate; but we have the assurance
Of John Jarrett, Secretary of the Amer
lean Tinplate Association, that Pitts
burg and vicinity are preparing to sup
ply the counry's entire demand. This,
too, in face OF. the calamity that the
new tariff was alleged to have inflicted
upon the tinplate industry!
When the master industries Of iron
and steel have no longer an interest
in tariff agitation the professional pro-
tectionists may as we'll shut up shop.
Their occupation is gone. Ordinarily,
the Republican manufacturers will
continue to vote with their party, not
for the sake Of protection, but from
force of habit. But let an attempt be
made to restore 1IcKinleyism, or any
| thing like it, and there would be a
widespread manufacturers revolt.
| There will be no more frying Of fat
out of the manufacturers. Andrew
/ Carnegie, who is so munifcent in his
donations Of money to proper objects,
some time ago ceased to contribute to
the tariff campaign fund. Other man
ufacturers. TO whom the existing tariff
is quite as satisfactory, will follow
his example. now that foreign compe-
tition has no longer any terror for
them. So far from contributing their
, money to renew a wanton partisan
agitation. they Will support the party
that affords the best guarantee in be-
half of industrial repose. MIR. Carne-
| gle. who was so long one of the adyo-
Gates. benefciaries and mainstays OF
high tariff. points the new way.