Birmingham state herald., 1896-03-01

90 per cent above prices of six months ago, nor will the railroads ever carry them again for the same charge. This labor cannot be used north-that has been proven, nor can any labor live as cheaply there or in Europe as here.
 Anyone who has kept in touch with the steel problem knows that we are now standing up squarely against this im- portant proposition. It is not needed at this advanced day to test an iron to know if it will make steel. Given the analysis of the pig, and the fact is instantly known. Beyond doubt the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway company has set tied this question, when it produces using the same material that it used in making foundry and forge iron-an ideal open-hearth, basic steel pig, holding the metalloids uniformly within the limits prescribed by the best German practice. There is not the slightest doubt but that, with the proper talent brought from Ger many, an o. H. B. steel plant can be built and operated without hitch; and with the problem now settled by the Tennessee company, that the Si and $. in the pig can be uniformly maintained within the limit of the Thomas -Gilchrist duplex process, we will be able at no distant day to add to this pig the phosphate needed. I am sure, from my experience as a prac- tical furnace operator that material to give the needed increase in phosphate can be obtained at figure which will not
  the efficiency of the furnace work, either as to volume of output or coke consump- tion. 1 have for years been Investigating this question, and, therefore, speak with assurance. With pig irons suited to both these processes, we can turn out all classes of steel from rail to armor plate, and we will as certainly do it as we have accomplished the results in the furnace business A plant built along this line by either one of our large furnace com panies will, in my judgment, within five years manufacture steel rails for $15 per ton. A glance at the railway map will show our strength with the view of dis tfibuting our products. There is no inn portant trade center with which we are not connected directly by one or more powerful railway lines The policy uni versally followed by these grand institu- tions with regard to building up the south, and especially in aiding the manu- lecturers of iron and the miners of coal to reach the market, has been broad- gauge, liberal and wise; and while the district, judging the future by the past, cannot doubt that this policy will be con tinued, it is safe, regardless of any evil effects that would grow out of the pool ing system. The opening of the Warrior river will place the district on the safest footing touching the business of the gulf and Atlantic states. The canaling of the Tennessee equally protects the southwest and west, as well as all points reached along the Mississippi.
 Our railroads should be encouraged, nor should any adverse legislation or court prosecutions be tolerated Taxa tion against these corporations should be as light as possible, and every method known to encourage their extension should be enforced. Without these, no state or manufacturing section can sue ceed. One of the most remarkable things touching national legislation is the hesi- tancy about building the Nicaragua canal. The completion of this grand work would mark an era in the history of southern advancement, and would place this district in the forefront in trade with the trans-Pacific countries No effort should be untried to induce the government to speedily take hold Of this matter and carry it to a conclusion: In closing this brief sketch cannot refrain from allowing my mind to run back over the years of toll and uncertainty in the effort to work out a seemingly impossible problem and recall the names of the wonderful men, who with untiring ener- gy overcame difficulties which the metallurgical world considered insur- mountable. Among the early ones were Col J. w. Sloss, Hon. John T. Milner and MT. T. T. Hillman; and in recent years that magnificent coterie of men, Il. F. DeRardeleben, T. H. Aldrich, A. M Shook, Thomas Seddon. Samuel Thomas, Joseph Woodward, c. P. Williamson, w. T.. Underwood and the present brainy and efficient manager of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company, George B. Mccormack, and many others. Through all this struggle there has been one grand ally to the iron makers, with out which seriously doubt if the success would have been so marked. To the genius of MT. Milton H. Smith, control ling one of the grandest railroads in America more than any other influence belongs the credit of the end attained The idea was his, the Mineral railroad touching every coal and ore mine and lime quarry in the district. Its successful carrying out, the broad-gauge liberality shown in hours of need by his corpora- tion has been the sheet anchor to which the district was fastened. nor can we ever feel anxious about pools or trusts dis eliminating so long as the Louisville and Nashville railroad exists. The writer has for years been on the preparation Of a book on the Birmingham district cover ing all points, which will be finished some time within the present year. in which he hopes to present elaborately ali fea- lures affecting the welfare of the district. as we'll as the history of Birmingham and Alabama from a mining and manufac- turing standpoint. Yours respectfully