The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-10-05
A LESSON IN IRON.


cent years concerning the probable con-
troll of the iron trade of the world by
the United States. The truth is breaking
in upon European peoples that the almost
inexhaustive supplies of iron ore and of
coal which are at the disposal of the
American people will sooner or later rem
der this country the great supply depot,
If not Of manufactured iron and steel, at
least of the raw material ia the initial
stages of manufacture.
Already the competition of the United
States in the iron and steel industry is
being felt in almost every country in the
world. And this is in spite of the fact
that the standard of compensation of the
labor engaged is higher here than in any
country in the world. Whatever may be
thought Of the successful competition Of
Americans in the higher branches of the
iron and steel industry, it is beyond ques-
ton that we are today supplying and
will, as a feature of the worlds iron
trade, continue to supply raw material
in the shape Of pig iron and partly
manufactured steel to foreign manufac-
turers The number of factories in Eng
land, for instance, are increasing, along
the seaboard, particularly, in which
American pig iron, soft steel in blooms,
billets, slabs and bars can be worked
UP and turned into various products to
meet the needs of the British manufac-
turers
Such competition as comes from CONT
mental countries like Belgium and Ger
many, and especially Belgium, is based
mostly on the lower rates of wages and
consequent lower standards of living
among the workmen In that industry,
although German manufacturers are
showing degree Of enterprise and in
telligent understanding of existing condi-
tons which look to a grand future for
that country in the iron industry. The
developments in that great industry, re-
sulting from the multiplication of human
wants, and the elevation Of the general
needs of society, must ultimately win in
the race for those countries which can
bring into the trade the greater utiliza-
ton of trained skill and intelligence.
A writer in the current number Of the
Engineering Magazine has brought out
strongly one phase of this general propo-
sition in the following sentences:
las far as figures go, America will
doubtless remain for some years the
something more than Quantity and cheap
ness of product is required, and that is
that these things shall be obtained with
general Well-being on the part of the
workers engaged. Amongst other things
to the credit of America, let it be said
that her mechanical genius and industrial
courage are making Europe understand
that there is a dignity attaching to hui
man labor, that man is worth something
better than to act as a beast of burden,
and where mechanical devices can be en-
ployed to dispense with the use Of
mere muscular energy, such aids fit men
for higher and nobler purposes, happier
and more useful Eves.''
This is one Of the lessons of human
progress, 1t cannot be ignored, and the
United States in its recognition of the
principle has an influence not only in
the direction of securing control of a
large share of foreign consumption of
steel and iron products, but in setting the
pace for the world In recognizing the OBJ
legation which society owes to the work
er through whose toll and genius mate
rial wealth is alone possible.
The truth is, too, finding recognition in
England. The same writer, whose knowl-
edge of his calling enables him to discuss
intelligently the conditions prevailing in
the industry in every. country in which
it is conducted, adds these words, show
ing the condition of English thought in
the same direction:
'"The most successful prof1t-making
British works are those where trained
commercial intelligence dominates prac-
teal men, who are however, invaluable
in Their properly subordinate positions.
Al these things are being gradually url-
derstood, and, as they are more wisely
understood, give rise to a feeling of
dissatisfaction with the old methods and
the old factories which have outlived
Their periods of usefulness. American
mechanical genius and cheap steel will
not only raise the standards of comfort
but will multiply the wants of civ!E~A
mankind, which consumes more iro4i-,c(J1.
head of population year by year.
1t has only been by slow process that
the idea has taken hold of the CONNER
cial producing world that the foundation
of industrial success and greatness of any
nation are deep laid in the political and
social structure. and that the elevation
and Improvement of the lot of the indi-
vidual man is a prime condition neees-
sary for the nation which seeks to main
tain a leading place in the worlds trade
competition. Wherever the status Of the
individual is lowest there is the least
prosperity. The countries which have
fallen into decay have shown in their
history that the masses OF the people who
should be prosperous producers have
| come nearer and nearer as time progress
ed to serfdom. It is, after all, by its con-
sistent even IL unconscious, recognition
Of that great truth that this people has
been able to show its heels in almost
every form of material activity to the
oldest and the richest nations of the
world
FRIDAY GLOBE CHANCES.
The Republican candidate for mayor in
Minneapolis is not a help to the g. o. D.
ticket, and means the reelection of May
I Et,-1,x