The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-12-21
Backs Up His Recent Statements
in Magazine Article.
HE PRAISES SCHWAB.
Credits Him With Strides Made
in Improving Metals.
Becomes Witty in Talking of
Judge Gary's Testimony.


industry of the United States had
reached a point where it does not need
protection. but can stand alone in COM
petition with the world was the fea-
ture of the testimony today of Andrew
Carnegie before the house committee
on ways and means, which is securing
evidence designed to assist it in the
preparation of a new tariff bill. Mr..
Carnegie was subpoenaed as a witness
and began his testimony early in the
mornings session and will not, it is ex-
pected conclude until late in the af-
ternOon. The laird of Skibo castle had
primed himself for the ordeal of the
rigid questioning which he was to un-
dergo and he kept the committee and
the audience in constant laughter by
his ready retorts and his wit. He would
not deal in figures, claiming that the
more that figures were used the more
the subject would become befogged.
Mr.. Carnegie in the course of his an
sWers characterized Mr.. Schwab as a
genius and Mr. Gary as a most lovable
man, but very shreWd one. He ex-
pressed the opinion that wages would
not be reduced if the tariff was lower
ed or removed entirely. He was ut
terly opposed to an income tax, beIiev-
ing as he said. with Mr.. Gladstone that
such tax produced a nation of liars.
The Laird of Skibo castle testified
in support of the statements that he
made IN his magazine article, declar-
ing that the facts show that the steel
industry needs no protection. AS
witness Mr.. Carnegie proved the most
interesting who has appeared before
the committee, interspersing his testi-
mony with humorous and epigram-
matte remarks.
Praising the genius of Charles NJ.
Schwab, Mr.. Carnegie suggested that
congress should extend a vote of
thanks to Mr.. Schwab for his work in
improving the methods of steel MAX
ing in this country.
Il never met his equal said Mr.
Carnegie in speaking of Mr.. Schwab,
land when we were partners we were
a team"
THAT is very apparent remarked
Speaking of the testimony of Judge
Gary before the committee, Mr.. Car
negie said:
"You should not place any real
value on the testimony of interested
parties. Judge Gary said that the
United states Steel corporation could
stand for reduction in the tariff on
steel. but that the smaller steel manu-
facturers could not survive with low
cred duties. That is like one of
AeSop's fables. Judge Gary is like the
monkey who desired the chestnuts, but
wanted the cat to pull them out of the
fire.
The crowded room frequently rang
with peals of laughter at the quips of
II
splendid shape for the questions ask
ed by Representatives Dalzen and
Payne AT one point Mr.. Payne lean
ed over and whispered to Mr.. Dalzell
who sat at his right.
Il wish the chairman would tell me
what he said to Mr.. DalzelI. [ think I
ought to know" Mr.. Carnegie pro-
tested.
There was a roar of laughter
throughout the room, but Mr.. Payne
made no reply. Leaning over with his
hand to his ear and his head cooked to
one side, in imitation of the attitude
assumed by Mr.. Payne in whispering
to Mr.. DalzelI. Mr.. Carnegie said:
I should say that your words were
the jig is up "
Mr.. Carnegie was not willing to deal |
in figures.
The more figures you get. the more
you will be befogged 1 do not judge by |
figures given by interested parties" he |
said at another point in his testimony.
"I judge by results
The former steel magnate said that
Judge Gary had issued an annual
statement showing that the United
States Steel corporation had made
profit of $15S 100000 which he said
equalled a profit of $3.50 a ton on all
steel produced
Mr.. Carnegie avoided direct replies to
questions as to whether the cost of
producing steel at the present time as
given by Judge Gary and Mr.. Schwab |
was correct. Mr. Schwab's estimate OF
the present cost Is DaSed on onLlrGly !
different ideals than his estimate on the |
cost in 1884, was all that Mr.. Carnegie |
would say.
Replying to a question from Mr. |
Cochran, Mr.. Carnegie declared that |
The removal of the duty on steel would |
not necessarily affect the prices be- |
cause Europe could not successfully |
compete with the American product.
He also said that if the figures given by t
former witnesses were absolutely cor
rect steel stock would be selling below
par.
Mr.. Carnegie spoke of the difficult
ties he experienced with directors
ignorant of the steel business. 81
gradually bought them out and got
men like Schwab around me and we
made the cheapest steel that has ever
been made"
you've been out of steel some
time" said Mr.. Payne. "Can you tell
us where we can get the figures on the
present cost of manufacturing steel ?'
at don't know whether you can get |
the figures" was his reply.
'If a judge was interested in a case
you would not respect his decision
would you?' he asked, referring to the
steel manufa cturers, who have appear
ed before the committee.
There was no reply to Mr. Carnegie'sl
question.
laughingly remarked. Its too bad I
have to submit to be cross examined
and can't get a chance to cross ex- |
anime these dignitaries.'
Iron Ores Being Exhausted.
Mr. Carnegie asserted that at the
rate at which iron ores are being ex-
tracted, the supply would be exhausted |
in 40 years. He based his statement
on the best expert opinion he could /