New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-17
DINNERS KEPT STEEL UP
Topping Gives More Testimony
at the Trust Inquiry.
LIGHT ON INDEPENDENTS
Phoenix Bridge Man Tells How
Competitors" Gathered and
Snapped Information.

John A. Topping, chairman of the Re-
public Iron and Steel Company, declared
Yesterday that the effect of the Gary din
ners was to maintain prices of steel prod
ucts lie made this statement during his
testimony at the hearing in the dissolu-
ton suit against the United States steel
Corporation.
lie was asked whether he attended the
dinners commonly known as Gary dinners
and said that he had been present at most
Of them. Ninety per cent or more OF the
iron and steel industry was, as a rule
represented at those gatherings, he added.
Did those meetings result in maintain
ing prices?" asked Jacob NJ. Dickinson.
counsel for the government
The effect was TO maintain prices.
vas Mr.. Toppings answer
Mr. Dickinson then read the abstract
from a speech delivered by Judge Gary at
a dinner of this character held on January
II. 1911. in which the chairman Of the Steel
Corporation spoke about the high obiga-
ton each one in the industry had toward
his neighbor.
Did YOU hear him say that? Did you
hear him say that the obligation was
cearer than lifeg' asked Mr.. Dickinson.
member the general trend of his re-
marks" said MIR. Topping az would not
saw that personally considered the neces-
.,,,, dearer than NE. | also allowed some
discount TO A post-prandlaI REMAIN IN
added. causing laughter.
The counsel for the government then re-
turned 10 an Interrogation of Mr.. TOPPING
about a luncheon held in May. 1911, at
haG informed
Gary of the decision of the Republic iron
ard Steel COMPANY 10 reduce prices on
steel hairs which resulted in similar step
by the Steel Corporation.
Merely Courtesy. Says Topping
The information was given as matter
Of courtesy. Mr.. Topping said. and he oe-
scrihed the occasion as luncheoh ol '"e
Iron aid steel Institute. of when he was
. noeuber. Among those who were pres
ent Mr.. Topping recalled James A. r al
rell president Of the Steel Corporations
2 4 6 Clark. Of the Lackawanna steer
Con,pany; W. l.. King, OF the Jones
1auShlin Steel Company. OF Pittsours. ana
lanes campbell. of the Youngstown ohee'
steel Company.
II stated TO them" said Mr.. Topping
that conditions in the trade were SUI" a.
"a lead me 10 reduce prices, ana that
propose to do so .s
Did YOU understand that they eNpeCteu
YOU to give them notice. asked MI Di'N-
inson. ., 80
~ felt that / was morally obligated 10
r,ve them the notice as matter OF cour-
,.sv." said Mn Topping. But there was
m agreement: 1t was a matter OF common
t.rencv under the circumstances
DO YOU mean that you felt obligated
.,u.ys m helm YOUR competitor" inquired
Mr.. Dickinson.
~ meant TO help myself" was Topping's
answer.
Jobn Sterling Dean. Of the Phoenix
Rridce Company, was the only other wit
ness OF the day. He said that the Ameri-
can Bridge Company, through its connec-
,ion with the Steel Corporation. was able
10 run always at full capacity, while the
ind.nendents were compelled 10 reduce
their production to e5 or even ~ per cent
q, the full capacity I'm dull seasons.
on cross-examination by Richard '.
rjndabury, Mr. Dean told of the Brloee
Builders Association. which has It's oi1ces
in the Hudson Terminal Building. TINS
association. he said, was composed or
about twenty-five independent manu-
facturers. and representatives of the trust
we're not admitted to it's meetings.
The members Of this association Mr..
pesn further said. met at lunCheons. and
before and after the meal they discussed
prices and exchanged news about their
bu.iness The meetings were held the first
Tuesday OF each month, the witness added.
LAUGH Turns on Witness.
with whom do you exchange this in
fNrmsrion? asked Mr.. Lindabury.
"Only with our actual competitors was
the answer that provoked considerable
laughter among the attorneys for the Steel
Corporation.
Mr.. Dean then explained that the eX-