The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-01-15
METAL SCHEDULE
IS UNDER FIRE
Steel Interests Contend for Re-
tention of Present Duties
in Schedule
EXISTENCE OF AGREEMENT
Examination Into So-Called
Aluminium Trust Under
taken by Committee

Washington. January 1.-THE metal
schedule of the tariff law was again
under FIRE before the House Committee
on Ways and Means to-day, several
steel manufacturing interests contend
ing for retention of the present duties
in the schedule.
of the Sharon Steel Hooper Company.
advocated changes in tho phraseology
of the law TO avoid importers taking
advantage of its terms MI her toid
of plans now under way by the I nitcd
states Steel Corporation TO advance
the wages of its common laborers and
artisans and mechanics on February !
by approximately 10 per cent Repre-
sentative Fordney. OF Michigan. esti-
mated that this would mean an advance
OF ST.. 500 COO
Mr. Ker expressed optimism of the
future of the steel industry regardless
of what action the Democratic admin
istration might take. He said the steel
manufacturing industry was practically
iimitlcss in its possibility and nc urged
protection against invasion from abroad
lie added that If the industry was
disturbed. the capital would remain
and the com panies would reduce labor
to the point OF meeting with the compe-
tition-
r. +. Jennings. representing the
Carpenter Steel Company. of Pennsyl-
wanna urging the present tariff law.
testified that the labor cost of produc-
ton in the crucible steel industry was
abort. 40 TO 80 per cent on the total cost
which he said in response to Chairman
Underwood was much greater than in
the Bessemcr or open hearth steel
business
Wants Present Tariff.
Z p Reicheinn. of New y ORR. wanted
r@so nI on
ducts of the file and tool industry
During the discussion Mr. ker acVo-
Gated a dumping clause to prevent the
sending Of goods into this country at
prices lower than in the country OF
production
IF We had q dumping clause in THE
metal schedule" asked Chairman I n
dcrwocd. don't you think that the
rates fixed in our metal bill last session
would be sufficient"
Il don't think that Is so. NC don
know a. 20 that yet
Mr.. L Underwood asked as 20 che rca-
sons for the United states steel Cor
porstion's proposed increase OF wages
Mr.. Ksr said ne thought that the cor
porati0n was taking time by the fore
lock 20 hold its labor.
Affairs of tho Walthsrn watch Com
panv. Of Waitham. Mass. also we're
taken up BY the committee. which con
tiuucg us sessions Tar INTO tnf ui@ftt.
r G. Fitch. OF Waltham. Mass.
testifving to-day that tho company
could manufacture watch dials cheaper
than he could bur abroad. said the
waithsun watch Company was original
L. capitalized At 10000. that u re-
organized With q capitalization OF va
ep.oOo.
Tho witness told % the former cx-
is-cnce 81 q selling agency that handled
me Waffharn Watch Company pro
e-cfs fIe said De- ws~ one Of three
mariners IN the selling agency. escn OF
whom, received So 90 a year salary
Don't YOU compel wholesalers 70
sell a. a certain price 20 retsuerst' asked
Represent ativo Raincy.
'FTry 70. but don't succeed. In hard
times they amost uniformly fail 20 keep
that price," said Mr.. Fitch. who added
he had been pretty strenuous" in try
ins 60 prevent the watches cent abroad.
where they were sold ~ cheaper prices.
bling sent back to-thts country 20 com
pete With domestic prices. Mr.. kstncy
road letters bearing on fhc prarfiCc- 81
the company. and = copy - an agree
u~nf 10 regulate fhc prjccs to thc con-
sumcrs The witness said he had q ii-t
ff-o-.tr.teT On second PAGE