The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1913-11-11
h e Intelli Ger
THE L. $. STEEL ASSOCIATION.

The movement expressive of the public sentiment Of this COM
munity favorable to the organization of the United States Steel Asso-
ciauon is highly significant. Probably never before in the history Of
Wheeling have the citizens of their own accord undertaken 10 express
n opinion or preference concerning the procedure in a case, brought
ny IN united States government. Probably never before in the his
.r oil indusriahsm OF this country has there been such a manfes-
nuon OF popular feeling. Without regard TO the technical merits OF
the suit to dissolve the United States Steel Corporation. the active
n earnest interest taken in behalf of the corporation BY hundreds
and thousands of people who n not directly interested in il, is an
evidence OF the popular appreciation of the unique management of
this concern.
Undoubtedly the people of Wheeling and vicinity have had more
n ordinary opportunity to become acquainted with. and to est.
mate the influence of the United States Steel CORPORATION wbe, The
corporation was first formed it naturally aroused a great deal of
prejudice and resentment. Owners OF independent mills felt that
their future might be endangered. EMPLOYEES an,;ci,ote1 60
OF reckless and ruthless reductions in wages. During twelve wears
Oh careful and conservative management, marked by distinguished
success, these forebodings have been dispelled and the time
and friends.
In the broadcast and most liberal sense the United States Steel
corporation has shown itself TO be a good employer. The average
u wages which II has maintained has been high-higher in many re-
spects than are paid in competitive mills. The working onditions
which 1t has instituted have been, a a rule, universally better than
existed previous TO its organization. Care for the workmen and in
terest in their health, safety and general welfare have been shown
at all times. The safety devices. the sanitary conditions the bos,i.oI
equipment and, above all. the pension system. which have been n.
sttuted all make for the comfort and the well being of the workers
IL is not strange, therefore. that the large majority of The uo-ti,,
men employed by the United States Steel Corporation have cheerfuuy
IN 4 their own initiative signed statements indicating their feelings
On the other hand, we find among the defenders of the steel
corporation many OF the independent manufacturers, who recognize
in it a just and liberal competitor. Ii is but fair 10 saw that The
ih'iuence u me corporation upon the steel trade has been steadying
and has made for profitable working conditions among all Mills In
Yea OF seeking to dominate the trade and to crush competition. the
steel association has consistently maintained conditions favorable 70
rivals and has only asked that they cooperate with it in the main.
tenance of such conditions. The iron and steel Industry of the limited
states Ia never known a more profitable period than the pat six
g years n undoubtedly a large portion of that prosperity has
been due TO the wise and conservative policy maintained BY this
great company.
Its activities have not been limited TO our own country THROUGH
lis great financial strength II has been able TO develop a large amount,
o u foreign trade which no small corporation was previously able 70
reach and serve. The United States Steel CORPORATION has became
a great FACTOR I'm the iron and steel trade of the world. 1t has found
a market for the products Of the American working man in fields that
yer never before reached and TO that extent has added 70 the n,,,y
earning capacities of the American industry.
tits of course, impossible 10 estimate the influence ba. o.,i,io,
and expressions of citizens may have upon the progress Of q csse in
court The meeting on Wednesday evening promises r. he q 1a-,.
representative and enthusiastic affair In so far as this cornu,i,y :,
concerned II will express the sober judgment Of those who ire bos,
informed that the operations of the United States Steel Assoc;,,io,
nave Deer oenenclal ooth TO working men employed by the assoeia-
o I'M 70 IT'S competitors Such an expression is bound TO have
some weight favorable 10 the association. At least II cannot, faI .o
he a source OF qualification 10 the officials who have o abIv and
eonservatively managed the affairs Of this great companv