The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-15
PRESIDENT WILSON STEPS IN AND PUTS
 STEEL MEN ID WORK
Compromise Reached as to Method of Furnishing the Government Where
 withal to Wage War
By HUGH ". ROBERTS

Washington, July 14-(Special.)-As to the result of the consultations between steel makers and government officials, there is difference of opinion. There Is also expressed in Washington difference of opinioion as to the patriotism of the steel makers. However there is no ques- tion but that while denied exorbitant profits, steel makers will have a tire less buyer in and be assured reasonable profit by the government.
 The manufacturers. 1t Is said repre- sented that the government should fix a price at s8o. The government, on the oth- CT hand. expressed it's opinion that 2s cents per pound, or about $56 per long ton, was price which would guarantee producers a reasonable profit.
 It Is certainty that no agreement as to price could be reached. When delibera- tions were apparently permanently halt ed, President Wilson stepped in. He dele gated authority to General Goethals to commander the products of steel plants and to pay, after an investigation by the trade commission, a price with reason able margin of profit.
 THE GARY REPORT
 As a result of the foregoing, the story became current that the manufacturers left Washington dejected. Judge Ebert H. Gary, however, while declining to discuss the situation for publication, made an appearance which would in dicate the oposite state of mind. Fur thermore, 1t is known that in the delib- erations between the manufacturers and officials, Judge Gary was more amendable than any other individual
 One manufacturer. as . gAatter of fact just prior to the action of the President, expressed doubt as to the out come of the consultations.
 What can we accomplish" he was heard to say, when Gary gracefully yields point after point?"
 It is believed in Washington that the attitude of Judge Gary was the result of his desire to put his assets in tie service of theg overnment without the necessity on the part of the government of taking those assets with or without his consent. It is undercurrent gossip, furthermore, that if more obstinate manufacturers had emulated the Gary example, an agreement would have been reached at a price less than $80 and greater than $60.
 THE WILSON POLICY
 President Wilson's attitude during the conferences was one which caused con- siderable comment. He was a close ob- server. At the same time he was never in view of the field of action. On no oc- casion during the time of consultation did he speak a word.
 It is understood that when it was ap- parent ttat no agreement as to price would be reached, certain of the manu- facturers, after devising formidable programme of cross-examination, con- cluded to carry the war to the White House itself It is said that these cap tains of industry did visit the White House. and did knock for admission at the door. It is said further, that they were lHiOIfileu tHdt tliS iOoANOiie Soei.. not see them.
 Thereafter. in disgust, it is said, they returned to the old field of operation and entered into a final conference with Sec ret@ry Baker, Secretary Daniels, William Deaman of the shipping board, and Ber- nard Baruch chairman of the raw ma terial committee of the national council of defense.
 AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW
 Tn the conference an agreement, said to have been in part dictated by the manufacturers, was prepared, it is re- ported, for public consumption. Shortly after that preparation the President is sued his order authorizing Goethals to commander.
 While some of the steel men were dis appointed, one of the most prominent took an optimistic view. He said for The Age-Herald:
 There will be no so-called blood prof its. There will be reasonable profits, however. The price to be fixed will be in accordance with the expanding needs of our vital industry.
 There will be buying in every steel producing community. It is the inten- tion of the government to distribute it's requirements over the entire iron and steel producing capacity of the country. There will be a busy market. The gov