The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-24
NEW STEEL PLAN l. BELIEVED BOOST
 FOR BIRMINGHAM Death Of Pittsburg Plus
 May Make City Basis
 Point For Prices OPTIMISTIC VIEWS ARE TAKEN OF MOVE Last Handicap To Growth
 Of District Removed Leaders Declare

Although leading steel consumers and those concerned with steel production were taciturn Wednesday in discussing the probable effect of the knocking out of "Pittsburg plus" by the federal trade commission, there was considerable ex- altation by some business men, particu- larly those formerly connected with che old Birmingham civic association. The gist of interviews with these men in- dicate that the act is ''the biggest thing possible for the district" and that it "enhances future prospects to a high degree" ..
 There was one thorn in the rose, how ever, a thorn even regardless of the re- port carried in dispatches that Judge Gary. head of the United States Steel corporation, has expressed his intention of tying the matter up in courts. This hinged on general doubtfulness as to whether the act would really affect prices on steel and steel products. In statements to The Age-Herald by men who possess a clarity of views into the industry it was asserted that little l change in present levels can be ex- rected in any section of the country.
 Practice Not Prevented
 .gThe mere fact that the federal trade commisison declares 'Pittsburg plus file gal does not prevent the practice" said one man who requested his name be withheld. From an idealistic stand point tabooing the present basis is q beautiful move. but 1t doesn't mean angthlnR ss
 aaks of the 6nHear a6a coal Iron and NailFoAd company, I subsiaiary of the United States Steel corporation and one of the largest steel producers in the south, reiterated asser- tions that "Pittsburg plus" was not be- ing taken advantage of here.
 'eThe T. c. I. company has treated the Birmingham district mighty fair in the quotation of prices" B. H. Hartsfield, vice president and general manager or the Birmingham Stove and Range com pany. a concern which uses sheet steel, declared. And I believe every con sumner here will state the same thing. Mir. Hartfield was president of the blr- mingham Civic association when 1t was waging it's fight for the abandonment of the "Pittshurg plus" practice. '
 "Our factory uses only, sheet steel in the production of stoves" MT. Harts- field said, which must necessarily be purchased at Pittsburg, The Tennessee company is now, however, erecting a sheet rolling mill and when that Is completed we will buy our material there. I am certain that figures agree able to us will be arranged by the company.
 Is Big Boost
 "The action of the federal trade commission is, as I have felt all along. one of the biggest possible things that could happen to the district. If It results in making Birmingham q bas- ing point for steel prices you will see numerous nv lndI st-' here the same way that the passing of pig iron prices at Birmingham attracted fac- torAs. It is only logical to believe that Birmingham will eventually be- come the great southern center in fin ished steel products"
 Sentiment expressed by Mir. Harts- field is similar. to the attitude of other leaders in the civic association. The most beneficial action which could pos sibly happen" Ira K. Randall, former director of the organization, declared.
 "A very intricate subject" com mented Judge w. E. Fort. former presi-
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