Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1908 — CARNEGIE AS A TARIFF WITNESS [ARTICLE]

CARNEGIE AS A TARIFF WITNESS

Says Schwab Ought to Set Vote of Thanks. BE OFFERS TO STAY A WEEK "HU Bolicitude for HU Weaker Brethren I* Sublime," Remark* Laird of Sklbo. Referring to Judge Gary** Contention That the Smaller Manufacturer* Could Not Btand For th* Abolition of the Duty on Bteel—Puts Humor In HU Statements. ; ' t Washington. Dec. 22. —Andrew Carnegie, whose published views on the tariff question caused considerable comment, took the stand before the bouse ways and means committee. The laird of Sklbo castle testified in support of the statements that ho made In bis magazine article, declaring persistently that the facts show tbe steel industry needs no protection. Praising the genius of Charles M. Schwab, Mr Carnegie suggested that congress should extend a vote of thanks to Mr. Schwab for his work in improving the methods of steelmaking in this country. No Foreign Bteel Here. "His solicitude for his weaker breth* ren is sublime." Fald Mr. Carnegie, referring to Judge Gary’s contention that the smaller steel manufacturers could not stand for the abolition of tbe duty on steel. Mr. Carnegie pointed out that practically no foreign mode steel is Imported into this country. "Other parties are hot exporting here, because they have an international agreement." Representative Hill was desirous of learning more of alleged international agreement between German, English and American steel manufacturers. Mr. Carnegie gave little* testimony of value with regard to the supposed international combination. Mr Carnegie said: ‘ The cost of producing rails at Gary won't be half as much as in England, notwithstanding the cheaper cost of labor abroad.” Willing to Wait a Week. Mr. Carnegie had planned to leave for New York on an afternoon train, but sent word to his servant to arrange for him to stay over night. “I consider it my duty as a citizen to a week, if necessary.” he said. Asked by Alfred O. Crozler to remain and hear hie ideas of the tariff or. steel, Mr. Carnegie said: “I shall read your statement with pleasure, and if it criticises me. I shall say ‘what a pity that man doesn’t know-abetter: and if it is with me. I shall probably say. ‘what a wise young man Crozier is.' ” One of the most interesting features of Mr. Carnegie's testimony was his account of his rise, in the iron and steel business He said that his first venture was in the manufacture of cast iron bridges for railroads to replace the wooden structures Together with six others, he invested ft,500 as capital for the venture, getting his share of the money by inean3 of a loan from a bank. Tells Why He Retired. Representative Cock ran interrogated Mr. Carnegie closely regarding his early ventures "Will yon tell me what you want to pet at. and l wilt tell you,” asked Mr. Carnegie "1 will tpll you frankly ” said Mr. Cockran I want to get wbat the actual profits of your companies were; the company which was a great monument to your success. For that purpose I want to find cut what cash capital was put into the company and how that has grown" "Why didn’t you tell me that.’’ replied the giver of libraries, amid much laughter. In expin!nine why he withdrew from the steel bc.siress -he said "I had nad up my mind when T was younger That i would never spend my cld sg< eral bing sot more counts ”