The Iron Age 1934-11-15: Vol 134 Iss 20

iding, Editor Managing Editor Consulting Editor News Machinery Editor Pittsburgh Detroit Boston F. L. PRENTISS R. A. Fiske A. I. FINDLEY L. W. Morrett R. G. MoIntosH Cleveland Chicago Editor Emeritus Washington Content CODE 1934 Discard the Wet Blanket Eliminating Soldering Over Auto Body Welds Experience with Working Capital Loans Past, Present and Future Cast Iron Dictated Economies Plating Packard Car Parts New Equipment Automotive Industry News Personals and Obituaries Washington News Markets Construction and Equipment Buying High Tensile Steel Hopper Car Products Advertised 102 Index Advertisers 122 THE IRON AGE PUBLISHING COMPANY FRANK, President GRIFFITHS, Secretary BAUR, General Advertising Manager PUBLICATION OFFICE: Corner Chestnut and 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. EXECUTIVE OFFICES: 239 West 39th St., New York, Y., ADVERTISING STAFF Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations Emerson Findley, 311 Union Bldg., Cleveland Member, Associated Business Papers Herman, 675 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, H. K. Hottenstein, 802 Otis Bldg., Chicago Published every Thursday. Subscription Price: Peirce Lewis, 7310 Woodward Ave., Detroit United States and Possessions, Mexico, Cuba, Charles Lundberg, Chilton Chestnut $6.00; Canada, $8.50, including duty; Foreign 56th Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. $12.00 year. Single Copy Cents Ober, 239 39th St., New York W. B. Robinson, 428 Park Bidg., Pittsburgh Cable Address, Sweetser, 239 West 39th St., New York Warren, Box 81, Hartford, Conn. EIGHTIETH YEAR SERVICE THE METAL WORKING INDUSTRY an- ‘en- chi- and und and len, uip- arly nery 100- ar- nett, nont acre with Cal., shop Fifth ding, chin- other sale new and gen- one- and De- Nov. soline until ntract for with manu- etc., Eng- shop t over closely hester, ts. ure Cost plant milk over Ger- group design duetion ng dis- 7 THE IRON AGE...NOVEMBER 15, 1934 Page Jus Ordered Cut and Shipped Tonight Hasnt failed Yet Steel all kinds stock for Immediate Shipment. Write for Stock List. Joseph Ryerson Son, Inc., Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Boston, Jersey City. EST. | ly | ffs NOVEMBER 15, 1934 ESTABLISHED 1855 Vol. 134, No. Don't Stay Under Wet Blanket OME our readers may regard the elec- tion results being metaphorical wet blanket spread over business and indus- try. may advise those who feel that way that live wires not stay long under wet blankets. They crawl out quickly and exercise vigorously avoid giving the under- taker job. not regard the election landslide constituting mandate for radicalism. fact, there are certain advantages overwhelm- ing political majority, even lies the party for which one did not vote. large majority Congress, for example, may better for business and worse for rad- icalism than more evenly divided balance power. There less temptation play ball with organized minorities who seek trade. The bonus seekers and the labor lobby would stronger position with more evenly bal- anced Congress. Then, too, radicalism has suffered en- couraging defeat California. The people that State have put definite limits beyond which they not want the New Deal go. That salutary victory for mass common sense that will head off many embryonic unsound proposals. Congress can write our legal statutes, but business and industry will continue write the people’s meal tickets. Legislation cannot repeal the law supply and demand the law the survival the fittest. Landslides never run hill. The late political landslide would not have happened there had not been depression valley receive it. The coming Congress may try prescribe patent medicines for business remains sick loses ground; will not hastily the patient showing real improvement. The time getting ripe for another land- slide; that demand for steel, machinery and manufactured goods fill the great accumu- lated void needs this country. That most desirable event will not happen, however, regard the election wet blanket and remain shivering under it. will happen all forget politics for while and get busy our real job realizing prof- its and building payrolls. ‘ a 7 q 7 7 7 7 Soldering- mately per cent all automo- bile bodies this country are flash welded. The present daily production about 15,000 bodies divided among the various automobile plants involves some miles welded seam. This figure covers only the rear body weld- ing, which averages in. length modern streamline bodies. does not include the shroud the roof rail, which are also flash welded; with these approximately miles flash- welded seam would have added the miles rear body welding. can safely said that approxi- Auto PETER FASSLER President, Fassler Co., and Consulting Welding Engineer, Detroit Such figures indicate clearly that the flash welder plays very important part automobile production. Recently leading European auto- mobile manufacturer told the writer that the flash welding automobile bodies was not entirely satisfactory, every seam had soldered over after welding. pointed out that one ear View Line Tangent Curve Minimum from welding line knife welder Fig. drawing illustrating development the proper welding line. 12—The Iron Age, November 15, 1934 Welds the largest automobile manufac- turers the United States flash welds average 4500 bodies day different assembly plants and has not used ounce solder years connection with this welding. this replied that had studied automobile manufacture America from every angle and had found that almost all bodies made here were soldered-over after flash welding. Furthermore, welding machines had employed were purchased from American builders. familiarity with conditions was more less limited the com- pany whose practice had mentioned, could not pursue the argument further. Soon after return the United States statement made high executive body building plant safety meeting brought back mind the conversation cited above. was that his company had encoun- tered many cases lead poisoning from body soldering. This statement, together with data received since re- lating body-welding machines, has moved discuss this problem. Trouble Experienced First that when flash welding auto bodies was introduced about nine years ago, plenty trouble was experienced, even the seams welded were only about in. long. Proper syn- chronizing current and upsetting movement, clamping pressure, and the proper electrode material had studied thoroughly. But most im- portant—and still many organ- izations—was the determining and de- veloping the proper welding line with the proper tangents. means the die drawing shown Fig. which similar that received the machine designer from the body engineering department, shall en- deavor explain the development the proper welding line. our ex- ample the body can have any shape. The first step would deter- mine the welding line the side qua’ the line the cien 4 Fig. larg reqt 4 : Rs} | 7 H Eliminated Proper Procedure quarter panel The distance between the tangent lines a-3-4-5-6-7 and can made for the electrodes. Not the wheel housing and the welding the belt line. many cases, where only will these templates great line must great enough allow for the proper tangency after the welding importance, but spotting block can the proper clamping device. Two line W...L determined the tangent produced from this dummy en- inches from the wheel housing suffi- lines can projected and able tuning the electrode con- cient. The imaginary welding line (Fig. 1). This enables making form with the shape the dummy had has close possible dummy from which proper templates and the stampings respectively. had made flash lash- AT. RIGHT rican 3—One the type machines required for welding modern com- bodies. ment nited high ning nent, double welder, has single transformer, 300-kva. unit for smaller bodies. ago, Push Push Button-Hoist Down syn- eans Push Button draulic installed x ex- 4 ape. ‘ter- / The Iron Age, November 15, 1934—13 " Fig. 4—Correct line-up panels. The designer now able deter- mine the width and the angle the welding machine. Arrangement such welder shown Fig. which 300-kva. unit for smaller type and weighs approximately tons. Much larger machines are re- quired for the modern airflow body, which has approximately 100 in. seam length; and some them are equipped with two, four six trans- formers and weigh tons (see Fig. 3). most cases perfect welding line with perfect tangents cannot reached and average angle has perfect weld can obtained provided the difference these angles not too great. Trouble occurs neglect- ing the proper fit the electrode and shown the correct line-up panels and Fig. the incorrect line-up. Putting the panel the electrode incorrectly, Fig. which hap- pens quite frequently through wrong setting the fixture improper trimming the panel, causes holes and flat spots, which give rise con- Fig. line-up panels siderable trouble and result high cost metal finishing. addition, the welding proceeds there tendency overlap, shown Fig. The explanation that al- though the weld stock burns equally, both ends burn off and some parts get caught against the electrode, and Fig. 7—Machine for flash welding front fenders. 14—The Iron Age, November 15, 1934 these parts are still white hot they tend overlap. Another source trouble the burning out the elec- trode and the knife. Inexperienced operators often try overcome this trouble filing down the overlapped joint, but this leads weak spot, with the body usually breaking the welding line. However, the easiest way out for the production man who doesn’t know the real reason for the trouble solder the seam over and play safe. has been proved that follow- ing the procedure here suggested the trimming line, proper fixture setting and proper alinement, bodies can welded without using single ounce solder. The welding ma- chine frequently blamed, but this cannot justified, because the mod- Fig. location results overlap the panel and destruction electrodes and knives here shown. also causes deforming panels illustrated Fig. ern flash welder very highly de- veloped unit. has been stated that costs about 50c. solder over automo- bile body. this rate plant hav- ing daily production 1000 bodies controls the expenditure saving $500 every day making the right set-up. The above not using any solder its daily production 5000 bodies not only saves the cost the soldering but also considerable compensation for men injured through lead poison- ing. Also, since acid used for sol- dering the black sheet metal, the en- tire body suffers sooner later, the acid tends work through the paint and cause blisters. Not only are automobile body parts flash welded successfully, but also fen- ders, radiator shells and other parts. machine for flash welding front fenders, which are welded following the contour through the center, shown Fig. The increase length the weld- ing line the modern automobile body calls for such huge and expen- sive welding machines, which auto- matically carry high overhead and depreciation, raise the question (Concluded Page 69) a ete oo ss & Ff «ch i >» | | | | x they nced this spot, the siest who and low- ture ngle ma- this ILLIAM POUCH, presi- dent, Concrete Steel Co., New York, chairman the in- dustrial advisory committee the Second Federal Reserve District. Such committee under amendment the Federal Reserve Act collaborating with the bank- ing systems each district ex- tend loans companies which, Mr. Pouch puts it, have and Character, but need Capital. The additional capital help stem the tide lent for periods five years. ORKING capital loans the intermediate credit class, that is, loans that may allowed run for five years, have been open business and industry now for period few months. Requests for such banking accommodation have come the meantime sufficient number and variety make the ex- perience likely helpful its prac-, ticality and promise, when meet- ing credit men was called New York, Oct. 30, the Hotel Commo- dore, hear results, broad direct in- terest was evidenced large at- tendance and active discussion. The meeting was devoted the op- erations this particular the Fed- eral Reserve Bank the Second (New York) District. was addressed William Pouch, president the Concrete Steel Co., who chairman the industrial advisory committee five industrialists, set up, one such committee each Federal Reserve Few Months’ Experience with Working- Capital Loans District, for the express purpose assisting the Federal Reserve Banks passing loan applications. The plans the Federal Reserve interme- diate-credit working-capital loans, provided for under amendment 13B so-called the Federal Reserve act was explained some length these columns the issue Aug. 16, page 28. Mr. Pouch told how the applicant for loan proceeds, how the applica- tion then handled, and what the banking attitude the matter, and gave analysis the operations for the relatively brief period covered. addition offered for discussion some hypothetical cases, pre- senting financial statements and ac- companying particulars bring out the character problem that has met dealing with the loans. Fol- lowing what Mr. Pouch said part: From Mr. Pouch’s Address for working capital can sought either two ways. First, may apply his local bank for application blanks and in- formation how should pro- ceed. Even though may have al- ready secured accommodation from the local bank, should not hesitate make the approach through them. the local bank cannot render him assistance, they will pass the appli- cation the Federal Reserve Bank and suggest they consider the application. many cases the local bank will join with the Federal Re- serve Bank and make the loan but secure a.commitment percentage from the Federal Reserve Bank. Second, the business man corpor- ation may approach the Federal Re- serve Bank direct and make applica- tion for loan without going through intermediary bank. Let say passing that the first method preferred but the second method allowable. Borrower Must Meet One Two Requirements When the application reaches the Federal Reserve Bank, gone over very carefully members the staff that organization. thorough in- vestigation made regarding the financial condition the applicant, and his ability earn money. In- quiry will made his charac- ter, his record with business and other financial institutions during his busi- ness career. The applicant also required state what going use the money for and when and how expects earn money enough repay same. The Federal Reserve Bank will have two objects view making this investigation. First, determine the applicants ability earn the re- payment, and second, determine (Continued Page 76) The Iron Age, November 15, 1934—15 de- costs omo- hav- odies right its not ison- en- the wing weld- auto- and stion The Past, Present and Future the yesterday iron find that iron was first used approximately six thousand years ago the Egyptians. was first found the reinforcements stone walls some their buildings, and are lead believe that the Chinese were using approximately the same time. Now, how early man first came work iron deep mystery and probably will always remain so. The bronze age had been pro- gress some thousand years before man entered the iron age, and possible that making the mortar and walls for bronze melting furnace that early man stumbled onto some iron. this way was formed the beginning the iron age. in- teresting note this point that the original workers iron used the iron meteors they used very advanced type material. The chemi- cal analysis meteors shows from per cent iron and from per cent nickel. This, with other forms rock, constitute the average meteor found the surface the earth. Early man melted his iron ore very crude furnace consisting 16—The Iron Age, November 15, 1934 Cast lron JENNINGS Works Manager, The Ryan Foundry Co. scooped out place some clay area. The walls were built probably in. thick with clay, fitted with clay tuyeres opening the outside and penetrating towards the bottom. The furnace was filled with charcoal and ore. fact, this process actual- followed China and parts Africa today. The furnace, after charging, was sealed and the air forced down through the tuyeres with blow pipes. The tuyeres themselves soon became hot they penetrated down into the charcoal and this was the beginning preheated air used today blast furnace operations. After about six hours the charge was ready re- moved from the furnace. The tem- perature this furnace never was high enough melt all the iron, but did remove some the slag and portion the iron which had ab- sorbed carbon enough that be- came fluid. All this was run off slag. The mass which was left the furnace when was opened was steely mixture iron, slag and char- coal. partook more the nature steel know it, course, than cast iron, but this material was capable being hammered ana worked, reheated, rehammered and re- worked free from slag, and made suitable for the various uses the early iron workers. From this early beginning the use iron and for the next four five thousand years iron made but little progress. fact, until the dis- gun powder, the iron ton- nage was relatively small. until the year 1500 there was really inconsiderable amount used, and this year best record indicates that approximately 50,000 tons iron was consumed the world. Cast iron, such, was originally waste material. fact, because was fluid and ran off and formed brittle pools the cavities the earth around the furnace, was dis- carded because was unworkable. The steel mass left these early fur- naces, course, was workable heat and hammering, and this really today ste 4 j ip g W: te 4 Ir 7 har- ture was ana re- nade the the but dis- ton- until that was nally rmed the able. fur- heat oday stands one the distinguishing features the difference between steel and cast iron. India iron probably received its greatest advance prior our historic age. early thousand years before Christ, columns iron weigh- ing from seven fifteen tons were produced the Hindu iron workers. How was possible for these people much metal and pour into one unit, beyond our present day comprehension. Imagine col- umn ft. long, ft. more diameter the base and tapering foot and half the top, and have picture the tremendous problem which these people overcame. How could they melt much metal one time? How could they handle after was melted? not know that. However, one these iron columns still stands, monument race long since gone. Enthusiasm and skill! These were the tremendous activating forces. Benvenuto Cellini, when cast his world-famous statue Perseus, had not the fine tools and equipment today. Yet history tells that the making this job worked day and night until the mold was com- pleted and robbed fences the oak rails, broke his own furniture secure enough fuel melt the bronze and then threw the silver and pewter ware his own home into the pot make enough me- tal cast the statue. When the job was poured had entirely run with the exception one finger. world masterpiece skill and enthusiasm was thus born. Now will talk later alloys iron, and yet seems that before reach this point must realize that all the alloys which can mixed with iron the one which gives the greatest results iron alloyed with brain. Cast Iron Misnamed Now what are the characteristics this iron which plays all-im- portant part present day life? The various handbooks containing engineering standards for gray irons read somewhat follows: Brinell hardness probably 160 170, tensile strength 17,000 18,000 per sq. in. and carbon content 3.50 3.60 with correspondingly high silicon. Now, when the engineer- ing handbooks state that cast iron weak and brittle material they are entirely correct. However, the name “cast iron” misnomer, for the amount pure blood con- tains, cast steel casting would sure- more correctly called cast iron useful are the foundrymen are adding their melts? Can gray iron main- tain its position the industrial matrix? What developments must founders anticipate? These and many other pertinent questions are discussed herein brisk and most interesting manner. Mr. Jen- nings able and experienced foundryman who has sight into the problems. speaks the language and consequently the theme develops even more forceful. than present mixture iron and impurities which call “gray cast iron.” However, will agree that cast iron. But research and time have given knowledge the blood which runs the veins good cast- ing and foundrymen, who are to- day making iron 50, 60, what- not thousand tensiles, feel that have made some advance and resent the rating which our material has been given for the last years. number foundrymen have been working new tests and ratings for tensile strength iron order make this humble material more aristocratic. Yet matter what rat- ing they may give you for iron, sand tensiles, there will for con- siderable length time great quan- tity the so-called gray iron our text books still used. After all this the cheapest form iron and where rigidity, machineability strengths are the this material will suffice. was previously stated that gray cast iron with respect its physical properties primarily regulated control its impurities. have the past perhaps given too little con- sideration these impurities, where now have means for detecting practically all and regulating the amount impurities the individual casting. has been found upon com- petent research, however, that irons identically the same analyses, far are able determine, have various essential different character- istics. This still one the trouble- some things gray iron work. committee investigating so- called “off-pig iron.” This name prob- ably describes the iron but the causes are hard put definitely the spot. foundrymen are very prone pass the buck. When have some difficulty the foundry, which seldom escapes any us, have merry chain which starts with the molder, jumps the sand, jumps the core, jumps the metal, jumps the cupola operation, and then be- cause the furnaceman not there, lodges sometimes with him. John Sharp showed experiment that pig iron remelted thirteen times becomes too sluggish run castings, full gas holes and very brit- tle. Frank Foundries Corpn., ran tests 100 per cent scrap mix. noted that the analyses this material did not tell the story; iron say 2.00 silicon and 3.40 carbon today might soft and gray, and the same analysis may mot- tled and white the next time. This due the included oxides and gases which not yet analyze for. casting shrinks today that did not shrink yesterday. What the an- swer? could only pin some these causes the pig iron manufacturers, what wonderful new ray hope that would for the average man charge melting operations. Our present day cast iron offers wide variety selections, with moderate control, cupola practice and more definite control electric furnace practice. This, course, may point for debate, but believe can sustained. the costs the two processes, the desirability under such conditions that is, course, another thing. Impurities Have Large Effect order present the picture what constitutes iron and its impur- ities, the simple elements which make iron casting could collected separately. One package could repre- sent lb. chemically pure iron; one bottle represents the sulphur; one the silicon; one the manganese; one the phosphorus; and still another the total carbon which higher strength castings. several small packages could placed the The Iron Age, November 15, 1934—17 precious metals which are added, such nickel, chrome, moly, etc. should noticed particularly that the volume these impurities com- pared the iron very small. When limited and, secondly, that the varia- tions base metals which foundry can regularly have are also limited, here that the electric furnace enters the field with its batch melting one sees such quantity, for duplex batch melting. thus offers example, phosphorus, nickel, chrome wider range base mixtures than moly, one really wonders these possible with the cupola, and also small amounts impurities can have practically unlimited range alloy However have the data prove it, and thus find that higher Foundries Should Specialize strength irons which are making today chemically speaking the adding have heard discussed many pinch this pinch that meetings the different irons the batter makes entirely dif- various companies. find ferent cake. much better than they had cast dries various parts the country Mow iron. Cast iron lends itself particular- making everything from soup imately 2.00 per cent silicon, 3.25 car- flowing curves and its best This one the reasons why bon, which 0.70 combined, 0.09 when connected have plenty considerable sulphur, 0.20 phosphorus, 0.60 man- fillets. other his ganese, 1.28 per cent nickel, and 0.74 The cast irons today are mul- eagerness make anything that the molybdenum, and thus added seven alloying fever many “ites” the not enough attention the en- ten thousand pounds tensile market; Gunite, Frankite, Ashcolite, gineering and customer requirements strength—just like that! Greenite, Ranite, Alligatorite from No, that isn’t the whole story! the job. has followed the age- obtain iron this quality the con- mite.” These “ites” course mean trol each and all the elements lot they mean nothing. When one ell, and attempted with the means must maintained. one def- person company adopts trade hand the best initely certain that iron cer- name for product issues chal- with impossible base iron. tain silicon, carbon, phosphorus and lenge maybe bluff. One must sulphur range being produced then sume reasonable control back this The best foundryman has one will reasonably secure ob- trade name for material. our not good enough. There are taining this increase strength from foundry operation attempt ranges that could sonable control our carbon, sili- that any one series would take life this connection, with the high- selves. This forms the base iron ties iron, and yet read one which add our alloys required. foundry producing some fifty varieties iron being produced lower than won’t make bad fish smell any bet- 3.00 per cent carbon and possibly one and alll the alloy that can used methods make this many irons and foundryman becomes designing en- base iron. Therefore, getting the 2.00 per cent carbon, that enter rather limited, for the average field where high shrinkage and better real objective for the pres- tendencies for included gases are can successfully run dur- hard base iron. The soft iron, with are all more less inclined, mending the design patterns carbon probably 3.50 3.60, and would like try every key the for making this type casting. hard base iron with carbon piano. However, some can sing The average engineer still designs 3.20 3.30 and correspondingly low high note, some can sing sharp corners. delights put- silicon. foundry with these two low note, some can sing ting great heavy masses metal off irons work upon during day can notes all, but whatever key some hidden spot and connected secure only limited variation the played, play hard. with the rest the casting sec- alloys the molten The automotive cylinder today tion several times thinner. fact, stream. work art. was developed everything that takes the joy out The iron melted 2800 deg. F., specialty foundry and made life for the foundryman. have and known that excess day specialty foundries. The cast seen castings being replaced weld- 2.00 per cent any combination iron crank shaft which being used parts wherein the manufacturer alloy added then one the today per cent the Ford spent unlimited engineering time danger line and results, the best, ductions specialty product redesigning the job that these parts will far from those desired. made special unit. The really could welded. can said that then can concluded that the amount great strides the use iron and pic the welded jobs often the heavy alloy which can added cold its alloys are made special shops parts and square corners worked out molten stream metal rather where men have given their efforts Iron Age, November 15, 1934 | | u 1) ndry nace ffers than also alloy nany luced foun- intry nuts, foun- his the en- nents which nents age- neans pos- many made have sibili- one rieties hin not our and ques- nge make ake pres- which ed, sing sing key oday ade cast used pro- and really and shops efforts undivided overcoming one particu- lar problem. know that the iron today some wonderful castings are being produced. Steel castings are being reclaimed into the cast iron field. certain amount malleable being absorbed the new short anneal bastard malleable which now available, may that high strength iron with short nor- malizing replacing annealed iron where primarily was used for shock resisting only. The irons tomorrow, cannot help but feel, will produced great extent electrically, for while there will always definite re- quirement for strong gray iron hardware and small semi-rigid parts where great quantities are required, the iron use tomorrow will facing entirely new field specifi- cations. Aluminum, material second only iron its supply the earth’s surface, rapidly coming into use, and the amount scientific study which being spent its develop- ment the present time far greater than the amount which being spent iron and its alloys. Aluminum and its alloys are directly competitive with iron that iron meet this new competition must much stronger than the iron yester- day. must our salesmen would like have it, soft hard iron, iron that will easy machine and yet will hard service, which will not rust readily, material which will withstand heat, materia! which will cast readily and, withal, produced without too great cost. industry born without produc- ing train allied industries. The railroads, for example, today are the beginning new birth. The streamline coaches will become reality. The railroads are going forced relay their roadbeds meet this new condition—to transform the curves for the terrific speed the new coaches. regards these new coaches, what will used their construction? Will they alumi- num and its alloys entirely, light- weight steel will iron fit into the picture? That depends upon the foun- dryman. The engineer, after all, unbiased individual. critical and cynical all materials. comes from Missouri and has shown. With that rebuilding spirit gaining momentum America the airplane industry and the railroads, the Picture for tomorrow tremendous, with airplanes. Now, What part does iron play this pic- ture? thought that cast iron didn’t have opportunity all air- plane, and yet suddenly thrust can meet the specifications. Now into this picture enters the elec- tric furnace. The electric furnace bound become the melting unit tomorrow just railroads will prob- ably electrically propelled tomor- row. the present time, know that these new streamlined trains are probably Diesel power, Diesel-electric gas-electric, but when one considers that takes approximately eight power locomotive and one horse- power can produced with one and half pounds coal the mouth the mine, believe the electric en- ergy will available the future better rates than are obtained present. When electrical energy becomes cheaper, must, then the electric furnace will come into its own. Cupola melting, its best and controlled with all the latest devices blast control, charging, has changed little from the first cupola operated. The amount variation any one element iron conse- quently very definitely restricted. With the electric furnace, course, the iron can varied will. the metallurgists and engineers determine any desired quality, the electric fur- nace the tool for making it. engineer knows what wants the range alloy that metal nickel, copper, chrome, and what-nots, this can done with the electric fur- nace. Today the electric furnace process costly and for shop making cast- ings the batch method not possible operate competition with cupola produced metal. However, when the electric furnace enters the range castings 3.00 per cent car- bon and under, which cannot readily produced the cupola, then en- ters field its own where the characteristics the metals produced warrant the additional cost melting, even the present rates. There are other fields melting sure. The Brackelsberg furnace and others, all which use some contaminating fuel melt the iron, will and are highly satisfactory melting units for certain ranges metal. would predict the iron to- morrow, then, iron electrically melted, heat treated where necessary, castings X-rayed for defects, molten iron an- alyzed spectrograph some sim- ilar method, and much greater stress than present placed upon exact chemical analysis. Cast iron pavement not unknown abroad, having been used for some time. This however, said represent the initial installation this country. ft. test strip, laid the University Minnesota. The Iron Age, November 15, 1934—19 — q aria- mercantilist system Eng- land began weaken the cen- tury following the discovery America. The boldness and enter- prise British navigators, contend- ing with Spain for larger share the exploitation the New World, led the nation into epoch interna- tionalism commerce and industry, which continues this day. This de- velopment, together with the leader- ship England the rise the industrial age changed the picture gradually, but last completely. phenomena this connection was the decadence the Hanseatic League the same period that England was premacy. The Hanseatic League—a loose fed- eration North German cities for the promotion their commerce rather than for political ends stands well nigh unique among socio-political establishments. seems have orig- inated with the group German merchants and traders living for- eign cities. Germans that period were much more advanced com- merce and industry than any the other peoples Northern Europe. Their mercantile houses had system sending representatives foreign cities, where they settled, opened busi- ness establishments, and very com- monly acquired what amounted full citizenship rights without, however, forfeiting their citizenship home. This sort dual citizenship gave them 20—The Iron Age, November 15, 1934 great advantage. the 12th and 13th centuries these groups Ger- man merchants foreign cities or- ganized themselves into Hansas which were not unlike German chambers commerce. these Hansas, which existed many cities scattered over northern and western Europe and even Baltic Russia, charters extend- ing various valuable privileges were granted the states which they were set up. The Hanseatic League time passed, these cooperations German groups abroad led co- operations among the German cities home and out these developed the loose federation knows the Hanseatic League. the height its power the League maintained military and naval forces and conducted wars, but group allies rather than fed- eration political entities. This close cooperation was forced upon the cities BE wi because the weakness the numer- ous provincial princes scattered among the many small German states. These political rulers were jealous each other and far from friendly the Hanseatic League; while their loyalty the Holy Roman Empire was ex- tremely vague. So, the height its power the League, although hardly any sense political affair, was nevertheless the most effective cen- tralization anything like authority all the German lands. general, the aim the League was extend the Hanse commercial power widely possible abroad, while excluding foreigners from the commercial privileges the Hanse towns. That should ceeded well and long this unilateral program astonishing circumstance. That the League did not ultimately bring about effective unification Germany seems have been due chiefly the antagonisms among the German princes and the - ~> tri tri y wa wil wa ten lan sta’ wit rut among These each the oyalty ght hardly was cen- nercial Hanse this did Tective have onisms the jealousies which many them en- tertained against the League. Because there was strong cen- tral government back up, the League could not maintain itself against the strong governments that were growing neighboring coun- tries, and gradually disintegrated. Yet its decadence was slow that was not until 1852 that the Hanse Exchange Building London was while Antwerp like melan- choly transaction took place 1863. Dictated Economy France all European statesmen, the one who most closely identified himself with the institutions mercantilism was probably Colbert, the great min- ister Louis XIV. was con- temporary the earlier Stuart monarchs, and Cromwell, Eng- land; real statesman, whom much the glory and also much the ignominy the Grand Monarch’s reign was attributable. His ambition was make and keep France the first state Europe; and this pursued With unflagging energy and utter ruthlessness. Like who pursued definite policy mercantilism, Economies; Yesterday, JOHN VAN DEVENTER sought bring every commercial and industrial interest into subordination the state. him, only the state, the king, and the ruling few who dominated the court, really counted; the people were the instruments, the raw material, the cannon fodder, whose sacrifice counted for nothing would contribute the power and glory the state. And like most the mercantilists, had the fatally mistaken idea that the power and glory the state could not main- tained without demanding this sacri- fice. Yet with all his ruthlessness, Col- bert conceived himself reformer and many ways was efficient one. found completely rotten and corrupt state finances, with half the revenue being stolen; and this regard greatly improved con- ditions. gave every encourage- ment the expansion commerce, granted monopolies charters privilege, patronized invention and set new industries. order give French products better name foreign markets, set rigid system specifications for all manu- factured articles, with close inspec- tions insure compliance. cracked down offenders approved pres- ent day style, imposing all the penalties that have been threatened, and occasionally imposed, under the Blue Eagle. Unfortunately, like other economic dictators, over-played his hand; production and products were standardized, and qualities rigidly fixed, that was impossible turn out many things that the trade wanted and would gladly have ac- cepted. Particular associations, cor- porations, and municipalities were The Iron Age, November 15, Today and Tomorrow given exclusive rights various de- partments industry and trade, pre- cisely under the mercantilist regime had been done England. All this soon atrophied enterprise, initiative and improvement. Determined build prosperous colonies, which France had the time vast extent, monopolized their trade and re- stricted their freedom that results were just the opposite what had hoped. The excesses Colbertism had much with the breakdown French colonial policy and the ulti- mate loss the French colonial em- pire. Price Fixing France The body politic and the body economic Europe was still con- taminated with the germ mer- cantilism when the French revolution- ary period opened. this time England had made considerable prog- ress toward emergence the shadow this disastrous system; was edging its way into the early pe- riods the industrial age. But France, less progressive, willing play with economic dicta- tion and, particularly, clung the idea that price fixing had some magical power bring about the semblance plenty when there was only the fact scarcity. Indeed, dur- ing the revolution and the Napoleonic era manner experiments with price fixing and with the control production were made throughout the countries Europe. Their chief use- fulness was demonstrating their utter uselessness. When the revolu- tion had brought chaos French agri- culture, industry and commerce, resort was had the most drastic schemes dictating prices. Scarcity had forced them up, and the economic dictators undertook drive them down. Schedules prices neces- saries were prepared and required ; q di prices and taxes are nowadays re- quired posted. graphic pic- ture the regulatory scheme and how utterly failed produce de- sired results may quoted from Henry Bourne, writing the Journal Political Economy 1919. Here are some excerpts story. The first effects of the posting of prices had been a great rush -to the shops. Many articles could had half third their previous price. It was bargain day in Paris and all over France, a dazzling opportunity to exchange paper for goods, food, cloth- ing, and all the necessaries of life. While the law was still new the shop- keepers did not dare violate open- ly. conceal their goods was guilty of hoarding. At Paris they either took their chances with the guil- lotine sold out with astounding ra- pidity. city councilor complained that within two hours of the promul- gation of the prices grocers said they were out sugar. Many shops closed altogether; others when their shelves were bare did not renew their stock. Some went through the form bank- ruptcy deceive the vigilant eye local committeemen. At Peronne, writes our English lady, “the shop- keepers secreted many their goods they could; and, when the day arrived, the people laid siege them crowds, some buying the maximum, others less ceremonious, and few hours little remained the shops beyond the fixtures.” “It was the honest merchant who became the victim the law. His less scrupulous compeer refused cumb. The butcher weighing meats added more scraps than before, re- jouissances these were called with deli- cate irony. The common people complained that they were buying pear juice for wine, the oil poppies for olive oil, ashes for pepper, and starch for sugar. The towns, and especially Paris, were infested with petty traders, who were called revendeurs mar- candiers, name which does not seem equivalent our word huckster, be- cause they did not cry their wares; they were anxious escape attention. dealt meat and many them were butchers’ employees who de- serted their shops and sold the corners the streets carried the doors apartments. These “If the maximum laws were meant to save the common people from want and wretchedness, they failed. The scarcity 1794 was most severe the supplies meat, wood, charcoal, pit-coal, and candles. the days grew shorter the fall, long lines men and women would stand front the shops where candles were sold. Sometimes the women would fight for preference, because they could not obtain supply their husbands would forced stop work too early. The same reason brought crowds the quays where wood and coal were sold. The police reported that often thou- sand persons waited all night for the gates open. Fifty sixty soldiers were required keep them line. was almost difficult ob- tain little meat. March one police 22—The Iron Age, November 15, 1934 reported that one hundred and fifty women had crowded door four o’clock the morning. They screamed out that it was better pay twenty thirty sous and have what they wanted than pay fourteen, the maximum price, and get nothing. clear the path in front of stalls the gendarmes would ride their horses through the crowd great porters would use their shoul- ders flying wedge. Women would stand line for hours shivering with the cold, only to be told when their turn came that nothing was left.” The effect (of the price fixing laws) was bound temporary, be- cause system force ill adapted the normal activities mankind. Roland, the Girondin Minister the Interior had said, ‘Once begun, must employed continuously, while its use aggravates the need, until soon half the nation must armed against the other half.’ the watchward was coercion, terror. The Government had nothing substitute for the old mechanism industry and trade cept floods of circulars and hordes of agents and Medieval Price Fixing: Holland and Belgium John Fiske, “The Unseen World and Other Essays,” tells the efforts the Low Countries, the 15th and 16th centuries, enforce Government prices against the monopolies which the public complained. Here his description the experience: disastrous piece leg- islation was due prevalence prejudice from which so-called enlightened communities are not yet wholly free. even now customary heap upon those persons who season scarcity, when prices are rapidly rising, buy the ‘necessaries life,’ thereby still increasing for time the cost living. Such persons are commonly assailed with specious generalities the effect that they are enemies society. People whose only ideas are ‘normal ideas’ regard them heart- less sharpers who fatten upon the misery their fellow creatures. And sometimes hinted that such ‘prac- tices’ ought stopped legisla- tion. “Now, far this prejudice, which very old one, from being justified facts, that, instead being evil, speculation bread- stuffs and other necessaries one the chief agencies which mod- ern times and civilized countries real famine rendered almost im- possible. This natural monopoly op- erates two ways. the first place, raising prices, checks consump- tion, putting every one shorter al- lowance until the season scarcity over and thus prevents the scarcity from growing into famine. the second place, raising prices, stimulates importation from those lo- where abundance reigns and prices are low. thus the long run does much equalize the pres- sure time dearth and diminish those extreme oscillations prices which interfere with the even, healthy course trade. government which, season high prices, does any- thing check such speculation, acts about sagely the skipper wrecked vessel who should refuce put his crew upon half rations. “The turning point the great Dutch Revolution (about 1584), far concerned the provinces which now constitute Belgium, the famous siege and capture Antwerp Alexander Farnese, Duke Parma. The siege was long one, and the resistance obstinate, and the city would probably not have been cap- tured famine had not come the assistance the besiegers. in- teresting, therefore, inquire what steps the civic authorities had taken prevent such calamity. They knew that the struggle before them was likely the life-and-death struggle the Southern Netherlands; they knew there was risk their being surrounded that relief from without would impossible; they knew that their assailant was one the most astute and unconquerable men, far the greatest general the 16th century. Finding that sundry speculators were accumulat- ing and hoarding provisions an- ticipation season high prices, they hastily decided, first all put stop such ‘selfish their eyes the great thing done was make things cheap. They therefore affixed very low maximum price everything which could eaten, and prescribed severe penalties for all who should attempt take more than the sum law decreed. baker refused sell his bread for price which would have been adequate only time great plenty, his shop was among the populace. The conse quences this idiotic policy were twofold. Low Prices, But. Nothing for Sale “In the first place, the enforced lowness prices prevented any other provisions from being brought into the city. was long time before Farnese succeeded blockading the Scheldt ships laden with eatables from coming below. Corn and preserved meats might have been hurried thousands tons into the beleaguered Friendly Dutch vessels, freighted with abur ble mere ket chan the woul tion bors ests have yet lows, emer gove ough brou woul block than lown eral citize had ful wrou mast doled and impa like lengt could islati car toria what tion Price our and long pres- ninish prices ealthy which, any- acts great far which the itwerp cap- the 18 in- taken They them i-death rlands; their from they one uerable that imulat- an- prices, all They aximum ould enalties take decreed. bread been great broken tributed conse- were Sale bread- being long prevent coming ted with abundance, were waiting the mouth the river. But all purpose. merchant would expose his valua- ble ship, with its cargo, the risk being sunk Farnese’s batteries, merely for the sake finding mar- ket better than hundred others which could entered without in- curring danger. doubt the mer- chants Holland had followed out the maxim Vivre pour autrui, they would have braved ruin and destruc- tion rather than behold their neigh- bors Antwerp enslaved. doubt they could have risen broad philosophic view the future inter- ests the Netherlands, they would have seen that Antwerp must saved, matter some them were lose money it. But men not yet sacrifice themselves for their fel- lows, nor they rule look far beyond the present moment and its emergencies. And the business government legislate for men they are, not supposed they ought be. provisions had brought high price Antwerp, they would have been carried thither. was, the city, its own stupidity, blockaded itself far more effectually than Farnese could have done it. Incentive Economize “In the second place, the enforced lowness prices prevented any gen- eral retrenchment the part the citizens. Nobody felt necessary economize. Every one bought much bread, and ate freely, the government insuring its cheapness had insured its abundance. the city lived high spirits and glee- ful defiance its besiegers, until all once provisions gave out, and the government had step again palliate the distress which had wrought. constituted itself quarter- master-general the community, and doled out stinted rations alike rich and poor, with that stern democratic impartiality peculiar times mortai peril. But this served only, like most artificial palliatives, lengthen out the misery. the time the surrender, not loaf bread could obtained for love money. “In this way bungling act leg- islation helped decide for the worse campaign which involved the terri- torial integrity and future welfare what might have great na- tion performing valuable function the system European communi- Price Fixing and Germany’s Economic Collapse the details have been drawn into our picture the world war epoch,