Address by 
 
 Elbert H. Gary 
 
 President, American Iron and Steel Institute 
 
 At Annual Meeting 
 New York 
 
 May 25, 1917 
 
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 iS 
 
Address by the President, Elbert H. Gary, at Annual 
 MEi-rriNG OF American Iron and Steel Institute:, 
 New York, May 25, 1917. 
 
 United Statics Did Noi' Seek War 
 
 The people of the United States constitute a peace 
 lovin<; nation. Tiiey abhor war and would ^o, have gone, 
 great, lengths to avoid it. They are considerate, reason- 
 able and forbearing. Thej are not envious of their na- 
 tional neighbors. They neither seek nor desire anytliing 
 that belongs to any other country. If they had an advan- 
 tage over other nations, in any department of human 
 endeavor, they would not unjustly i)rotit by it. Their 
 and)ition is to cultivate good will and friendship and 
 their hope is to avoid enmities. Their consistent pur- 
 pose and elTort have been to occupy an inde[)endent posi- 
 tion amongst nations, unentangled and uncomplicated 
 with alliances or associations that nught interrupt the 
 ])olicy of aiding and never antagonizing others. 
 
 These obseiTations are based on history. The i-ecord 
 ha«^ been written and cannot be changed by any who may 
 imjiugn the motives or conduct of our people. Such a 
 eitizenshij), when driven to self-defense by a barbarous 
 despotism is apt to hr the most lenilde. even (hough 
 civilized an<l hiimaii in its ((Miiliat iveness. This country 
 is largely made np of men an<l women, who came here 
 
to live in peace and tranquillity, or the descendants of 
 snch; they wish to progress and prosper as the result 
 of privileges which the exclusion of war always permits. 
 The great majority, if not the total, of our inhabitants 
 appreciate what our Kepublic, with its protective in- 
 stitutions and manifold opportunities, means to every 
 citizen; and with noble impulses they will in every 
 emergency rally around and follow the stars and stripes, 
 their emblem of honor, of liberty and of justice. 
 
 We did not desire, we persistently and consistently 
 sought to avoid, trouble with Germany and her allies. 
 We had always been the true friends of the Teutons until 
 the ruling powers, for reasons not comprehended by us, 
 forced us into the position of self-defense. We believed, 
 as indeed it was admitted by the invaders, that they were 
 reckless, lawless and cruel in their treatment of their 
 neutral and unoffending neighbors, but as a nation we 
 refrained from interference or even criticism. As human 
 beings we suffered intensely as we learned of the outrages 
 perpetrated upon the innocent victims of force and bru- 
 tality ; and still our nation, not for lack of sympathy, but 
 rather on legal grounds, stood aloof. We were neither 
 indifferent nor selfish, but our President, after full and 
 careful consideration of all the facts and the construction 
 of the rules of international law as determined by the best 
 legal talent, decided he was obligated to remain silent and 
 inactive. For one, I think his conclusions were war- 
 ranted. 
 
 Even after the Central Powers trespassed upon the 
 well established rights of the persons and property of 
 
individual American citizens, our Government was 
 patient and unmoved to action, accepting the excuses ami 
 promises of the aggi-essors. As a nation we exercised 
 more restraint than any large and powerful people ever 
 before practiced under provocation so great. Our chief 
 executive indulged the hoi)e for long and weaiy and suf- 
 fering days that our entry into the pending war might 
 be avoided. The wish was father to the thought; and 
 this sentiment filled the minds of the majority of the 
 people of the United States. 
 
 At last war was forced upon us. The President was 
 compelled to conclude that we were intentionally at- 
 tacked, (hat the honor and integrity of our country could 
 no longer be maintained unless the gage of battle was 
 accepted; and in this decision he was supported by the 
 whole country. His clear, powerful, convincing and elo- 
 quent statement of the case and imi)eachment of the 
 enemy will stand out in history as one of the greatest of- 
 ficial declarations and also as fully justified l»y the exist- 
 ing facts and circumstances. 
 
 A CoLOSS.VL Undert.vkinu 
 
 But we have entered upon a colossal undertaking, 
 justified only by the necessities of the case and on the 
 highest moral grounds. It is doubtful if any of us fully 
 realizes the strength of the enemy, even though we know 
 his grim determination. Ilis numbers, his preparedness, 
 resources, devices, creative ability, methods, protective 
 barriers, means of rapid mobilization and transfer of 
 
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troops and supplies, are further advanced in effectiveness 
 than any other army or armies have ever been. This 
 concentration and perfection of the utilities of military 
 strength should not be underrated. Years of steady, 
 active and studious, though secret, effort have brought 
 about the creation of a giant, powerful, remorseless, con- 
 scienceless; and up to the present this kind of a govern- 
 ment, armed to this extent, seems to have an abiding con- 
 viction that it can overcome all opposition and sooner or 
 later pursue a war of aggression and conquest. 
 
 Right Makes Might vs. Might Makes Right 
 
 And yet, the Allies possess an element of strength not 
 appreciated — if it could under any circumstances be 
 understood — by those who are in control of the armies 
 of the Central Powers. The Allies are contending that 
 Right makes Might; their enemies that Might makes 
 Right. We are of the opinion that we possess a weapon 
 that must prove all powerful. With this as the founda- 
 tion and inspiration of our armies they are better able 
 to utilize all the forces at their command. It will require 
 time, skill, numbers, sacrifices and large sums of money ; 
 but nothing that we do not possess in abundance. For 
 the reason that we are right and the enemy is wrong, we 
 shall probably see other nations of strength and impor- 
 tance, now neutral in attitude, join the Allies, if the war 
 shall be protracted. Some or all of the South and Cen- 
 tral American republics, China, Spain, Scandinavia, Hol- 
 land and Switzerland ought to come in and probably will 
 
before the C'eiitral Towers are allowed to accomplish 
 what they attemi)t. These countries could not alTord to 
 permit their jieople to become subjei-t to the dominance 
 of a nation which considers force as the only considera- 
 tion for aiip-ession and expansion. 
 
 With the unprecedented and increasing wealth and 
 the vast resources of the I'nit.e<l States she is able to assist 
 nmterially in providing the financial necessities for equip- 
 ping multitudes of soldiers from other countries; and if 
 necessary, all these must be mobilized in the defense of 
 a common and righteous cause. And as to equipment, 
 the brains of the Allies, ourselves included, will, in time 
 be sufficient to match and over-nuitch the best talent that 
 is possessed bv our adversaries after manv years of con- 
 stant thought and study. Among other things it is con- 
 ceivable that if the Allies had the best and most efifective 
 types of aircraft, outnumbenng those of the other side 
 five or ten to one, they could obtain and hold control of 
 the air and in this way destroy the productive works, 
 transports of troops and supplies, storage wareliouses and 
 other facilities for offensive and defensive warfare of the 
 enemy, and thus materially increase the advantage now 
 held by reason of numbers and resources. We may be 
 sure our experts are giving due consideration to all the 
 possibilities for improved machines and methods. 
 
 WiL\T We Ake Fk; 1 1 ting For 
 
 What are we fighting for? This question is asked and 
 answered, in one form or another, by millions of people. 
 
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I give an answer that seems to me to underlie all others : 
 We are fighting to firmly establish and permanently 
 maintain a basis whereby every international question in 
 dispute must be determined in accordance with the prin- 
 ciples of justice. 
 
 To bring this about, other questions which are ob- 
 vious, must be determined; but if the above mentioned 
 basis is secured everything else necessary will have been 
 or will be disposed of. 
 
 All Should Be Willing to Sacrifice 
 
 The task which confronts the country is not confined 
 to the army and navy, although they will be entitled to 
 the larger part of the credit and glory if we succeed. 
 They offer their bodies as a sacrifice, and they must have 
 the undivided, unqualified support of all outside their 
 ranks. The time, money and prayers of all civilians must 
 be given for the soldiers. They bear the brunt; they are 
 the shield for our safety. All of us are fighting in self- 
 defense. This is our land and the flag is ours. The ad- 
 ministrators of the country, from President Wilson down, 
 are no more interested than each of us. Life would not 
 be worth living if our flag were to be permanently furled ; 
 if our country were subjugated by an alien enemy, espe- 
 cially such a one as we now defend ourselves against. 
 
 The pecuniaiy burdens to be imposed upon us will be 
 very great. We knew in advance such would be the case. 
 We must pay the enormous cost of mobilizing, equipping, 
 
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supplying and moving our own armies; and we must ad- 
 vance money and provide supplies to our Allies in accord- 
 ance with their necessities and our resources. We could 
 not decline if we were disposed, for they are now fighting 
 our battles and we are, with them, under the whole 
 burden. We must never falter nor retrace our steps. 
 Wherever or whenever the end is we must press forward 
 with all our strength, might, minds and souls. The more 
 vigorously we proceed within the limits of intelligence, 
 the sooner will the end be reached. 
 
 Equitable Dlstribution of Tax Burdens 
 
 Some of us are complaining or cnticizing l)ecause of 
 the enormous taxes that are likely to be imi)osed. We are 
 apt to consider ourselves as opposed by the legislative or 
 executive departments of the Goverament, as if they were 
 partisans, seeking to punish or at least unfairly treat the 
 private individual. We do ourselves an injustice by har- 
 boring such tlioughts. ^^'e can rightfully claim that the 
 burden of taxation be ecpiitably distributed; that all the 
 people, after exempting the necessities of life, shall be 
 compelle<l to contribute; and that there shall be no waste 
 or extravagance in making expenditures. If possible 
 taxes ought to be so levied and distributed as to avoid 
 clogging the channels of business prosperity. All this we 
 may properly demand. Equitable distribution is fair 
 and reasonable, and it makes all pecuniarily interested 
 in the subject, including both the collection and the ex- 
 
penditure of the taxes levied. Less than this would tend 
 to create classes — the worst thing for any country. 
 
 Now is the time to unite the whole country in a 
 common cause. The soldiers are on a level as they ought 
 to be. All others should be on a level. Classes should 
 be obliterated and also politics, localities and religious 
 differences during war times at least. Opportunity 
 should be open to all; governmental burdens should be 
 borne by all. With such an administration of govern- 
 mental affairs we should be satisfied, however severe the 
 drafts which are made upon us or upon the larger in- 
 terests which we represent. 
 
 I lately spent a few days in Washington, and it was 
 my privilege to meet a number of men who in legislative 
 halls or executive departments are serving their country ; 
 and it is certain that all are actuated by the motive to 
 fairly represent and protect the best interests of the 
 country and all the people. Individuals are not in- 
 fluenced by politics. There are and will be differences of 
 opinion concerning the various questions presented, as 
 a matter of coui^e, but these will be adjusted and the 
 legislation finally passed will represent an honest en- 
 deavor to do what is proper. 
 
 Government is Co-operating With Business 
 
 You have heard some criticism concerning the conduct 
 of the Government's business affairs. It has been said 
 that confusion or at least lack of system or co-operation 
 
sonietinies appears; but it must be remembered that tliere 
 has been suddeuly thrust upon the Government officials 
 an enormous amount of business, extraordinary in volume 
 and character, and the strength and capacity of all are 
 taxed to the utmost and often beyond physical endur- 
 ance. Besides, iiiles of law or of departments established 
 to fit other conditions sometimes ai)pear and prevent the 
 exercise of judgment which would bring better results 
 if more latitude were permitted. Officials in Washington 
 are entitled to credit and praise for their management 
 under existing circumstances, and so far I believe there is 
 no just ground for severe criticism. 
 
 And then there is a disposition on the pari of Govern- 
 ment officials to co-operate with the business men in pro- 
 moting the welfare of the country. This is what all of 
 us have desired and advocated, and now we will probably 
 have as much opjtortunity in this direction as we have 
 ever desired. Just what will be the result in all the rami- 
 fications of the business involved remains to be seen. To 
 the extent that the Directors of this Institute have been 
 personally connected with these matters they have been 
 well satisfied, except p('rlia])s as to some of the prices in 
 question. 
 
 Mr. B. M. Baruch, Chairman, Committee on Raw 
 Materials, Minerals and ^letals of the Advisory Commis- 
 sion of the Council of National Defense, writing for him- 
 self and the Secretary of War, and also representing 
 the Secretary of the Navy, rHjuested your President to 
 act as Chairman and to appoint other mendjers of a com- 
 
mittee on Steel and Steel Products, to co-operate with 
 the Government; whereupon the matter was brought 
 before the Directors of this Institute and such a commit- 
 tee was designated, consisting of the following : 
 
 '& 
 
 Elbert H. Gary, Chairman 
 
 James A. Farrell, Vice-Chairman 
 
 James A. Burden 
 
 E. A. S. Clarke 
 
 Alva C. Dinkey 
 
 H. G. Dalton 
 
 Willis L. King 
 
 Charles M. Schwab 
 
 John A. Topping. 
 
 The General Committee has appointed sub-commit- 
 tees as follows : 
 
 For Ascertaining Capacities and Supervising Allotments 
 of Orders to Manufacturers: 
 
 James A. Farrell 
 
 E. A. S. Clarke J. A. Topping 
 
 E. H. Gary, Ex-Officio 
 
 On Alloys: 
 
 James A. Farrell 
 E. A. S. Clarke A. A. Fowler 
 
 E. G. Grace E. J. Lavino 
 
 E. H. Gary, Ex-Officio 
 
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0?i Pig Iron, Iron Ore and Ldkc Tnimportation: 
 
 11. (;. Daltoii 
 Frank l>illin<;s Ilarry Coiilhy 
 
 Geor<;e T. Dyer Leonard Peck it t 
 
 P^raiik Kichards W. T. Shepard 
 
 A. H. Woodward Amos Mather, Sec> 
 
 On Sheet Steel: 
 
 W. S. Horner 
 Walter Carroll Charles Iladlej 
 
 On Scrap Iron and Steel: 
 
 Eli Joseph 
 .Samuel Deutsch Joseph Michaels 
 
 Vernon Phillips 
 
 On Pig Tin: 
 
 John Hughes 
 E. R. Crawford Edwin (; roves 
 
 On Tin Plate: 
 
 J. I. Andrews 
 E. II. Crawford E. T. Weir 
 
 On Tubular Products: 
 
 James A. Campbell 
 Anson :Mark Geo. Matheson 
 
 W. H. Kowe E. C. Worcester 
 
 The committees meet re.mijarly and are devotinf; mnch 
 time to the work involved. 
 
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They have, with other work, been engaged in mobiliz- 
 ing the resources of the different producers of steel, 
 such as the Government requires for its purposes, and 
 the statistics are in the possession of the Secretai*y of 
 this Institute. 
 
 The Secretary of the Navy submitted a program for 
 1917 for plates, structural shapes and bars needed for 
 ships, and after considerable negotiation, contracts were 
 closed in behalf of the producers on the basis of |2.90 
 for plates and |2.50 for structural shapes and bars. We 
 were of the opinion that in view of present costs and 
 other conditions we should receive larger prices, but in 
 the spirit I have referred to the proposition of the Gov- 
 ernment was accepted. As costs of production are ad- 
 vancing on account of increases in wages, taxes, prices 
 of certain raw materials, etc., it is expected the Govern- 
 ment will be willing to increase its purchasing prices 
 accordingly. 
 
 Iron and Steel Fraternity Patriotic 
 
 The Iron and Steel fraternity, represented by this 
 Institute, will be actuated by the highest conception of 
 patriotic duty with respect to the requirements of the 
 Government. We will cheerfully bear our full share of 
 the load which must be carried until there is realized a 
 complete triumph over the hosts of aggressive, desperate 
 and inhuman autocracy. Personal interests will yield to 
 the necessities of the country we love. 
 
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