ANNUAL KEPORT—MANUFACTURES. 
53 
become improved, there is no doubt but the coal found in 
Illinois in such vast quantities can be very extensively used; 
that can be delivered here at a price not exceeding 75 cents 
per ton above its cost in Chicago. Looking the subject of fuel 
all over therefore, it is easy to see that in her cheap iron ore 
Milwaukee possesses advantages which will more than doubly 
offset her disadvantages in the item of fuel. 
8. From the ores so cheaply obtained at Milwaukee, iron 
suitable for any purpose can be made. Pure Lake Superior 
iron, it is well known, although exceedingly tough and fibrous, 
is far too soft and lead-like for many purposes. Especially is 
this the case for the heads, or wearing surfaces, of rails. For 
nails., also, pure Lake Superior cannot be used—they have not 
sufficient stiffness to drive in hard wood. By mixing the two 
ores in proper proportions, iron suitable for rails, merchant 
bar, nails, or any other purpose, can be made. It is well 
known to iron men that the Missouri ores make a red short 
iron—that is, an iron which will not stand sufficient heat to 
weld perfectly, or to roll into thin sections; such as angle iron, 
T iron, etc. It has been proven that the best iron yet dis¬ 
covered to render the Missouri iron neutral and weldable, and 
to make it stand a high degree of heat without injury, is the 
Iron Eidge iron. Messrs. Schoton, Harrison and Yalle, are 
now buying all the Iron Eidge pig iron they can get for this 
purpose. The only trouble is, enough is not yet made. As 
the iron interests of Missouri are developed, this must make a 
large market for the Iron Eidge iron. 
“ 4. As a distributing point for the product of the furnace 
and 'rolling mill, Milwaukee has no superior. A glance at 
the map will satisfy any person of this. In this respect she 
possesses an advantage of from five to seven dollars per ton 
over Johnstown, Brady’s Bend, or any of the eastern mills 
which look to the west for a market. 
“5. Land is cheap and abundant. Food is cheap as any 
point in the land. A more healthful place cannot be found. 
Here, consequently, the mechanic and laboring man can easily 
get homes., and achieve that independence which is difficult in 
