July 1894, The Engineer…
“Much satisfaction was expressed on 'Change in Birmingham on Thursday at the information of the passing of the American Tariff Bill. Reports from the other side of the Atlantic have for so long a time been of a contradictory nature regarding the chances of the measure, that the intelligence of its success in the Senate comes as a relief, and improved anticipations are indulged of the future of trade. Private advices received by certain leading houses in this district announce that when trade revival commences in Americe, and costs of material and manufacture begin to go up there, British iron and steel makers will, under the new duties, now be able to send in material and command American orders. The new tariff entirely removes the duty on baling hoops, of which 40,000 tons are annually consumed for the American cotton crop The probability is that British ironmasters will now secure more of this business than ever before.”