NY Tribune, January 21, 1871:

“The superficial area of a granite building would cost from $3 to $4 per superficial foot; marble from $2.25 to $3.50; iron from $2.75 to $5; brown-stone from $1.50 to $2.50; and brick, with stone trimmings, about $1. ...

“Architecturally speaking, iron has done much for the demoralization of architectural art.  The natural strength of iron has led economically disposed builders to sacrifice on the altar of cheapness the one fundamental rule of art - proportion.  The consequences is that we get a style of architecture which is technically known as “stringy” - like a man with a very large body on very thin legs.”