The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-05-09
NEW USES FOB COPPER.

The Mining 00Scttei VI AAOe
Mich, dwells upon . subject so1ten
referred to in the MINER, but one
which cannot be too much discussed
in the following: 1.-THE needs of the
raw copper industry of the United
States. in order to give it the perlna-
nent commercial standing it is emil
tied to. cannot be too often or too
strongly urged upon those charged
with the mining development OF the
great and important interest which
is increasing in volume every year.
Copper to-day, instead of occupying
a foremost position in the mechanical
world through the variety of its uses'
stands at the foot, Notwithstanding
it ranks first among the base metals.
That the field for the employment
of copper can be greatly enlarged Is
beyond question, but in order 70 IN
crease it's uses, united and intelligent
effort is necessary; such, for In
stance. as is brought to bear in aid
ing the growth of the steel, iron,
tin plate, Zinc and lead trade" 1t
further says that England, which is
largely interested in raw copper, is
lust beginning to realize that the met
aIlureical as will as the commercial
and mechanical welfare of the metal
has been neglected; and in order to
make amends for past failure to fos-
ter the trade, we find the following
notice in the ST. Louis, Mo-, Age OF
Steel. of an endeavor leading in that
direction:
An effort ia being made in England to found
q Conner Institute, on the pan of the Iron and
Steel institute. and with every prospect OF sue
cess. Some of the most important objects
souoht to be attained are to facilitate inter-
communication between all persons connected
with the trade with regard to all matters relat-
inc to production, manufacture, and use OF cop
ner or allows. but excluding all questions OF
wages and trade regulations; to promote the
more extended application OF copper Dy max
ing its properties and advantages more widely
known: to facilitate the discussion at periodical
meetings of practical and scientific questions
appertaining to copper; to supply its members
with reports of the prices, stock, consumption
and other statistics Of copper; and to encourage
exertions to promote the prosperity OF the cop
ner trade by awarding medals and premiums
for papers and inventions, which, after the dis
cussion of their merits, may be considered
worthy of such rewards. It seems to US that an
organization of this kind in the United states
would be of immense value to all concerned
The price of copper is so remarkably low, and
10 little attention has been given to the circula'
ton of information about the advantages and
new uses of the metal. that an organization
such as is indicated in the above, would natu-
rally lead to Its increased consumption.
Here is q suggestion for the Ameri-
can trade and the American pre-
Queer. There are a thousand uses to
which copper might with incalcul'
able benefit be applied where other
metals are now used, If due effort
should be made. Take the mere
matter of telegraph wire. Thousands
of tons are used annually, in the ex'
tension of lines and the rebuilding o
old ones. Copper wire would bt
found more economical to the com
pany and would open a field of grea'
importance to the copper trade. In
the industrial arts the consumption
of copper might be increased twenty
fold by proper study and suitable di
rection. Heretofore the policy ha'
been a temporizing one-a policy o
the uses of to-day. A something
more permanent will have to be de
vised. The mines are deep and last
ing; the metal is found the worlt
over; the supply is large and the de
mand will have to be increased by al
possible means. The American cop
per producers should organize in tn
interest of the metal; this jmportan
matter should not be entrusted t.
factors.