Eureka weekly sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1887-1902, 1900-10-20
smELrER TRUST In CONTROL.
Outlook for Independents smeIters
In Considered Hopeless

WILCOX I0F An0tRtn0cns SAMCatGE@
Is Considered Hopeless
The establishment of an independ-
emit smelter at Salt Lake City has been
looked forward to by mining men in
this section for some time past as a
relief from the demands Of the Smelt-
ing Trust, and il has been hoped that
in the near future such an enterprise
would be successfully launched. But
the following from the Salt Lake Min
ing Review Of October Is shows the
almost hopeless outlook for such q
venture under existing conditions:
1.-THE question Of an independent
smelter for Utah has again presented
itself for consideration and discussion.
1t is a subject that will not stay in the
background for the reason that it is
one which appeals very strongly to
every mine owner and to every pro-
Queer. IL cannot be denied but that
under trust rule the producer feels
that he is not getting all that he is en-
titled to, and he naturally favors any
thing, any project or scheme, which
promises him relief from the oppres-
sive hand of the combine. The Min
ing Review strongly favors independ-
emit smelters and a competitive mar
ket; still, it seriously doubts whether
any combination of capital for the
building of an independent smelter
can prove successful for the reason
that such q project will surely meet
with the opposition Of the trust with
its influence, its millions and its al
most absolute control of the metal
| market. There can be no doubt but
that an independent smelter can be
successfully operated in this State
| that an abundance OF ore for treatment
| can be secured; that treatment
| charges can be reduced and that indi-
| vidual mine owners can be induced tc
| become shareholders in such an enter
prise. This is freely admitted and the
| times are ripe for the Inauguration and
| contamination Of such a project.
| viewed from one side OF the fence.
However, it is admitted that the trust
controls the metal market; that il
makes its greatest gains on the sale o
the product of it's smelters and rein
cries. This fact alone would bring the
Independent smelter squarely agains'
a solid, impenetrable stone wall. 1t car
produce the bullion but where can i
find a market for it If the combine re
fuses to become a party to its sale
There is the rub. A company produc
ing bullion which it cannot dispose o
might as we'll go out of business. i
Is not the intention of the writer Il
discourage the proposition to erect al
independent smelter in Utah, but tC
point out some OF the difficulties which
will be encountered and which VIII
have to be overcome before the enter
prise can be regarded as a success L
the product of an independent smeltel
can be easily marketed, then the pro-
ject is a feasible one, as every pro-
Queer and mine owner, to a man, il
eager for a competitive market and
reduction in smelling charges. 1t il
an outrage that state of affairs should
exist that is a~ntagonistic to independ-
emit action and enterprise. That il
does exist We all know full well, and
the consideration of these conditions
| should govern the actions of those
proposing to embark in any project, re-
CARELESS OF personal feeling or opinion
l in tho Dramiaaa -