The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-04-24
MICHIGAN,
But Disatfection OH the Copper
Range Is Not by Any
Means General. +.., ~.
Two Strikes Adjusted by Increasing
Compensation-Losses in Wild
i -. cat Companies.
Special to The Journal.
u~-~l,%o~ NE;oI

Houghton,. Mich, April 23.-When the
sap rises in the trees, labor grows FESTIVE,
and the lake copper district is no excep-
ton to this rule. There is no widespread
in the mines of the district, but there are
sporadic strikes, which in most cases are
being settled by compromise.
f The trammers at the Kearsarge branch
of the Osceola mine obtained their de-
mands and the trammers of the Wolverine
were given an advance. There may be
other small strikes. the next few weeks,
but there is nothing to indicate any gen
eral diaffection a.:
The opening of navigation this week
found an exceptionally small amount Of
copper on the shipping wharves Of the
local smelters. as rail shipments were
continued to within two weeks Of the go
ing out of the ice. The production of the
Lake mines is at the rate of about 1000
tons week, which is much the largest
ever known, but 20 to rs per cent under
the output Of Montana.
The activity in the flotatlon Of Arizona
copper mining propositions by local CAPT.
tai continues unchecked, tho where all the
money comes from is a mystery to the
best posted financiers. The bank de-
posts continue to increase, notwithstand-
ing the millions in cash put into western
mines and prospects - ...-
The amount Of exploratory work in
KeweenaW county will be greater this
season than for many years past. The
southern end. of the county affords ex-
ceptionally promising prospects, some of
which are almost certain to Develop into
paying mines. 49, ..ss<sss *.
The Lake Superior Concentrating com
pany, which holds a lease of the old
Franklin sands, is preparing to resume
work on a much large scale than formerly.
It is apparent that these sands hold very
great values in the aggregate, tho the
percentage Of copper is low and the metal
difficult to save.
The Mohawk's March output of 397
tons Of mineral was a highly satisfactory
product and indicates that the mine and
mill are beginning to run with the smooth
ness that comes only with experience.
With four stamps in commission the Mo-
hawk should be able to make about 900
tons of mineral monthly eventually, and
with a continuance of Is cent copper can
net an annual profit of one to one and a
quarter MILLIONS.
The Michigan is: to use one stamp at
the Mass mill. This will probably be put
at work on rock from the Calico amygda-
loid. The advent of the Michigan to the
ranks Of the regular producers will be
hailed with satisfaction by many old time
mining men who have always maintained
great faith in the value Of this property,
which. when known as the Minnesota;
shared with the Cliff mine the honor OF
paying the largest dividends of any copper
mine in the lake district or elsewhere.
The Baltic mine is making copper at the
rate Of better, than 100000 pounds
yearly. The Trimountain is steadily in
creasing its milling facilities, and the
Champion continues to expand. ~ The
South Range" mines will rank we'll to
the front among the lake producers when
the figures of output for 1903 are printed
next year. ~ -
Many persons in the copper country are
finding they have bought stock in mining
com anies that are as wild as the widest
rich quick, they have been cleverly swim
died and have no recourse in law. A sharp
promoter floating the stock of gold min
ing company ofSBritish Columbia has sold
at least 800, 900 shares. in the copper coun-
try. One. man who had subscribed for
5000 worth Of stock went to. a Hancock
business man and made careful Inquiries.
He was informed that his money vas as
good as lost, and that, as the promoters
had -confornled with the necessary legal
requirements, he could do nothing. The
alleged mine Is but pit a few feet deep.
-7-s[- t.-.--'
ISHPEMING, MICH.-The steel trust
has. cut the working forces at its mines
on the MARQUETTE range to the extent Of
III.
shifts are also soon to be laid OFF. While
the prospects are apparently bright, the
company still has large amoSnt Of ore
on the lower lake docks, as we'll as
stocked at the mines, and will have to
move q portion of it at least in order
to make room for more. The mines at
which the forces. have been reduced are
those producing ore of the nom Bessemer
grade, and just when the men will be re-
instated is indefinite.
At the Lake Angelina mine Of the
Jones & Laughlin company the forces
are also to-: be reduced, instructions to
that effect having been received by the
officials. 1t is the apparent plan Of the
company to make the fancy grade Of
Bessemer produced at the Lake Angelina
last as long as possible.
The stockpiles at the mines Of the
Cleveland Cliffs company are not over
crowded and It is not likely the forces Of
this concern will be cut.