Bisbee daily review., 1917-07-15
L.W.W. AGITATION
 TO CAUSE COPPER SHORTAGE IN US
Best Authorities Point Out That Strikes Will Eventual ly Have Serious Effect on Industries.

Some of the best authorities in the copper trade point out that the strikes now going on in many producing dis tricts, while having a tendency to check any buying of the metal, will eventually have what might result in a most serious effect on the indus. tries of this country. That there will be scarcity of the metal is the con census in the trade.
 This scarcity. it is pointed out. will not be felt until from 50 to 90 days from now. At present the refineries are working on the metal which was produced months ago and therefore the supply will come on the market un- interruptedly for while. However, probably by September 15, or later, if the present strikes continue, there will be shortage of the metal and the consumers in need will be in a difficult position, authorities say.
 Tt must be remembered" said one man, that We have made contracts for copper for delivery in September and later. which in my opinion we will have difficulty in filling. Thus far we are receiving the metal from re- fineries, but in two months or so there will be Hull in refinery production un- less the strikes are settled soon.
 U. S. Large Buyer
 "The government will be a large buyer of copper for its own account as well as for the allies and this fact coupled with the smaller production because of the labor disturbances. will delay deliveries to such an extent that a most serious problem might be fac ing the producers as we'll as the var ious industries using copper by the end of September"
 It can be stated on the highest authority that the contract with the government, entered into by the pro ducers, specifically calls for 25c per pound, and that there is no possibil- ity of a readjustment of the price. One who has taken part in all conferences on government business, in discussing the readjustment statement, says:
 There is no possibility of a read justment of price on the last govern ment order and to anyone who knows the situation articles stating there will be, appear most ridiculous. Those who are employing the government, or will supply it, know that the price has been fixed on that contract at 25 cents per pound"
 Butte Makes calns The authority quoted declined to discuss further government business, either in the quantities to be purchas- ed or the price to be pays
 An official of the AnaConda Copper Mining company states that the com pany is continually making slight ad- ditions to its working forces, and ex- presses the opinion that many more men would be at work if it was not for the intimidation by strikers and the agitators of the Industrial Work. CTS of the World.
 There is no doubt in our opinion" says this official, that the strike in Butte is being financed by German money, and 1t would not surprise me if something definite in this connec- tion became known at some time in the future.
 When certain individuals who nev- CT have had any money and who never worked with any degree of regularity suddenly become we'll supplied with funds it is but a natrual question to ask: Where did it come from?' "We feel certain that many of our men would be at work today if there were less intimidation and violence by the leaders of the agitation and their followers. As a matter of fact we can say with absolure safety that we are making gains in our working forces daily, although. of course. our produc- ton will be considerably reduced dur ing this month unless the men return soon."