The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-01-28
ALLIES COPPER NEED
50Q,00J TONS A YEAR
Trade Ii Greatly Relieved by Exemp-
ton from DIR. Garfiead's Order
Shutting Down Industries,

The bulk OF the copper needed by
the allied nations to win the war
! must come from the United States,
j because the metal cannot be obtained
anywhere else in sufficient quantity
With this thought in mind thousands
i, of far-sighted men last week were
/ dismayed when DIR. Garfield's closing
down order was first announced. Tor
they realized that IL the retineries IN
the region affected were to cease -oper-
atoms for fifteen days something IKE
110.oo0,oo0 pounds of copper would
DO lost to the manufacturers of war
munitions and other goods at home
and abroad. The big Nichols Copper
companys plant on Long Island uid
close down, but 1t IL expected that to-
morrow operations viii be resumed,
and further relief for the situation
is contained In the understanding that
none of the refneries in the East Will
be required to reduce their activities
/ The refinerieS operating in the East
handle more than 30 per cent of the
entire copper output of the country,
Owing to inadequate transportation
facilities, they were having a hard
time to keep at, capacity operations
before the fuel administrator issued
his ruling, and n forced curtailment
Of production was looked In the trade
as little short OF a calamity. The
foreign demand for copper has devel-
oped to huge dimensions in recent
months. Europe needs at the current
rate OF consumption. fully 100000
600 pounds of copper a year to keep
the shell and ordinance works operat-
ing properly and to fill the essential
commercial requirements of the ma
lions. Last year the output of the
United States was approximately e.
362. 100000 pounds. Leaders in the
industry estimate that more than this
production will be necessary in 1918
TO fill urgent demands, making 1t clear
enough why tho rehneries and mines
must be pushed to tho topmost activ-
ity II the war ia to be successfully
prosecuted.
The enoromus movement OF cop
per into consumption" says Copper
Gossip, continues to be the dominant
factor to which interest Is especially
/ directed. with the heavy absorb
ton OF the metal taking place at both
domestic and foreign centers OF in
dustry. the absolute stability of the
situation is easily accounted for. The
principal impetus to consump tion
comes from war orders. and this tends
naturally 10 AhS HoEHtAf use
of the raw material for ordinary pur-
lposes Az production increases. how
ever. all branches of manufacturing
activity may expect TO receive more
substantial supplies Of copper,
Under existing conditions the mar
kst could not be otherwise than strong.
The effect of an expanding world de-
mand is the underlying force response
bic for the remarkable strength OF
the situation. and unless something
should arise to seriously subject con-
sumption TO marked dininution in ac-
tivity, the indications are the present
f1rmness will be a feature OF prolong-
ed duration. The entire copper In
dustry la operating under q stress that
Is bound to tax every unit OF capacity
during the year 1918.
The government price of 20 Ia
cents per pound continues the regula-
tive standard for determining the com
mercial value OF copper. This price
will probably hold good for several
months more, although official con-
b, covered by the new arrangem emit
had not been announced on our going
to press. The trade Ia becoming ac-
customed to what is considered a war
time necessity for fixed prices. but It
is felt by those who plan to conduct
their business with intelligent fore
sight and preparation that 1t would
be of decided advantage 90 manu-
featuring interests, and to trade en-
tsrprise generally. IL price announce
ments were made a reasonable time
before the Official ruling goes into
effect.
War hes Increased the foreign de-
mand immensely, but will rehabilita-
ton and peace lessen ~ With stocks
practically minus. or nearly so. Flu
rope should DO q keen buyer of cop
per for the next Ave years. Far -sight-
ed public mon In England are looking
ahead and preparing TO handle the
m etal situation a statesman and bust
nessiike manner. To this end the
non ferrous metal bin 10 now before
the English parliament and as a wise
and patriotic measure tt aas been tn
troducsd by men Of vision who be-
lievs that the duty OF foresight Ia
one of imperative moment in view Of
the astounding Developments OF the
last three years"