New-York tribune., 1918-02-25
Develop Our Mines and
Stop Importing Minerals,
Says Secretary
Seeks Appropriation
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He Declares All Metals Need
ed in War Are To Be
Foupd Here

WASHINGTON. Feb GA plan
which, he believes, would partially
solve the ship shortage problem and
enable the transportation of men and
supplies TO France without waiting for
che construction of new vessels was
outlined here to-day by Franklin X.
Lane. Secretary of the Interior.
Secretary Lane proposes that Ameri-
can mines producing metals needed in
war be developed, with Federal assist
ance. to>their fullest capacity, and that
ships now being used to carry ore to
these shores be released for the trans
portatior Of troops and supplies.
American mines, in Secretary Lanes
opinion. can supply all essential war
minerals + they are given the proper
opportunity and assistance by the gov
ernment.
Every ship that can be spared is
badly needed to extend our military op-
erations in France" said Secretary
Lane minerals, which our mines can
supply. but which, nevertheless, are
imported, come from many distant
sources, involving long voyages and de-
lays in loading. These minerals repre-
sent an import of about 100000 tons a
year, three-fourths of which can be
eliminated even in case of extreme
necessity.
Says Practice Is Dangerous
Every day spent by these mineral
Importing ships in the submarine zone
is not only dangerous. but unnecessary.
In addition to the sacrifice of ships, the
importation Of bulky materials con-
gests our ports and exhausts our credit
in the purchase of supplies abroad.
TIE importation of these minerals in
wolves not only the diversion Of ship
tonnage from military service, but Also
requires that this country furnish fuel,
equipment and supplies to the foreign
mines producing them. 1t also means
the transportation to those countries
of products which they demand in re-
turn for their metals.
"1'hc minerals to which | refer are
the most important materials needed
fer the manufacture of munitions. the
two fundamental materials in the pro
duction OF modern high power expio-
slves are nitrate, chiefly as nitric acid,
and concentrated sulphuric acid made
from pyrlte Or sulphur. Manganese! is
the most essential alloy for high grade
steel for munitions. Flake graphite is
used for crucibles required in the pro-
nj
Tin IS required for tinplate for ,iten-
sls. cans for preserving food and for
hearing material. Mercury is used as
Il Illuminate to explode cartridges land
shells. Potash is chiefly used for fer
illl4er, with smaller amounts for ex-
plosives, soap, glass and chemicals
tungsten is an essential alloy for high
speed tool steel. Antloony is required
for hardening lead and bullets. Chro-
laite Is used for an alloy to make steel
ior arifor plate, armor-p piercing pro
iectiles and tool steel. Maneanite and
nicA also are required
American mines can produce all Of
'nese materials il they have the op-
portunity and some Federal assistance.
have therefore asked Congress 10
make special appropriation so that a
large force of metallurCists can be set
20 work immediately on the necessary
changes in practice to use low grade
manganese ores.
Many new mines must be developed.
and II they are to survive after the
war they must be able to operate eff
gently and take advantage of most APP
proved methods.
With this object in view, technical
investigators will inform the now on
orators Of the best practice in their op-
efat.ons and Viii undertake to secure a
teggihnlc,u solution Of difficulties which
W'il make their products as desirable as
thoae now imnnrted -