The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1920-01-15

-
fairs who see in China, India and
other far eastern nations with their
increasing demand for silver as coin
age, as well as the increased use of
the white metal at home, demand
that all the mines of the world can
not meet. The mines of America do
not produce sufficient silver to meet
the needs of the motion picture film
makers, who last year are credited
with the consumption of 10000 900
ounces of white metal alone, more
than was produced from the mines OF
the nation. Exported silver never re-
turns and that used in the arts and
for similar purposes I'm this country
passes entirely from the stage of ac-
tlon These facts but direct attention
to the unequaled search for silver
mines in this country, now under way
and the movement is yet In it's infan-
cy Like all other lines of business 1t
is matter of greater production II
the demands are to half way be met.
Lead in Demand.
Locally, the silver, lead and zinc
markets hold closest attention. Lead
has climbed out of the position into
(which it was thrown when the war
stopped and huge surplus was in
the hands of the government for am
munition and manufacturing purposes.
That is all gone and stocks from stor-
age have been moved under a steady
demand for export. The price is Of
ficially quoted today at 1925, al
though private sales in New York are
noted at 50 and better. Like silver,
the production of lead suffered ire
mendous slump during the past year
and is not yet back to a normal basis,
although approaching that position as
fast as efficient labor is available to
m the mines The mines of the Occur
d'Alenes need hundreds of miners IL
the tonnage of other years is to be
credited to the district. Increased
building activities in this country,
coupled with a strong demand for
lead i'm Europe, has brought about the
favorable condition of the lead mar
ket.
The Fly in the Ointment.
War conditions have passed with
regard to demand for metals. The
present calls are for peace purposes.
For building and reconstruction work,
but the mining industry is still sad
died with wartime laws. No one has
ever been able to interpret the excess
profits tax with relation to mines and
as a result vast sums have been held
up, property owners have been dis
couraged and so per cent decrease
in production resulted. Even con-
gress recognizes the demand made
upon the American mines for all kinds
OF metals. The mint and treasury de-
parments have been put through Sc
we're tests to hold anything like a
balance. And the end Is
not yet What win happen when the
United States treasury must say to
China and India and England that the
last available silver dollar has been
shipped? A demand for gold could
not be met without great hazard to
the business Of this country and al
ready the exports Of the yellow metal
are too heavy.
The mining industry is entitled to
every relief from congress. Largely
Fetters that bind and shackles that
exhaust and discourage effort must be
removed The repeal of the excess
profits law should be the first concern
of the nations lawmakers and other
measures should quickly
follow, giving free rein and a voice
of announcement for maximum effort
in the production Of metals. Nothing
can help solve the problem Of unstable
social conditions better than largely
increased production, but business
concerns can not be expected to ac-
cept hazards OF extensive expansion
and at the same time pay to the gov
eminent q large proportion of their
profits In the form Of excess profits
and income taxes.
Given favorable legislation, a chance
to compete in the worlds markets and
the proper encouragement and sup
port Of the financial institutions Of
the country. the mines of the Occur
d'Alenes and other districts of the
west may be counted upon to do their
part in meeting the challenge for all
kinds Of metals.