Evening star., 1922-09-29
BY J. G. ROYLE.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK. September e9-The
copper metal Is not ready for any
marked advance in price despite to-
days increased domestic consump-
ton. higher wages in the mines and
better business prospects through
out the country. Producers in many
districts are counting upon such an
advance. but their hopes are likely to
be deferred until the calendar OF an
other year Is hung above their desks.
On the German situation will rest re-
sponsibility for the delay.
Normally. Europe takes slightly
more than half of the American re-
finery output. 1t became known to
the writer today through an Ameri-
can banker just returned from Ger
many that officials Of the Copper Ex-
port Association have reported most
unfavorably upon the outlook for in
creased use and purchase OF American
copper in Europe during the remain
der of the year.
1t is In connection with such reports
and to investigate the situation and.
IL possible. alleviate 1t. that r. l..
Agassiz. president of the Calumet
and, Hecla Mining Company: Joseph
Glendennin. sales manager OF the
Mosenhauer of the United Metals
Selling Company recently sailed for
the other side of the Atlantic.
Germany. according to the banker
mentioned. willingly would take
large supplies Of copper. but cannot
is a possibility that when stocks are
shipped there may be left on the
docks as was the case with American
goods at Buenos Aires in 1921. when
| millions of dollars were lost by Amer
lean shippers because the exchange
would not or could not pay the bills.
Hinges on Mark Value. -
industrial revival in Great Britain,
France. Belgium and Italy depends in
| large part on the situation in Gen
many and the relative valu. of the
| mark. Even, the war furry in the
! near east gives no promise of increas
ed consumption of copper abroad. for
| the amount used in munitions would
be counterbalanced by the slackening
of consumption for industrial pur-
poses
In this country consumption Is in
creasing rapidly. Reports of electric
companies indicate startling increases
IN the use of electrical equipment. in
which copper plays an important part.
Production also Is growing, as tele-
graphic reports received within the
last twelve hours indicate.
The kennecott and LatOuche mines
of Alaska are now turning out ap-
proximately 100000 pounds of cop
per month, according tc word from
Seattle. and production will be in
| creased gradually as men become
available with the end of the fishing
and prospecting season. Eighty per
n Y,sNxx N{ ie
employed. Wages are running from
$3.50 to IS day for miners.
Production in Utah.
Copper production in Utah now is
between so and 60 per cent Of ca
pacity, according to a dispatch from
A. G. Mackenzie, secretary of the
Utah section of the American mining
congress. Possible production of the
big Utah properties is estimated at
mines today are at least 1900 men
below their labor requirements.
Wages have. been increased more
than 10 per cent in the last thirty
days. This has attracted few addi-
tional men. but more. are expected
to respond now that the agricultural
season is over. In Utah, the harvest
hands usually go to the mines for the
winter season.
The Michigan and Minnesota mines
nave increased wages at least Is per
cent. and today are still short OF
men, Duluth reports. The only check
to production is seen in s. possible
lake seamen's strike. Shipments OF
copper on the lakes. are running 40
per cent above the last years
average.
Heavier operations are expected in
the Montana copper mines, according
to reports today from Butte. The
Anaconda Company is producing about
5000. 600 pounds a month and is still
short of men despite wage in
crease of 10 cents ,day.
Situation In Arizona.
Production in the, Bisbee. Ariz..
district will approximate 100000
pounds this month, according to q
report from that center, and smelter
schedules for October provide for
some increases over this amount. All
available men are being hired Wages
are s4.95 a day with a bonus system,
which permits the earning of an
! average of $6.75 to 81 a day. Steam
! shovel operations at Sacramento hill
| will begin Immediately on appearance
of any increase in demand. This in
crease is anticipated.
There is no question of the improve
mept Of the copper situation in the
United States, but South American
production is also on the upgrade,
and. the market needs the fillup of in
; crease foreign. consumption and pur-
chases before advances in prices will
assume sizeable proportions.
h e. >.I F~. o.