, 1923-03-25

II am very fond OF this mountain
section" says Mr.. Babson. 1T is
the section which develops those
manly and robust qualities which are
the backbone Of American Civiliza
ton. This is the West, which de
veloped Roosevelt spiritually, mentally
and physically. Rugged character OF
both country and people, freedom
from artificial conventionality and
h custom OF judging men solely BY
what they are: characterize these
Mountai states. This was very for
cIbly brought 10 my mind last month
when. on my way south. I stopped in
philadelphia to call upon George Hor
ace Lorlmer. editor OF the Saturday
Evening Post, a man who It is said
has the greatest potential influence
OF any man in America. When urging
Mr.. Lorimer to visit me in the south
he replied: Babson the south is al
right for those who want to live in
big hotels and play golf-but give
ma the Grand Canyon OF Colorado
where I can ride up and down the
trails. There is something about that
mountainous country that inspires
me as well as rests me- Similar
statements have been made to me by
many Of Americas greatest captains
OF industry. They may go to other
sections Of the country for amuse
ment and diversion but when they de-
sire real recreation, ii be rebuilt and
re-created, they go out into the
Rocky Mountains.
Yet. Continues ATr. Babson. this
mountain region has its struggles.
The same difficulties. which meet the
traveles when climbing the hills and
crossing the deserts seem to con
front those who have settled down 70
develop the country. Not only has
this section suffered more than any
other. but It's problems are more diff
ncult OF solution. The chief indus
tries are cattle and sheep raising,
mining, numbering and a certain
amount Of agriculture including the
raising Of very fine fruit in certain
irrigated sections. All of these lines
have suffered during the past few
years and are only now beginning TO
look better.
"Readjustment IN this section has
been severe and prolonged, but I be-
lieve that 1898 will so down in his
tory as a year OF local Improvement.
Although no sharp upturn is likely.
those doing business in these states
Will note a gradual broadening OF pur'
chasing activities and a diminishing
volume OF overdue accounts. From n
mining standpoint 1922 was n of
the worst years on record Poor
market conditions and the unusually
low prices for copper. lead and zinc
resulted in the closing OF many mines.
The value of the leading mineral prod
ucts taken out OF the ground in Mon
tam in 1921 was only S16.e12.O00 COM
pared with $685. 73 600 in 1920. Great
est activity was noted in the mining
of silver and ~silver-lead ores. The
market for all of the non-ferrous
metals is quiet, but the fundamental
tendency is toward a better demand
and Strengthening prices. Already a
number of the argor mines and re-
fining plants have resumed opera.
tons. Progress along these lines may
be slow for a few months, but 1t will
be in the right direction. Personally
I am distinctly bullish on the sop
Per situation and believe that Mon
tana and the other copper districts
will show the greatest percentage
of Increase in 1929. over 1921 and 1922
or any sections Of the country. The
Same tsing, only TO a lesser extent,
should apply to the cattle and sheep
business
In discussing some OF the cities Of
tho mountain section. Mr.. Babson re-
ports as follows; Denver. a city Rp
preaching 500, 900 in population.
elbows sales 10 be Jos per cent Of
what they were a year s. Car-shops,
packing n miscellaneous industries
are about normal today. ] am sure.
however, that Denver and the entire
state of Colorado VIII have a better
year in 1928 tsan It had IN 1929,
Salt Lake City, Utah, with q popu
lation OF about 125. 900. reports
greater activity in mining and smelt.
ing with an improved condition OF
those industries catering to the far
mers. Pueblo Colo, with 90, 900. IS
not yet back to normal; but I believe
the tariff will help his section. II