April 27 1899
Price of Copper
The price of copper will remain altogether at its present high figure or very nearly so. This is on account of the consumption being greater than the supply and production. This is the natural cause, out there is another reason, and that is the governments of the world are all demanding copper, especially those of maritime power or great navies, and those building telegraphic cables.
The government for war and governmental purposes seldom questions the price of a commodity it needs, but pays the highest market price; in fact, fixes the standard of value and that standard is readily acquieseed in by the general consumer. The copper plating of government war crafts will consume millions of tons of copper.
It will take years to complete the work, and the metal must be had and the price will be paid, hence the probability of copper being held at its present price. In fact it is predicted that it will go to twenty cents and there remain for some years. Should this be so, there will be no telling what a vast area of prosperity Arizona, the greatest copper field in the United States, will enjoy.
- Star
