Show THAT COPPER PRICE new york curb cutting butting of 0 their dividends dividends by the chino atay ay consolidated soli dated and nevada consolidated companies as a result of greatly leased creased costs unaccompanied by a much hope for commensurate advance in the fixed price for the red metal has served this week to emphasize still further the grievance which the copper producers are now airing over the cut and dried action of the war industries board in recommending to the president a continuance for the next two month of the 2312 23 cent basis seemingly without due consideration of the hanging changing conditions in the industry and with scant courtesy toward these producers in short it is not without cause that the copper producers are incensed at the action of the war hoard board in this instance this body has refused to show a fair minded attitude its declaration that the price of the red metal had already been fixed before t the lie copper conferees arrived in washington many of them from far distant points has been well calculated to add insult to their injury that no recognition should be made of the material increase in producing and transportation costs since the copper price was first fixed at 2312 23 cents is a mystery alike to the producers and the public with higher freight rates in effect constantly rising wages and inevitable loss of efficiency produced thereby to say nothing of taxes of all kinds it is strange indeed that washington has its iron heel on this most important war industry with some mines even a 25 cent price today would produce a smaller net than under conditions prevailing when the 2312 23 cent price went into effect while the little producers must close down entirely unless relief is forthcoming soon it would be only common justice and decency for the government authorities to reopen the question of the fixed price for copper for the ensuing two months the copper producers are not trying to put anything over the government they only ask for a square deal and they cannot be accused of a lack of patriotism by insisting that they get it |