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By John V. Beall

There was optimism on 14th Street on April 22, Earth Day. We only have the report second hand because the demonstration conflicted with another appointment. Fifth Avenue was closed to vehicular traffic from 14th Street to the Park for a few hours and the crowd that showed up to promenade rivaled anything that can be imagined, even one at a country fair in Merry Old England. Certainly the domestic animals were there and the costumes were wild-as they are almost any day on 5th Avenue. However, the mood was friendly, happy and optimistic according to one of our neighbors who filmed and taped interviews with some of the characters. People think the air is going to be clean, and the water pure in the future. Land is going to be treated with respect. Even if the demonstration temporarily fouled the streets with litter, it served the purpose of dramatizing awareness. In talking to our friend about his experiences we didn't miss the opportunity to sound out his impression of whether or not people recognize that no group of people nor industry has a monopoly on pollution.

Jan 1, 1970

By John V. Beall

With some difficulty we framed the picture of the village on the mountain getting in the railroad bridge and tunnel at the base. It was a charming scene of red-tile roofs on a green mountain in the golden autumn sunshine with the black hole of the railroad tunnel looking like something out of the movie, "The Train." We clicked the shutter, advanced the film and started back to our rented Audi. At which point there was a hail from the other side of the railroad bridge. A man in uniform was brandishing an object in the air which looked suspiciously like a rifle. We peered around. We were the only other persons in view. He must be yelling at us. He was now closing the distance at a brisk, determined gait but was still 100 yards away. The car was handy but the road was straight, paralleling the railroad tracks for some distance. We dismissed the idea of running for it. Who knows, he might shoot. When he came up we didn't have much of a conversation because it had taken us a week to learn three words of Yugoslavian-zhiveli, long life, huhvalla, thank you, and schlivavitza, the national drink (plum brandy). None of these seemed appropriate. We got the Idea that photographs of railroad tunnels and bridges were prohibited. The guard, for such he seemed to be, took the Audi plate number, administered a last scowling reprimand and stalked off. This incident was the only one in a 15-day visit to Yugoslavia which we would have associated with "Iron Curtain restrictions."

Jan 1, 1970

By John V. Beall

On January 1, 1948, we boarded the cage at 7 a.m. and were dropped to the 900 level of the Brunswick shaft. The previous evening, we had attended the New Year's party at the Miners' Guild Hall and as this soireée had not disbanded until the small hours of the morning, we had only had about two to three hours sleep. At the 900 level station, we fell in beside our mining partner, a Cousin Jack, who was known by all as Porky. Porky didn't say anything as we plodded down the drift, we didn't say anything either-in fact there was little conversation by anybody.

Jan 1, 1971

WHEN the new sulphide plant started to roll at Chuquicamata last July, we broached the matter of looking in on this historic event to Burr Wheeler, then executive vice president of Chile Exploration Co. (Chilex executive offices are housed with the parent company, Anaconda, at 25 Broadway which is 23 hours and 15 minutes closer to the AIME office than the mine, counting air and automobile travel). Mr. Wheeler was at Chuqui when they turned the first shovelful of earth, has an understandable pride and affection in the mine, and kindly offered to make all arrangements. As a guest of Chilex, physical exam, injections, police clearance, passport, and airline reservations on the crack Panagra airline are procured swiftly and almost painlessly. Winter clothes were advised by Mr. Wheeler and D. M. Dunbar, who is the former's assistant and a seasoned Chuqui-ite. Both of these gentlemen obviously prefer Chuqui climate, with 364 days of sunshine, 1 ½ -in. rainfall, rare atmosphere of 10,000 ft elevation, Christmas-time earthquakes, and howling winds through June and July to the vicissitudes of New York weather. Panagra's de luxe DC-6 noses in toward land at Antofagasta, Chile, the supply and embarkation port for Chuquicamata. The Coastal Range, completely barren of green, thrusts a spur far out into the Pacific creating a crescent-shaped and protected harbor at Antofagasta. Beach gives way to pampa, to hills, and the only variation in scenery is in topographic relief. Chilex's reception committee in the person of the alert and amiable Bob Condit, assistant port agent, takes care of everything: immigration, interviews by the local press, baggage, transportation, and introduction to Chilean cuisine. The drive up to Chuqui takes about three hours, on the only two lane highway in northern Chile; hard surfaced, with a few kilometers of repair work in progress. We were fortunate to make the trip with manager Charles Brinckerhoff, who arrived the same day at Antofagasta from the seat of government at Santiago where he goes frequently to keep in touch with the company's Santiago office.

Jan 1, 1952

By Edward H. Robie

Engineers' Centennial THIS summer, in Chicago, will be celebrated the "Centennial of Engineering" and half a hundred engineering societies will have meetings of one kind or another in the two weeks following Labor Day. It is really the 100th anniversary of the founding of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Centennial of Engineering is merely a convenient label to put on the celebration of 100 years of engineering progress in this country since the ASCE was founded. Engineering, of course, is much older than is thus indicated-thousands of years older. But Americans have a penchant for dramatizing progress by celebrating assumed anniversaries. Four years ago a special 30 stamp was issued on which a Brahma chicken was prominently displayed, with the legend, "1848-1948. Centennial of the American Poultry Industry." We feel reasonably sure that the first dozen eggs was sold considerably earlier than that. Until a hundred or so years ago engineers were generally classified as either military or civil. Apparently a group of civil engineers met for the first time in Augusta, Ga. but no records were kept and the first meeting of which we have definite knowledge was at Barnum's Hotel in Baltimore, Feb. 11, 1839. Forty engineers were present and they decided to form a society. Among the aims of these engineers was "the greatest amount of useful effect at the smallest cost," which is as good a slogan for the engineer of today as it was 113 years ago. It was mentioned that the existence and prosperity of the society depended in no small degree on "the personal conduct and exertions" of the members. "Talents and respectability are preferable to numbers ... from too easy and promiscuous ad mission, unavoidable, and not infrequently incurable, inconveniences perplex most societies."

Jan 1, 1952

By Edward H. Robie

THOUGH the final figures are not available as this is written, it seems certain that the Institute accounts will show $7000 to $8000 surplus for the year 1951. This is the first time this has happened since 1941. No money had to be taken from any of the Funds to bring about this happy condition. Furthermore, the amounts allowed for depreciation, bad debts, and inventory adjustment were more liberal than in the past. Income increased some $29,000 over 1950. Dues received from old members increased moderately, but dues from new members dropped off $2000 and from initiation fees quite severely-from $17,000 to $11,000. The number of new members did not come up to expectations and a change in procedure caused a delay in getting some of them on the rolls. A large number of the new members paid an installment of $5 on their initiation instead of the full $20. Junior Members, of course, pay no initiation fee. Brightest spot in the income picture was the increase in advertising income-from $103,000 in 1950 to $143,000 in 1951. All three of the journals shared in this, Mining being up $18,000; Metals, $9000; and Petroleum $13,000. Nonmember sales of the journals dropped off slightly, and sales of Transactions volumes more so from $35,000 in 1950 to $27,000 in 1951, with a further drop of $5000 accounted for by a change in accounting procedure. On the other hand, sales of other publications increased by $10,000.

Jan 1, 1952

By John V. Beall

If you will be patient, we will explain how our plans to research the fishing possibilities of the Buffalo River following the SME Fall Meeting turned out, in general, to be an extension of the main theme of that meeting and, in particular, to confirm an astute observation on research made by Australian T. R. A. Davey in his Award-acceptance address at the Pb-Zn Research Luncheon. Buffalo River State Park is reached via Yellville where we tried without success to find one Odie Tollett who had been recommended as a boat liveryman. However, Mrs. Leon Dodd, in the Park, outfitted us nicely with a 17-foot aluminum canoe. Rain had dominated the recent weather of the Ozarks in northwestern Arkansas. So, under a leaden sky and intermittent showers, we stood on the bank of the turgid Buffalo demonstrating to our spouse, Sylvia, how to cast. Of course, with the water up and the sediment, the outlook for catching fish was bad. Sylvia said, however, "Oh, I get it. Let me try. Umm, like this I got one!" Sylvia reeled in a pretty ten-inch brown trout. "The poor thing, let's throw him back."

Jan 1, 1970

By John V. Beall

Spots Goblenski fluffed up his pork chop sideburns, checked the angle of his wide brim Stetson and ambled off the airplane. The pert Braniff hostess stood smartly at the door. "Goodbye now, take care," she said in the special airline stewardess voice superimposed on a Texas drawl. Spots smirked, "You betcha, Peaches, you too." It was a crystal clear, sunny day which New York can have at any season of the year (but rarely gets credit for) and being in high spirits Spots did not mind being captured by a cab driver. That is the cab driver brushed aside all other conversation to give a continuous colorful commentary on New York politics, revealing in the process that only the very wealthy and cab drivers share the same political views in that city. After installing himself in the fading opulence of the Hotel Roosevelt, he finished the day with a steak dinner with baked potato under sour cream and hearts of lettuce salad with Roquefort dressing at the Black Angus restaurant. The next morning he had an appointment with Hemphill, Frye and Louderdock. The offices of this prestigious firm of management consultants are high in the Pan Am Building. He was courteously received by a lacquered receptionist and was soon escorted into the presence of Mr. John Smith. "Ah, Mr. Goblenski; Spots, isn't it? Hope you had a good flight. Lovely weather we are having. Just make yourself comfortable over there, Spots." Smith seemed cordial and Spots slipped comfortably into the interview. He had always thought that management consultants were evolved from the "efficiency experts" made famous by the radio team, Amos and Andy. He associated the modern version with computers, PERT and other systems approaches. He was surprised that one of these firms was apparently acting as an employment agency. "Of course" continued Smith, "in evaluation of basic criteria of performance moduli, the human element enters, Spots, and that brings us to you." Spots sat up and focused his attention.

Jan 1, 1970

By Edward H. Robie

In late November and early December a considerable portion of our time was devoted to obtaining a business manager for Institute headquarters. The advisability of creating such a position was suggested in 1949 in the report of the Johnson committee. In that year, however, the Institute had a deficit of $72,000 so every effort was made to minimize expense. At that time most of the duties that normally would be assumed by a business manager were given to Newell Appleton who became office manager, convention manager, purchasing agent, and assistant to the secretary. So many responsibilities were his that he could not devote the necessary time to all of the many things that needed attention. H. H. Vasoll, representing a firm that made a study of Institute head office procedures early last fall, made a recommendation that "a business manager and controller from outside the present organization" be obtained, who would supervise the work of accounting, addressograph, purchasing, book and journal orders, filing, and mailing depts. He further recommended that Mr. Appleton be made administrative secretary, in which position he would act as head of an "Institute Activities Dept." He would devote his time to convention planning, meeting arrangements, travel accommodations, membership control and promotion, and public relations, and would assist the Secretary on special problems. Thus, Mr. Appleton retains some of his former responsibilities and will take more of the load off our shoulders in the conduct of affairs at Institute headquarters. The rest of his former work will be in the province of the newly created "Business Office Dept." Peter J. Apol is the man finally selected for the post of business manager. He is a young man of 32, a native Michigander and a graduate of the University of Michigan where he received a B.S. degree in business administration in 1940. He then spent three years in the Navy and has the rank of Lieutenant in the U. S. Naval Reserve. Three more years were spent in the U. S. Maritime Service as chief purser, and another year as chief paymaster for the Pope & Talbot Steamship Co. The past four years have been spent as head of the Greenland Construction Co., Greenland, N. H., chiefly engaged in building construction. Mr. Apol will endeavor to increase the efficiency of Institute headquarters operations and remove all possible causes for complaints of individual members. He will coordinate as seems advisable the work of various departments and install such modern business office machinery as seems applicable to our needs.

Jan 1, 1952

By Eugene Guccione

"Instead of just talking to ourselves we should inform the public of the grave problems that beset our profession and our industry." We've all heard and voiced that complaint at SME-AIME meetings; and if we were physicians, lawyers, pretzel retailers, or what-have-you, we'd hear and voice the same complaint at meetings of the American Medical Association, the Bar Association, the American Pretzel Institute, etc. Somehow we are all convinced or at least hope that if we could only, "get our message across to the public" (an extremely difficult and astronomically expensive proposition), everything would suddenly turn for the better. But would it? Hardly.

Jan 2, 1976

By Edward H. Robie

MANY engineers currently are working harder than usual, in part because of the demands being made upon them for increased production in the war effort, and in part because engineers are in short supply so that there is more to do for those who are available. In some instances the question has come up as to what additional payment, if any, should properly be made for overtime work, and to what extent is such payment legally permitted under the rules of the Salary Stabilization Board. Most engineers employed in an executive, administrative, or outside salesman capacity are not paid for overtime. They are paid for doing a job instead of for the hours they put in, and are free to do all the unpaid home work they feel they should do after dinner, as well as to do a bit of thinking and worrying during wakeful hours in bed. But engineers employed in a strictly professional capacity normally have standard office hours. Some employers pay for overtime and some don't. Their practice as it existed on Jan. 25, 1951 may be continued. In the absence of such practice at that time, the Salary Stabilization Board says that the engineer may now receive additional compensation up to his straight-time rate for an extended work week. No formal approval of the Board is required. "A professional engineer," in the mind of the Board, "is a person employed in a professional capacity, who, by reason of his special knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, acquired by professional education and practical experience, is qualified to practice engineering." Inducted Engineers A letter from a young man just inducted into the service and fearful that his engineering training is not going to be utilized reached us last week from Fort Riley, Kan. The AIME, cooperating with the other Founder Societies, is doing what it can, through the Engineering Manpower Commission, to see that engineers are not being wasted in the military establishment. So we passed this young man's letter along to T. A. Marshall Jr., executive secretary of that Commission. Mr. Marshall tells us that the normal procedure now being followed by the Army in handling Selective Service inductees is to have them first complete 16 weeks of basic training before assignment to specialized categories. During that time they are classified. If one has an engineering degree he should be classified as scientific and engineering personnel at the end of the basic training period. He should then be transferred to a technical detachment and assigned an MOS (Military Occupational Specialties) reflecting his education. If a young man is looking for a commission, it might be added that the current policy in the Army is to transfer to OCS (Officer Candidate School) applicants for commissions in the infantry only. The local unit commander can give information on this point, based upon the aptitude shown in tests. In view of the current shortage of engineers, it is believed that a young man should seriously consider remaining in enlisted status unless he can obtain a commission in a branch of the service that can make full use of his technical skills. His work may thus be more to his liking even if his uniform is not. New York or Atlantic City? In which place is it preferable to hold the annual meeting of a professional society like the AIME-New York or Atlantic City? That is, a winter meeting. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has held its recent meetings at Atlantic City, with increasing attendance and satisfaction. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers chose Atlantic City for its recent December annual meeting. Only twice has the AIME ever met in this famous seashore resort: in 1898 and 1904. Chief advantages of going to Atlantic City over New York are that technical sessions are better attended, there being little else to do there in Winter; the cost to members is less, and hotel facilities are better adapted to a large meeting. As to cost, take a banquet, for instance. The Chalfonte-Haddon Hall, which caters especially to winter conventions, charges about $7 for a banquet dinner of standard quality. A similar dinner at the Statler in New York would cost about $8.50, and about $10.50 at the Waldorf-Astoria. (The charge for tickets is somewhat greater than this because of the cost of music, programs, flowers, and other incidentals.) Rooms, too, are somewhat less at Atlantic City, two in a room being accommodated for about $7 per day each, compared with $7 to $10 at a headquarters hotel in New York. On the other hand, AIME headquarters is put to some extra expense for staff travel, food and lodging, and members living in New York and environs are forced to pay a hotel bill. New York, of course, has more varied amusements to offer, plenty of big stores, and the glamour of a big city. The choice may be discussed at the forthcoming meeting in New York. In the meantime if any reader cares to express an opinion one way or the other we shall be glad to hear it. College Scholarships Most parents of children in the later stages of high school find it necessary to give some consideration to the cost of a college education. Although salaries have increased substantially it seems that the cost of the necessities of life, such as food, housing, and maintaining the family automobile, have gone up even more, so the problem of financing the children's education is as acute as ever. Many overlook the possibility of scholarships, or feel that only a student at or near the top of his class has a chance to get one. As a matter of fact, close to 150,000 scholarships and more than 15,000 fellowships, worth some $42,000,000, are available in 1200 American colleges and universities. Those who are interested should send 55¢ to the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C. for a 248-page publication just issued by the U. S. Office of Education, entitled "Scholarships and Fellowships Available at Institutions of Higher Education."

Jan 1, 1952

By John V. Beall

It is difficult to understand why they did it. It was a demonstration of total commitment which sent chills of mixed admiration and fear up and down your spine. The scene was the bodega in Section A, 2660 Level on the 12 to 8 shift. The jefe was patiently waiting for the tea leaves to settle in a large metal cup. His attention was distracted by the appearance of a miner who had a problem. The long and short of it was that the miner believed the branch raise he was driving was unsafe and he wanted the jefe to come and see it. After lunch the jefe went around. First cautiously shining his light to peer up the raise from outside the chute, he then scrambled inside and swiftly climbed the cribs to the face. No question, it was hairy; about 4 crib sets were needed to catch up to the face. The unsupported raise was slabbing. It didn't take the jefe more than a few seconds to ascertain this situation and to slide back down. As he came out of the chute, a small avalanche arrived on his heels and provided a sort of exclamation point to his order; "cerrado!" In other words, shut 'er down.

Jan 1, 1970

By John V. Beall

Dear J. B.: The recent cable I sent you for a transfer of $200,000 was the outcome of the diligence and perspicacity of our group which, as you know, is laboring under severe hardships here in Rondônia. I only mention the latter difficulties in passing because no reply has been received to our urgent appeal for money. As much as I detest appearing to plead for more attention than you feel called upon to pay to our forgotten mission, I can assure you that it would be in the best interest of the company for you to do so. The fact is, we have been able to outmaneuver the competition and have succeeded in securing pesquizas on some of the most promising cassiterite gravels. We have not been able, up to now, to do much bulk sampling (for lack of funds) but our preliminary panning shows great promise as you can see from the enclosed assay sheets.

Jan 1, 1971

Two career employees of the US Dept, of the Interior, in a recent study, indicated that by the end of 1974, 73% of all public lands had been entirely or partially closed to exploration and development of essential resources for leasable minerals and 67% had been similarly restricted for locatable minerals.1 This has come about because of the lack of coordination within the executive branch and between the executive and legislative branches of the federal government and without regard for the cumulative, depressing effect on future domestic mineral production. Much of the withdrawn land is felt to have great potential for discovery of significant mineral deposits.

Jan 5, 1976

By John V. Beall

If there is one thing that makes a fellow feel like the years are catching up with him, it is to go through a second cycle in which the adequacy of mineral resources is being "viewed with alarm." The first time we experienced such a flap was in 1951. At that time, the United Nations convened a meeting at Lake Success to study ways and means of averting a crisis in minerals. Presently there is some sentiment being expressed about the mineral scarcities that will occur in the decades ahead, in view of world population trends and increasing per capita consumption of metals. To be greatly concerned about the adequacy of metal supplies is to be highly pessimistic about the capabilities of technology. As in the past, shortages will be of temporary duration for as far ahead as the most ambitious prognosticators are projecting. The study of mineral economics is a fascinating and surprising subject. The law of supply and demand is but a starting point. The iron ore market for the steel industry is an example which comes to mind because of our receipt this week of the United Nations report "Survey of World Iron Ore Resources."

Jan 1, 1970

By John V. Beall

Early this year at the University of Arizona in Tucson, a survey was made of student opinion about the minerals industry. Over 100 of the three page questionnaires were completed and these were analyzed by the following categories: 40 Mining Engineering students, 20 Geological Engineering with 2 Geophysical Engineering students, 15 Geology students, 7 Metallurgical Engineering, 26 Underclassmen, 29 Graduate students and a composite of 84 total students. Not all of the results of the survey were predictable. After graduation there is a strong preference toward going to work in the mineral industries. The next most popular options, but trailing the first choice greatly, was graduate work or employment in another industry. A smattering of other choices were for teaching, government or research. None checked the box for drop out.

Jan 1, 1971

By John V. Beall

The "free form life," The Wall Street Jourlzal called it. That is what the young people are practicing who have dropped out after successfully completing a college education. The ones described were first-rate students who did not embark on careers but instead selected such nonintellectual jobs as delivering mail, short- order cooking and the like. We couldn't help thinking that it wasn't so long ago, that we had the ideal setup in mining for folks of this persuasion when most college grads were started out as muckers. Actually there isn't much new in this business of doing your own thing. Being a type that takes westerns seriously, we jumped at the chance to catch the rerun of the wide-screen flick "How the West Was Won." There was Jimmie Stewart playing the part of the mountain man, with a canoe full of furs going east down river. Coming west up river, is a settler with his daughters. This mountain man had on his fringed buckskins, his two-year growth of long hair and a tremendous thirst. He had been doing his thing and planned to keep right on doing it. However, one of the pretty settler girls had other ideas. The same fate probably awaits today's individualistic youths.

Jan 1, 1970

By Donald A. Dahlstrom

Stronger Than Armies This editorial by Dr. Dahlstrom is based on his acceptance speech of the 1976 Robert H. Richards Award-Ed. Many public figures are saying that the United States is facing the most critical period in its history, and many of us would agree. But people have always been saying this, and all of them were right. They were right two centuries ago when it took a revolution to give birth to the Republic; and they were right during our Civil War, Pearl Harbor, the Great Depression, etc.

Jan 6, 1976

By John V. Beall

There were no easily identifiable tourists. Everybody carried attaché cases and sported the buttoned-down look in dress. They were all there at the Hotel Indonesia to make a deal. But deals don't come quickly over there and those that staved and persevered became bored. They clung to the air conditioning of the Hotel and sought hobbies to while away the weeks-and even months. It is not an easy life but it can pay off fog sonic company. The government officials are neither stupid nor lazy. They are new at their jobs. Many are ex-army men and they know they must learn before they can enter into a contract with confidence. So they take time, and time is on their side.

Jan 1, 1970

By John V. Beall

They came from Paris, Washington and Rabat; two directors, two chief geologists and the president of our own local subsidiary company. Such a meeting was not unprecedented, but it seeemed to us that our president was overzealous in arranging for inspections of each exploration site. One was a problem. Jacques, our president, had concocted the idea that we should lead this learned, mature (not exactly aged) group into the desert to see newly found anomaly. It was in virgin country and had been marked by dropping a flour sack on it from the air.

Jan 1, 1971