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By H. B. Pulsifer

THE unprecedented high price of zinc ore prevailing through the early months of 1915 caused great activity in the Joplin district of Missouri. The Media mill is conspicuous as one of the first of the new "big mills" of the district. The mill was built over a mine previously worked but abandoned in 1912 because of the leanness of the ore and the large quantity of water encountered. The ore prices prevailing-$100 a ton in June, 1915, as against $50 in 1912-favored the new undertaking. The mill was designed for good recovery so that it might operate in times of depression. In design and equipment, the mill is exclusively local in conception and construction. Former Exploitation The tract of land is a part of the large Guinn holdings; 70 acres are comprised in this particular lot, which is situated just a mile north of the center of Webb City on the Alba line of the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway. The ore lies 242 ft. below the' surface at the top of the knoll which is surrounded by the well-known properties: Black Cat, Ground Floor, Florence, Hurry-Up, Electrical and Mercantile. Since the abandonment, in 1913, of the Yellow Dog. a bit farther to the north, the Black Cat, Ground Floor and Florence workings had been flooded. However, as there was no cut through from this side into the area it was proposed to exploit, it was thought that moderate pumping facilities would take care of the water.

Jan 5, 1917

W. H. LINNEY, Chairman, OSCAR LACHMUND, Vice-Chairman LYNDON K. ARMSTRONG, Secretary-Treasurer, P. O. Drawer 2154; Spokane, Wash. STANLY A. EASTON, S. SHEDD. Mining camps from Mexico to Alaska and from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic were represented by delegates at the 5th Annual Northwest Mining Convention which was held in Spokane, Wash., Feb. 19-24, 1917. About 300 delegates from outlying regions were present, this being fully 100 more than have been counted at any previous mining convention in Spokane. Graham B. Dennis, president of the Northwest Mining Association, made the address of welcome. In part, he said: "Heaven has made us the possessors of an area great enough for an empire, varied enough in climate and possibilities to compass the whole complex field of modern industry. In the development of this broad heritage, we are not only actors for today, but trustees for future ages. "It is to foster this spirit of unity; to create and maintain strong bonds of mutual good will and confidence, that we founded the Northwest Mining Association. Wee support it because we believe it will give us strength; because we believe we shall learn from each other; because, in industry as in every other walk of life, personal contact and establishment of ties of friendship enrich and round out the characters of men." One of the interesting lectures of the week was that on "Alaskan and Russian Gravel Mining," by Dr.' Henry Mace Payne, consulting engineer for the Russian government and Consolidated Goldfields of South Africa. Dr. Payne's illustrations showed the different appliances in use in the countries mentioned. The Resolutions Committee reported back to the Convention six of the seven resolutions that had been presented to it. These were adopted as submitted, with some minor changes.

Jan 5, 1917

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Harrison W Craver, until recently librarian of the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, to be Director of the combined libraries of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Mining Engineers, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, and the United Engineering Society. DR. HARRISON W. CRAVER. Dr. Craver was born in Owaneco, Illinois, August 10, 1875. He was educated in the public schools of Carmi, Illinois, and Terre Haute, Indiana, and the Rose Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated in 1895, having specialized in industrial chemistry. The following year he spent in post-graduate chemical study with Dr. W. A. Noyes. In 1896 he became chemist to Kirkpatrick & Co., Limited, of Pittsburgh, and later to

Jan 5, 1917

By L. Frank, Nason

THE complete statistics of zinc-ore production in the United States for 1916 are not yet available. The following figures are, therefore, only approximate. The total production of concentrates for this year, including New Jersey and Tennessee, amounts to 1,280,000 tons. Of this tonnage, five mines produced approximately 536,000 tons, or about 42 per cent. The remaining concentrates came mainly from the "Valley States," Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The 1,280,000 tons of concentrates represent about 25,000,000 tons of crude or run-of-mine ore. Of the five mines producing the 42 per cent., the dimensions of three are approximately 25 by 1,500 by 2,000 ft. (7.6 by 457 by 610, m.) or more. Tour of the five mines are undoubtedly veins in the common acceptance of the term. They are located in great vein systems. The mines of "Valley States" have not, so far, been classed as veins; simply as "secondary deposits." The origin of these secondary deposits has been a warmly debated subject. Many geologists contend that they are the results of leaching from overlying and from adjacent rocks carrying but traces of zinc, these traces leached out and deposited in favorable loci. If this theory is correct, deposition is strictly limited to shallow depths. No volume of ore comparable to that of "true fissure veins" is to be expected. Just what this means to the future of zinc mining in these States is here indicated. The total zinc areas of these States amounts to about 9,124- sq. miles (23,631 sq. km.).- Assuming that 10 per cent. of this total will be more or less productive, there are 912 sq. miles (2,362 sq, km.) of "mineral? ground. The average depth of the operated mines is something like 100 ft. or less. In Bulletin 606, U. S. Geological Survey (1915), p. 202, Siebenthal makes the following statement: "The writer is informed by William Waugh, one of the drillers of the Stone City well, that cuttings from other wells which he drilled in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Kan., have shown galena and sphalerite taken from a depth of 591 ft. (180.14 m.) and that the showing of ore at some places would be considered good enough to justify the sinking of a shaft had it been found in the Joplin district and at shallower depths." Leaving out of the question the prohibitive cost of such a shaft, there is

Jan 5, 1917

The members of the Institute living in the lower Mississippi Valley, I extend a hearty and cordial invitation to their fellow-members to meet with them nest October, in St. Louis. They believe that it will be a meeting of singular interest, inasmuch as the district in question can show in active production almost all of the more useful metals and non-metals. Perhaps too few know that the Southeast Missouri District, about 80 miles south of St,. Louis, and to which a special trip is planned, is the largest lead district in the world. It was that before-the European war, and, now that the production of lead has greatly increased abroad, and has correspondingly increased in the United States, this is one of the most interesting of all lend districts. In 1913, the production of the world was 1,270,000 tons, the last world figures obtainable. In that same year the production of the United States

Jan 5, 1917

Announcement is made that applications fir the Emmons Memorial Fellowship in Economic. Geology will be considered, and an incumbent appointed prior to the first of June. Applications should be sent to Professor J. F. Kemp of Columbia University not Intel: than May 15. . The holder of this fellowship receives an income of $1,000 and is expected to carry on an investigation in Economic Geology which will add a distinct contribution to the literature. The institution at which the study is pursued will be decided after conference with the members of the Committee of Awards. The character of the investigation will be decided after applications have been passed upon.

Jan 5, 1917

STEPHEN TABER, Columbia, S. C. (communication to the Secretary?). -The fibrous salt crystals described by Dr. Branner are interesting, and I am glad that he has put this additional evidence on record. It confirms the results that I obtained in growing fibrous crystals in the laboratory. Much similar evidence of value to science in interpreting the laws of nature has doubtless been lost through failure to appreciate little things. Mr. Dresser points out that the boundary between chrysotile veins and massive serpentine is finely irregular 'when examined under the microscope. This fact I have observed in studying chrysotile veins and also, mode recently, in studying veins of fibrous calcite and fibrous gypsum. For the latter veins the statement holds true when the walls are of shale as well as when they are of the same material as the veins, but in no instance have I observed any evidence of replacement. The description of the vein walls given in my paper (pp. 1984 to 1985) was megascopic, not microscopic. The fact that chrysotile veins have sharply defined boundaries and are easily separated from the wall rock is evidenced by the small amount of waste adhering to the "crude asbestos" which has been shipped in such large quantities from some of the Canadian mines. Mr. Dresser has good ground for his statement that there seems to be no obvious reason why the term "mass fiber" should be restricted to anthophyllite. I have never examined the serpentine at the East Broughton mines; but in studying other serpentines under the microscope I have noted that much of the so-called "massive serpentine" is really finely fibrous (see pp. 1974 to 1975). The texture of such rock is, however, altogether different from that of mass-fiber anthophyllite, and I believe that the fibers have developed in a different way (see pp. 1981 and .1998). Mr. Graham raises certain objections on the ground that the laboratory production of fibrous crystals was limited to substances which go into solution with decrease in volume. Since my paper was written, however, I have succeeded in obtaining fibrous crystals of ammonium nitrate, a salt that dissolves with expansion in volume.

Jan 5, 1917

CLARENCE M. HAIGHT, Franklin, N., J. (communication to the Secretary*).-In that hart of Mr. Wilson's paper describing the Gilman cut-and-fill system, a few features do not appear to be fully explained. In what way is the waste used for filling obtained? The text mentions that, if waste is encountered when driving the filling raises, these raises are stopped until the fill is needed; that seems to suggest mining the capping for fill, which might make the backs of the stopes had as the stopes approach the top of the ore. If, on the other hand, the fill is brought to the raises in cars, are the crosscuts that are necessary in ore or waste? Is the cost of this fill included in the stoping costs given?

Jan 5, 1917

Harrison W. Craver, Director The Library of the above-named Societies is open from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M., except on holidays. It contains about 70,000 volumes and 90,000 pamphlets, including sets of technical periodicals and the publications of scientific and technical societies. Members of the Institute, with few exceptions, are forced to spend a portion of their time in localities isolated from sources of information. To these the Library, through its Library Service Bureau, can render valuable service through correspondence; letters requesting information will receive especial attention. The Library is prepared to furnish references and photographic copies of articles on mining and metallurgical subjects; to determine the existence of mining maps, and to furnish general information on the geology and mineral resources of all countries. All communications should be made as definite as possible so that the information received may be what is desired and not include collateral matter which may not be of interest. The time spent in searching for such collateral matter will be saved, and the information will be sent more promptly and in more usable shape.

Jan 5, 1917

PUGET SOUND SECTION SIMON H. ASH, Chairman, I. F. LAUCKS, Vice Chairman, CHARLES SIMENSTAD, Sec.-Treas., 425 Lyon Building, Seattle, Wash. GLENVILLE A. COLLINS, JOHN N. POTT. The Puget Sound Section met at the Arctic Club, Seattle, Wash., on Jan. 20, 1917. Sixteen members and five guests were present. Dinner having been served, the meeting was called to order. A letter from secretary of Associated Engineering Societies was read, requesting payment of this section's assessment to the quarterly budget, and upon motion it was voted that the Secretary-Treasurer be instructed to pay this assessment. It was moved and carried that this section join with the Chemical Society in a meeting. At the, close of the business meeting, Mr. Asa C. Baldwin gave an illustrated lecture on the "Alaska Boundary Survey." On Feb. 24, the Puget Sound Section again held a meeting at the Arctic Club, 16 members and three guests being present. Chester F. Lee, as member of a committee representing this section in the joint council of the Associated Engineering Societies, reported that by lots it had been decided that the term of service of said committee would be as follows: Chester F. Lee, two years; George. Watkin Evans, one year. Following adjournment of the business meeting, Prof. Joseph Daniels, of the University of Washington, delivered a very interesting lecture on "Milling Practice of The Alaska-Castineau Mining Company." CHAS. SIMENSTAD, Secretary.

Jan 5, 1917

The presentation of the John Fritz Medal to Professor Henry M. Hone will take place in the auditorium of the Engineering Societies? Building, 29 West 39t,h Street, New York, at 8:30 o'clock on the evening, of May 10. It is hoped that many members of the Institute will be able to attend this ceremony, and the committee desires to make special mention of the fact that ladies are cordially invited to be present.

Jan 5, 1917

By H Haas

H. HAAS, San Francisco, Cal. (communication to the Secretary?). -Fig. 1 plainly shows that the comparison of the steam-turbine and Diesel-engine plants was made on a basis of 6,000 kw. continuous operating load. The tabulation of costs for an 8,000-kw. load is merely done to show the relation of increased output on' the unit power costs. Both plants would sacrifice their reserve capacity, which is to insure continuous operation, if operated to generate 8,000 kw. continuously; unless Mr. Hawkins advocates the operation of one of the turbines at 33.33 per cent. overload, retaining the other as a standby, which, besides overtaxing the turbine, results in a great loss of efficiency. It would he well for Mr. Hawkins to qualify certain of his statements. Thus, under the caption "Diesel Engines, Selection of Units," he says that "two of the largest Diesel-engine builders take the position that, in the present state of the art, they would not attempt to put out units over 1,000 kw.;" he should qualify it by saving that "two of the largest American Diesel-engine builders take the position that, in the present state of the art in the United States, they would not attempt to put out units over 1,000 kw." The reason that American manufacturers restrict themselves at present to units of that size is to be found not so much in a lack of experience in building large units as in a lack of a sufficient, demand for them in the United States to justify the heavy capital outlay connected with the development of such engines. There are relatively few localities in the United States where fuel prices are as high as they are in the Southwest, and regions of high fuel prices are sparsely settled and have a very limited demand for power. Where low fuel prices obtain, steam turbines are active competitors of Diesel engines for large power plants, particularly when the station load factor is low. As most of the American manufacturers of Diesel engines work under license agreements with European manufacturers, which limit their market to the United States and its possessions and Canada, a further limitation is imposed upon them, leaving to European firms practically the entire world as a market.

Jan 5, 1917

A. O. GATES, Salt Lake City, Utah (communication to the Secretary*).-The writer is delighted by the results shown in Mr. Bell's paper, which prove in an experimental way different from that followed by the writer' that "the work clone in crushing is proportional to the surface exposed by the operation," per Rittinger's Law. Mr. Bell's work was all clone in commercial types of crushing machines, while my work was clone in a testing machine; his work represents fully one hundred times the expenditure and time that my work represented; a great number of tests were made by his organization to determine single points, while I was obliged to depend on the general trend of a curve for results; we agree absolutely that "Kick's law," for which Mr. Stadler was sponsor, does not apply to rock crushing. While my work indicated the reliability of Rittinger's theory, Mr. Bell's work clearly establishes the reliability and makes it Rittinger's law.

Jan 5, 1917

Prof. Mathesius analyzes the running of Howland's furnace No. 19, according to the method described by him in Stahl and Eisen, 1916, Nos. 30 and, 31, and in his work "Die physikalischen und chemischen Grundlagen den Eisenhüttenwesens" (Spamer, Leipzig). By assuming 500 Cal. lost from the hearth by radiation and cooling water per kilogram of pig iron made, a throat-gas temperature of 600° C., and taking the ratio of C02/CO as 0.64, he finds that his diagram would show 0.68 kg. of carbon oxidized per kilogram of pig iron, while Howland gives 0.66 kg. He expresses himself as well satisfied with this test of the accuracy of his theory. Making the further assumption that the heat losses from the shaft are 1,000 Cal. per kilogram of pig iron (twice as

Jan 5, 1917

The annual spring excursion of the College of Mines, University of Washington, is being made to the Coeur d?Alene region of northern Idaho. A party of 15 students and, instructors is visiting the Bunker Hill and Sullivan mine, mill and smelter at Kellogg, and several mines and mills in the neighborhood of Wallace and Mullan.

Jan 5, 1917

The first prize of the President's Prizes has been awarded to J. J. Beeson for his paper entitled "Disseminated Copper Ores of Bingham, Canyon." When this paper-was written, Mr. Beeson was a student at Stanford University, and was president of the Stanford Geological and Mining Society. The President's prizes were established in 1915, funds being provided, at that time for three prizes of $50, $30 and $20 respectively, for the best essays, or other papers submitted in competition by Junior Members and Members of Affiliated, Student Societies. The original intention was to award all three during the year 1915, but the committee has deemed it advisable to extend the time for the second and third prizes, and the Secretary of the Institute will be glad to hear from any member who wishes to compete for one of these prizes. A competitor for the President's Prizes must be, at the time of submitting his essay, either a Junior Member or a Member of an Affiliated Student Society of this Institute. The essays must be upon some subject related to Mining, Economic Geology, or Metallurgy. I11 malting the awards, special weight will be given to originality in investigation and treatment; and to 'literary merit. As a general rule, the essays should not be less than 3,000, nor

Jan 5, 1917

.MAX ROESLER, Firmeza, Oriente, Cuba (communication to the Secretary?).-It is substantially admitted by all who have recently been in touch with these deposits that the orebodies lie in the fine-grained dark-green rocks, called diorite by most writers and diabasic by myself. The three points of disagreement concern the agency of included limestone blocks as causes of deposition, the agency of the

Jan 5, 1917

By Carl Henrich

A.. S. DWIGHT, New York, N. Y.-Mr. Henrich's paper is rather inconclusive as to the role that alumina really plays in slags. He gives a number of interesting instances of high alumina, with conclusions that he draws from the analyses, in the light of what he knows of the accompanying conditions, but the information given is hardly sufficient to permit intelligent criticism of these conclusions, for it is well known that the slag composition is not the only factor that can produce some of the furnace results favorable or disastrous, as the case may be, which he records. As a matter of fact, most metallurgists who have wrestled with this problem in connection with the smelting of lead and copper ores, usually arrived at some sort of a working hypothesis which met the local conditions fairly well, and then, being busy men, were inclined 'to leave the theoretical question very much as Mr: Henrich leaves it when he says: "A question with which I purpose dealing at some future time." It is unfortunate that in the Golden Age of the smelting industry in the West, when we were all dealing with large tonnages of complex ores, often containing large percentages of alumina in combination with other. refractory elements, the smelting companies were not generally equipped for research as they are today, and much experience that might have been,

Jan 4, 1917

By H. H. Stoek

MINE models have three distinct uses: 1. As exhibits in expositions and museums. 2. As exhibits in law suits. 3. As illustrations in teaching mining engineering. All three uses are in a sense educational. The third, or distinctively teaching function, has not been extensively developed in America as it has been abroad, chiefly because of the cost of the models and the scarcity of model makers. In connection with expositions, such as the Columbian, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Panama-Pacific, a number of very good mine and metallurgical models were prepared with funds furnished by State commissions, by mining organizations or mining companies. At the close of these, expositions, some of these models have been deposited in National or State museums or in educational institutions, but too many of them have been lost, or have been stored, away in some mining company's office or in the basement of some State building, where they have been lost sight of and have gradually fallen to pieces. A visitor to a German mining school is impressed by two facts: 1. The mining laboratories are in general inferior to those in America. 2. The mining museums are infinitely superior -to ours, particularly in models exhibited. One may reply to this comparison by saying that a museum is necessarily a work of time. From the historical standpoint this is, of course, true, but it is not necessarily true in connection with a working museum intended to illustrate current practice. For instance, the oldest mining school in Germany, that at Freiberg, has much excellent historical material, but very little on modern practice, while Berlin, one of the youngest German mining schools, has a most extensive and valuable collection of modern appliances and models. This is true in spite of the fact that one of the best-known model shops is at Freiberg, from which many of, the models to be seen in America have come. Because many of the models in American mining schools have come from

Jan 4, 1917

Oct. 8-13, 1917 The St. Louis Meeting of the Institute will be held Oct. 8-13, 1.917. Various committees are being organized to perfect the arrangements for the meeting. A number of excellent technical papers have already been secured end an attractive series of excursions has been outlined. The following is the outline plan for the meeting. More detailed announcements will be made as the plans mature. MONDAY, OCT. 8 Morning: Registration and Technical Session. Afternoon: Boat ride to Herculaneum, Mo., to visit smelter. and Evening: Dinner on boat and social evening.

Jan 4, 1917