Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1901 — Current Topics [ARTICLE]

Current Topics

Clark Etght Hours. "I would rather let the grass grow In the streets of Jerome," says William A. Clark, “than grant my men an eight-hour day." Accordingly he has closed the United Verde copper mines. "Those who know Clark,” says the dlspatch announcing the shut-down, “know he will keep the mines closed a year rather than surrender.” The United Verde mines, according to the latest statistics, produced 22,000 tons of copper annually. They produce more now, for when these figures were given out new smelters were building. They have paid dividends as high as 43.5 per cent. They are estimated to add 812,000,000 a year to Clark’s private fortune. The number of men employed is not stated, but comparison of their product with that of similar mines shows that It Is from 1,500 to 2,000. Yet rather than diminish in the least his enormous gains by granting an eight-hour day their owner shuts them down and coolly announces his Intention of making a desert of the town where they are situated.