The Border Vidette

ASHURST, HAYDEN AND GREENWAY ATTACK TENTATIVE COPPER CODE

Washington. - Senators Ashurst and Hayden and Representative Greenway attacked the proposed copper code at the initial hearing before NRA officials on the ground that it did not adequately provide for labor nor demonstrate that it would beneficially affect producers and smelters.

Senator Ashurst said that he believed if the copper industry could not agree on a code that the President should promulgate a code. "Rehabilitating the copper industry was a necessity for recovery in Arizona," Ashurst said. That state has produced one-sixth of the world's copper supply. The Arizona copper industry has furnished 40 per cent of the taxes for that state and has employed one-third of the state's laborers.

"If the code does not provide an embargo on the importation of foreign copper, and an adequate wage scale, then the Arizona copper mining industry, and I believe that of Montana, Utah and Nevada as well, will fall into liquidation and obsolescence."

A six-hour working day in the mines is essential to recovery. I know of no reason why the copper industry should not adopt the shorter day in its code. In an emergency such as a fire or other catastrophe, even the most humane foreman would require his men to work longer, but for ordinary mining and smelting operations, four shifts of six hours each could and should be made.

"The language of the proposed code is cryptic and can be interpreted in as many ways as there are interpreters," Senator Ashurst concluded.

Senator Hayden said that without a code, congressmen from the western states were unable to present a good case to the government for promotion of the copper industry through adequate tariffs and current use in construction.

"How can the government be expected to help promote an industry when the industry will not cooperate with the government by adopting a code?" Hayden said.

Representative Greenway said she did not think she went too far when she said that the proposed code is absolutely not acceptable. That code is 'luke warm dishwater' and takes no responsibility, runs no risks, and evidences no intention of doing the right thing. I beg of you to keep an open mind. The establishment of a code at this time is a trial, not an eternal commitment. I ask the copper industry executives to keep faith with their workingmen who have given unquestionable loyalty for 30 years, who have suffered tremendously during the depression, and who are now willing to place implicit faith in you men," Representative Greenway concluded.