Copper Tariff of 1932 Papers

Collection — sc_box: MS 5, Folder: 12

Identifier: MS-862

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Papers, 1932, about the copper tariff of 1932, a protectionist measure to support the copper producers in the United States. Includes a statement to stockholders of copper mining companies from A. E. Peterman, the attorney for the Calumet and Hecla Consolidated Copper Company, encouraging them to support the tariff and contact their members of Congress. Also includes a brochure, "Some facts about copper and its need for tariff protection," prepared by A. E. Peterman with support from copper companies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Montana, Arizona, and Tennessee as well as a copy of the bill proposed by Congressman W. Frank James of Michigan that would place a tariff on imported copper. The three documents were sent together to all stockholders of copper companies in order to garner support.

Dates

1932

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

Ever since the stimulus provided by World War I, the copper mines of the United States were struggling, with production costs close to market quotations for the red metal. Discouraged producers, especially in Michigan, turned to tariff legislation as the only visible means of running their properties at a profit. The movement resulted in a bill introduced by Representative W. Frank James of Michigan, to place a tariff on imported copper of 6¢ a pound (excerpted from Time magazine: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,881480,00.html#ixzz1SlY6juiB).