NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16099, 13 December 1915, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

ZINC FOR THE WAR

The Anaconda Copper Company, which a recent cablegram stated, is reported to be recovering zinc 1 from its stock of millions of tons of zinc ore by electrolytic precipitation, is one of the largest copper mines of the United States, and is located at Butte, Montana. Tho company recently rebuilt its mill, and has installed the mineral separation flotation process for treating its ores on a very large scale. The zinc stocks referred to in the cablegram are probably old zinc tailings, or possibly low grade ore from the older workings of the mine. The electrolytic process for the recovery of zinc has been experimented with for a number of years, and hae been worked commercially on a small scalc. Hitherto the cost of recovery by this method has prevented its adoption, except in c;vses where exceptionally high grade zinc was wanted, or where the process could be worked in conjunction with existing manufacturing processes, so that the recovery of by-products covered tho extra costs. Theoretically the electrolytic process is very simple. It consists in roasting the sulphide of zinc to oxido ' or sulphate, dissolving with sulphuric acid, and passing a current of electricity through the sulphate of zinc solution so obtained. In some cases chloride of zinc is used instead of sulphate of zinc. Practically, however, tho operation of the process is beset with difficultieswith impurities in the ore, such as iron, cadmium, lead, arsenic, etc., which must be got rid of. The solution must be freo from all impurities when it reaches the electrolytic cell. The recent demand for high grade zinc for munitions has given a great impetus to tlio treatment of zinc ores, and many low grade propositions are being worked in various parts of the world which were unpayable under Dermal conditions. Tho same demand has awakened new interest in the methods of treatment, and tho electrolytic method has been greatly improved. The cost of el ctr;c power, however, may restrict this process to special localities.

' PEACH TO-DAY A CRIME. ' In a conversation with'the well-known American writer, Mr. Owen Johnson, General Joffre was asked if it was possible to reconcile the military with the democratic spirit. The general replied : "In a republic where the sentiment of individual liberty is always strong, military service gives to the citizen a quality of personal discipline of which he perhaps had need, in order to respect the rights of others, and which makes him at the same time capable of acting as a member of an organised body." When the American writer spoke of the fraternal feeling which exists between the French soldiers and heir officers, the general observed: " When we charge the enemy the officer is always at the head of his men; there is no need to tell him to see if his men are following, nor has ho himself any reason to look." The question of peace having been raised. General Joffre declared : " Peace to-day would be a crime against posterity; it would be, besides, nothing but an armistice, during which each nation would continue feverishly to prepare for war. The French people is ready for everything, because it knows what is at stake in the fight. We have no reason to tell lies. To our soldiers how long the war lasts is of no consequence. We shall fight on until we have conquered the right to leave a heritage of peace."