Weekly Trinity journal. [volume] (Weaverville, Calif.) 1857-1972, 1866-07-07
Movement OF Ditch Owners In Regard TO
the Internal Revenue Tax.

Movement OF Ditch Owners in Regard TO
| the Internal Revenue Tax.
DR.. VIM Ware, of this place, has received the
following circular in relation to a matter of gen.
eral interest to the people of the mining coun-
ties, which we take pleasure in transferring to
the columns of the JOURNAL
SAN Francisco, May 26, 1866.
At meeting of the Ditch and Canal owners,
resident in San Francisco, held this day at the
Bank of California, D. o. Mills, ESQ.,, was called
to the Chair and c. O. Bowman was appointed
| Secretary. 1t was
Resolved That we consider the Internal Reve-
nue. Tax of p per cent. on the gross receipts of
the Sales of Water extremely onerous That in
justice, fairness and equity, this tax should be
assessed on the nett Receipts, after deducting
Current Expenses.
Resolred, That we invite all owners of this spe-
cies of property throughout the State to unite
with us in laying before Congress such facts in
relation TO such investments, as will insure the
alteration of the law, and place this kind of
property upon a more fair and equitable basis
On motion of Mr.. Bensley, it was voted that
Mr.. S. I. C. Swezey be employed to prepare cir
culars and forward to owners of bitches and Ca
nails, and such others as he may deem proper to
solicit information and obtain concert of action
On motion of Mr.. Hosmer meeting adjourned.
C. c. BOWMAN, Secretary.
SAN Francisco, June I, 1866
Dr.. WV. WARE-Dedr SRI have been
quested by meeting of ditch and canal owners,
held May 2Sth, to take measures looking for the
repeal of the revenue tax on gross receipts of
{" any canal the water of which is used for min
ing purposes" wide Sec. lO3 of q An Act to
provide revenue, &C., approved June 80, 1861
The tax was uncomplaningly borne during the
war but now that the immediate necessity for
unlimited revenue has ceased, it is only just that
our mining interests should be relieved, so far as
possible, from the pressure caused by the q per
cent tax gross receipts. Every dollar taken
by miners increases the real wealth of the coun-
try, and this branch of industry ought therefore
to be encouraged rather than repressed by the
strong arm of the law. If the tax cannot be en-
tirely repealed, it ought at least to be levied on
nett, rather than gross receipts.
1t was thought by gentlemen of this city, who
are interested in bitches for mining purposes, and
who were present at the meeting referred to, that
an effort to have this tax removed might be made
with reasonable hope of success, and at COM
paratively slight expense.
The facts in reference to the bitches and ca
mails should be set before Congress without delay.
That may be able to prepare memorial which
shall set forth the grounds for the removal of the
tax, and to take other measures that luay be
necessary in the premises, will you do me The IA
vor to answer the questions the accompanying
sheet, and also furnish any additional points of
information or make any suggestions not express
ly called for, which in your Judgment will aid in
setting forth the justice of our claim
Yours, &c, SAMUEL |. C. SwEzEY
The questions to be answered are When was
your work commenced? What is the capital
stock of your company? What has been the cost
of your works? What is their present condition?
What is the length of your main ditch and sup
Elemental bitches? What number of miners OBJ
tain water from you? What amount of water
are you able to supply? What per cent have
you paid to shareholders during each of the last
five years ? What the gross receipts from
sales of water to miners? What your annu-
al expenses Have you been able to charge the
&c tax in addition to your regular rates? What
is the approximate amount of gold taken out by
the miners supplied with water from your works.
during each of the last five years? Are mines
supplied with your water worked by those who
have been permanent, or by floating popula-
ton ? Name and address.
While reading the above circular it has
CURED to US that there are other phases of this
subject worthy of attention, particularly so far
as this region Of country is concerned. Many of
our prominent water bitches are in measure
useless-thatis to say they need moving to be in
useful range of vast extent of unworked gold
country. Most of these canals and bitches
discharging water just where the enterprise of
twelve or fifteen years ago put it. In many
instances the mines under them hsrebeen ''worked
OUT and as the untouched acres of good mineral
land will not move to a favorable working posi-
ton below the ditcbes, water must necessarily
be changed to where it will be of use. The dis
advantage spoken of begins to be seriously felt
in some localities we think of, and the sooner
remedy is worked the better.
In referring to the avocation of mining the
circular very justly admits that % this branch of
industry ought to be encouraged" There is
one certain means of aiding in the accomplish
ment of that object, and that is a reduction in
the price of water 1t is patent that in many in
stances the 80 policy of ditch owners, is dis
couraging rather than encouraging placer min
ing. These water proprietors have got to learn
that not only themselves but the communities in
which they live will reap greater benefit and
prosperity by selling two sluice-heads of water
at $40 per week, each, than to sell one at Sic
In this regard great complaint is continually
heard, and miners, disheartened and disguised
at working for the seller of water alone, are
year after year deserving diggngs which would
pay good wages if water was furnished at rea-
sonable rate We think that ditch owners would
consult their own and the public interests by re-
ducing the price of water one-tbird or one-half
in most localities. 1t is certainly wiser policy to
sell water at one-half the present price thereby
encouraging an industrious population. than to
allow it to run to waste because miners can not
afford to pay the exhorbitant price now too often
required. The columns of the Journal are open
for the discussion Of this subject.
FESTIVITIES ELsEwHERE.-At several outside
points in the county the people assembled to en-
joy themselves in their own peculiar way The
residents of Lewiston and vicinity INDUCED in a
picnic excursion TO the top Of Trinity mountain