, 1867-06-07
Taxing Mining Properly.

millions annually, and, wisely handled, it is
believed that they can be made to yield still
more. They cannot be exhausted during the
next century; but we should, for our own
sakes, strive to develop as much of their
wealth as possible during our own day and
generation. A large and thriving population
in our mining regions would furnish a handy
market for our agricultural produce. II
would benefit our commerce, and, in fact,
every interest. 1t should, then, be our aim
to encourage, as much as possible, mining
enterprises. 1t is well known that while
often they yield the largest and most PrO6>
table returns, mining investments on the
whole are attended with more risks-are
more dangerous-than other investments.
The risks of loss are more frequent than the
chances of profit, though when the latter do
occur they turn out greater fortunes than can
be roal;sAd f-os. aSy vtlIer business. Owing,
tnen, TO the great risks attending mining en-.
terprises, we should, having proper regard
for all other interests, aud knowing that
those interests can only thoroughly thrive as
the mining interests prosper, strive to en>
courage the investment of capital il the work
Of developing our mining resources. Much
has been said in favor Of heaping more taxes
upon mining property. Is it not the part of
good policy to relieve it from taxation as
much as possible? If money invested in
mining property should not be taxed until
it began to yield a profit, would not more
money be invested in thst direction2 Men
hesitate long to invest $4,000, or $780, 600
in property upon which they must pay
taxes, when such property is not very sure
to yield any return. Men might invest mon
ey in doubtful enterprise holding out some
promise of reward, if they were not certain
of being taxed for investing it in one which
will not pay anything. Men might invest
$4,000, 10000, or $4,000 in a concern if
they were not compelled to pay an additional
sum for the privilege in the shape Of taxes.
Would it not, then, be wise policy for us to
say that neither mining claims nor mining
expenses shall be taxed To say to the
wOrld-GO invest your money in mines, open
them, erect machinery thereon, and we will
not tax you except on your profits That
is to say, if party expcnds $4,000 on
mine and machinery, he shall not be taxed
for that; and if, independent of the interest
on such investment, he shall expend 81 900
a week to take out 81 900, he shall not be
taxed for that sum but that upon all he
takes uut, over and above onrrent ca xoousoo,
exclusive Of interest on cost of mine and ma
chinery, he shall pay a certain tax? Would
not such policy encourage people to invest
money in our mines and would it not in
short time add double to the revenues now
collected from mining property, as we'll es
quadruple the general prosperity? We hon.
estly think it would, though in days past we
have held contrary opinions. We throw out
these suggestions as to the non-taxation of
mining property, in the hope that they will
be considered in broad and liberal spirit,
believing that the principle suggested is one
which, if put in practice, will rebound to the
best interests Of the whole country.
-
SOUTHERN RELIEF FUND.-We notice by
our exchanges that liberal contributions are
being made all over the Pacific coast, for the
relief of the suffering people of the South.
1
In the Boise Basin an active interest has been
taken in this noble charity, and the result
has been liberal contributions for the relief
Of those who are bone of our bone and flesh
Of our flesh. The southern country was des-
olated by war, and now before they have
time to recover from that great calamity, they
are visited by famine If ever the cup Of
human misery was full, the people of the
South are in that condition, aud hence it is
that we again suggest that some measures
be taken by our citizens for their relief.
| With little effort, Walla Walla might con.
tribute al least one thousand barrels of -four
to the relief Of their starving Southern breth-
ren. A contribution of this kind would at
once be6t the prOverbial liberality of our peo>
pie, and would only be Casting our bread
upon the water, to be returned to US after
many days"
SoUND.-Thurlow Weed, who has recent
ly taken editorial charge of the New York
Commercial, says: We are in the second
phase of the rebellion--a phase in some of
its aspects more alarming than the first.
Two years have been used up in disproving
what it cost four years to establish, viz I:
that the Union is indissoluble. We fought,
said the Radicals, to maintain the integrity
Of the Union p" we we're victorious and now
these same Radicals declare that the Union
is dissolved; that the Southern States are
out Of the Union; that the right of secession
is an admitted aud established doctrine. If
it is not the Southern States are in the
Union a I'd entitled to all the constitutional
rights and privileges of the Northern States.
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The summer session of Con0rasa IL Ekelv