The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1869-11-03
THE ELKO INDEPENDENT.
WEDNESDAY,. NOVEMBER J, 1890.
Necessity Of a Miner. conventior.


Conventions appear to be the order Of the
day-poiitical State conventions, labor, eight
hour, nilroad, commercial, woman's rights,
wine growers and other conventions too nu-
merous to mention Why should not the
miners also hold n conventional State
convention. to represent the great mining
interests of this State, for the purpose Of codi-
flying and consolidating the various conflicting
laws and usages into one condensed and in
telligible whole. The inconveniences that
now daily arise in consequence of the general
confusion and misapprehension and contra
dictory character of the laws in relation to
this important interest, is now being felt and
acknowledged by all well-informed miners,
and all seem to agree that the formation Of a
general code of mining regulations should be
adopted and put in force, which would be
uniform in its character and operation. There
Is now no uniformity in the different districts,
and regulations in many places can scarcely
be proven; in some instances, two different
sets of regulations in the same district are os-
tensibly in force. A general code of laws for
the State would be beneficial to all. II is true
we have a Congressional law in relation to
this matter, but it is defective; it does not
provide for all the various details in the man
ner and mode of locating, holding and work
ing claims, and of determining the rights of
conflicting parties to the mines that may be
discovered. Therefore, il is to be hoped that
some permanent organization, representing
our mining interests, will be effected at an
early day, which will be IN authoritative ex-
preston of opinion on this highly important
question; and which will adopt a short and
concise code of laws in harmony with the ex-
listing Congressional law, and thereby save
much unnecessary litigation to those interest
ed in mines, which will assist in developing
the rich and extensive mineral deposits of
our State. II would induce capital 10 take
hold more readily than at present; for capital
is extremely sensitive to change Of laws that
will effect its relation to investment How
ever much Mexico may be considered behind
the present age, she is nevertheless in advance
of US il relation TO some Of her mining regu-
lations. Every ounce of silver taken from her
mines, up TO very late period, contributed
something to a fund, which was applied 10
the support of a mining college and to the en-
couragement Of enterprises for the develop
ment of the mineral resources of that country.
We had State law, some years since,
known as the Banks Mining Law. but it was
not found applicable to the wants of miners,
and therefore was repealed by the Legislature
The only good feature in that law was a pro-
vision for small revenue for the support of a
mining college. The mining clause OF it was
not sufficient within itself 20 save the law
from universal condemnation.
Why should not the miners Of this State be
able to sustain yearly meeting or organize
ton for their mining welfare? 1t would te a
grand center for collecting as well as for i'm
parting and interchanging information in
relation to the manner and mode of conduct
ing and working the mines Of the State, with
view OF making them less precarious and
uncertain business. They could collect an
extensive library locating it at some central
and convenient point, for instance, Elko,) APP
pertaining to the business which it represents.
and from this centre of influence it would give
dignity to their occupation, and power to
their class, thereby creating a mutual interest.
confidence and harmony between capital and
labor. ..... . ..........
The discoveries and inventions OF the miners
of Nevada have been so wonderful, their en-
terprise so bold and extensive, and the result
of their labors so great, that it is matter OF
regret that they have not organized hereto.
fore and underworld to work for .he credit,
influence, and the whole mining interest as
well as for an immediate profit. An organizn-
ton Of this kind would command the conf
dence and respect Of the whole community
AID be Of much permanent good whereas
organizations that are local in their character
and narrow in their scope of operations, nusi
fail tn be OF any permanent benefit TO the
miner, the capitalist, or the laboring man.