The Elk Mountain pilot., 1884-12-11
A cha7t@ On tho 1vn1 !. nine
Spectators and :

tend with is the so-called, and often
Fself-styled "experts," who come
around our mining camps. These
men are generally good takers. pre-
sent pleasing appearance, and very
courteous in their manner. They
soon convince the public that they can
control large capital.
Manyof these experts are good min
ers. and also understand the manipu-
latlon Of all classes of ore, and are
good practical and successful mana
gers of mining property These how
lever, are in the minority. The expert
most frequently met with is a man
sent out by wealthy capitalists, who
instruct him to examine mine, select
ore, ascertain the quantity Of ore On
the dump, the extent of developments
cost of transportation to and from, the
mine. and all facts pertaining to the
matter. They know as we'll as he that
his experience as miner or manager
of mines has been very limited, and
no reliance can be placed upon his
judgement, but if he only places the
facts before them they will be able to
Judge for themselves. He also reports
upon what terms the mine can be
bought, and Of course has an opinion
to express.
They frequently instruct him to off,
er certain price for nine, or not to
exceed stated sum, allowing him no
discretion in regard to closing bar
gain.
| One method which has been in
vogue among the capitalists of San
Francisco and Virginia City for sever
al years is source of great annoyance
to miners. A firm will hear of a new
and partially developed property, and
will select some favorite who happens
to be idle, vino, although possessed Of
good business qualifications, is devoid
of mining experience, and will send
him out to make an examination.
His time will be limited; he goes upon
the ground and makes hurried ex-
animation; politely tells the owners
that their mine is not sufficiently de.
veloped to justify sale ar the prices
asked, ar perhaps informs them. that
in his opinion they have no mine,
nothing but blossom; nothing that
would justify the erection of reduction
works. He will talk in very satisf-
ed manner Of the minerals of the
country rock; dwell upon the disad
yantages in working the mine, and,
after satisfying that himself he has
convinced the community that he is a
man of some Importance, returns to
his principals and makes to them full
and favorable report. If they are
convinced the mine IS a good one, or
that they can handle the stock to
good advantage; or, in other words,
place the mine in such shape that the
profits 10 b. derived from the invest
ment becomes an uncertainty, thereby
creating a gambling scheme, then
they will proceed to make the pur-
chase, something after the following
manner:
They send another man, stranger
of course, to the owners of the mine,
and man of experience in the man
agement of mines and the manipUla-
ton of sto ks. This man pretends he
is representing small firm who would
like to put up mill for an interest IN
a mine, or will have some project not
leading to direct purchase of the
mine. He will so work upon the
nine owners that they will make
bargain for mill, or come down IN
their price, and often consent to the
bonding Of the mine to him for term
of SIX months. This is what his firm
have desired; now they are safe. Once
bonded to them, although standing in
his name, their gambling operations
begin and only to cease when the
mine passes from all semblance to
mine, or even until its name fades
from memory.
The uninitiated may ask, "What is
wrong in bonding? Is it not legiti-