, 1885-02-13
AN EXPERT TALKS.
An Interview With the Leading
GeoIogist of the Day.
Lack of Railroads Retards Wyom.
ing's Development.
Cheap Ores and the Present Value
of Mines.

geologist and mining expert, recently ar
rived in the city from Colorado. 1t wa.
believed his visit to this territory was one
Of either general or special examination Of
the mines of this region, and therefore
he was interviewed last evening by d
reporter of The LEADER.
Mr.. Ricard is perhaps the leading
mining expert of the world, and certain
ly is without a peer on this hemisphere.
He was stationed at Eureka, New, for
several years. and of late has been en-
gagged in mining operations in Old and
New Mexico, Colorado and California.
He now resides at Berkeley, Cal, but
travels extensively. He has examined
many of the richest mines in the old and
new worlds, and upon his reports millions
Of dollars have been invested, or contem-
templated purchases withdrawn. accord
ing the advice he gave in the promises.
Mr.. Ricard was found at the Rail
road hotel He is a middle-aged man Of
medium size and apparently of German
parentage. He greeted the reporter
kindly and entered readily into conversa-
ton. In regard to the object Of his visit
he seemed disinclined to go into particu-
lars. but stated that he did not come
hither with the purpose of examining
mines at this time.
In a general way. what is your opin-
ion Of Wyoming mines2" was asked.
you doubtless have some large bodies
Of ore in this territory" was the reply.
but you need better railroad facilities.
Copper is now very cheap and in order
to mine it probably, the transportation
to market must be at once convenient
and inexpensive.
How about iron2"
THE same rule also applies to iron
mining. 1t is mined and handled in
large quantities, however, and if a man
can make a dollar, or even fifty cents on a
ton, he will do a money making business. -
Have you examined the silver or gold
prospects of this ~region2"
"Only incidentally. OF course if you
get paying silver or gold mines here you
will come into prominence as a mining
region"
Wyoming has suffered one obstacle
in the development of her mineral re-
sources. The territory has been one of
the least known and least advertised Ia
the union. Has not the development
been retarded on this account"
Undoubtedly. Still the advertise
ment of copper or iron ore mines will not
accomplish much now. owing to the
~cheapness of those ores"
DO you not find mining dull all over
the country"
mo indeed. The day has gone by
when a mine containing ore worth 500
will sell for 800, 900. Men now pay just
about the value Of the ore in the mine,
and often deduct the expense of mining,
milling and marketing it. | do not ex-
pect to sec any 'stampedos'' for a long
time, for mining has settled down to a
legitimate business, like farming or rais-
ing cattle
ut is presumed the object Of your visit
here is to examine mines. The readers
ofTHE LEADER will be pleased 10 hear of
any plans for the development of the
mines of Wyoming, or to learn of any
facts about the mines"
Il occasionally come to Wyoming. /
came this time to see several Cheyenne
gentlemen. on other business, and will
leave tomorrow.
"In a general and random way. what is
your opinion of the mineral resources of
this ~territory2"
81 have hardly formed an opinion.
The territory need railroads. The depos-
its OF copper and iron are doubtless large,
yet little can be accomplished
until they can be brought
into successful and business like COMPETE
ton with Eastern mines. Ore is a pro-
duct, ike cotton, or corn, or cattle. and
competition is a factor which cannot be
ignored. If productive silver or gold
mines are found here, the territory would
at once become prominent as a mining
region. / have but little time for pleasure
trips, but l hope to make a tour Of Wyo-
ming some day in order to obtain a gen.
eral idea Of its mineral formations At
present 1 can tell you nothing of special
interest"
Mr.. Ricard was evidently not at liberty
OF not disposed to reveal the details Of his
visit at this time. Incidentally he in
quired about the reduction works at
Laramie, and shortly afterwards retired
to his room.
He was entertained at the club yester-
day and to-day will go to Denver. AS he
cannot afford to travel upon business
errands of minor importance it is believed
something is in the wind" Mr.. Ricard
is a counsellor whose advice in his pro-
fession IS considered standard authority
and whose Judgment is unquestioned.
lie it was who examined certain Mexican
mines several years ago and received a
fee of $4,000 for his services. 1t will be
seen that his visit to this city is quite
likely one of importance.
A Fast Freight.