Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1885-03-21

mining supplies of all kinds and pro-
visions, through active competition,
are cheaper, while miners wages alone
remain unmoved.
The decrease in the value OF silver
and lead is seriously felt by mine-own-
ers; and in the adjustment of values,
they think it but fair that the rate of
miners wages should be reduced from
II day, now prevailing.
The Minnie Moore and Queen of
the Hills. leading mines near Belle
vue, whose products are mostly So
called low-grade ores, but worth III
the market from $50 to $50 ton,
found it necessary to economic by
reducing expenses, among them min
ers' wages. The Miners Union in.
tertered, caused strike, and is pre-
venting any one from working in
those mines for less than 81 day.
Hence the enforced jdleness Of those
mines. The matter is now in the
courts. The outcome can not be
Observation-Disclosures must come to reas-
enable terms, or aiming operations
cease.
The average of all the ores shipped
from the mines runs about 125 ounces
of silver and GO per cent lead per
ton. About one.third is sacked clean
at the mines, and two-thirds shipped
from the various concentrating works;
for it may be said that, without crush
ing and concentrating mills, mining
would amount to but little in this part
of Idaho.
1t might be asked whether, with an
average of sucl, hi gh-grade ores, and
natural advantages for working, not
outstanding high charges for smelt-
ing, freight and labor, there is not a
very large margin for profit left.
CHARACTER OF WOOD RIVER VEINS.
To answer this fully, it is necessary
that the vein phenomena of the coun-
try should be taken into account and
explained. We are dealing with a
class of veins or zones that, though
avowcdly rich in places, are extremely
cratic. l know of no better region
to send mining student to than this
to learn of the geological ecccntrici-
ties both of the veins and the ore.
chutes or deposits in them.
After all ore-body is found, 1t is
something to keep with it. 1t ma.
shift latcra'ly, be thrown under, above
to the rear or in front, any or all ways
by slips, faults and cross. assures, Sc
that your previous work sometime:
may be wasted, and new plans anc
new operations involving new capita
become necessary. TO day, you thinl
you have fortune; Tomorrow, yo,
are surrounded by hard lime, with no
the slightest trace of vein or ore to b'
seen. These occurrences puzzle pros
pectors, mine owners and superintend
ems alike. Did they not exist, Woo
River AS mining field would stan'
second to but few mining district
ever opened.
. Two of +he hitherto most produc
, tive mines of this section are nov
wrestling with problem of this kint
They will no doube conquer, and re
sumo large shipments and earnings
hu, it upsets calculations, interfere
, not only with profits, but with work
ing expenses, and keeps those j
: charge in perpetual study to surnou'
$ present or coming difficulties. Thes
offset in part what would otherwise b
very large profits; but it must not b
inferred that mining here has not bee
} profitable. Such is not the case. Tn
history of the district shows mos
q excellent record for the amount {
time and capital invested.
Only five years back, all this regio
> was "a wilderness inhabited by 1t
y dians; and since then, such satisfa'
It tory developments have been made I
~ to attract wide attention among cap
taIists, as field for profitable invcs
ment.
e In my next letter, shall refer
h the most prominent mines worked.
d w.
g HALEY, Feb. "a, 1885.