Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-11-29
A TERRITORIAL MINING SCHOOL

The Wood River Times appreciates the
fact that the life and prosperity of its
own locality and OF the rich Territory OF
Idaho depends upon the mining indus
try. 1t shows itself to be a wide-awake
representative of that rich district and of
the mining interest generally, by insist
ing upon the necessity Of speedy estab-
lishment OF Territorial School OF Mines.
AS its arguments apply with great force
to Utah, we quote from its columns:
Our mines are but mere prospects, our
vein formations an unknown book, the
methods of reduction employed mere expert
ments. If we had a properly equipped
school of mines, much that is now dark IN
this growing industry would be made light,
and many of the failures of the day would
not be. Our prospectors and miners, who
are ever on the lookout for new ideas bear
ing upon their vocation, would cheerfully
devote the long winter months to the acquire
| ment of the theoretical knowledge OF that
which they have hitherto only studied
| from the exposed surface of the rocks and
the almost inaccessible Businesses of the
| mountains. Our youths, who are growing
up within reach of untold millions of hidden
wealth, would eagerly seize the proffered
opportunity to easily and cheaply learn the
| theory and practice of q science which
others have vainly expended millions to
master. The assaying, testing and samplinR
| departments could also be proftably opened,
free of charge, to all having ores to be
assayed or tested-in small lots, of course
A fireproof building is needed in Utah
in which the present useless Territorial
library could be safely preserved and
made practically useful, besides furnish
ing accommodations in the winter season
at least, for a course OF lectures, will
illustrations, experiments and practica
studies in connection with metallurgy
and mining. Private contributions hav,
been literally made for the defunct min
ing institute and other movements in aiC
of our leading industry. The time ha
fully come for public appropriation
which could undoubtedly be supple
mented by liberal private subscription
in aid Of the permanent establishment O
Territorial school OF mines.
We have local scientific and practical
talent, which might be pressed into tht
service at small expense and with grea
benefit. Within reach of the business
and generous men OF our community, arr
facilities and opportunities to hasten tht
development OF our mineral resources
and to fix the status OF Salt Lake City a
the greatest mining metropolis and or,
market in the world. 1t is but ques
ton OF time when the most extensive
metallurgical works on the continent
will be established in this valley
Railroads already built and to be
built to and through this city, will
make it the greatest inland railroad centre
west OF the Rocky Mountains. And thi'
in spite OF public and private lack o
enterprise absolutely astounding. ThC
rule of a barbaric clan OF priestly Ishmael
ties, whose highest ambition is to bleed
and not affiliate with railroad-buildns
and mine-opening Gentiles, has resteC
like an incubus upon every great publ,
interest in this Territory. The spirit o
freedom and a desire to move abreas
with the world, reaches and affects the
more intelligent young men OF the Nor
mon fraternity, and it is for them as vel
as others that we ask for the establish
ment OF School of Mines.