, 1886-02-14

per lead, mica, iron, coal, oil and many
other varieties, which are known to exist
within its limits, than in Wyoming. These
cannot fail to attract capital aud labor
from within and without the territory for
their development, and to this end laws
should be enacted which shall fully define
the rights of these engaged, or may here
after engage in mining pursuits.
Capital, like labor, when seeking EN-
ployment, is always Jealous of the legal
safeguards thrown around it, and its first
inquiry is when entering a new field,
what are the laws protecting and regulat-
ing the industrial interest in which it
seeks employment.
Many of the provisions of this bill are
embodied in the mining laws of Colorado
and Montana to-day, especially the sec
ton which provides hat the width of a
lode claim shall be but 300 feet, except
when a vote of the qualified electors OF
the county where such claim be located,
shall enlarge or diminish it, not exceeding
GOO feet, as now fixed by the laws of the
United States. If this provision works
satisfactory in similar mining regions on
the north and south of us, what valid OBJ
lection can be urged against it in Wyo-
ming
For the purpose of collating a general
mineral and mining law for the territory
as complete as may be, the important
provisions of tie United States laws have
been Incorporated in this bill as a matter
of convenience of those desiring to know
all the important laws, congressional or
territorial, relating to the mining interest
Of the territory. Having been engaged in
mining in Wyoming for many years, |
feel, in common with others similarly en-
gagged, that a general law defining and
regulating this important and growing in
dustry should be enacted, and where the
bill under consideration fails to perfect it,
succeeding Legislation eau remedy the
defects, as the development of this great
industry shall suggest, therefore, | trust
this Measure may be lavorably con
sidered."
The bill provides Il large plumber
of regulations for locating a mining
claim and penalties for not observ-
ing them, for failing to protect the mouth
a shaft and for sailing mines. For the
latter offense the penalty is that of felony,
The office of commissioner of mines is
created, and the territorial geologist is
created ex oficio commissioner, with a
travelling expense of 5000 per annum and
the owe to appoint two deputies for
special emergencies at s. per day. The
bill was amended in several minor parti-
c%ulars, and to it was added a section pro-
viding that none of the provisions of the
act shall apply to coal mines. 1t was also
made the duty of the mine commissioner
to inspect personally every mine once in
six months. The bill was recommended
for passage.
Two bills, not printed, giving corpora
items further power, were recommended
for passage.
Mr.. Kelley's bill to amend the act to
create a lien for mechanics and others,
was recommended for passage.
The next bill created much discussion.
1t repeats the present exemption law as to
wages. Messr. Kelley, Kerr, Robins
and others spoke in favor of the bill, and
Messrs. Downey, Seaton, Keeie and
Tompkins opposed it. The committe
had reported it adversely. Motions to
report back the bill from the committee
of the whole with recommendation for
passage and also that it do not pass, were
both defeated. Then Mr.. Kerr moved
TO amend the section of the code referred
to so that the time of exemption Of wages
shall be twelve months. This was lost.
The bill was then reported back with
the recommendation that it do not pass,
The committee arose and the report was
received.
Both houses adjourned to Monday at
IL O'Clock.