The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1892-07-16
Helena Mining Congress.

Helena Mining Congress.
The mining congress met at
, Helena, Montana, last Tuesday.
Ex-Governor Hauser called the
meeting to order by introducing
Chairman-elect Chase, who, in his
Introductory speech made some
very opportune remarks in regard
to Che question Of free silver money
now before the representatives in
the national legislature. The chair
man was followed by = speech of
welcome to the delegates by Gov.
Toole. We publish below the re-
marks made by the gentlemen
named on the opening ofthe mining
congress-:
thank the gentlemen Of the executive
committee for the honor conferred.
wish to cay that the time of the congress
il opportune, while the question of free
silver money is before the representatives
of all the people IN the national Iegisla-
ture. The attendance upon this congress
is not 20 large ~ hoped, because many
representative men are now At Washing
ton in the interest of silver. There We
are all looking for the needed relief for
the monetary condition Of the country.
With those who are striving for this re-
lief am enlisted heart and soul. If the
people Of the silver producing states stand
together, they will surely effect the ulti.
mate redemption Of debased currency.
Helena may be proud to have been chosen
al the meeting place of this important
assemblage. We all have reason to thank
ex Governor Hauser and his associates
for the cordial reception accorded, and
for the beautiful decorations of the i'm
posing assembly hall. am delighted
with the evidences of prosperity of your
state, which is naturally fitted to lead IN
the present great conflict.
Mining is now attracting the attention
of the whole world. 1t is y source of
permanent prosperity and wealth which
if cut off altogether would take away one
of the strong arms of conquering civiliza.
ton. An important question to be dis
cussed here is the effect of free coinage
upon the producer and the miner himself.
Gentlemen of the congress, hold gavel
Of solid silver. 1t fitly represents the
sentiments / maintain. / would not cir
culate q dollar one whit less pure and
would strike from its face the words
ain God We Trust" trust the delib-
erations of this body will be harmonious
and productive of great good to the ma
ton. / have the honor to present to you
Governor Toole Of Montana; he needs no
Introductory words of mine. He Is an
executive in whom you may feel pride
as great as the measure of your affection.
Governor Toole said:
We realize that many delegates here
pesent have come long and tedious jour-
neys to attend this congress in our young
city. To all Of you who have honOred Us
with your presence We tender hearty
welcome. The great West has contributed
much to the wealth and welfare of the
nation, but has received little recognition
for its services. Panoplied in the new
strength of statehood we now have an vp-
portunity of presenting and maintaining
our rights. The claims We shall make in
the heart of great and productive min
eral district will be founded on the
substantial demands of justice. 1t is
probable many divergent views will be
presented here. To me 1t seems that
many present difficulties before the c0un-
try owe then existence to the inadequate
volume of collateral. We hope to become
more enlight ed as the deliberations of this
important council progresses. Among
the rguments against free silver legisla-
ton, it has been averred that Europe will
dump upon our shores the whole OF its
product. This has been widely accepted
as true. 1t is related that Charles III.
submitted to the council of his ministers
the question, "Why dead fish is heavier
than live one9" Many sapient theories
were adduced by the wise ministers to
prove it. At length one said to the king
ais it true that dead fish is heavier than
live one2" Now" said the king, 'you
are on the right track" Is it true that the
influx of foreign coin will be greater in
volume than is safe and necessary for our
needs2 Is it not mere apparition that
simply affrights US without reason2
Were in Washington might make q
free silver speech, but in Montana, where
I seldom have enough of this white metal
in my pockets to make rattle, my financial
views are not widely sought. Remedies
may be presented here for many existing
evils in the currency question. great
problem also presents itself IN the present
unfortunately strained relations between
capital and labor. There il prevalent u
political philosophy which declares that
these evils must right themselves. 1t il
true that 3 per cent of mankind own
two-thirds of the earth and ! am credu-
lous enough to believe that no power can
now measure the dimensions of the ccm-
ing dissensions. These questions will
come before you, and l am confident OF
the wisdom and moderation Of your coun-
ellis. hope the result Of them may meet
the approval of the whole country.
extend you again hearty welcome
on behalf of our state.
]. w. GARRArr of St. Louis, Mo-,
D. G. Simonson of Louisville, KY,
and w. Simonson, of Alliance. Neb.,
arrived in Ketchum last Saturday.
Mr.. CARAT is the manager Of the
Gold Mining and Milling Company,
having headquarters at East st.
Louis, Ill. The company own the
Fourth of July group of mining
claims and reduction works at Gus
ter. The three gentlemen left here
last Sunday on tour OF inspection
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