The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1894-09-08
MINES.

In this state mining claims are ex-
empt from taxation. Why this should
be we have meyer heard just reason
given? Why man or combination of
men should be allowed to possess min
ing claims in this state, from which
thousands Of dollars are taken every
year, and not pay cent of taxes there
on is beyond our comprehension? A
great many of the large mines, or q
goodly portion of the stock are owned
by aliens, and but few of these proper
ties are held by men in the state.
Many of these mines are valued at
thousands of dollars, and The total valua-
ton Of mines in the state would approx
innate millions Of dollars. The output
of these mines even in a year of de-
preston, of gold and silver alone was
something over five millions of dollars.
The greater portion of this money
leaves the state. Now the output of
these mines should be taxed, also al
patented claims in the state. The
arguments advanced against the tax
alton Of these mines are, that it would
drive capital out Of the state, and fur
Their, would reduce the wages of the
mine operatives. We rather suspect
these arguments are fallacious. Every
man and great many women, who
own property in this state pay 4 just
proportion OF their property for the
maintenance and perpetuation of
its government and do they re-
ceiye any more protection than the
mine owner? Are they leaving the
state because they are justly taxed?
We rather suspect not. Neither will
tbe,mine owner. The railroads, tele-
grsph, telephone, and the irrigation
canals are taxed, as well a. the farmers.
Dosw6 witness q general exodus of
these men. We do not. Would any of
these mines close down? Would they
redacs8hs wages of their operatives.
Tos bR these questions We can
answ1 TO- We will 70 further and
say that the mine owners have de-
manded and received moro protection
than the taxpayer. The militia has
never been called out to suppress riots
among the farmers, and yet they are
forced to pay the expenses Of these un-
lawful demonstrations. The mine own.
ers win not reduce tho wages Of their |
operatives simply because they are |
forced to pay . just proportion Of the
taxes. Why, such an argument is sb-
surd. We wish to call the attention Of
the legislators that the time has passed
when such specious arguments will be
absorbed By the intelligent class Of our
citizens. This is one Of the things in
our state which should be righted.
The report Of the governor of Idaho toI
The secretary OF the interior, Of 1885.
'ays: "When attention il also called
70 the fact that our mines are
not taxed, and that these represent an
annual product Of @l4,O00,O0O and AZ
Investment Of $50,0oO,O0O," etc. With
he above facts before us, and the status
II. affairs have not changed, we rather
Inspect 1t would not be a bad idea to
evy m equal assessment upon their
the same ~ that levied on
'ther properties in tho state, and fur
her that . license be put upon the out
'ut similar to that placed upon our
that even q little corner
andy store must pay to do business IN
be state. We hope these questions
I'LL be investigated, and II right and
ast. agitated by our voters and tax
ayers. Equal justice to al.