The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-01-23
MINERS ARE INDIGNANT.
Idaho Miners Protest Against the MInera l
Land Stenl.

! iusho miners Protest Against the Mlnera
Land steaI.
BOISE, Jan. Ex-Governor Mcconnell has
transmitted to the legislature a copy of
the resolutions recently adopted by the
miners OF Shoshone county protesting
against the effort of the Northern Pacific
TO steal mineral lands in north Idaho, ac-
companIed by letter in which he urges
the legislature to take immediate action
in the premises.
The resolutions, which were adopted at
a mass meeting of citizens of Wardner
| and vicinity, on Jan. 10. are as follows:
! WHEREAS, The Northern Pacific Railroad
/ company, In collision with Hoke Smith, secre-
| tary OF the Interior, and aided by the machinery
| OF the interior department, is engaged in an In
lqultons attempt to steal the mineral lands from
| the people TO whom they rightfuly belong, as is
| evidenced by the following facts:
First-Ghat on the request OF the commits
sloner OF the general land Office. Ju 80, 1884,
the bill then pending in the United States sem
ate 10 appoint a government commissioner to
examine and classify the mineral lands. was not
passed; that nearly a year before, viz, in Au-
gust. 1898, this same commissioner recon-
/ Inended the passage OF this bill; that the sud-
den and suspicious change OF front was met by
/ vigorous protest from Senator Power Con-
gresham Hartman and state Land Commits
sioner Irwin Of Montana, who unite in saying:
people have had their day i'm the highest court
of the land, and that court has detlared in I'M
mlstakable language that they and the United
States have as a right everything that was
claimed and in the face OF this declaration an
executive department OF the government goes
TO work and formulates rules and regulations so
directly contrary to its spirit as to. in effect,
nullify 1t; 1t Is then time to enact a measure so
plain that nothing will be left for a complaisant
min lsterial Offc r to mistake or pprvert"
Second-1hat the interior department and the
railroad company are guilty of collision and
sharp practice is plain from the following facts:
The rules and regulations preScr bed by the de-
partment were issued in July, 1894, but the rail-
road company waited until the severe winter
months OF December and January following to
take the 60 days necessary under the rules
When il is recalled that the mineral claimants
are compelled by these rules to prove mineral
on each 40 acres OF every section listed by the
railroad company in order to defeat their OBJ
tanning patents; when it is known that the bur-
den or proof and expense is thrown on the min
eral claimants, by compelling them to ascertain
the location Of claims and holdings with refer
ence TO section lines and subdivisions thereof;
when II is realized that in the greater number
OF Instances II is physical impossibity, owing
TO deep snow and stormy weather, to determine
the aforesaid section lines and subdivisions at
this season OF the year. the hardship and ex-
pense 10 be inf icted on mineral land owners be-
comes at once apparent. We would ais direct
attention TO the fact that the considerable act OF
congress relieving owners OF claims from assess
ment work for the year 1884, on account Of ex-
IRENE financial distress will become a hollow
mOckery If the railroad company is permitted to
accomplish its designs.
The conditions which prevailed then still ex-
list. In view OF the foregoing facts we ask the
Legislature OF Idaho to memorabilia congress for
immediate passage OF the Hartman mineral
Land bill.
Also that tho IoC{siatu-, ,,,i,~-t.o A.. .....,-
attorney TO at once cooperate with Montana
officials in taking the necessary steps restrain
ing the Interior department. from issu ny any
patents for mineral land to the Northern Pa
cfc until congress shall have determined what
Is mineral land and what is not.
w. f. GODDARD,
JAMES LYLE.
HARRY l.. DAY.
Committee.
Tho following is a copy of Governor Nc
Connell's letter of transmissal:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Jan. 10.
Mr.. President, Mr.. Speaker and Members Of
the Idaho Legislature.
GENTLEMEN-I herewith transmit copies OF
resolutions adopted at a meeting of the citizens
Of ShoshOne county. held in Wardner on the
10th inst. They will explain themselves.
think that your honorable bodies should
take the matter mp before you adjourn to-day
and m morialiZe congress as requested You
resolution nstructing the state land depart |
ment TO take such steps through our attorney
as will stay proceedings
Hundreds of men in the Occur d Allen es who |
are working for wages are holding prospects |
with a view OF being able some day TO devotion |
them In most cases no survey of these loca-
tions has been had, and the owners have not |
the means TO pay for running the necessary |
lines.
The ruling OF the department in Washington |
is particularly severe on the class OF men who |
are the le tst able TO stand it, Large mining |
corporations have in most cases secured patents |
on their claims and are able to protect them |
selves, hut the poor men who have gone in aud |
opened up ShOShOne county and who are with |
out means, are deserving of-and should have |
the protection of their state government at /
least II they cannot get that of the national de-
partment in Washington.
Your immediate attention should be Civ en- to /
this matter. Very respe fully yours.
W. j. MCCONNELL, Governor