The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1896-03-05
MINERS ARE AGAINST IT
Proposed Tax on British CoIum-
bia Ores Brings Out Protest.
TWO PR CENT IS TOO MUcf
Such an Tmpost on the Gross Value Of
Quartz VIII WORK a Last
ing Injury.

Rossland, B. c.. Feb. 27.--A large and
influential meeting of the mine owners
of the Trail creek district was held In
the opera house here last evening, and
the resolutions given below speak in
no uncertain sound on the proposed 2
per cent tax on the gross value of all
the ores mined in Kootenay:
THAT the meeting learns with sur
prise that 1t is the intention of the gov
eminent to impose a tax of per cent
on the assessed value of all ore or min
eral bearing substances raised, gotten
or gained from any lands in the prov
ince.
THAT as the processes of mining in
volve the expenditure of large capital
and highly skilled labor before profit
can be derived from the business, ant
as immense bodies of ore have to be
raised which can not be shipped, ano
which have, therefore, no immediate
commercial value, this meeting respect
fully and firmly submits that the impo-
sition of any such tax before the net
value is realized, is unjust and inequit-
able, and will work great hardship
among smaller claim holders struggling
to work their claims.
THAT no taxation of this industry
viii be accepted which does not take
into account the very variable expense
of mining, freight and smelling, ana
that, therefore, any and all imposts up
on the gross value of the ore are unfair
and unreasonable.
THAT the taxation of a young and
tentative industry in parts of the prov
ince bearing small comparison with its
whole area, is discrimination against
such industry In favor of other dis
tricts.
THAT the rate of 2 per cent sought
to be imposed is excessive, being two
thirds the amount OF the tax levied up
on wild lands in the purchase of which
but trihing sums have to be expended,
and which, as compared with the min
ing industry, to the development, prog
ress and well being of the province.
That the basis of taxation on this
industry should be the income from the
business, to be ascertained in the same
way as in other business
That the recent great developments
of mining enterprises in South Africa
West Australia and even In Ecuador
have been due to an enlightened ana
fostering policy OF exemption from
heavy taxation. and that no influx OF
British or foreign capital into British
Columbia can be expected in the face
of such legislation as is now proposed
That the discretionary powers pro-
posed to be given to the assessors arr
dangerous and likely to lead to grave
abuses, and that the cost of collection
by them would be extremely heavy. as
many as 10 or II being required in the
southern part of West Kootenay.
THAT standing committee of nine
be appointed to convey these resolu-
lions to the government, and to watch
all future proceedings affecting mines
and mining, and that such committee
consist OF w. j. Harris OF the lie Roi.
j osepn Clark. OF the War Eagle; G.. Il.
Crane, JOSEF Oliver Durant Center
Star; Jonn h. COOK Chn; &. N. Coop
er. Coles; A. b. Irwin, Kootenay; ID.
M. Linnard, Homestake; III. McNesh at
torney."
The above resolutions have been wired
to mine owners In every mining camp
in kootenay, and IL is now proposed
to get a deputation from every camp,
and take united action at once.
The above resolutions have also been
wired to the boards of trade at Victoria
and Vancouver.
The above resolutions echo the sentl-
ment of every man in camp, Canadian
and American alike.
During the meeting a telegram was
received from Nelson inquiring what
action was being taken here.