The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-08-03

SEATTLE, TUESDAY, AUGUST 8.
MINERS PRIVILEGES IN CANADA.

The victor.ans are mistaken as TO the
motives OF Seattle merchants and Amer
lean prospectors- They want no undue aa-
vantages. nor do they complain OF the
levy Of a duty upon American goods taken
into Canadian territory for sale The only
fault they find Is with the unfair imposi-
tons laid upon miners. Il has been an
unwrittsn law for many years that pros
pectors outfit or a settlers outfit should
he free Of duty in either Of the two eoun-
tries. This comfy had fs selfish side. but
since IL was a reciprocal arrangement both
have benefited
Canada and the new Northern and West
ern states have sought 10 encourage i'm
migration whether the object was devel-
opment of mineral or OF agricultural re-
sources That development has been Of In
caicnlable bSneft 10 the entire Northwest.
the British colonies profiting fully much
"a the states along their border.
II now seems 10 be the height OF in
Justice to arbitrarily and suddenly enforce
duty upon miners outfits In such way
ard with such short notice that many will
have their kits. comprising often all they
own In the world. confiscated because OF
their inability 10 meet an entirely uaex-
peeted cash outlay.
There has also been complaint OF the
oncroas terms proposed by the govern
naent OF the Northwest Territory. The
Journey TO the Yukon Is so ;oilsome and
the cost OF getting to II SO great that few
men would undertake il without the ex-
pectatior Of an exceptional reward. The
penalties To be paid In cost of preparation
for the journey. the life of hardship and
self-denial. the enormous cost OF provis-
Ions and all necessary material FORM only
part OF the burden Of the enterprise
The chances OF securing any return
whatever is an additional reason why
men should be encouraged and not har-
aFsea by restrictions and disheartened by
having 10 pay exorhitant royalties For
the right 10 mine and fer the protection
afforded ~ the Canadian government 10
fae miners Ia their lives and property
there should he "A reasonable tor I,
cannot he maintained that royalty If
II I-r cent. 70 - per cent. is a reasonable
requ!rem mt Many men have spent years
IN frnitiess search. suffering ali the rig
ors OF An Alaskan winter. and many more
viii ps abahiy do Tire same. Hundreds OF
thousands Of dollars will 10 spent In vain
prospecting. IL the sum Of sn these losses
Of time and money could be deducted
from the aggregate OF wealth dug With
Infinite toll from the frozen earth. the
royalty might not b. unreasonable, but
supposed only on the assets OF a lucky
few. II cannot bat provoke feeling OF
resentment.
The United States government has man
hested a readiness 90 meet the convent
enc. OF the Csnadans-which, in this
ease, means that chiefly OF the Vietorisns
by promptly establishing supports o.
entry a. pisces where American traaic
does not need them ana e has RICH; 10
SIX for Ia miners continuance OF
those regulations which have 50 long been
maintained
There Is probability q annie bust
r~sS for both American ard Canadian
merchants. ard this can be- fasserea
% tic advantage Of both II a spirit or rau-
tual accommodation prevails New that
the Canadians have had time 20 reflect
upon the harshness and unfa.rness of
their exceptional action. ana the burst OF
Indignation With which lt was naturally
received has subsidized. 81 may b. horra
ihat an understanding VIII be reached
without recourse 20 the retsNRtorY raors-
Gscs which both countries mlsht ba PRO
sokcd Into taking
The memorial 10 tAe secretary OF TIA
treasury adopted last u3Eet hy tas sss.-
tie Chamber q CoFHnercs aoes no more
than rec.te the facts ard ask for a go
newSl % friendly relations or for che
adoption % such measures "a shalt pre-
Heat Canadians having an ADVANTAGE oy ~
AFnevtcsos no; consistent w5th tAe so,3
understanding that has hitherto extate,4