The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-04-18

In July next an important meeting
of mining men will be held in Salt
Lake to consider many questions OF
pressing interest to the industry in
all its phases, says the Mining World,
of Butte, Mont. Originally organized
as the International Gold Mining con-
gress, the word gold has been elimi-
mated from its title and its next con-
vention will be Hberalized into a
broader review of the industry At
the meeting in Denver last year a
committee was appointed to draft a
revision of the federal mining laws
and, report back to the forthcoming
session. Il will therefore be seen that
the meeting which will be held in Salt
Lake July 6, Z. and 9, foreshadows the
conclusions of mining men as to the
changes which congress will be asked
TO make in laws affecting all branches
of the industry. 1t is more than likely
that the views of the forthcoming
body when definitely crystallized into
form will be the basis for future
federal legislation. Its Importance,
when viewed in this light, can scarcely
be over estimated, for the industry
will be benefited by its wisdom or suf
fer from its lack of wisdom, as may
be, to a degree that can hardly be
realized in advance.
One of the important functions of
the mining congress will be concert of
action to secure a. federal bureau of
mining with a secretary who will be
cabinet officer. A measure of this
character of infinite Importance to
the industry, can acquire momentum
only through the action of a mining
congress representative of the inter
eStS of mining men generally. Through
such a medium it has a political signi-
flcance that viii entitle it to the Seri-
Gus consideration of law makers who
wish to conserve the best interests of
a great industrial factor of the coun-
try. Aside from formulating a code
of laws for the approval of congress,
and taking such steps as are possible
toward the creation of a mining
bureau, the forthcoming meeting prom
ises to exercise no little influence in
securing concessions of valuel to the
industry, notably a reduction of the
tariff on cyanide and other chemicals
that now enter so largely into the
treatment of ores.
Last but not least it is hoped that
the Salt Lake gathering will lead up
to greater uniformity of plans and pur-
poses among mining and mill men
throughout the country, that the best
results may be attained by all and
the industry placed upon more
profitable basis. The tendency of the
times is toward concentration of effort
the discovery of the best methods
and unanimity in following them.
Along all other Industrial lines THU
plan is observed and why not in the
mining and treatment Of ores? That
the July convention will do much to
bring about this result we confidently
hope.
At the request of the governor of
Utah the governor of Montana has
appointed delegates to represent this
state in the mining congress. Happily
his excellency has made very credit
able selections throughout, and there
is not a man on the list who will not
reflect credit on the commonwealth
whose interests he will serve. The
Montana delegation is composed chiefly
of prominent mine owners and mill
men of wide experience and large
abilities While the list could not have
been strengthened in its personnel. the
governor might with propriety have
named some we'll known prOspectors
in addition to others on the roster, to
represent that phase of the industry.
The fact is the prospector is the
pioneer of the mining industry. &C
cupying a position essentially different
from that of the successful mine
owner and mill man in the matter of
federal legislation. He requires a de-
gree Of protection, and a measure OF
liberal treatment, too often overlooked
in the pressure of the larger interests
of the mine owner. The distinctions
are too well understood in mining cir
cles 70 require discussion. However,
the character and breadth of the men |
on the delegation named are a guaran- |
tee of the faithful execution of the
trust reposed in them and the careful i
of every interest, great
or small. that may come in under the |
limits of the mining industry