Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1899-01-28
A Recognition of the Mining Industry

- s~N
Mr.. Chas. ID. Walcot, director of the
U. s. geological survey, after spending
much of the last two years in the min
ing districts of the west has lately re-
turned to Washington. Mr.. w. is a
close observer, not only of those things
which pertain to his immediate depart
ment, but to the wants and demands of
the west in general. 1t is his custom
land good one for a man in his posi-
tion) to interview the leading men of
the different industries which are being
pur sued in the sections of country
where his ayocation may call him. This
habit has let him to discover that the
mining interests ofthe mountain regions
west of the Missouri river are being
neglected, and far from receiving the
fostering care and attention en- the part
of the government which their growing
importance deserve. He has therefore
addressed communication to the SEN
ate committee on mines, and suggested
that the importance of the industry de-
manded some kind Of recognition on the
part of the government. Finding there
was but little chance of creating new
department at this time which would be
represented in the cabinet, he therefore
recommended that the committee re-
solve, that division of mines and min
ing be added to the department of the
geological survey. This has been done,
and joint resolution has already passed
the second reading and will no doubt
become law. The resolution in part
reads as follows:
Where's, The mining interests of the
United States, which yielded during the
calendar year eighteen hundred and
ninety-seven an increase to the nation g
wealth of five hundred and ninety-on
thousand dollars, have not clearly de-
fined representation in the organi zation
Of the government; and
Whereas, 1t is desirable that there
should be such representation for the
purpose of gathering and publishing
statistics relating to mines and mining
including the statistics of gold and ell
yer as mineral products from each State
and district, In addition 10 the statistics
now gathered by the director Of she
mint. and statistics in relation to labor
employed and wages earned in mines
and mining, and for the purpose of com
piling and publishing the laws relating
to prospecting, prospectors and mining
generally, and recommending revisions
of the same; and
Whereas, Mining and mineral statist.
les of all kinds should be simplified and
prompt publication be made of them
therefore
Resolved. BY the senate and house ol
representatives Of the United States ol
America In Congress assembled, that q
division Of mines and mining be, and ID
hereby established in the United States
geological survey for the purpose o.
gathering and publ hing statistics o.
the mineral resources of the United
States, including the products of gold
and silver based upon the actual mined
product Of each state, and statistics o
labor employed and wages earned In
mining operations, and making investi
cations In relation to mines and mining
generally, and publishing the results
thereof, and for the purpose of compil
ing and publishing the laws relating tc
prospecting, prospectors and mining
and recommending revisions of thu
same; and that there be appropriated
for the purposes of this division on,
hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Now, while this is not exactly wha
we desire, yet it is step in the righ
direction, and may serve to lead up to 6
better recognition of our needs and de
mands. 1t is welcome at this time, OF
the principle that where whole loa
cannot be had, "a slice is better than M
bread" We therefor hope that th'
resolution will pass and become law.