Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1904-04-23
Department Of Commerce Makes
Public a Communication from
|. S, Consul Kaiser.
LAWS GOVERNING TITLES
Are Strict Americans Need Have 10
Fears Property aud Life as Safe
There as Anywhere


ing much valuable information con-
corning the mining laws OF Mexico.
This was impaired to the department
by United States Consul Kaiser, now
stationed at MaSatlan. on the west
coast Of the southern republic He says:
From the numerous letters received
at this consulate within a few months
regarding Information relative to mines
and the mining laws OF this republic
governing this most important indus
try, | thought II would be OF value and
interest to the many Americans who are
expecting to make investments In Mex
leo to give the most important sections
OF the mining law, which Is generally
considered very just law, especially so
for foreigners who wish to purchase
mines In this republic.
Many foreign investors are fearful
OF the law governing titles and re-
cording them properly. These fears
are absolutely groundless, as the
notaries public Of Mexico, who record
all documents and deeds In the public
record books, are very conscientious
as well as very strict In the discharge
Of their duty.
These officials, nearly all OF whom
are attorneys, must pass through reg
ular course Of study and are held per-
sonally liable for all errors or mistakes
they make. The lawyers are very proud
OF their title, 'llcenciado," which title
always follows their signature. They
are compelled to study for II years
and have 10 undergo a very strict ex-
animation before being admitted to
practise law.
Nearly all the mines worked on
strict business principles are paying
good dividends, and many failures that
are usually attributed to Mexico are In
reality due to lack of ability and want
OF knowledge Of mining business on the
part Of the operators.
From careful personal investigation
| find that there Is over S25, 900 900
Mexican invested by Americans In the
state OF Sinaloa alone.
While some Of the best mines on
In Sinaloa, yet Sinaloa Is less devel-
oped than most Of the other states,
owing to the entire lack OF railroad
transportation to the interior as we'll
as TO the United States,
This serious drawback is now par
TALLY relieved by the building Of the
Kansas City, Mexico and Orient rail-
road, which has just finished the first
100 miles from Topolobampo. the
western terminus, to Fuerte, both Of
the places being located In the state
Of Sinaloa.
THE international Railroad company
has now completed its surveys from
Durango to this port (Mazatlan) and
have learned from good authority
that the work OF grading the road will
be commenced very shortly. The
largest part Of Snaloa Is principally
mineral country. and almost all
classes Of mines are found within the
State-gold, silver, copper, and lead;
also some good placer mines, but the
latter are not much developed as yet.
"All statements made by the num-
erous promoters Of mines, as well as
many reports in newspapers published
both here and In the United States,
should be accepted with caution and
Il will be TO the interest of investors
TO make examinations either personal.
ly or through some reliable business
house near the mine, as far as relates
10 the reported value OF prospects,
transportation facilities, and water
rights, have known several In
stances where mine buyers, accom-
panied by expensive experts. came
here to examine mines, which they
found almost worthless
Life and property are as safe In
this republic as In the United States,
and the laws OF the country are re-
spected, There Is no prejudice against
Americans. On the contrary, they are
cordially welcomed and kindly treated
by all classes. Those contemplating
investment should not come here dur
ing the rainy season. viz from July to
November 10, as little or no outdoor
work can be done during that time;
besides the climate conditions are
very unhealthy at that season.
"One Of the most important factors
in favor OF United States investors,
and one which should not be lost sight
of, Is native labor The laborlng class
tpeons) are as a rule. a contented and
happy people, Their wants are few;
they are good workmen--docile and
easily managed II their confidence Is
gained they become an important
factor In making mining profitable.
THE laws Of Mexico are very strict
against persons who interfere with or
try to prevent others from working.
and suca interference is promptly and
severely punished
strikes are almost unknown In Mex
leo, and when a short time ago some
railroad employees threatened to in
augurate a strike unless their demands
were complied with, an order was
issued, emanatng from Mexico City,
to arrest all those taking a leading
part In the strike, which had the effect
Of stopping the movement In its IN
clplency.
THE wages paid TO unskilled labor Is
70 cents per day, while miners receive
from 81 to $3.50 per day. Bosses re.
celve from $3.50 TO 81 per day, all be.
mig Mexican money. on January |,
1904 the Mexican dollar was worth
i6i cents United states currency.
The hours Of labor are from "sunup"
TO SHUTDOWN with an allowance Of
one hour for rest and eating AZ noon.
Foreigners located IN this republic
possess the same civil rights as natives,
with the exception that the Mexican
government reserves the right TO ex.
pei any foreigner who Is obnoxious,
dangerous. or undesirable"