Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1905-08-18
As Chairman oi Permanent Orsa.
nization Committee Is Forced
TO Change Order Of
Business
elo Fioht on In RESOLUTIONS, Doubt
less Over Chinese ouestIon-Ab'e
Address by J. n. Richards on I'M
portance Of Establishment BY Con-
uress Of a Mining Bureau.

Portland, Ore, Aug. 1S.-Denver,
New Orleans, Kansas City and salt
Lake are candidates for the next ses-
sion Of the trans Mississippi congress.
This was disclosed at the first meet
ing of the committee on permanent Or
ganization. Ex.Gov l.. B. Prince OF
New Mexico was elected chairman OF
the committee, y r. Francis secre-
tary. The names of John w. Noble OF
st. Louis and Col. y D ove'l Of
San Francisco were suggested for the
presidency for the forthcoming term.
Prince Presides
Portland, Aug 1S.-A nrotracted
meeting of the resolutions committee
of the rans.Mississippi congress de-
layed the opening Of today's session.
After long walt, Ex-Governor l.. B.
Prince of New Mexico. chairman OF
the dav. was forced TO change the
order of business. He announced that
addresses would begin and the first
speaker would be j. H. Richards,
Boise. Idaho, president of the Amer
lean Mining congress.
Mr.. Richards Address.
Concerning the creation by congress
of a department devoted to mines and
mining, ]. II. Richards said:
Should congress create depart.
ment Of mines or mining coordinate
with the department of agriculture. all
will agree that if such department
is necessary. to enable our govern
~, c,,1I r,f itp
responsibility to the American people
then such "a department should be
created. otherwise not
"in presenting my views on this i'm
portant topic. it is not question with
me as to what we owe to mining. but
rather what does our government owe
to the American people, not merely
in restraining them from injuring one
another. but TRADING them to help
one another by harmonious positive,
rather than discordant negative
course?
There are at least four great de-
partments in the industrial develop
ment of our country's resources. viz:
agriculture, mining. manufacturing
and transportation, that should be unit
ed in purpose from a governmental
standpoint, with these departments
harmOnized by wise direction,
not by restraining evil ten.
denotes, but also by encouraging
and aiding good tendencies. There
seems to be no limitation to Amer
ica's capacity to achieve and her peo-
pie to enjoy.
II believe the great mining industry
can be uplifted and the American peo-
ple thereby blessed by a mining de-
partment on as great scale as the
agriculture department
why have department than
bureau? Because my conception OF
the purpose Of our government Is to
lay an Industrial foundation in this
country broad enough to sustain the
possible development OF the combined
material and intellectual possibilities
of this most favored land. This can
not be done by the redtape Of bur
eau: but only by the grasp Of Amer
ica's greatest statesmen. who alone
are worthy Of standing at the head of
SO great an opportunity. This great
responsibility should be presided over
over by one possessing original re-
sponsibilitiy should be presided over
by one possessing original authority.
power to originate through suggestion
and execution.
II believe as firmly as ! believe in
my country and its DESTINY. that a
department of mining would bring to
the prospector, the forerunner OF
promise, and the miner, that scien.
.ific information concerning mineral
formations. the character OF various
ores and their proper treatment, to
convert them into condition OF use
fulness. that would return to the
American people a far richer legacy
than the department of agriculture Is
bringing and will bring. A new i'm
petus and dignity would be given tc
mining through such a department
and wholesome effect of which would
stimulate all industry.
therefore, to mt mind. the crea
tion Of federal department of mining
bv congress. rest on service to the
American people by our government
That which will equip our govern
ment to wisely direct the industrial
life of the American people in har
mony with the fundamental politica
principles underlying our national ex
istence. will of necessity, energize ou
national vitality, encourage Legitimate
human endeavor, discourage our on
great internal foe, dishonesty in higl
place. stimulate individual and &C
operative industry, inspire us with
greater unity Of purpose as people
strengthen our grasp on that which J
best. and thereby wrest from our OF
portunities and enduring results tina
are legitimately possible. This d.
partment would enable the people 9
this country to clasp with friendl