Tonopah bonanza. [volume] (Butler City [i.e. Butler], Nev.) 1901-1909, 1909-10-09
GIVES HIS VIEWS
ON BULLION TAX
LAWS OF NEVADA
EXCERPTS FROM ADDRESS OF
II. g. JONES AT THE MIN
ING CONGRESS

During the session of the mining
congress held in Goldaeld, II. G.
Jones, Of this city, read a paper be-
fore the convention, entitled, THE
Bullion Tax Law in Nevada" Num-
erous inquiries have been received
at this Office concerning the paper
and there has also been considerable
discussion on the article. Lack Of
space prevents us from printing the
entire address, but the following ex-
cerpts show that the author was
wen versed in the subject
IA SYSTEM of taxation which Is
sufficiently comprehensive to meet
the requirements Of q state, and at
the same time be Just and equitable,
Is a matter OF growth and eYolu-
ton.
Theories may take their place as
building material now and then, sol
idifying into what Is staunchest and
best, but should not be given power
for good or i'll until they have gone
through the perfecting influence Of
the cTucible of experience.
"Another element which must be
reckoned with in the consideration
OF a taxing system is that Of pub
liz sentiment. public sentiment Is
usually the equivalent of IN official
command. and no great reform can
BE ACCOMPLISHED except by educat-
ing the people in respect to eXlstlns
evils, and obtaining their approval
Of proposed notifications.
In presenting this paper TO the
18th American mining congress, |
i'm BY no means unmindful OF the
fact that the subject under discus
sion IS not a new one, and IL IS
possible that all that is worth say
ing has already been said, it how
ever is automatic that as long as q
wrong has not been righted. or g
mistake corrected, 1t is the duty 7i
every man to raise his voice in re
uncertain terms in behalf Of what
he himself believes to be right.
'Tn approaching this subject, our
first duty is to consider the various
laws enacted by our sister minine
states relating to the bullion tas
question. and if we find that eyper-
fence has taught them what is wis.
est and best. we should allow our
selves to be benefited by it. II W.
find that by a thorough considers
tion Of this matter they have en-
acted laws which are manifesti'
: sound and Just. it is u duty {
e weigh well the result Of their eX
: perience so that we may be able z
~segregate the good from the bad.
: "JTnder the law of Ontario, ever
e mine whose annual profits are NOR
!. than $4,000 shall pay on the eH
cess Over this amount an annual "a
of 2 per cent. From the gross re
CENTS are deducted the cost OF a
TRANSFORMATION, expenses of workln
@ the mine. including wages, cor
struction Of mills, reduction works
smeIters, explosives, insurance, dc
p~reciation or wear and tear of PROF.
+ erty. cost Of new work, and all ne5
It essary expenditures incident to 81
development and maintenance Of ia
!, property.
n 'If YOU will AXE into considers
le ton the wide scope covered by tn
D. Ontario law and the broad ineentiN
~ to mining investment 1t offers. b
ueve YOU will readily conclude thi
u II is a wise and Just measure.
"You will observe that the New
da law does not exempt a sing
item of expense to encourage Il
VI mine owners of this state to bul
mills. smelters and reduction worl
for the purpose of treating the
= ores at home.
rY Nevada is essentially a mimi
2 state. and any condition that afec
te the mines affects every other indu
try in the state in regular propc
"a ton.
% Governor Dickerson, in his me
rys sage to the last legislature of \
oi vada. properly emphasizes the 4
portant place in the state occupi
by mining in its every phase.
= not agree with him. however, n :
~ broad statement that Nevada Is
~, pendent on foreign capital for
development, and | do not think
assertion we'll considered in view
the fact that this grand old batt
or born state has produced, and rs p
ducing now. sufficient wealth.
tes meet her every need were 1t utlil'
tor at home.
~ ~ Heretofore our state has be
On very largely. and is still TO an
an tent. dependent on the outside wo
for the none needed to develop
.ag- mines therefore we w IL as u .
red duty to our state to encouri
~ capital to come to us for investme
~ and to shield and safeguard it wi
here oy euacting such laws as y
properly protect the interests of
and I would urge that we go s
Ne further. and place upon our stat
~, books laws founded upon just
apndd wisdom and right, that would
~ tect such investments from any ]
sib''lty of double taxation. and
~ reasonable discrimination.
WORK STARTED ON
RENo'S NEW THEA1