Tonopah daily bonanza. [volume] (Tonopah, Nev.) 1906-1929, 1909-10-07
GIVES HIS VIEWS
on BULLION TAX
iWS OF NEVADA
EXCERPTS FROM ADDRESS OF
II. G. JONES AT THE MIN
ING CONGRESS-

During the session OF the mining
congress held in Goldfield, H. C.
tones, OF this city, read a paper be-
fore the convention, entitled, THE
Bullion Tax Law in Nevada Num-
trous inquiries have been received
at this Office concerning the paper
nd there has also been considerable
discussion on the article Lack of
pace prevents us from printing the
entire address, but the following ex-
cerpts show that the author was
well versed in the subject
"A SYSTEM of taxation which is
efficiently comprehensive to meet
he requirements of a state, and at
the same time be just and equitable,
a matter of growth and evolu-
ton
Theories may take their place rs
building material now and then, sol
'difying into what is staunchest and
hest. but should not be given power
Cor good or i'll until they have gone
through the perfecting influence Of
the crucible of experience
Another element which must be
reckoned with in the consideration
If a taxing system is that of pub
ic sentiment. Public sentiment is
usually the equivalent of an official
Command, and no great reform can
be accomplished except by educat-
ing the people in respect to existing
evil and obtaining their approval
Of proposed notifications.
In presenting this paper to the
9th American mining congress.
hU I'm Dhfu1 Of fhc
oct that the subject under discus
ION is not a new one, and it is
7Cssible that all that is worth say
ing has already been said, it how
ever is automatic that as long as a
wrong has not been righted. or a
mistake corrected, it is the duty Of
every man to raise his voice in no
uncertain terms in behalf of what
he himself believes to be right.
In approaching this subject, our
FIRST duty is to consider the various
laws enacted by our sister mining
states relating to the bullion tax
question, and if we find that exper-
fence has taught them what is wis
est and best, we should allow our
selves to be benefited by it. If we
find that by a thorough considera-
tior of this matter they have en-
acted laws which are manifestly
sound and just, it is our duty to
weigh we'll the result of their eX-
nerience so that we may be able to
segregate the good from the bad.
Under the law of Ontario, everv
nine whose annual profits are more
than $4,000 shall pay on the eX-
cess over this amount an annual tax
of 8 per cent. From the gross re-
ceipts are deducted the cost of all
transportation, expenses of working
the mine, including wages, con-
struction of mills, reduction works,
shelters, explosives. insurance, de-
preciation or wear and tear of prop
erty. cost of new work, and all nee
essarv expenditures incident to the
development and maintenance of the
property.
'.If you will take into considera-
ton the wide scope covered by the
Ontario law and the broad incentive
20 mining investment it offers. 1 be
'ieve you will readily conclude that
it is a wise and just measure.
You will observe that the Neva-
ia law does not exempt single
item of expense to encourage the
nine owners of this state to build
Mills. smelters and reduction works
for the purpose of treating their
ores at home.
Nevada Is essentially a mining
state, and any condition that affects
the mines affects every other indus
lry in the state in regular proper
ton,
Governor Dickerson, in his mes
sage to the last legislature of Ne
vada, properly emphasizes the inn
portant place in the state occupied
w mining in its every phase. l do
not agree with him, however, in the
broad statement that Nevada is de-
pendent on foreign capital for its
development. and I do not think his
assertion we'll considered in view Of
the fact that this grand old battle
forn state has produced, and is pro-
ducing now sufficient wealth to
meet her every need were it utilized
at home.
Heretofore our state has been
verv largely, and is still to an eX-
tent dependent on the outside world
For the money needed to develop our
mines therefore we owe it as a sac
red 'lty to our state to encourage
capit"l to come to us for investment,
and ~ shield and safeguard it when
here ~ enacting such laws as viii
1rorq"ly protect the interests of all,
anS 7 would urge that we go still
fur+f0r, and place upon our statute
boot" laws founded upon Justice,
vision and right. that would pro-
tert rrch investments from any pos
sihilitv of double taxation, and un-
reasonable discrimination.