Weekly journal-miner., 1909-02-17
MORE UNIFORMITY IN
 MINING LAWS NECESSARY
CFrom Thursdays DaIly)

Mining men all over America are each year becoming more strongly i'm pressed with the fact that the mining laws of the United States are badly in need of revision; and if all the laws affecting mining were revised in ae- cordance with some idea of uniformity and system, the man engaged in this occupation would find fewer obstacles confronting him and fewer induce ments to the litigation which seems to be a costly and exasperating factor of great frequency in mining.
 While it is true that in many min ing localities, problems of purely local import arise, which could be best rem edied by local attention, at the same time suitable changes in existing fed eral laws, and the adoption of a few additional ones demanded by the wis dom born of experience, would settle many of the vexing questions with which the miner now has to contend.
 Few mining men, outside of those who have made a careful study of the question, are fully aware of the num- Der and magnitude of the difficulties which beset the miner on many sides. At several sessions of the American Mining Congress, frequent discussions were indulged in by prominent mining  men respecting the general revision of the federal mining laws, and it has come to be an almost universal demand that the congress of the United States give more attention to the important industry of mining. What the miner wants is a reasonably full value for his ore from the shelter that treats it; the assurance that title to his property after patent is secure; a fair measure of assistance from the government in experimental and research work; the right to use freely, but wisely, of the timber of forest reserves; appropriate action, drastic if necessary, to lessen "wild-catting' Some measure of re- lief will undoubtedly be furnished by the bureau of mines which, from pres ent indications, will be established by the congress now in session. But the principal disadvantage will not be overcome until a more complete revis- ion of the mining laws is effected, and it is to be hoped that the mining con gress will be successful in arousing a sufficiently forceful sentiment on this question that the congress of the United States cannot fail to hear and act. Committee of experts are now making an exhaustive study of the question which will be one of the fore most to be considered at the session of the mining congress to be held this year.
 It is wise move on the part of the American Mining Congress to have this matter thoroughly discussed by real mining men and plan of action de- cided upon before the lawmakers at Washington, many of whom have nev- CT seen a mine, commence legislating for an industry with which they are but little acquainted and the peculiar needs of which they do not know.
 This movement is quite extensive and thousands of the most prominent and representative mining men of America will participate. The officers of the Mining Congress have every reason to believe that the next few years will see the mining statutes talk en out of their present chaotic eondi- ton and a uniform system of laws evolved which will give the miner a consistent measure of relief from his present numerous difficulties.