The copper era., 1909-02-25
Revision of Mining Laws of Country.

| [ each year becoming more strongly impressed with the fact that the mining laws of the United States a1e badly in need of revision; and if all the laws affecting mining were revised in accordance with some idea of uniformity and system, the man engaged in this occupation would find fewer obstacles confronting him and fewer inducements to the litigation which seems to be a costly and ex- asperating factor of great frequency in mining, says an exchange.
 l While it is true. in many mining localities, problems of purely local import arise, which could be best remedied by local attention, at the same time suitable changes in exist ! ing federal laws and the adoption of few additional ones demanded by the wisdom born of experience, would settle many of the vexing questions with which the minc@~dlow has to contend
 Few mining men, outside of those who have made d careful study of the question, are fully aware of the number and magnitude of the diff entities which beset the miner on many sides.
 At several sessions of the Ameri- can Mining Congress, frequent dis cussions were indulged in by promi- nent mining men, respecting the gen. eral revision of the federal mining laws, and it has seemed to be an al- most universal demand that the con- gress of the United States give more attention to the important industry of mining. What the miner wants iS d reasonably full value for his ore from the shelter that treats il: the assurance that title to his property after patent is secure; fair measure of assistance from the government in experimental and research work {; the right to use freely, but wisely, of the timber of the forest reserves; appropriate action, drastic if neces sary, to lesson "wildcatting."
 Some measure of relief will un- doubtedly be furnished by the bureau O. mines which, from present iadi- cations, will be established by the congress now in session. But the principal disadvantage will not be overcome until q more complete re- vision of the mining laws is effected, and il is to be hoped that the mining C jngress will he successful in arJus- ing q sufficiently furceful seutim=nt 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 foremost to be considered at the ses- sion of the mining congress to be held this year.
 It is d wise move on the part of the American Mining congress to have this matter thoroughly dis cusSed by real mining men and plan of action decided upon before the lawmakers ut Washington, many of whom have never seen a mine, com mence legislating for an industry with which they are but little ac- quainted 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 ot- icers ot the Mining Congress have every reason to believe that the next few years will see the mining states taken Odt of their present chaotic condition and d uniform system of laws evolved which will give the miner a consistent measure of relief from his present numerous difficulties.