Gilpin observer., 1910-05-26
JUDGING THE VALUE OF A NINE

Evidence is not wanting to prove the
properties in this district. Value, in
this sense may be purely speculative
But a thing is really worth as much as
1t cost. Now. considerable expense has
been incurred with no return compared
to the cost. This difference is the true
worth of the mine, provided any out
come has been profit. And the profit
consists of that which goes into the
pocket above any expense.
This figuring on the value of a mine
based simply upon its looks is all guess
work. Adjoining properties may be Of
value in that they arc making returns
through the extent Of the production
Surrounded by good agencies MERELY
puts an ephereral estimate upon the
idle producer Hence, to guage the
worth of property is SO much guess
work. But matters may be helped where
good vein of ore is exposed and
though, is invariably working. If it is
not. Its owners are not true miners,
unless adverse circumstances prevent.
Possibly a mine is worth all that one
can get for 1t. A prospect may be for
ed 1t may have been a stiff price,
too. with no haggling. Sales of that
kind are not numerous now. unless the
showing be extraordinary. What a prop
erty has produced should cut no figure.
1t Is just that much the poorer in val
ne.
Mine and realty values have nothing
in common unless the purchase of the
real estate was purely speculative. The
mine property is a business venture
with indications of promise. How to
realize on the investment would seem
to depend on many things, principally,
1t must have the mineral, that is
patent.
There is no question about the num-
erous hit or miss investments. Possibly
most sales are made on that basis.
But a man must be devoid of all bus
mess instinct to buy a property with
out a showing.
Experts may testify. That helps. But
the expert should be employed by the
buyer. OF course the seller has his re-
port on the mine. That is principally a
notice of the owners desire to sell. The
buyer should prove "all things" Salts
fled, 1t is optional with him as to it's
purchase.
The owner may have a price. How he
arrives at this may differ in all cases
where the mine is for sale. The pur-
chaser may or may not have fixed
estimate In his mind as to it's worth.
Invariably he has. If the price is more
than he thinks the mine is worth, he is
not likely to buy. DESTROYS Of owning
a property, should he be unable to pur-
chase at his estimate of it's worth, he
is likely to invest elsewhere.
The equitable adjustment is one of
portend to both seller and buyer. A
pretty safe middle course would be a
bond and lease. Still the prospective
buyer is out of pocket where the prop
erty does not come up to expectations.
An innovation might be, and is emf
nently proper. that, the lessee not
realizing. he be given an interest to
the extent OF his expense in improving
that which he was DESTROYS OF possess
Ing Still. he might think his money
well lost and would not care to own
an interest in that which failed under
his manipulation.
There are many phases of the sub
ject. Nationally, Judgment only can be
relied upon. Lacking in that. 1t Is fir
ing into the air promiscuousy in the
air promiscously in the hope of hitting
hope Of hitting a bird. as to hope to
realize In a haphazard way. by an in
vestment In mines.