The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-09-13

VI OuloAuo CO0Ab give tucm Au 6uV6u-
tage; that Is, their markets must be
local and probably small These lig-
mites and lower grade bituminous
Goals have wide distribution in
Alaska. and some Of them will have
great value to local industries.
Peat Is very widely distributed in
Alaska, having been found in nearly
every part of the territory The cli-
matte conditions, as we'll as those Of
plant life, In the central and north
ern part Of the territory, seem espe-
cially favorable for the accumulation
of peat. Everywhere the soil is clothed
with dense growth Of moss and
other small plants, and the frozen con-
ditiOn of the subsoil and the short
ness of the summer season prevent
decay.
Alaska contains a large variety Of
mineral deposits, and these, especially
gold and coal. are widely distributed.
The auriferous gravels are scattered
over very large area, but much Of it
Is unprospected. There are some
large auriferous lode mines in south
eastern Alaska and promising lode
prospects in other parts of the terri
tory.
Copper mining has been done In two
widely separated coastal districts
Very promising deposits Of copper ore
occur In two inland belts which are
undeveloped because they are not yet
accessible by rail, and copper pros
poets have been found elsewhere in
the territory.
Tin, marble, gypsum and petroleum
have been produced from Alaskan de-
posits; iron and other minerals prob
ably have future commercial value.
Mining began about 1880 and pro-
crossed slowly for nearly two decades,
since which advancement has been
very rapid. Much OF the Pacific sea-
board. with its cheap transportation.
strong relief, abundant water power
and timber, and equable climate, Is
most favorable to low costs of mi
ming. These conditions have resulted
In the development of one Of the
largest low grade gold mining enter
prises in the world, as well as some
others Of considerable magnitude.
They have also favored the success
full exploitation OF comparatively low
grade copper ores, even at the low
market value Of the metal during the
past year.
Though placer mining has been
carried on In Alaska for nearly 80
years. 1t has been chiefly by the crude
methods Of the pioneer that more than
100000. 900 worth of gold has been
won from the auriferous gravels. The
modern epoch OF placer mining. with
labor saving machinery, has only just
begun. and the field in which such
methods are used is capable Of much
expansion. Though the future dis
covery of bonanzas, such as have
made Alaska famous In the past, can.
not be predicted. 1t Is certain that
the possibilities Of new finds are fal
from being exhausted, and that there
are hundreds of creeks known to be
auriferous which may yield gold in
commercial quantities when means
are found to reduce the present cos
Of operation.
The inland copper districts avail
the railway transportation. which will
not only lead to the development O.
known deposits, but also stimulate
further search for ore bodies. Sucl
developments of lode mining indus
try will give a larger permanent pop
ulation-at present Alaska's creates
need.
A full development Of the minini
J industry II possible only by the i'm