Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1912-11-27
GREAT YEAR FOR
Mines Of NORTH
IDAHO PREDICTED
Inspector Bell, After Visit to
the Occur d'Alenes, De-
clares That Outlook Was
Never Better.

state Mine Inspector Robert N. Bell
predicts a record breaking production
of mineral in the north Idaho belt. in
GLIDING the Occur d'Alenes. within the
next ~ months, the output being larger
than the ~ months now rapidly draw
Ing to q close.
II am gratified to find the mining
industry in the Occur d'Alenes in such
q thrifty condition" said Mr. Bell, and
while gradually receding values and
increasing costs In some Of the deeper
mines is going to materially affect their
profit sharing ability, the good metal
values that have recently prevailed.
have greatly stimulated production in
all classes of ore. There is not an idle
mill in the district in shape to operate,
and 1 look now for the current year to
show another record br eaking yield Of
metals, probably exceeding 300.000,0 900
pounds of lead and 100000 ounces Of
silver together with large output OF
zinc and copper. l feel more optimistic
than ever about the productive posi-
bilities and future endurance of the
district, as a whole, for it has afforded
some remarkably interesting surprises
In the development of big brand new
commercial ore channels during the
past two years. and there are others as
sured and in sight. all Of which afford
the most substantial encouragement to
the renewed and vigorous development
Of definitely promising territory.
Urges Care.
THE operating expenses Of the dis
trict this year, however. Is Of serious
personal concern to me, owing to the
number of fatal accidents that have
occurred, most of which, as usual, have
been of a preventable kind. II due care
had been exercised-a!l men employed
both in the mines and mills to keep
constantly alive and awake to the in
evitably hazardous conditions that sur
round them and their occupation.
Il have had hardly any complaints
from the men and find that the opera
tors are as anxious to prevent the oc-
currence Of accidents as anybody. but
aside from the human phase of the
question, such accidents always mean
a more or less serious economic loss to
the company involved
Suggestions Complied With.
1.-THE operators usually are quite
willing to follow out any precautionary
suggestions / make for the protection
of the men. consistent with the prac-
teal handling Of the grounds
THE wide distribution of the acci-
dents over the district this year en-
phasizes the fact that all the developed
ore bodies in the district in shape to
do so are producing at capacity, which
Of course has greatly multiplied the
risks, and while don't consider there
is any crying demand for 1t, the only
general remedy for the present accident
situation / can sugges. is the financial
provision by the state for the appoint
ment of resident deputy inspector Sc
lected from cmong the practical men OF
the district, who could make more fire.
ouent trips through the operating
mines and should be given full police
power to demand the discharge of
man for any careless act and to impose
penalties for non compliance with his
precautionary improvement. instruc-
tions.
such a local deputy would be avail
able to attend all fatal accidents and
inquests and should, believe. be en-
powered to give the fullest detailed
press reports at the time. OF the cause
leading up to all serious and fatal ac-
cidents, as such a policy I believe would
Rave an educational effect on the men
II strictly administered and would