Semi-weekly herald., 1913-11-17
MINING OUTLOOK IN
San JUAN IS GOOD

occasionally and ascertain how other
people do things. In fact, remaining
at home makes one selfish. The NOR
bid habit overtakes one and lacks
that spice that goes to make life en-
joyable. The writer has always had
a warm spot for Silverton and SAM
Juan county but we must confess to
more admiration for the people than
ever after a visit few days ago.
This feeling is brought about by the
way the Silverton people pull togeth-
er for the social and commercial well
fare of that community and county.
We must confess to neglecting our
duty-that of getting around more.
While we have representatives visit
ing neighboring towns and cities it'll
is well for the managing and editorial
departments to keep in close touch
with its constituency and we class
the people of Silverton and San Juan
county among our most loyal sup
porters. 1t was with considerable
pleasure, therefore, that time was
give, us the other day while enroute
to Ouray to spend half day talk
ing over conditions, past, present and
future, with old timers who have
watched the rise. and fall of the tide
the past thirty years or more, also
with those who appeared on the scene
later and take just as much interest
in the welfare of the community asl
those who preceded them by quar-
ter of century.
1t must be admitted that Silverton
of today is not the Silverton of 1906
and previous years. Part of this is |
due to the passing of hurrah daysI
which is becoming more evident in
all mining towns. There is less of |
the superficial and more of the real.
In other words, the same amount of
business is carried on with less noise |
and stir. Home life becomes more
fascinating and public places lose
their attractions, hence the visitor
notes quietness over former years. |
Still the fact remains that there are
not as many mines being worked or
as many men employed in the mines
being operated. Explaining the lat
ter, improved methods makes it pos
sible to do the same work with less
force and every economic is brought
into use. Now to the point: Why
are less mines being worked at this
time than a few years ago, Is it'll
because the mines are playing out ?
After a careful survey of the field,
we say emphatically, No. Then what
is the trouble and the remedy. Thel
solution of this problem is what
brought about the organization of
the San Juan Mining Bureau at Ouray
few days ago. That there is al
cause and remedy no well posted
mining man doubts for a moment and
we await discussion of the question
at the meeting of delegates to be held
at Silverton the coming week.
Now, in a general way, let us gol
over the situation: We believe the|
fault lies largely in mismanagement|
or expensive managements of the past
Vast sums of money were squander
ed-yes, squandered--in the erect
ion of mills, ETC., before mines were
developed and placed on an ore pro-
ducing basis. This fact is clearly
presented by trip through the Red
Mountain district. Eastern stock
holders were led to believe that with
the completion of the aforesaid mills
coin would begin rolling in and when
this failed to materialize trouble and
discussion soon took place resulting
in the closing down of many prom
Using properties. Again: While wei
do not believe in anything that pre-
tends of backcapping, at the same
time no organized effort was made to|
show investors the difference be-
tween paying propositions and mines
sold by promoters whose sole inter
est was in receiving their part Of the
proceeds Again: Large sums were
paid for prospects. Conditions in this
respect are changing-or must
change. The man with group of
mines, or prospects, who is not will
ing to go halvers with capital in de-
veloping them should not be taken
into consideration. There is plenty
of money to take chance but the
man with the coin wants the other
fellow to do likewise. Again-prob-
ably the most important: If we are
to get mining back on the same plane
as few years ago local capitalists
and mining men must show they
have faith if they wish to secure out
side money for development. The
nossibilities of mining are wonderful