The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1916-10-10
mining CONGRESS
Will DISCUSS COAL

CHICAGO, Oct. 10.-"Had the pres
ent coal production of various west
ern states been under a federal leas-
ing system at the lowest rate of roy
atty which has ever been considered,
such a state for instance as Colorado
would now be paying upon its pres
ent coal production approximately a
quarter of a million dollars annually
to the federal government and the
state would have been deprived of
whatever taxes it now receives from
its coal resources"
This statement is made by ]. f.
Callbreath, secretary of the Ameri-
can Mining Congress, who has lust
returned from trip to the west in
the interest of the nineteenth annual
convention to be held at Chicago No
vember 18th, 1916
Elaborating this thought Mr.. Call
breath went on to state that under a
federal leasing system at the lowest
rate of royalty which has ever been
considered. Wyoming would be pay
ing upon its present coal production
approximately S125,000 annually. and
Washington 100000, Utah $3.50. 900
Montana $155.000, New Mexico $50, ,0oU
annually
"The convention of the American
Mining Congress" says Mr.. Call
breath, will afford an ideal oppor-
tunity for the West to present its
claims to representatives from the
eastern mining states whose congress
sional representation acting with
Western members can prevent un-
wise legislation ana Dring about the
enactment of laws which will stimu-
late the development of western re-
sources.
Whether the Ferris Land Leasing
bills shall be enacted or whether the
amendments made by the Senate
committee shall prevail is of vital
Importance to the West Whether the
California oil claimants, whose rights
are based on compliance with the
q. S. Land Office regulations then in
force, shall be robbed of their prop
erty without right of appeal to the
courts. as the Alaskan coal claimants
have been, is of vital Importance to
every loyal citizen
Whether the resources of the
West are to pay endless tribute to the
national government through a fed
eral leasing system, or whether these
resources shall be subject to the tax
ing power of the states, concern di-
rectly every taxpayer. Whether a
cumbersome agency two thousand
miles away without knowledge of
conditions shall control western de-
velopment or whether the basic prin-
ciple Of republican government, home
rule, shall prevail, and our develop
ment be controlled by those who
know, is one of the most important
and pressing questions now facing
the West
"The coming session of Congress at
Washington will probably pass final
ly upon these questions. The leasing
bills have passed the House of Rep
resentatives and are now before the
Senate. Western Senators are enti-
tied to great credit for the work thus
far accomplished
"The Senate is likely to approve
the work of its committees, but un-
less the West shall rally to the sup
port of the Senate committee recon-
mendations there is great danger
that the House of Representatives
may refuse its approval
Legislation along several lines of
great Importance to the West will be
thoroughly discussed by those inter-
ested in the development of the West
ern states"
Discussing the various issues now
pending before Congress, Mr.. Call
breath said, "The next session of
Congress will have under considera-
ton the Foster bill, for revision of
mineral land laws of the West"
1t will be recalled that a bill to in
vestigate conditions at its public
hearing in the Western mining CEN
ters, making recommendations to
Congress, was introduced by Senator
Smoot, and passed the Senate, but
failed to receive the approval of the
House committee on mines and min
ing.
"In its stead DR.. Foster, chairman
of the committee, introduced bill in
tended to meet the requirements
without the preliminary work of the
commission. This bill was severely
criticized by the West and the min
| ing journals. A thorough discussion
of the subject will take place at the
Chicago convention. DR.. Foster him
self will lead the discussion and con-
vey the plan he proposes. The discus
sion will be lively if the critics OF
his bill meet him on the floor"