The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1916-11-09
BOLIVIA NOTED FOR
TIN AND RUBBER
is
couNTRYs EXPORTS EXCEED.
IMPORTS BY TEN MIL.
LION DOLLARS
couNTRvs EXPORTS EXCEED
Nations Territorial Extension Is 5oo,.
600 Square Miles 4


Bolivia is the most extensive finland
country of South America. Its tcrritor
ial extension is approximately 100000
Equare miles. This area embraces tn,
vast central tableland $4,000 feet above
sea level which is the source of min
eral wealth. and the tropical valleys
and river regions which are the source
Oh rubber production.
Bolivia's chief source OF productive
wealth is in the mineral products
which includes tin, "copper" silver, gold
anthony, tungsten and bismuth.
The tin deposits are the only ones
in the western hemisphere which are
available commercially on large
scale. The country produces about
one fifth of the tin consumed by the
entire world and is a close second to
the Malay strait in the quantity and
value Of the output. This now approx
mates $4,000 metric tons of metallic
tin. The mineral is found in lodes in
combination with other ores, notably
silver, and the lodes are worked as
high as 1900 feet.
Copper is found in combination
with silver and other ores, as we'll as
in an almost pure state. The present
production is 1000 tons annually, but
this is capable of great increase. FroI.
10000 to 10000 tons of zinc are an
nlally mined for export.
Silver was 4or centuries leading
product of Bolivia. The Potosi mines
c. attributed vast sums to the Spanish
crown but little silver has been mined
in Bolivia in recent years. Improved
transportation facilities and improved
machinery and modern methods are
relied upon to reopen many of the
olivia mines which were supposed II
he worked out.
The gold deposits of Bolivia are al
luvial, although there are some quartz
veins. The introduction of dredging
machinery in the placer regions is at
tended with much difficulty and ex-
2ense because of the lack of transpor-
tation facilities. 1t is believed, howev-
Ell, that these difficulties will be over
come and that Bolivia will regain her
former position as a gold producing
country.
Rubber is the chief agricultural ex.
port.
The population of Bolivia is esti-
mated at between 100000 ard $780,
600 inhabitants. The mass Of the
Inhabitants are civilized Indians
who are engaged in agriculture or are
employed in the mines or in f1eishting
and other means of transportation.
Those of mixed blood costitute about
100000. They furnish the bulk of the
laboring population in the mining dis
.r.cts and the cities.
La Paz is the largest city. It has
10000 inhabitants. 1t lies in the great
central plateau, 1. 600 feet above sea
level. 1t is the seat of government. and
to some extent the financial capital Of
The country, but other cities divide the
commerce with it, because IF being
the centers of somewhat isolated dis
tricts.
Oruro, the center, of the tin mining
region, has 10000 inhabitants. Potosl,
since the branch of the railway was
extended to it, is regaining some Of
its Importance as a commercial and
mining center. Its population is 2O,0Or.
Sucre, which still has legal status
rs the capital, has much accumulated
wealth and is an attractive city for
the tourist. 1t is the center of consid
cradle trade The population is about
$4,000.
Cochabamba is the center of a ricn
agricultural district and is trading
center as we'll. The railway line will
soon reach it, and it's commercial inn
torrance will be enhanced. The popu-
lation is 10000. Santa Cruz i. me most
important center of population in the
great tropical agricultural region. 1t
has 10000 inhabitants.
Bolivia derives her revenues chiefly
from export and import .axes although
there are also internal taxes The re
ceipts from imports are about double
Il ose from exports The expert tax is
laid on rubber and tin and other min
elals. The export of tin nets $1.0O0O0a
to the government.
The monetary system is stable. Nom
inally, the silver standard obtains,
but the gold basis is the real measure
of values. The current medium of ex-
change is the silver boliviano, which
is maintained ut 80 to 20 cents.
Asking Too Much
John was grieving because he had
no gift for his mothers birthday.
DO not quarrel with little sister all
do1 y i. !