Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Report of J. Ross Browne: On the Mineral Resource of the States and Territories West of the Rocky Mountains
A fruitful source of error is in supposing that the ordinary channels of trans portation cannot be relied upon as a clue to the gross product of the mines. It is alleged that large quantities of the precious metals are carried away in the pockets of the miners. Even if this were so, it is not reasonable to suppose that the miners continue to burden themselves with their treasure after arriving at their place of destination. It must find its way into the mint 011 branch mints for coinage or the custom-house manifests for exportation. It cannot be assayed without paying its internal revenue tax. The gross yield of all the mines can be determined with approximate accuracy. It is more difficult to arrive at a subdivision, when it comes to the product of each State and Territory. In California, for example, during the early days of placer mining, before the trans portation of bullion by organized companies had become a business entitled to confidence, a large proportion of the gold derived from the mines was carried out of the country by private hands. There was comparatively little danger of loss. The routes to San Francisco were short, public, and protected by general interest. From that point to New York the passengers usually combined for mutual protection, and the risk was inconsiderable. It was not until the idle and the prof ]igate began to obtain an aseerrdency, the business of transportation by express more firmly established, and the mines more difficult to work with profit, that the increase of risks and reduction of charges resulted in the general aban donment of this system. It doubtless prevails to a limited extent now, but the transportation of bullion by private hands in California is exceptional. It probably does not exceed seven per cent. In the aggregate, and this applies only to the routes by which it reaches San Francisco. In reference to silver it is impossible that any considerable amount can escape notice in this way. The yield of Nevada can be determined with more accuracy than that of other States. Silver predominates in the mines; and where gold is obtained it is not in an uncombined form. When we come to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon the greatest difficulty is experienced.
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