Show THE BUREAU OF MINES dissemination OF statistical DATA in this issue issue of the mining review it is possible to give readers the promised authentic data dealing ath the pro ducton of meta metals Is quantities and values during 1927 together with comparisons pari sons compiled by the statisticians of the bureau of mines in order to cover the subject to best advantage in a limited amount of space it has been necessary to trim some of the state reports covering details but at that it is felt that these comprehensive and reliable statistics will meet the expectations of readers who are directly concerned in the status of the metal mining industry of the surrounding regions it will be bound that the various mining state reports have been compiled without thought of going farther than to give the cold facts the bureau it will be seen has been absolutely impartial in the presentation of data it has not attempted to either boost or belittle anything that has happened in the mining fields in any way and that is just what gives these reports their real intrinsic value 1 it t is claimed and there is no doubt that there is justification for the claim that the bureau of mines is unable to function to the extent and with the expediency that it would like to do because of the inadequacy of governmental appropriations with which to carry on the work also it is claimed that the bureaus field of usefulness to the industry could be greatly broadened and made more worth while if it was properly financed and that viewpoint is also justified without doubt I 1 hat is evidenced in the fact that it became necessary a year or two ago to combine the work of the geological survey with that of bureau of mines both of these branches of governmental research and statistical work should be given better support by congress so that more could be accomplished and the results given publicity before the information should become next to valueless on account of age the world moves too fast in this day and age to care a rap about statistical data if its promulgation is held up for months after its compilation quoting an old song we want what we want when we want it |