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Show THE MINING CRISIS. In at least one of the western states mining faces a taxation crisis. Organized groups, with centralized legislative power, have been attempting attempt-ing to saddle- the mines with exhorbi-tant exhorbi-tant taxes to "relieve" other industries indus-tries and agriculture. Apparently they fail to realize that, in the West, the progress and prosperity of every other industry is to a large degree dependent depen-dent on the progress and prosperity of mining. If the mines should be oppressed op-pressed by an excessive tax burden it would be a serious blow to Western development of all kinds. The trouble is that few people understand the problems connected with, mining. It is distinct from all other business in that it is impossible impossi-ble to accurately foretell the life of any given mine and every day a mine is operated it is less valuable. Metal prices are dependent on foreign competition, com-petition, on demand, and on a number of other factors outside the control of the industry. The mining industry is too precious and necessary to the nation to be menaced men-aced by unthinking and pernicious legislation. As to taxation, the mines ask only that they be treated fairly, in the manner of all other industries. |