A Mining Boom Bites at the Metalines

The several mining companies operating in the Metalines have decided to increase their forces of men for work next spring.

The machinery for the new concentrator mentioned in last week's issue of The Miner passed through Newport Wednesday. It is expected the concentrator will be in operation by the first of the year.

A wagon road is now being constructed from Cement to Metaline. A force of about 25 men are at work. Part of the work is being donated by the several mining companies who are assisting the county in building the road.

Larson's launch is now making regular trips from Metaline to Tiger, connecting with the steamer Metaline at that port. This will greatly facilitate transportation on the lower river and encourage settlers to locate in that district.

A rich strike was reported this week from the Parker Mountain mine, and as a consequence local men who hold large blocks of stock therein are highly elated. Samples of ore were brought up from the mine and look good. Holders of stock are constantly approached by would-be buyers, but no stock changes hands.

Engineer Jas. Flemming was making surveys in the Metalines last week of some disputed mining claims, the Galena and Emma L., over which there is at present a controversy. Those interested are the Spokane Lead Mines Company, J. L. Long and Mr. Bringolf. It is probable that a suit will be filed before the next term of the Superior Court. The claims adjoin the well-known Bella May property and are among the most valuable in the camp.

The Mammoth and Morning Mining Companies, whose properties are located in the Metaline district, are contemplating installing a concentrator, which will handle the ore from the two mines. A representative of the machinery firm is now on the ground to give figures on the cost of installing and furnishing the machinery. Work will be started as soon as estimates can be secured. The intention is to install a concentrator that will handle about 200 tons per day. Those who have been on the ground owned by these companies state that never before have they seen such large bodies of ore exposed on the surface, and the development has proven beyond a doubt that the ore goes down and becomes richer as depth is attained. It is estimated by engineers that the ore now in sight will be sufficient to run a 200-stamp mill for twenty-five years. This may sound as exaggerated, yet it is a fact which any one by a visit to the mines will verify. The intention of the two companies being to quarry from the surface, which will mean a great saving in the cost of producing the ore. The concentrator will be owned by a separate company organized for the purpose of erecting the same, and will treat the ores from the two mines, and the owners of this corporation will be composed mostly of stockholders of the Mammoth and Morning Companies.

The Silver-Lead Mining Company was incorporated last week by the following well-known capitalists and mining men: James Doherty, J. L. Long, J. H. Long, W. E. Weltzine, J. W. Bringolf, J. Anstin and J. T. Elsasser, for $1,500,000. At the first regular meeting of the corporation, held in Spokane Tuesday, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: John T. Elsasser, president; J. W. Bowon, secretary; David Caldwell, treasurer; J. H. Long, vice-president. The principal place of business of the new company will be Newport. The company was formed for the purpose of developing several rich claims which they own in the Metaline district. Among the most valuable properties to be developed might be mentioned the Iron Crown, Falls View, Lucky Strike and Riverside Fraction. These claims are among the most valuable in the camp, and it is only a matter of a very short time when the company will have some high grade shipping ore on the dump. Quite a number of men will be employed the coming season and work will be pushed with all possible speed. Machinery and supplies are now being shipped in, and everything points to a successful year for the new company in the Metalines. — Northwest Mining News.