A Mining Company's Stormy Reckoning
Stockholders of the Spokane Lead Mines Co. trade accusations of mismanagement over a Metaline-country concentrator, then elect new trustees.
A rather stormy session of stockholders of the Spokane Lead Mines Co., which has claims in the Metaline country and built a concentrator last year, was held at Spokane Monday. D. D. Birks, former president and one of the principal stockholders, made some vigorous remarks, in which he sought to exonerate himself from any suspicion of mismanagement or crooked work, backing up his statements with letters and other testimony. He stated that Supt. King had been in entire practical charge of the work, and if the property was not producing as expected Mr. King was to blame. Mr. Birks also expressed the belief that there was a certain faction working to wreck the company. Following this speech the following trustees were elected: Dr. Wm. Sellers, Dr. W. E. Pickrell and I. C. Newman. No further action was taken.
“Mr. Birks also expressed the belief that there was a certain faction working to wreck the company.”
Mining booms have always attracted big promises and bitter recriminations. The 1909 fight over a Metaline concentrator echoes the way resource projects still divide investors and communities over who gets the profits and who carries the risk.
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