1881, 11,952,817 "
1891, 17,541,514 "
1901, 25,758,948 "
(_Table of Com. and Nav._)
At the close of this century our tonnage then, at this rate of increase,
would far exceed that of all the rest of the world.
GOLD AND SILVER.--The aggregate product of our gold and silver
mines approaches now _one billion of dollars_, most of which has been
converted into coin at our mint. Nearly all of this product has been
obtained since the discovery of gold in California. Less than two per
cent. of the precious metals has been the product of the seceded States.
This gold and silver are found now in seven States, and nine
Territories; the yield is rapidly augmenting, and new discoveries
constantly developed.
The Secretary of the Interior estimates the total product 'next year,'
of our mines of precious metals, at '$100,000,000,' and when our
railroad to the Pacific (traversing this region) is completed, his
estimate of the 'annual yield' is '$150,000,000.' The mines are declared
'inexhaustible' by the highest authority, and our Nevada silver mines
are now admitted to be 'the richest in the world.' The completion of our
imperial railroad, now progressing to the Pacific, will carry an immense
population to the gold and silver regions, vastly increase the number of
miners, diminish the cost of mining, and decrease the price of
provisions and supplies to the laborers.
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