GOLD AND SILVER.
By Waldemar Lindgren and others.
PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED STATES. By Waldemar Lindgren.
The
production of gold and silver in the United States in 1905 is shown in
the first table on the following page in approximate distribution by
States and Territories. These figures are the result of conference and
adjustment between the Geological Survey and the Bureau of the Mint,
and are accepted as final by the two bureaus.
The
output of gold and silver in the United States is ascertained by the
Geological Survey by the method of "mines report," that is, by direct
inquiry from the producing mines. On the other hand, the Bureau of the
Mint collects its data concerning the two metals by recording the
quantities and sources of bullion deposits of the United States mint
and assay offices, and by statements from the smelting and refining
establishments detailing the quantities and sources of the metals
produced. Statistics obtained by these different methods agree
strikingly in the totals for the United States, but differ more or less
in detail. Some of the reasons for this are set forth more fully in the
following pages. Perhaps the most important factor is that of "stock in
hand" of the reduction works at the end of the year. Some of the
largest discrepancies have been traced to this source, and this part of
the problem will be treated more fully in the statistics for 1906.
Both methods are indispensable for a correct estimate of the actual distribution by States and districts.
The
following table contains the figures accepted as final. In this table
gold is calculated at $20.671834 per fine ounce and silver at 61 cents
per fine ounce.
Approximate
distribution, by producing States and Territories, of the product of
gold and silver in the United States for the calendar year 1905.
[Fine ounces.]
