Chapter X.
THE SILVER MINES OF BOLIVIA.
In the statement of the gold production and history of gold-mining in Bolivia, attention was called to the difficulties attending the preparation of tabulated statistics showing the annual production of the precious metals in that country, owing to the absence of a properly organized bureau of statistics interested in carefully gathering and regularly publishing, under the authority of the Government, all obtainable data relating to this important subject.
With the exception of the export duties paid by the Huanchaca Company and a few others directly to the Government, the right to collect this duty of 80 cents (Bolivian money) per marc is sold to the highest bidder in October of each year for the calendar year beginning with the 1st of January next thereafter.
The successful bidder, having paid or secured to the Government the amount so agreed to be paid, is under no further obligation thereto in that behalf. During 1890, the duties on silver exported from five districts were sold and collected in this manner, while ten different mining companies paid directly to the Government. The amount of silver produced by these ten mines in 1890 can therefore be pretty accurately determined, while the amount produced from the mines falling within the districts named is not so easy of ascertainment. The estimates, therefore, of the product of these last-named mines and of the amount of silver used in the arts and clandestinely exported, as embodied in this report, though based upon the most trustworthy data obtainable,
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