Page:Bolivia (1893; Bureau of the American Republics).djvu/69



As no detailed statement of the production of the precious metals in Bolivia has ever been prepared, so far as can be ascertained, but little is known outside of the country as to its mineral wealth other than that it is the third silver-producing country of the world and is presumably rich in gold deposits.

The absence of a properly organized Government bureau of statistics, furnishing convenient and reliable data upon this and kindred subjects, has made every attempt at such report a difficult and discouraging task. This is especially true as to the production of gold. No matter how desirable a tabulated statement of the gold production of Bolivia might be, the absence of reliable data upon the subject renders such statements for any considerable period practically impossible. This report will, therefore, be confined to a mere statement of the estimated annual production of gold and how determined, and will then pass to the consideration of the history and condition of gold-mining in Bolivia.

Gold, unlike silver, is not subject to export duty, and therefore there are no satisfactory means of ascertaining the annual production of the mines. Assuming, however, that one-fourth of the total production passes through the custom-house of this city (La Paz) in connection with the dutiable articles, as merchandise ship-

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