Anglo-Russian friendship is not fostered by an unholy alliance between the British private investor on the one hand, and local or central officials in Russia on the other. Only by bringing the former into contact directly with the Russian people themselves, can the interests of both be mutually served. One of the best means of bringing this about is by a reform of the Russian company laws which has been urged by enlightened Russian officials for many years past. Such reform would sweep away the clumsy barriers against commercial and financial enterprise, which are now only the harbouring-places of abuse, and thus would create free intercourse between European capital and the Siberian industries in need of it.
Mining Rights in Siberia
In spite of the above system of company formation, a wide field is open for the foreign mining prospector in Siberia, if he cares to risk capital in these undertakings, and realizes that situations may arise over which he has no control.
Prospectors having found a likely spot are entitled to peg out a claim which may extend for 5 versts (3⅓ miles) up the main valley and 2 versts (1⅓ mile) up any side valley. A mining prospector must first register his claim with the Government mining official in the nearest town.
The mining laws of 1902 marked a great advance in this industry throughout the empire. Gold production, which had hitherto been a monopoly of the Government smelting depots, was opened in that year to free competition. Moreover, regulations were issued by the Government providing for the
