The total amount of money paid in dividends by the mines of the district is a hard matter to get at, by reason of the many close corporations and leases. It is safe to say, though, that the dividends paid the past year will easily reach the five million dollar mark.

View down Eclipse gulch towards the Economic Mill.

Stratton's Independence leads the list of dividend payers having disbursed $976,000 in two dividends. The Portland followed next, having disbursed a total of $720,000. The Isabella is third on the list, with a total of $270,000 being paid. Fourth on the list is the big Gold Coin of Victor, with a record of $210,000 having been paid. These four mines alone paid $2,176,000 in dividends. It is a well known fact the ore reserves of these mines are so vast that ore enough could be mined from these properties alone to pay double the dividends they have the past twelve months.

Railroad Scene below the Portland Mine.

If it were known just the amount of profit derived from all the leases of the camp and the profit of the close corporations, the figures would be amazing. Unfortunately, that information is not obtainable, so it is impossible for the public to know the great profit made in mining in the district each year. One thing is absolutely certain, the balance side of the ledger will show a big profit, if taken collectively.

Mining 1200 Feet Below the Surface.

It is a well-known fact that there has been a great deal more taken out of the ground in this district than has been invested, and that is a record that few mining camps can claim. Cripple Creek claims it, and there is no going back of the assertion, for the figures prove it each year. Of course, there are individual losses. Everyone cannot make a fortune.

The soon to follow list of dividends paid show how remarkably successful mining is here. If all profits were obtainable it would be all the more remarkable.

There are hundreds of leases in the camp being worked by individuals that are to-day paying handsome profits and some are paying with little or no outlay of money, while others have cost thousands of dollars to put into shape to pay.

No doubt the biggest lease in the camp to-day is that on the Doctor mine. Ore was encountered in that property within a week after the present lessees took charge and to-day it is one of the greatest producers of high grade ore in the district.

The following is the list of dividends paid during the past year:

DIVIDENDS FOR 1899.