Newspaper Page Text
(Calatiecas Chronicle. H. A. DE COURCY, Editor. Saturday, December 30, 1851. Water Project. At a meeting of the citizens of Mo kelumne, hehl on the 29th ult., for the purpose of discussing the practicability of introducing a stream of water into this plaee for mining and other objects, a committee of engineers was appointed lo make a preparatory surrey of the country intervening between the Hill and the most suitable point on one of the forks of the Mokelutnnc. Since then but little has l>een done towards perfecting this surrey, the committee haring, as yet, found it impossible to obtain the necessary instruments. Mr. Marietta, one of the committee, informs ns, however, that he has to San f'ranr~<oCO fo instruments which art daily expected, and on the receipt of which, the surrey will be immediately made. We hare heard many object to the undertaking on account of the heavy capital necessary to the success of the enterprise. No one doubts that it will cost a large amount of money—more than any one person could invest—to consummate this most desirable object; but, Kke all other great enterprizes re quiring heavy expenditures, this should be undertaken 5y a well organized eompany, having sufficient means to meet any and all exigencies that might arise. Neither does it follow that all the capital requisite for the prosecution of this great work must necessarily be raised in this place, for if it be clearly demonstrated that the construction of an aqueduct, such as is contemplated, is feasible, there will be found plenty of capitalists in aU- the larger cities of our state, who are able and willing, and who only await oportunitiea like this, which cannot fail being lucrative in the end, in which to invest their meney. The possibility of an abundance ol min—even so much as foil in the winter of *49, which all the old settlers declare to havebte* wetter than any season they had known for a great number of years—would not materially affect the success of the enterprize. ft is thought that at a point fifteen miles distant from the Hill, a sufficient elevation can be obtained to thoroughly drain the Mid dle Fork of the Mokelumne, and con vey its whole volume of water, in an aqueuct to this plaee. Such a canal must necessarily be of large dimensions, in order to supply numerous mills which would undoubtedly be located on its route, While unknown placers, adding still greater inducements for miners and others to locate themselves among the rich hills and valleys of our widely known county, could not foil being dis covered, when the Increased facilities for washing are taken into consideration, —the volume of water conveyed being sufficient, after supplying intermediate deipands, to meet all the requisitions of the Hill and vicinity. The undertaking, above urged, will certainly be difficult and expensive in prosecution, and require great and in defatigable perseverance—but its con summation would be as glorious as the enterprize is great, and as lucrative as its necessity is now urgent. The capi tal invested, in fact, would be but a mite in comparison to the vast benefits that would accrue from such an enterprize to all classes of the community. Let the proposition be carefully considered, then, the premises thorougly -investiga ted, end should the enterprise be deemed practicable, enter upon its prosecution with the determination lo falter at no obstacle until the whole is brought to a successful completion. Bio Bar. — It is now impossible to par chase a share in the damming company at this plaoe. Ten days ago these shares oonld have been bought for an ounce. The cause of this rise in stock is, that the com pany have at length struck the lead, from which, the first day, they realised over four teen hundred dollars, sines which lime they have been doing remarkably well. .... « 0 • Middle Ban. —A large number of north ern miners have lately located themselves at this plaee, who purpose engaging in tun neling, having much experience in this de scription of mining. Their impression, generally, is that they have never seen better ground for tonneting than the hills in this vieinity. Mei.ANCHOLY OCCURRKNCK. A UlOSt melancholy occurrence took place in Steep Gulch, about half a mile below this place on Tuesday last. Three Frenchmen, Jean Paul, Foenan Paul and Thuall Auguste were cayoteing a hole into the bank of the adjoining hill, when about thirty feet of it slid down gulch in which they were working, killing one, Jean Paul, on the spot, and horribly bruising and mutila ting the other two. A huge pile of rocks fell down with the bank,which so complete ly covered up Jean that he was not extricat ed till the next day. Foenan Paul has one of his tegs broken above the knee, and his lower jaw entirely separated from the up per one, being broken in two at the joints. Thuall Auguste is badly hurt in several places, having his right shoulder blade shat tered, and several of his ribs broken. This unfortunate catastrophe is not the result of carelessness, as is generally the case, for the men hod not excavated more than three or four feet into the hill, and did not suppose the drift already needed timbering. A subr senption has a -on got up among the citizens of this place, for the relief of the unfortu nate sufferers. Unenviable Predicament. —A French man, not over zealous in his obeyance of the fourth commandment—went to coyote in his hole, which was 180 feet deep, on Sun day last. He told his partner when he lowered him down, to come back to hoist him out at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and with this descended into the “ vasty depths” of a shaft. He had not done much “ picking,” however, before he heard the earth above bis head crack, and he vamosed speedily to the other end of the hole. He had no sooner left, than about two tons of rock, lava, 4re>> dropped promiscuously, covering the pile of earth he had just pick ed off. Here he was, with fear depicted on his countenance, not knowing hut the next minute would be heralded with a general “ caving in” of the whole surrounding earth. There was no escape, however; for he had to remain where he was till 4 o’clock, when his partner came and hoisted him np, more dead than alive. Accident. — The U. S. Mail stage, in coming from Sacramento to Jackson on Wednesday last, was so unfortunate as to upset on this side of Drytown, breaking the coach to pieces and severely injuring a number of the passengers. One of them r a lady, was net expected to survive her wounds. Rich Oclch Tuitril Company. —The Rich Onlok Tm&cßN|( Company ix* pro gressing rapidly with their works. They here been compelled to abandon their first shaft on account of the earing in of the earth, which was of so- porous a nature that it was not deemed prudent to prosecute their labor in that quarter, and they left it, notwithstanding they hare struck earth sufficiently rich to pay all expenses in work ing the tunnel. This gulch has been ex ceedingly rich, and the Company feel san guine in their expectations of soon making a “ big strike.” Christmas Dat. —Next Thursday will be a grand holiday among all our friends at home. We, in the mines, however, must content ourselves with but few of those pleasures, which make this day so anxious ly looked for in the Atlantic States. A di versity of amusements, however, are on the tapis' for the holidays, among which we will mention that a grand Fancy Dress Ball will be given on Christmas Eve, at the sa loon ef our friend M. Theate, which will be under the management of J. R. Lynch. Another fancy dress ball, on the same evening, will be given by R. Myers, at Shear’s Mokelumne Exchange. Messrs. Cuttrell & Mitchell will exhibit their large grixxly bear, General Scott, which will fight a wild bull, on Christmas Day, in the spacious arena they have erected at the base of Negro Hill. We think that upon the whole, we will not lack amusement on this time-honored holiday. New Discov ert. —A new and rich lead of gold was struck yesterday afternoon by a company of five miners, back of Stone Corral, about one-quarter of a mile from this place. They had sunk a shaft sixty feet into the hill before they found gold. The dirt which they are now taking out prospects very richly. As soon as the news of the discovery reached town, crowds of miners hurried to the spot to stake out claims. We were shown handsfnl of the dirt from the rich claim, by several indivi duals, which were very thickly impregnat ed with gold. Bull Fight. —An enormously large am phitheatre is now being built at this place, for the purpose of fighting bulls and bears. The first exhibition will be given on Christ mas Day. The bear Gen. Scott is the cham pion. Messrs. Cntrell & Mitchell are the empresaarios . One hundred and sixty thou sand feet of lumber have been ordered for the construction of the arena, calculated to seat some five or six thousand persons New Road r- t Emigrants. —We have every reason tv expect a large overland emigration from the States during the next summer—composed for the most part of hardy, industrious settlers, who will bring their families, with the intention oftmUting California their permanent home. The reputation which has already reach ed the old States respecting the mineral and agricultural resources of the Southern counties, and especially of Calaveras and the rich mining region about Mokelumne Hill, will attract many in this direction, and it only requires the construction of a short and convenient road to bring them among us. At present, all coming in by the Carson trail are obliged to continue on to Weber or Hangtown, even when seeking a location in this or any other part of the Southern mine* ; and many who would pre fer settling in this vicinity, are prevented by the distance they have to travel to get here —which, after the fatigues incident to the long journev across the plains, is a consideration n* most.conseqnenoe. Can a road be opened from a point some thirty or forty miles East of Weber, lead ing from the Carson trail into Calaveras county ? If this is practicable, more than half the emigration—attracted by the re sources of this and the counties South of us, as also by the climate, can be drawn in this direction. From information derived from those who have had full opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the localities, the nature of the country and the obstacles to be overcome, we are satisfied that a road can be constructed, at small expense, from the Carson trail, leading into this part of Calaveras county, and so as to connect with the Stockton and Sacramento roads. In the range of valleys extending in a south-westerly direction, from various points on the emigrant road, between Tra gedy Ppring and Leak’s Spring there is said to be one, forming almost a natural road to Volcano, by which the distance is not over twenty-five or thirty miles. We offer these suggestions for the consid eration of our readers, believing them of sufficient importance to command the atten tion of our capitalists and men of business, and would also suggest the expediency of taking immediate steps to ascertain the practicability of the proposed road ; and in the event of a favorable report, to have it opened with the least possible delay. New Road. — At a mooting held at Dur key’s Ranch, relative to the construction of a new road from Mokelumne Hill to Doa ble Springs, b,' Ri-J of Chilean Qaloh, O. Davis was appointed chairman, and J. B. Moore secretary. The chairman itated that a road can be constructed from the Hill, by this route, which will shorten the distance two miles and will give nearly a perfect level on the whole road. It was therefore. Resolved, Thata committee of four, con sisting of Mr. HUtlock, F. D. 0011, L. P. Hanson, mA MjeJavis , be appointed, and that immJHyßion be taken to open the said road. That said read being nearer and more easily traveled than the one now in use, and being through a fertile valley that af fords an abundance of water and grazing the whole season round, and nine ranches being now upon it, therefore each indivi dual owning a ranch thereon be required to give one week’s labor towards the pro secution of said road. That such road be opened by the way of German Ranch and Haolock’s Ranch. We are pleased to see that, at last, a step has been taken towards making the egress from this place less difficult. No doubt ex ists in our mind that a level and good road can be constructed from this place to the Double Springs, avoiding the steep, uneven and fatiguing road that is now traveled. This enterprise will certainly prove of great benefit to those who have hauling to do to and from this place, and from our personal knowledge of the several gentlemen owning ranches near the projected road, we are sure that if it prove a failure, the cause will not be want of perseverance. Stack Line. — The new road between this place and Sacramento City has at length bocn successfully traveled over by the opposition line of stages. The first trip was made through between the two points on\ Monday last. The number of passengers patronising this line since its commencement shows plainly that it must succeed. Carson Creek. —Great excitement has prevailed at this place for several days past, in consequence of the Sheriff having served upon the company of Mr. Finnegan a writ of ejectment from certain quartz veins, claimed by the company at the head of which presides Capt. Morgan, who, it will be recollected, in a suit at law, relative to these same claims, some weeks since gained his cause. Not being thoroughly conver sant with all the points in question in con nexion with this affair, we cannot venture an opinion as to the priority of right of either party, but refer our readers to the proceedings of certain meetings held, which we publish in the present number of our paper. [San Francisco Correspondence ] San Francisco, Dec. 15, 1851. Mr. Editor. —Your many friends in this city are pleased to learn that the success of your enterprise is no longer a problem. In the tone of its articles the Chronicle gives evidence of prosperity, while the press here are unanimous in pronouncing it one of the ablest papers in the mines. Every intelligent miner is aware of the im portance to his interests of a free, un shackled press, which will fearlessly rip up any rotten hurabuggery that may assail them. When they can boast this, and have men true to the parties they represent at the capital, they can bid defiance to a world of knavish combinations. San Francisco is gradually acquiring some of the characteristics of older cities. “ Fashionable” balls, soirees and theatri cals are all the rage, and their remoter ten dencies are already perceptible. Classifica tion appears to be the order of the day, contrary to all reason or philosophy. In the early settler' ,nt of some of the western States, like Camornia’s infancy, all were on an equality; until gradually the shrewd er portion of the community acquired the bulk of its wealth, when society assumed their respective gradations. Old cent-per cent smiled patronising! y on the merchant; the merchant bowed graciously to the pro fessional ; who winked knowingly to the em ployer, who, in turn, scowled contemptuous ly on the poor devil below him. And the luckless wight at the foot of the scale, had either to hoard up his pennies, sell every particle of manly principle, or go farther west to seek for independence. But the enormous wealth of California attracted to her shores a class of people, such as the world never beheld in a community. They were literally the herdsmen of the old world —every atom a cloud. With them many brought virtue aid honesty, combined with shrewdness and knowledge of the world; but the circumstances with which they were surrounded, shewed so plainly the utter impotency of the first, that they laid them aside reluctantly, until fortune should crown their desires, when they hoped to renew their cast-offs. But though many have acquired wealth here, it does not ar gue they are the embodied intelligence of the land; for fires and floods, and other unforeseen events, together with the great uncertainty attending fortune-hunting in the mines, have kept some knowing-ones in the background who would tear up the tree by the roots, if they saw the ladder pulled up. But this slassifying desire is not so much on the part of the possessors of wealth, as it is that of a species of ichneu mon who bask in their sunshine, and are never more useful than when applauding the vices of the rich as “ elegant affairs,” or denouncing the peccadilloes of some rough one as a heinous offence against the peace of society. If these precipitate young sters persist in their efforts, it will even tually reveal the almost transparent design of nature, in withholding to this late day her enormous treasures —the overthrow of a system as rotten as it is unnatural —one that every mortal man with the smallest share of unpolluted sense, can see is the source of vice and crime. Tou will be able to glean from the city papers the general topics, which are now agitating the public mind. When anything especially interesting to your locality oc curs, you may rely upon my complying with your request to post you up. Tours, Nooklts Forefathers’ Dat.— We beg leave most respectfully to acknowledge the receipt from Mr. W. A. Dana, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, of an invita tion to be present at the celebration of the anniversary of the time-honored society of the Sons of New England, to be held at San Francisco on the 22d inst. If possible, we shall not fail to attend. New Paper.— Another new paper will shortly make its appearance in California. It will be published, we understand, at Downieville, Yuba county. The editorial charge will devolve upon Dr. R, C. Mat thewson, favorably known in the political and literary circles of our State. Meeting of Mieers. —lt will be seen by a notice in another column, that a meeting of the miners of San Andres and vicinity ia called for the 28th inst. From what we can learn, a few of the original settlers of this placer have established regulations granting to each miner one hundred feet square of diggings, which just about made an equal division of the richest portion among the first discoverers and their as signees. The object of the meeting, a very proper and just one, is to reduce claims to a reasonable area of territory—say thirty feet square. Sluicing. —The benefits of sluicing are beginning to be understood among the min ers of this county, more especially botween this place and Buckeye Ravine. Within a few days, on this latter gulch, a number of sluices have been placed, in preparation for a sufficiency of water, varying from one hundred to a hundred and eighty feet in length. Miners should remember that it takes earth averaging from one to two bits per pan to pay a cradle, but that one cent per pan will pay a well constructed sluice when properly worked. Quartz Mill. — A quartz mill, of a power to crush six or eight tons of rock per diem, has been put up on Carson Hill. This ma chinery is under the superintendence of Mr. Finnegan. \ [advertisement.] Miners' Meeting. —At a numerous meeting of Miners, held on Carson’s Hill, Friday, 12th December, 1851, it was Resoloed , That the rules and regulations passed in August last, governing the quarts mines on Carson’s Hill, be the only laws which this meeting do recogniio. That, forasmuch as the lives of the mi ners now working claims on Carson’s Hill have been threatened by Alfred Morgan and others, we consider him and them as disturbers of the public peace, and acting in violation of the laws of the said Hill, and are thereby a nuisance and pest in the said community. That the sense of this meeting being, that wo cannot ensure peace and quietness to this community while the said Morgan and company reside in this camp; and that the said Morgan and company, his aiders and abettors be requested to leave this camp within one hour after being notified of this resolution. That if the said Morgan and company refuse to leave within the time specified that a Committee of the Whole shall peace ably as may be, eject them from this camp. That all the property belonging to the said Morgan ana company, in their cabin on Carson’s Hill, be held sacred. William Laing, Chair’n. Rob’t Packard, Sec’y. The following letter was adopted, to be addressed to Capt. Morgan, of the Consoli dated Mining Company: Carson’s Creek, Dec. 10, 1851. Sir —In consequence of the threats you have this day expressed towards us and our partners, now holding quartz claims on Carson’s Mountain, and fearing that you will carry those threats into execution on our reappearance on the Hill, we have or ganized ourselves into a committee of the whole, and have resolved to reciprocate those threats of violence; and, believing our lives are in jeopardy, we hereby notify you that we shall shoot down the first man who attempts to drive us off the Hill. We are, sir, yours, 4c., J. Bonnet, President. J. H. Moss, Secretary. To Capt. Morgan, Carson’s Hill. Notice. —A meeting of the miners of San Andres and vicinity will bo held on Sunday the 28th of December, for the pur pose of making regulations to govern their mines, and to adopt some system to stop the monopoly that now exists in the rich gulches and surface diggings in that vici pitJ- d2O 2t tST Notice.— The members of the Chi lean Hill Tunnel Company are hereby no tified that an assessment of ten dollars per share was laid upon each claim, at a meet ing held on Thursday, the 18th inst. All payments must be made within three days from the notice thereof, or the delinquents subject themselves to forfeiture of their claims. By order of tb« company, d2O It S. W. Tinkham, Sec’y. Notice.— We have appointed O. D Brush omr agent to rent the property for merly occupied by Mr. Sears. d 6 4t McMullin 4 Trakkrn. CF* Religious Services —At the M. £. Church of Mokelumne Hill, every Sab bath. Preaching at half-past 10 o’clock, a. m., and at 6 o’clock, r. m. Isaac Z. Fish, Missionary. Reservoirs.— Whilst strolling over the hills about Mokelonme, a few days since, we perceived that nearly every ravine up on the heights had dams thrown across them in such a manner as to form commo dious reservoirs for the retention of water when rain falls. This forethought Is most provident, and proves that our miners are on the qui vive “for the chances,” what ever they may be. Quartz Vein. —A company of miners are now sinking a shaft at the foot of French Hill, where they struck a quartz vein that promises fairly to be of some im portance. All the quartz in this vein, with the exception of a few small streaks—has the appearance of having undergone severe volcanic action. There are several leads in this immediate vicinity, and we think, when they will have been well prospected, they will show an encouraging yield. Another Vein. Considerable excite ment prevails at present on the Stanislaus, relative to the recent discovery of an extra ordinary rich quartz vein at the mouth of Squirrell Gulch, on the river above named. Specimens obtained from this vein are said to be of unexampled richness. The ground is staked off in the supposed direction of the lead for several miles. Adams & Co. have our thanks for a copy of the Pictorial Brother Jonathan ; also for full files of Atlantic and European ex changes. Reynolds, Todd & Co. have our thanks for early delivery of Atlantic and other fa vors of late dates. Also for some very beautiful lithographic views of California scenery, extremely correctly executed on letter sheet, suitable for mailing. Letters written on these would be most acceptable to .friends at home. Prospecting. —A party of miners left this place on a prospecting expedition to the eastward, a few days since. They will be absent about a month.