Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-07-08


with those Of Europe, rise so infinitely above.
as to discover bu. few points of analogy. The
latter are born upon the spot that a. once mark
their birth place, their theatre of action and
their grave. Their intellect is blank sheet, ex.
ceps here and there a garbled chapter, traced
by deep toned grief or narrowing passion.
Their childhood has no sunshine, their youth
no pleasing promise, their age no soothing
memories. The former are as free as the citi-
zen OF any other calling-undertake and re-
linquish, resume and abandon mining at pleas
IRE, making sbut one Of the thousand objects OF
that victorious enterprise which rarely enc oun-
tiers circumstances so desperate as to prevent a
rapid transition, either Of place or avocation.
But turning from whole life time TO that part
oft devoted exclusively to the subject before
US, and a different picture is presented.
The Upper Mississippi Miner, as such, &C.
copies position at which envy never sneeIs,
and to which emulation rarely exci,es. Tempt
ed by the possibility Of sudden wealth, he has
given up or relinquished the more common
means of arriving at his purpose; and siaked
every thing upon scheme of life, than which,
none are Swallowed with more uncertainty
and disappointment. With advantages of
education and travel, that would enlille him to
consideration in the transaction of business or
intercourse with society; he may be found. year
after year, undergoing the most monotonous
drudgery and privation, living withou, COM
port and Too aften without cleanliness, separa-
ted in a great measure from all the benefits Of
society, often far from those that love or care
for him, doomed to frequent and almost daily
he nevertheless. more often
than otherwise, presents picture ofreal gaye-
ty and cheerfulness, for his horizon is bright
ened, and he is led on by that close and es-
sen,ia! proximity to all human happiness
---hope. Tomorrow may realize that fond
and eager hope, and then to the enjoyment Of
those fancies tina. have beguiled many an anx-
ious. and soo,hed many an agilaed hour.
Blu, though this allusion would be fair stand
ard for the mass of Miners we must rot pass
thus hastily over the detail Of their character.
Tho diet of the Miner is plain, his dress
humble, his abode temporary and rude; he
looks a. men rather than at principles, despi-
SEES and sneers at the least appearance Of os-
ten,a,ion or display, studies to avoid the ap-
pearance ofinexperence, to accomplish which
he oftener courts carelesness of carriage and
habit. rather than the sprer means Of observa-
ton and reading. throws everything upon ex-
pectation aud trusts TO fortune and the future.
His profession is among the few occupations
that forbid the application of that steady indus
try, so necessary to the successful accomplish
ment OF other undertakings. The breaking
up of Winter, the Fall and Spring rains, or
a copious shower at any season-the revolving
nature Of an employment that carries one in
TO situations more damp and dreary than the
prison house, away from the passing oreeze and
the light Of day. from healihful and sometimes
even from vital air, added to the standing fact,
that the most constant laborers are far from
being the mos, successful ones, all contribute
to afford the miner many days, ard even weeks
Of leasure.
This spare time is differently appropriated
by different classes. 1t is, employed by one
in rambling through The country IN search of
some favorite spot for future trial, replenshing.
perhaps by day wages, an exhausted stock of
provisions, and otherwise preparing for the re-
turn of more favorable season. Another dof-
fng HE foxed pants and clay stained shir, Tor
fashionable habilameni. rides to the larger
towns, visits some new "discovery," or mix
es in society where he can enjoy for time the
pleasures OF gayety and refinement.
The idle time Of the third class, comprising
greatly the majority, alone remain for consid-
Grafton. Their amusemen,s are rarely select
ed with reference TO the future, bot merely
layed hold Of as something TO oil up between
the scenes, or while :heir situation and cifcum.
stances forbid share in the more cultivated
and popular amusemsnis Of society. This is
q leading and often fatal error in the morals of
the Mining District, and arises almOs, entire
IL froln the want OF more intimate and easy
connection between the mining and other in-
ierests Of the community, or the nonexistence
Of medium ground between the owner of the
soil on the one hand. and the miner upon the 9TH
or; & end thar can never ae reached Until the
miner feels those moral and social insiigations
and restraints, arising from permanent, property