The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-29

which was collected by foreigners. who possessed
many advantages from their experience in mining
and knowledge OF the country.
These estimates give, the result of the opera
tons in the mines for lS4S and ls4y, the round sum
Of $40, 600, 000--one half Of which was probably
collected and carried out of the country by for
eigners.
From the best information ! could obtain, am
led to believe that ut least S20,0OO,OO0 of the
$40 900 900 were taken from the rivers, and that
their richness has not been sensibly diminished ex-
eept in few locations, which had carly attracted
large bodies of miners. This amount has principal
ly been taken from the northern rivers, or those
which empty into the Sacramento; the southern
rivers, or those which flow into the San joaquin,
having been, comparatively, but little resorted 10
il near the close of the last season. These riv-
are however believed, by those who have visit
ed them, to be richer in the precious metal than
those in the northern part of the gold region.
There is one river which, from reported re-
cent discoveries and not included in the descrip-
ton of those flowing into the great plain west OF
the Sierra Nevada, is as rich in gold as any OF
them. That is the Trinity, which rises north OF
the head waters Of the Sacramento and discharges
into the Pacific not far from the fortieth degree OF
north latitude.
There are, as nearly as my recollection serves me,
twelve principal rivers In which gold has been
found but most Of the twenty millions in the
above estimate was taken from six or seven of
them, where it was first discovered and most acces
sible.
Adopting the hypothesis that the gold found in
the veins in the quartz through which they have
forced their way and considering the fact that
they all rich, and are said to be nearly equally
productive, we may form some idea OF the vast
amount of treasure remaining undisturbed III the
veins which run through the masses of rock in va
rious directions space forty or fifty miles
wide, and near five hundred miles long
If we may be allowed to form aconjecture re-
specting the richness Of these veins from the guam
tity of lump gold found in the dry dig
gings, where it appears to occupy nearly the same
superfces it did originally in the rock-its specific
gravity being sufficient to resist ordinary moving
causes-we shall be led to estimate almost be-
You'd human calculation and belief. Yet, al far as
can perceive, there is plausible reason why
the veins which remain in the quartz may not be
valuable as those which have become separated
from the decomposed rock. This matter can only
be satisfactorily decided by actual discoveries.
The gold region of California having attracted a
large share of public attention. it was to be expect
ed that various suggestions and propositions would
be made with respect to the proper mode OF dis
posing OF il.
The difficulty in arranging suitable plan has
been the want of accurate information on which a
well considered opinion might be formed. Its dis
lance from the seat of government, the conflicting
statements and reports respecting it, served only
to bewilder and mystify the public mind, and rem
der thorough examination Oft necessary, to as
certain whether its value Is such as to render legis-
agement
Ift appears, from the preceding part of this re-
port, that il is sufficiently important to require
laws suited to the condition and development Of its
wealth, we necessarily brought to the consid-
Grafton of the proper rules and regulations to be
adopted for that purpose.
The survey and sale of that section of country,
under present land system, or any other mode
which may be devised, would, undoubtedly, cause
very serious discomfort among those who have gone,
and all who may desire TO GO there to collect gold
and a most unnecessary and unavoidable inc
quality in the distribution of wealth among the
purchasers.
Sections and parts of sections Of land having no
indications of gold on the surface but possessing
untold treasure in the bowels of the earth, might
be sold fer what would be mere trihe in compari-
Of their real value. Capitalists would overbid
the daring, strong armed day laborer, who had
braved the storms Of Cape Horn, or the privations
of journey across the plains; and, by the power
and combination of resources, would possess them
selves of the most valuable mines which have been
discovered and employ skilful miners TO examine
the country, with as much secresy as possible, for
the purpose of making such discoveries would
enable them, in great degree, to monopolize the
most valuable portions of the country.
II is much easier TO imagine than describe the
discomfort, perhaps disorder, which would spring
up among an hundred thousand freemen deprived
the privilege Of an equal enjoyment of, partici
patton in, what they have been in the habit Of
garding the common property of the people Of
the whole Union.
II is, perhaps, more than doubtful whether such
laws could be enforced. The employment Of troop:
effectual; they would be more likely to set an
example of characterization, by desertion, than tC
compel obedience in others.
The people would unite with them in producing
anarchy and confusion. No system, therefore
which is not in accordance with the intcress of the
people can be carried into successful operation.
IL is Away fortunate when laws can be SO framed
as TO harmonic those interests with the policy and
duty Of the Government Ii is believed that may
be accomplished in this case.
Hvl. III A.
aware that he is Government property, and
would consider any attempt TO drive him away as
an act of oppression he at the time feels that
something is due from him for the privileges he
to nave those privileges defined and 10 be protect
co the enjoyment Of them.
The gold in the rivers, the dry diggings, and the
ravines, is accessible 20 any man who has the
strength TO use pan or washer, spade and
pickaxc.
The employment Of machinery may perhaps
facilitate its collection, but il is not essential
Every man is master of his own movements. The
case will be very different with the vein mines
which yet remain in the rock. To work them sue
cessfully will require machinery, with horse or
steam power, involving an expenditure of capital
in proportion to the extent Of the operations.
No prudent man will make such investments
until his rights and privileges shall have been clear
" defined BY law In the absence Of all legal rcgu
lation, il man were to discover vein mine, and
incur the expense Of erecting machinery 10 work IL
any other person, citizen, or foreigner, might
struct an establishment alongside Of him, deprive
him Of his discovery, and destroy tho value Of hi,
property. Hence il will be perceived that any Law
prescribing the privileges and duties Of miner
should be 80 framed TO secure the rights Of all.
There is some fertile soil in the gold region
beautiful valleys and rich hill sides, which, undei
circumstances favorable 10 agriculture, would un
doubtedly be valuable for that purpose; but at pre-
sent, and as long the collection Of gold shall
continue 10 reward labor much more abundant
ly than the cultivation Of the soil, the mportsn
matter TO be considered s, the proper mode Of dis
posing Of the metallic wealth OF the country
The first step, i'm my opinion, should be TO reserv,
the entire region, where gold Is found, from tn
operation Of the pre- emption laws, and from sale
90 that IL may be nov regarded the common hea
sure Of the American people, and hereafter a rc
! inheritance TO their posterity. Then provide 70
/ the appointment Of commissioner Of the mines
/ and sufficient number Of assistant commissioner
TO carry the law into effect.
Let the office Of the commissioner be stabshe,
at some point convenient 10 tho mines, say Sacra
mento city, and the offices Of his assistant on tn
| principal rivers, and in the most productive die
/ tricts. Provide that any and every Americai
citizen, on application at the Office Of the commits
sioner, or any Of his assistants, and by paying on
ounce, or SIC, or such sum as may Be considere'