Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-03-30

been taken from the northern rivers or those which empty
into the Sacramento the southern rivers those which flow
into the oan Joaquin having BEEN comparatively, but little
resorted to until the close the session. These
rivers however, believed by those who visited them to
be richer In the metal than those in the northern part
Of the gold region
There one river which, from reported dseoyees
and not included in the description Of those flowing into the
great plain west Of the Sierra Nevada is as rich in gold
any OF them That is the TRINITY which rises north Of the
the Sacramento, and dschargesnto the Pacific
not far from the fortieth degree Of north latitude
Ihere are as nearly my recollection me, twelve
principal rivers in which gold has been found but of the
twenty millions in the above estimate taken from six or
seven oil them where first discovered and
sible
Adopting the hypothesis that the gold found in the beds Of
these streams has been from the veins in the quartz
through which they have forced their way and considering
The TACT that they all RICH and said be nearly equally
productive, we may form idea of the amount Of
treasure remaining undsubed in the veins which through
the of rock in various directions space forty
fifty miles wide, and near five hundred miles long.
II we may be allowed to form conjecture respecting the
Hchness OF these veins from the quantity of lump coarse
gold found in the dry dggngs where appears occupy
nearly the supeces it did originally in the rocki.s
specific gravity being sufficient to resist ordinary moving
causeswe viii be led to an estimate almost beyond human
calculation and belief Yet, far perceive, there is
no plausible why the veins which remain in the quartz
may not be valuable those which have become separated
from the decomposed rock This matter only be sac
torily decided by acknowledgements.
The gold region Of California having large share
public attention, to be expected that various sugges
tons and propositions would be made with respect the pro-
per mode Of dsposng Of it.
The difficulty in arranging suitable plan has been the
want Of accurate information which welconsdered opin
ion might be formed Its distance from the of govern
men the conflicting statements and reports respecting it.
served only to bewe and mystiy the public mind, and
der thorough examination of necessary. to ascertain whe
ther its value such render Legislation necessary for its
proper protection and management.
If appears from the preceding part report that it
and development of its wealth. necessarily brought
the consideration 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, any other mode which may be devils
ed would undoubtedly very serious discomfort among
those who have gone and all who may desire to there to
collect gold and most unnecessary and unavoidable me
quality in the distribution Of wealth among the purchasers
Sections and parts Of sections of land having indica
tons of gold the surface but possessing untold treasure in
the bowels of the earh might be sold for what would be
mere trie in comparison Of their real value Capitalists
would ovebd the darng strong armed aborer, who had
braved the storms of Cape Horn, the prvaons Of jour
ney the plains and by the power and combination Of
resources would possess themselves Of the most valuable
mines which have been discovered, and employ kifu miners
to examine the country with much secresy possbe for
the purpose of making such discoveries would enable
hem in great degree monopoze the most valuable por
tons Of the country.
1t is much easier imagine than describe the discomfort
perhaps disorder, which would spring among hundred
thousand eemen deprived the privilege of equal enjoy
ment of participation in, what they have been in the habit
of regarding the comon property of the people Of the
whole Union.
1t is. perhaps, more than doubtful whether such laws
could be enforced The employment Of troops for that pur
pose would not only be odous, but Intellectual they would
be likely to set example of ubodnaton by de
sertion, than TO compel obedience in others.
The people would unite with them in producing anarchy
and confusion No SYSTEM therefore, which is not in accord
with the interests Of the people be carried into
cessu operation 1t is always fortunate when laws be
framed harmonic those interests with the policy and
duty of the Government is believed that may be
plished in this
While every American citizen in the mines is that
he is Government property, and would consider any
attempt drive him of oppression, he at the
time feels that something due from him for the prv
eges he enjoys and he would willingly pay reasonable
to have those privileges Defined and TO be protected in
the enjoyment of them.
The gold in the rivers the dry dggngs and the ravnes
is accessible to any who has the strength to use pan
washer, spade and pick axe.
The employment of machinery may perhaps, facilitate its
collection, but it is essential Every of his
movements. The will be very different with the
vein mines, which yet remain in the rock To work them
successfully will require machinery, with horse steam
power involving 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 clearly defined by law
In the absence Of all legal regulation if to dis
ven-nne, and incur the expense Of erecting ma
chinery to work it. any other person, ctzen or foreigner
might construct an establishment alongside Of him. deprive
him Of his discovery and destroy the value Of bis property
Hence will be perceived that any law prescribing the priv
eges and duties of Miners should be framed
the rights Of all.
There is fertile soil in the gold regon-beautul val
eys and rich hsides-whch under circumstances favor
able to agriculture, would undoubtedly be valuable for that
purpose but at present. and long the collection Of gold
shall continue reward labor much abundantly
than the cultivation of the SOIL the important matter to he
considered is, the proper mode Of dsposng Of the metallic
wealth of the country.
The first step my opinion, should be to the
tire region where gold is found from the operation Of the pre-
empton laws and from sale, that il may be regarded
the treasure of the American people, and hereafter
rich inheritance their poseriy Then provide for the
appointment of commissioner of the mines, and sufficient
number of assistant commissioners carry the law into effect
Let the office of the commissioner be established at
point convenient to the mines, say Sacramento cy and the
Offices Of his assistants the principal rivers, and in the most
productive districts Provide that any and every American
citizen, application the office of the commissioner
any Of his assistants and by paying ounce, Sl6
such may Re considered just and proper shall be
titled to receive license permit TO dig where in the
Territory for year. Provide aso that any who shall
discover purchase of the dscoverer vein mine, shall be
entitled to work it. a certain extent under proper regua
tons, paying the commissioner such per cent the
proceeds of the mine may be suitable tax the prvi
leges granted will be necessary also to allow the miner
and such timber and other building materials his
business requires and also allow those who work under
permits the privilege Of erecting cabins for shelter through the
winter. Authorize the to Icy sites for
in convenient situations to the mines and offer the ots for
sale reservng the metals and mineral that these who