New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-03-01
THE MINERS sTRATAGEM.

A TALE OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN SILVER MINES
The following is the communication OF gentle
men formerly resident in this town, and now en-
gagged in managing operations in the neighborhood
of Cobija, West Coast Of South America:
Upper Peru forms an extensive territory, sit
mated south and somewhat east Of Lower Peru,
with which it assimilates In aspect and produc-
tons. In 1873 it was separated by the Spanish
Government, and attached to the Viceroyalty Of
La Plata; but In the course OF the late revolution
II was severed from La Plata also, and erected
into an Independent republic, under the name Of
Bolivia. Potosi enjoys the greatest fame Of any
city in this region, but retains few traces OF the
wealth which gained for it this celebrity. 1t is,
probably, the most elevated city in she world,
being more than $4,000 feet above the sea- conse-
quently higher than the Peak Of Teneriffe. The
mines have been the cause OF the unrlvaed
wealth of this country. These are situated In
the inmost depths of the Andes, approached only
by steps and perilout roads, and In mountains
which reach the limit Of perpetual snow. The
silver mountain of Potosi has had no equal In the
world Ii rises to the height OF 10000 feet, IS
abeut eighteen miles in circumference, and formed
almost Of one entire mass OF ore, and appears
from the city dyed all over with variety OF
metallic tnts and is supposed TO have produced
$3.50 900 900 since the conquest yet 1t has sunk
into such state of decay that, in the ten years
ending le29, the annual produce has not exceeded
$4,000 Out of 5000 miners there are, probably,
not 100 at work at the presentdsy, and the silver,
for some years past, has been extracted from the
large piles of refuse of the former workings 1t
has been asserted that the city of Potosi, during
its most hourishing state, contained population
of 10000, and in its present decline not more
than 10000 inhabitants
Some years after the commencement OF the
present century, but previous to the emanclpa'
lion of Peru from the Spanish yoke, Don Jose Ha-
mirez and Don Miguel Gsllardo, miners, aud ma
lives OF Apdalusia left old Spain, and arrived at
the port Of africa, on their way to Potosl Tor the
purpose Of working some OF its numerous silver
mines, having brought with them considerable
capital, in cash, goods, quicksilver and mining
implements. After careful survey OF the FAR
famed "cerro," so justly celebrated for Its riches
IN Europe, each purchased separate mines, ana
commenced working them on an extensive scale
After the expiration of several years, the former
became immensely rich by the result OF his la
b0rs but the latter on the contrary, became
wretchedly poor having sunk all his capital in his
mines, ard being also deeply embarrassed with
outstanding debts TO a considerable amount, the
workings having been unprOductive. In conse'
quence Of this, he resolved upon q stratagem to
increase the value of his mine in appearance, and
then sell il to Don Jose for the highest price he
could obtain for it, and by doing extricate him
self from all his difficulties. With this intent he
loaded his gun with silver amalgam, (which by
severe pressure becomes very hard, and contain
ing ABOUT one NTH OF It's WclBOt Oh LQo precious
metal,l and, descending TO the lowest part OF
his mine, in the absence Of his men, discharged
che contents into the deepest part of its
workings. The scattered particles gave the
lode rich silvery appearance; and next
day he offered it for sale rs intended, TO Don
Jose, who ordered the mayors omO and head
manager Of his mines to survey and examine it
as to its probable value, ADD report accordingly
The rich and glittering silver Rmslgsm dispersed
by the discharge OF the gun stuck hard and fast
among the stones and poor ore Of the vein, shining
like so much native silver, completely deceiving
the unsuspecting manager, who consequently
gave statement OF the miHe highly favorable in
forming his "patron " il was in "benihco" hay.
Ing "platn blanca q Ia vista" and which he con.
sidered cheap at one hundred thousand dollars
which sun was accordingly handed over to Don
Miguel With portion OF the amount he paid
of his debts, and with the remainder made a has
y retreat to the coast, where he embarked on
board avessel the point of sailing for Chill On
his arrival at Valparaiso he was undecided what
kne OF conduct % pursue, or where 10 90 TO-
being much inclined to return to his native land
put not wishing TO do so poorer than he had LETT
y because there was stigma of disgrace in old
Spain, attached to any SpRniard arriving from
Mexico or South America, under such circumstan-
cesj and, accidently hearing there was some
probability Of succeeding in mining operations in
che neighborhood of COpiapo, he determined
TO make a trial in that place, with the hope
oil better success in future. On his arrival
AZ the then dreary, desert, and miserable
port Of Copispo he proceeded to the villa Of
nat name, some twenty leagues in the Interior in
10 essterly direction from the coast toward the
Oordilera, and few days afterward 10 the mine
IA district Of San Antonio. where be bought sill
sermine, and commenced working it to the extent
MS capital permitted. At tina. date, and previous
~ the Spsniards principally worked MINES Of gold
ana copper in this district as the old mines round
ABOUT and 10 sight Of the city of CopiapO duly
testify. Some few silver mines were worked, but
lngenerai were little sttendedtO so much 30, that
s.en the Proceeos' IN le2l, are said not TO have
averaged more than 90 600 marks lof eight ooncssl
annually but great change has taken place
SINCE that period, for now mines Of gold are almost