The Nevada journal., 1852-02-28

which are locked up in the rocks, will
remain undisturbed for an indefinite
period. We should consider this as
serious calamity to California, and to the
interests of our national commerce
and looking upon this subject with a
view to the extensive influences it will
exert. we desire to press its considera-
tion most earnestly upon your favorable
attention.
We know of no other mode, in relation
to this peculiar branch of mining, by
which the labors and the capital Of the
miner can be encouraged to investment,
and be made safe. Many have already
invested oil they have gained from the
placers; and, in some instances, incurred
heavy responsibilities. They have gone
forward, and with your protection are
still ready to 90 forward, in their work,
with constancy of purpose, and daily
improving skill and knowledge, which
are sure, in the end, to scrutinize, test,
and develope, the whole value of the
goa bearing rocks. Of the hundred
mills low in opera ton, IL is believed not
one has yet been long enough employed
to cover its original expenses. Few have
resulted in the product Of nett per
cent upon the current operations from
day to day, and many may be said to
have paid nothing. Of the more than
thousand shafts, not six have rewar-
ded the laborers and the rest, va
rying in depth from twenty to one
hundred feet, have made but bare
showing of gold. The perseverance,
however, is here. For the miner is the
most indomitable, as well as the most
hopeful man living. He never gives
up. But now, when he attacks the
quartz, he has to strike 80 often, and he
has to invest 80 much money before he
meets with any return, that he has the
strongest claims upon that protection
which we ask for him. Although it
goes to him individually, it will inure to
the whole country, its agriculture, COM
merce, and manufactures.
The simple fact that the whole mines
being declared by your legislation to be
free to the labors of every American
citizen, without any restriction or tax
whatever; that every quartz miner shall
be protected, by title, to the possession
of his mines and that the labors and
investments of every miner shall also be
protected, by title, so as to secure him
in the right of possession, against the
world, whether in the placers or the
the work of damming, or conducting dis
tant streams to dry and aurifereus fats,
would have the most salutary tenden-
cies give encouragement to thousands
of miners who have isng struggled with
out having ever been repaid single
cent, curtail the great source of litiga-
tion, and cause quiet confidence. which
would be felt most happily in the entire
extent of the mines.
The interposition of your Legislation
in favor Of American citizens, would be-
as we desire it should be made, the ne
CATION of the right Of possession by for
eigners. Of this class, thousands come
here, with no wish, nor intention, of ever
becoming citizens. The means to this
honor are free and easy If it be OBJ
tanned, it at once adjusts their rights.
AS it is, they carry off vast amounts of
treasure, leaving no corresponding be.
nefts behind them. Their places could
and would be supplied by an American
population, having a love and identity
with the country, and all its interests.
Menaced as we are here, with a redun-
dancy of that sort of population, which
was misfortune to the countries from
whence they came, and are now. with
us, an increasing evil-facing: as we do,
the Asiatic races, and the convict colo
MES of the greatest kingdom of the earth,
we think it neither unreasonable, or illi-
beral, looking to the future, and the
news that reaches US from every land
of their incoming numbers, that we
should think of and seek remedy. As
California now is, tho privilege of hav-
ing the advantages OF American miners,
should be identified with American
rights.
Your legislation for protection in the
mode we have stalled, will carry with it
that consequence. 1t would do more
than we have stated. 1t would put to
rest, forever, the question of sale and
lease. 1t would dispose of the subject.
Your legislation would make it system
for all furure time. But as long as it is
left open, tho lasigns Of scheming men,
who live solely by their wits, will keep
it agitatcd. 1t will continue the hack
and hobby of the specu.ator, and the
abused servant of the political partizan.
The truer basis of action, is that Of
not being afraid to do right for fear Of
doing wrong; but to assume the respon-
sibility of doing that which time will
test, ane the enlightened judgment Of
the country, founded upon experience,
will approve and perpetuate.
AS long as the important question Of
the future disposal Of the mineral lands
is suspended, it will be fruitful source
of mischief; and neither peace, security
nor industry will preserve their proper
spheres nor attain their legitimate ends.
In submitting our vie ws upon the two