Grass Valley telegraph., 1854-01-12
h" QUARTZ MINER.u y


graph, because it is only by the interchange
OF opinions that the substantial facts in re-
gard to any new business can be properly eli
cited We protest. however, against the in
diligence, on the part of correspondents, in
reflections upon the integrity, or imputations
upon the characters of other parties,-such
being entirely foreign to the subject matter,
and at the same time liable to create un-
friendly feelings among citizens. The quartz
interest is most important one for the fu-
ture of Grass Valley-th therefore, gentlemen,
give us FAcTs-instead of FANcIEs.
Mr.. EDIToR:-
In an editorial of late number of your
paper under the head of "Quartz Mining
Generally" you correctly drawthe inference
that gold bearing quartz is found in the vi
cinity of Grass Valley, in sufficient quanti-
ty to justify capitalists and others to engage
in the enterprise, and thereby not only make
a secure investment, but by efficient manage
ment, insure handsome dividends.
The past history of this branch of mining,
since its commencement in this place up to
within few months, proves conclusively the
truth of the assertion. It has already been
so thoroughly tested as not to admit of reaS
sonable doubt in the minds of those who have
devoted their time and attention to it; yeti
notwithstanding the richness of the lodges
and the abundance of gold that can be seer
H. H., 1-0l IL
unfrequently happened that the rock, When
crushed, has proved complete failure, espa-
cially if it were from newly dicovered ledgss
owned and worked by Individuals, or by
companies, other than those having mills.
It is matter of surprise to many hotc it
occurs that SO many quartz lodges do not
pay. In first trials, when "prospected'' By
crushing to test their richness, which after
wards, when abandoned or sold for nominal
value to incorporated mill companies, have
proved remarkably rich. The point having
been concealed that quartz mining, when
rightly managed will pay. The question
naturally arises why is it that failures are so
common, and complaints become SO frequent
among outside quartz miners? Is it because
they have not been judicieus IN their man
agement of the business?
We are among those who believe the fault
is not entirely their own, but we do not un-
dertake to trace to it's source the true cause
of these failures. Whether, Gas hinted) it is
in the mismanagement of directors, the i'm
perfection of machinery, or by reason of some
other unexplained cause, we will not pretend
to say. Some, indeed, have been so ungene-
rous as to insiauate that certain stockholders
have had sinister eye upon these Uery same
ledges, and to effect the desirable object of
buyidg them in at prices below their value.
had entered into combination for that pur-
pose. We do notvouch for the truth of the
suppositon on the contrary, in justice at
least to majority of the stockholders of in
corporated companies, if combinations have
existed. we think they are honorable excep-
tions
From information derived from a stock
holder, by calculation of figures, you arrive
at the conclusion that by an additional in
vestment of $4,000 in lodges, by the stock
holders of prominent mill, they would have
realized a net profit of $128,O00 for four
months labor in crushing and that instead
of working eight stampers twelve hours per
day, there could have been twice that number
in operation twenty four hours per day and
consequently there would have been four
times the work accomplished during the four
months. Now this certainly looks like doing
Land Office business" so far as figures
are concerned, at all events; and those who
have been interested in the progress of quartz
mining, or have been engaged in the business
for the last two years, will no doubt be great
ly indebted to your informant for this valua-
BILE piece of information, If correct in theory,
is it not somewhat singular that, inasmuch
as the stockholders of said mill now own SEP
eral good lodges, they do not crack on the
steam, and push the remaining eight stamp
ers in motion, and as a consequence quadru-
pie their present business and profits
Suppose, for instance, that any one Mill
owned ALL the .ledges to which reference has
been made, would there have been more ac-
tual labor performed in the four months past
than there has been by the present proprie-
tors? We are strongly inclined to think not.
By careful estimate, it is calculated that
nearly or quite one third of all the quartz is
raised by companies not connected with any
mill, and that at least seven-eighths of the
various ledges now known have been discov-
ed by this class Of miners. Nor is this ALL
They have, by their own exertions, and gene
rally at great expense, not only brought to
light these hidden treasures of the earth, but
have furnished very large amount of quartz
to the various mills thereby literally contri-
buting their share towards keeping some few