Columbia gazette., 1854-06-17
For tts coluabia Gdsst<.
A WORD TorHE c1r1zENseF
COLUMBIA.


Two years since, or previous to tbel
introduction of water into this mining
region, by the Tuolumne Co. Water
Company, what were the prospects Of
Columbia! Small indeed. But since
the opening Of, the Earth and the par
tial development Of its treasures, Co.
lumbia has begun to assumes degree Of
importance and stability which is as fat
tering as it was unexpected. A degree
ofimportance, which, even the amount
Of gold extracted from her soil during
the first years operations, great as it
was, did not seem to warrant; bu: now
that near two years have elapsed, and
our mining region, instead Of being ex-
hausted, is only found to be more ex-
tensive than was originally dreamed of
by the most sanguine, our town stands
out in importance, from its rich mineral
resources, second TO no other in the
Southern section Of our mining country.
The first years washings were of an
almost entirely superficial character, as
these well know, who have been engag-
ed in mining in this vicinity, tho two
frst years. Fer We daily meet with
those who slightly and specifically
skinned over the surface Of their
claims, strewing them with refuse mat
ter, for the next possessor to remove.
and leaving their golden piles beneath
their feet for some more perssvering
miner to "strike."
Look for instance at Gold Hill: A.
bout two years since a few miners
ploughed over the surface of large
portion Of Gold Hill, with a common
plough, and then slovenly washing the
loose earth, abandoned tho ground,-
since which time, ''lumps' large and
small, and many pounds Of "dust" have
rewarded those who bave dipped little
deeper for the hidden treasure.
But one year and half since, and
but few rich "strikes" were made such
as we now read or hear Of. For exam
pie, look at the Main Gulch, bordering
the town, where the gold is now being
aiken out in pounds; and . few hun
, dred feet Of earth is worth from $4,000
to $4,000. One year and half since,
and it had boen "surfaced" to the depth
Of three or four feet and abandoned, as
worked out and worthless. And yet We
find these "worked out" claims now,
paying to the depth Of so or 60 feet,
their 500 per man, per week, and up
wards, with plenty more of the "same
sort left"
And how small a portion Of the hill
sides which directly overlook The town,
have even their surfaces marred BY pick
or shovel. True, there is q difficulty
in raising the water to their higher
points, but it can be done, as is demon
strated by the high fume Of the "San-
tiago Co." who have just completed a
flume 1000 feet in length and 70 feet
in height, (and noble piece Of work.
manship it is,) and have thus introduc-
ed copious supply Of water upon the
rich hills east Of the town, and will
doubtless in time reap rich reward for
their commendable skill and enterprise
All these facts, and many more of a
like nature, which could be stated, /,
prove that mining is yet in its infancy,
about Columbia. But one thing is yet
needfa to give stability and lasting
prosperity to our thriving Mountain
town, and that rests much upon its citi-
zens and business men to accomplish.
Tear down your old rookeries and shan
ties, gentlemen, and replace them With
handsome stone or brick FIRE proof edi-
fees, worthy Of the prosperous business
you are transacting. You have the ma
terial At hand, Lime stone or marble.
and granite, Of the frst quality surround
your town, and are jutting from your
hills on every side. Build Of these ma
terials, Merchants and Bankers you
are we'll able, for where tho miners pros
per, there do the business men .like-
wise" Follow the example some have
already set you. Bring hither your
families, make your "homes'' here, At
least, for time. Be little liberal
With your boarded "piles'' in be.utify-
ing and improving your town, and in :
short time, like labor and expenditure
il the culsare II Tho earth, ycu VIII ~