The Georgetown news., 1856-01-10
Past and Present.

Past and Present.
Perhaps no other mining precinct in Cal
ifornia has done more towards prospecting
the hill diggings Of the State, than mas
Georgetown. Since the entering wedge IN
the tunnelling process at Mameuke LII IN
the summer Of 81, till within the year past,
the money and the muscle Of this communi-
ty have been Iayishly directed to that ob
iect. In 52-3 the rage for tunnel diggings
had fairly reached the height Of monoma-
nia, and with scarcely an exception, busin-
ess men and miners OF all classes, were in
.erested in these operations. Nor were
their efforts and investments directed Who'll
ly to this immediate section Of country
After every available foot Of the hill ran
ges which showed any reasonable evidence
Of containing gold deposits had been appro-
prated, companies, having their centre here,
were formed to prospect the hills at Y olca-
noyille, Nevada, Forest City, Todds Val
ley, and in the vicinity of PIaceryillc and
other places.
In many instances large returns have
been realized, particularly in Mameuke,
Cement and Jones Hills, while in a large
number of others, the OUTLAWS have met with
no adequate reward to those Immediately
interested, but have been of incalculable
benefit to the community at large, in fur
nlshing labor to large mining population,
and building up large retail trade with
the merchants, and employment to mechan-
les and artisans, who perceived the benefit
OF encouraging the enterprise, by yolun-
teering system of taxation in favor of the
practical miners, in the shape of assessments
to companies organized for the develop
ment Of the mineral value Of the hills, and
IN most instances with the hope of largely
increased reward in the richness Of the dig
gings in which they were directly interest
ed.
For the last year this particular branch
OF mining has been principally confined to
claims already prospected, and which had
proved remuneratiYe in their yield: and as
a consequence a large number of the per-
sons who were engaged in tunneIing here
during the years before mentioned, have ei-
ther engaged in other classes of mining
which have involved less time and expense
to ascertain their value, or have songht
other and newer localities to pursue their
fayorite mode Of mining. Many more have
engaged in branches of business which in
the earlier days were little needed, and now
We find ranches scattered over the country
wherever the nature Of the soil, and chan
ces Of irrigation warrant the enterprise fur
nishing remuneratiye employment for scores
who formerly looked to mining as the only
method of realizing their golden hopes
Others have turned their attention to Ium-
bering, and are bending The sturdy forests
to their purposes Of wealth.
During the excitement which pervadcd
the community during the period referred
to, more money was undoubtedly in circu-
laton, ana things wore brisker aspect
than now, but the operations were found
cd on an uncertain basis, evolving wealth
TO some and penury to many; and We are
disposed to regard the present order of
things, in (which all kinds Of business are
carried on in q matter-of-lact, legitimate
manner, as much more conducive to the
real and permanent advantage Of the COM
munity. The alluring chimera of sudden
wealth is not pursued with the insanity Of
former years, but is sought to be obtained
by the gradual approaches Of steady indus
try reasonably rewarded, and the result is
that the goods Of fortue-at attainable to all
by this means-are more equally enjoyed;
reckless expenditure and wantonness are at
a discount, and honest industry and sObrie-
ty at premium.