The weekly Columbian. [volume] (Columbia, Tuolumne Co., Cal.) 1856-1???, 1856-11-22
Columbia & Stanlslaus River Water Compa.
ny's Ditch.

water COmD0s
ny's Ditch.
This Ditch is one OF the most magnificent
achievements of enterprise which the records
OF California industry can produce! Conceiv-
ed under what was deemed pressing demand,
and inspired by bold and determined enter
prise, the work on this immense ditch was COM
menced by private enterprise and individual
labor, and without the aid of single dollar
from the treasury of the organized company
In giving action, stimulous and encourage
ment to labor, Hon. ]. W. Coffroth among 9TH
ers, deservs distinguished praise, as through his
eloquent representations, he induced scores of
laborers to shoulder their picks and shovels, and
march to the line oflabor with no other prom
Use of remuneration than that which would arise
from the profits of the ditch, after it's completion
and yet, perhaps the greater credit is due to
the hardy sons of toll, who risked all their liv-
ing in the uncertain returns of work, which
without the aid of capital would require near
S5O0,0OO in labor and cash, before they could
hope for the payment of a single dollar! Stu
pendous rs was this undertaking, the work is
we'll nigh accomplished. Under the able Su-
perintendeuee of Mr. Goodrich, as President of
the company. and the direction of an efficient
Board OF Trustees the ditch was so far complet-
ed early last spring. as to be able to furnish a
large stream Of water during the greater por-
ton of the following summer. and as soon as
improvements which are rapidly progressing
shall have been completed, the Columbia and
Stanislaus River Water Company, will be in
possession of canal of So miles in length, and
running never failing supply of from 4 to )
hundred tom streams of water! So large and
! and beautifully graded is this canal, that when
completed and full of water, it will be capable
of bearing little boat of sufficient dimensions
to hold two persons, for the distance of 80 miles.
The work yet unfinished and in progress on
the upper portion of the line, is worthy of no
tice. In the ditch between the South and Main
Forks of the Stanislaus River, it was found ne
cessary to tunnel through the dividing ridge.
between those rivers.-a distance of twenty-five
hundred feet To accomplish this. the rcqni-
site number of laborcrs were Immediately set to
work, and already one half of the task is finish
cd-when the entire work is completed. there
will be an arch extending through the entire
ridge, eight feet high and seven feet wide, in
the center of which will be placed fumc meas
uring four in hight and five and half in width.
This of itself is an undertaking which does
credit to the enterprise which is capable of con-
ceivng and accomplishing it. On the lower
portion of the ditch. there are already seven
reservoirs completed, and two others are nearly
ready for use.-One of these located about of
mile East of Columbia. when full will COW
er near ten acres of ground
In the construction of this extensive ditch
over one hundred men have been employed for
the greater portion of the time since it was first
commenced and two saw mills have been con-
stantly employed in furnishing it with the nee
essary lumber. There are now three mills To-
Gated on the ditch: one at Cow Creek, one on
the Stanslaus. and one belonging to the compa-
ny, located within nine miles of Columbia
1t would afford us pleasure to partcularize
on the nature of this work but for the present
will conclude with the simple remark-that it
is seldom the case that individual enterprise
without the aid of capital succeeds in the en-
tire completion of a work as grand and eXtcn
sive as is that just described.
RAMON last Friday morning the skies
commenced darkening with evident appearances
of continued rain, giving surmses which were
verified in the evening by a steady drilling
rain which is always the precursor of long
storm. Through the n ght the rain continued
falling-rain in the valley and snow on the
mountains above; so much so, that the morning
light revealed hill sides and mountain tops
densely whitened over with the frost of winter.
1t is beautiful sight. to scan the contrast of
snow and cloud as they undulate. as far as the
eye can reach. with the graceful curve and
swell of the mountains.
As we go to press Saturday morning, the
clouds are still dense and heavy, giving us an
occasional sprinkle by way of reminder that
they intend to be gracious. With the rains, ami
nation and life is instilled info every depart
ment of business, and although no immediate
returns may accrue therefrom to business men,
there will be an assurance impaired to every
branch of business, which will prove advanta-
geous in enabling all to lay out their plans for
the future.
SABBATH SCHooLs.-Whle passing one of the
town churches last Sabbath, our attention was
attracted by youthful voices apparently keep
ing very good time with one of the little songs
common on such occasions. Being at once in
terested we entered the church, and were agree
ahlu in poon,. ~