San Andreas independent., 1857-08-08
{ Written for the San Andreas 1naana.,.
Dry Old Times.

Mr Editor We are in the midst of {,
times" The gulches and bitches have oil
dried up-the clouds have dried up--tbe verv
atmosphere is dry and hot, and all local themes
and subjects are yielding to this powerful intiu-
ence of drought. Even the fruitful subject of
"the County Seat Regency" has become a mo-
notonous theme, and now what are we to do
or think about? Quartz mining, together with
all the material elements of mans prosperity, in
this locality at least, is dry subject for the pen
and the mind. But with all this temporary
whitening of material phases, are we to admit
itated into the same dry channel There should
be yelling up of eternal waters, in that line,
with miners, and the culture of our mental
and literary gardens should be encouraged, for
they can be watered from the inexhaustible
springs of thought and reflection. The majes-
tic Nile, which, working by Providential fore
sight, overfows its banks and fertilizes regions
In its vicinity, is not more prolific in the abun-
dance of its refreshing influence, than is the
human mind when laid open to the potent work.
ings OF intellectual power, and gathers into its
bosom all the rivulets and streams which ema-
nate from the eternal fountain of Infinite wis
dom and knowledge. If the pen cannot find
fruitful theme in the stunted oaks, parched up
grass and the dried, desolate looking gulches.
which now meet the eye in every direction. it
can at all events find subjects worthy of the
highest flights of fancy, or the more stoical
profundty of sedate reflection. There is his
toric lore, philosophical researches, and the
lighter branches of literature which invite one
and all into their delectable precincts to enjoy
the refreshing influences of their studies and
their inexhaustible wealth and which is so
much calculated to elevate the tone of society,
and give powerful impetus in the direction OF
its well-being and prosperity. Therefore, let
us contribute from time to time to the columns
OF your worthy paper, articles which will act as
a refreshing mental shower in these awfully dry
times. If we cannot make fortunes let US at
present attend to our mental culture; let us at
least attempt to achieve triumph in wide
and bold field, worthy of our race and the age
rate fields and gardens, in the intellectual terri
tory, and entwine the fairest fruits and flowers,
which bloom therein, watered from the we'll
springs of infinite power and goodness, and the
immortal vigor of an undying life, will soon be
felt and known as the grand pabulum of our
happiness. To your independent efforts, let us
contribute this offering.
But perhaps lighter key might better suit
your readers Deep thought and reflection are
too heavy an encumbrance for these enervating
times of heat and paralysing influences, and
something of more easy digestion must be pro-
posed to agree with the dainty appetites of your
readers. don't believe it. | have frequently
heard hard-fsted miners animadvert upon the
weak, fimsey pieces published in the city pa
pers, and express strong condemnation of thus
catering to the intellectual appetites of political
readers. Politics is well enough in its place
but we are all becoming disgusted with it's in
terminable broils and unceasing corruption
Still, the miners know it's importance and will
not abandon the county to the spoiler.
There is an unsuitable desire in the human
mind to sip occasionally at the great and refresh
ing fountain of intellectual enjoyments, and
when books cannot be obtained here, as at the
east, let us occasionally contribute an exhilira-
ting breeze to the Independent. When Diogenes
was taking solar observation, Alexander the
Great stood before him and asked, what was
the greatest favor he could do for him. The
great philosopher meekly replied, stand from
between me and the SUM- He wanted light
the magic power of Philosophy absorbed his
soul. The reply of the great warrior was,
" were not Alexander would be Diogenesn
Well he might. Then if we can't be Alexan-
ders let us be Diogenes'. G. w. G.