Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-02-28
Ditch Meeting at the Diana.

was well attended. II. Hooker, Esq, President
ing to order, made an appeal to the citizens in a
busness-like manner, presenting facts of the most
important character in reference to the construc-
ton of the Canal
Henry J. Howe, Esq, spoke briefly and to the
point We were glad to see the cooperation of
Mr. Howe in this important matter. His knowl-
edge and experience in bitches enabled him to
speak of its benefits and clearly point them out
in few words. The public spirit and enterprise
of this gentleman needs no mention from US
His intelligent aid and influence in furthering
this good work Will be felt and properly apprcci-
ated.
Mr.. Howe was followed by W. S. Smart, Esq,
in an appropriate speech, covering the whole
ground, and exhibiting in q clear and forcible
manner the profits of the undertaking, and the
good results which must inevitably flow from the
completion of the Canal. Between forty and ff
ty shares were sold, leaving but seventy-thrce
yet to be disposed Of
1t is strange indeed, that in the town of Wea-
yer and its vicinity, where the good effects Of wa
ter bitches are so plainly evident, people are
found whose pecuniary circumstances depend so
much upon the increase Of water facilities, hesita-
ting to embark in this enterprise
If 1t were& first attempt to construct ditch
in this county, and incurring an outlay Of one hun
dred and fifty thousand dollars, there might be
justification in celebrating long and seriously in
regard to it, but q matter that is made so mani
festly true in its practicability and profits, and
so well altested by the proof and attestations of
other ditches in the vicinity Of Weaver, leaves no
room for any person who has an interest in the
couny--either in its mines, or in real estate in
town, to doubt
Strange arguments are used by persons in re
gard to the Canal. The miner thinks the mer-
chant should do il, because it will increase the
trade and commerce of the town, which is true.
The merchant thinks the miner should at least
assist largely and literally in completing this Ca
nal, because it viii more materially affect his in
terest 1t will give the miners new field to OPP
crate in; it viii increase their chances Of for
tune it will open mines to them that viii afford
ample employment for years. twill also secure
them nice income and large interest on the cap
ital invested. 1t will enable them to work all
through the most pleasant part of the year. This
is also true. Now these are the arguments used
by both these classes Of mon, and the arguments
on both sides are substantially true
There are at least six hundred men strollrg
about the town and neighLorhood Of Weaver fof
FIVE months in the year, and it would be hard to
find a solitary man who would acknowledge that
he was idle from choice. No, no You can new
er find any Of that class of people. If it is true
that these six hundred men arc idle from neccsSi-
ty. because Of not having water to work with,
how forcible is the argument then that the min
crs above all other men in the county should take
an interest in it for their own COED. The mer-
chant has an interest, also which should prompt
him in rendering whatever aid Or influence with
in his power to develop the mineral resources OF
the county. The county is dependant entirely
upon her mines Merchants cannot live by sell
ing to each other There must be miners to sup
/ port the merchant and there must he mines to
/ furnish labor for the miners, The co operation
Of the min;n5 and mercantile classes can obyiatc
this, and secure The means Of labor and rich re-
ward to every man who desires work.
There is one class Of men more particularly
whose attention we desire to cali to this matter,
and that is the young men in the mines, whose
only object in coming to California was to find
employment and reap the benefits from their hon
est labor. Let those young men give this mat
ter their most serious consideration. 1t is of the
most vital Importance to their own welfare. There
is no preteXt to excuse any man from taking an
interest in the work, except the one used hy gen
tlcmcn Of leisure, " / didn't come to California
to work I came for my health. - California i,
cursed with an overwhelming mass of this class
Of individuals. Let not their example be imita
ted, for Gods sake, by those young men who
have come TO The country with honest and indus
trious intentions, and who expect, as they have
reason to. that their labor will bring them mean.
to return lome or enable them to situate them
selves comfortably in the country