Volcano weekly ledger., 1857-01-31
Quartz Mining Around Volcano.

Ol tnlS place, several veins oil aurlferOuS
quartz. that will pay for working. This be-
ing so, why are they not worked2
AS early as '52, a lead was discovered near
here, that prospects at least twenty dollars
to the ton, and yet it remains unworked A
few days ago we were shown prospect from
another ledge, the richness of which was be-
yond all expectation; and we have seen spe-
cimens from several other leads that evi-
dence the presence of gold in paying quanti-
ties. With all this there is no effort made
to turn this permanent branch of mining to
profitable account.
We believe the main cause of this lethargy
is that these leads have come into the pos
session of set of claimants who either have
not the ability or energy to work them them
selves, and like the dog in the manger they
seem determined to keep every one else from
possessing the advantage which they are una
BILE to enjoy. The question may be asked
why they do not sell! To which we answer
that they could have done so two or three
years ago. at fair price; but then, they set
such an exorbtant price on their rights that
no one could be induced to buy, and now that
they are more reasonable in their demands,
capitalists very naturally consider that claims
which have remained so long known are
worthless and therefore refuse even to ex-
anime
The idea is very erroneous which prevails
in regard to persons holding quartz claims SO
long without working them. The law in re-
common sense. No man has an absolute
ownership in quartz lead on government
land. If he is allowed to work one, it is
from mere sufferance and his only right is
one of possession. After locating claim, a
reasonable time will be allowed to commence
work on it, and unless erident action appears
to sustain the possession, the claim is liable
to be jumped by another.
In other sections of the State the develop
ment of the quartz mining interest has prov
ed the firm basis of permanent prosperity =
In many parts of our own county villages
have sprung up around the quartz mills, that
are patterns of industry aid comfort; adding
much to the wealth and standing Of the
State. While Volcano, with all the natural
advantages Of any of them, has been forced
to rely entirely on her placer dggings for en-
couragement.
How long is this state of things to con-
tinue? Just SO long as these scare-crow
claims are allowed to hang over our ledges
to frighten away bona tide operators Just
so long as the business men of Volcano are
willing to remain in apathy in regard to pub
lie interests, the advancement of which nd
rectly benefits each one in community
------
TEARING AWAY DAM-Quite excitement
was created in the southern part of this
camp. on the first of this week, by party oi
miners cutting away a dam constructed
across the South Branch of Sutter Creek
The excuse given for this act is, that the
parties owning the dam and ditch connected
Herewith have no prior right to all the wa
ter in the stream, and that the turning the
water out of the channel seriously retarded
the mining on Mohala Flat, in that the water
was absolutely necessary to carry off the tail
ings. The owners of the dam claim prior
ity of right to all the water in the branch
Seven persons were arrested, and had a
preliminary examination before Justice
Munckton on Monday but after tedious
hearing the defendants were discharged; the
Justice not being satisfied that public of
fence had been committed.
Farley & Pawling, Attorneys for the Peo
Pile. Handy & Porter for the Defendants.
REPAIRING THE RoAD.-Through the inau
ence, and under the direction of Mr.. A. |
Houghtaling, about fifty of our citizens turned
out on last Saturday and Tuesday and Wed
nesday of this week, and thoroughly repaired
the road leading out of this place to jackson
This is highly praise-worthy act and thost
engaged in it are entitled to the thanks o
our people and the travelling public. Their,
were those who really doubted the prcsenc,
of any genuine public spirit in Volcano, bu
this act is convincing proof that our youns
men, who planned and executed this improve
rnont ore of the rirht cfamn Honor Il