Mariposa Democrat., 1858-02-18
THE DITCH.

THE DITCH.
The work of the committee of three, ap-
pointed at the last Ditch Meeting, is progress
ing favorably, and should no unforeseen OBJ
struction be met with, the people may rely
upon it, something more'thaA speculation and
mere words will beths sespltof their labors
Such assistance should be rendered the COM
mittee as may be in the power of those who
conducted the recent survey of the ditch from
near the mouth of Saxton's Creek, on the
main Merced river, and that without any pre-
varcation or delay. There is moral respon-
sibility to this community resting on those
persons, and there should be no backwardness
on their part in discharging it. 1t is true, to
them there may be no immediate pecuniary
benefit, but public sentiment must be re-
spected, and the people having to some ex-
tent interested themselves in that preliminary
survey, look to it as furnishing proper data on
which to base future operations. II, by con-
nivance or Incidence this proposed ditch be
retarded, just and lasting stigma will attach
to those who are the cause, if no other punish
ment be inflicted.
As in all projects of this nature, many offer
opinions upon the matter, especially with re-
ference to the means required to commence
the ditch, some of which are practical and rea-
sonabe, and are deserving of consideration,
and all, doubtless, emanatng from real de-
sire to facilitate the work. These various
plans it is not necessary here to speak Of,
with but one exception, which meets our
views, as it does those who, from their posi-
ton in this community, are much interested,
have means at command, are willing to aid,
and are earnestly desirous of seeing the work
successfully carried out. This plan is, to col
lect the necessary amount by subscription,
to obtain precise survey of the line of the
ditch, with view to its definite location, and
the stalking off of the line-the surveyor to
furnish, also, an estimate Of the probable cost
Of construction. When this exhibit is placed
before the leaders Of the enterprise, the COM
paratve cost of fluming, which it is thought
may prove the most economical in a great
number of places where the hills are steepest,
will be considered, and the cheapest manner,
of course, adopted. The lumber for fuming,
1t is said, can be furnished very cheaply
through the ditch ITSELF
The funds to commence the survey we are
informed, are all that is now required to put
the x~,orG in nj tba
about to commence making collections, when
We hope to hear of the requisite amount being
made up in q few days When the survey
has been made, and the cost of the construc-
ton of the ditch definitely ascertained,
company can be formed, the amount of stock
may be set, and certificates issued. In this
way the work will be fairly begun, and with
the right of way guaranteed by Act of the
Legislature, which may be passed in few
days, all impediments are removed, and moth
ing remains but to commence work on the
line. We are informed that some of our mer-
chants are willing and ready to contribute
towards the work in aborers, stores and mo-
ney, and with these requisites, after the survey
is made, should these liberal promises be lib
orally fulfilled, very expressive demonstra-
ton can be made Laborers and miners in
the vicinity, we are also informed, have ex-
pressed readiness to assist and to receive
stock in the ditch in payment for the greater
portion of their labors.
With this favorable aspect before the ditch
projectors, they cannot fail to bring their ef-
forts to a successful conclusion, should they
continue their labors with the perseverance
and energy that the project requires. After
the ditch is begun, and begun in earnest, by
the citizens themselves, as a company, show
ing resolution to push the enterprise to
termination as soon as possible, there can be
no doubt that capitalists will then take an in
terest and aid in its completion.