The hydraulic press., 1858-12-18


view to taking preliminary steps for the
organization ola Mutual Relief Society.
The object of the proposed associa-
ton was fully explained in last week s
issue, and commends itself. 1t is earn
estly hoped that the meeting will be
largely attended. Every man in the
township will have an opportunity, thro'
the medium of such an institution, to do
much good in quiet and inexpensive
manner. By association, the wants of
our fellow-man can be more promptly
and efficiently relieved, and by the plan
proposed many persons could be aided
who would refuse needed help if it came
In the humiliating shape Of charity
To insure success, there must be large
membership at the start, and members
should be required to pay dues in ad-
vance. The amount of the monthly
dues should not be less than one dollar
to each member, and if paid in advance
might be fixed at ten dollars per annum.
This would give respectable fund at
once, and the society might be started
with a smaller membership. If it is
found that tolerably large number will
join in the undertaking, it might do to
require the payment of dues quarterly
in advance.
The meeting which is to be held to-
morrow will not likely do more than clio
it an expression of public opinion, and
appoint committee to draft plan for
consideration on another occasion.
Again we urge a full attendance. The
establishment of Mutual Relief Soci-
ETY. by the miners, and citizens gener-
ally, Of Bridgeport Township, will speak
loudly to the credit of this community,
and our example will be followed in
many places throughout the State In
another column will be noticed COM
munication which does not take very
hopeful view Of the project. There is
much force in the opinions of our cor
respondent, but it is better to try before
we despond. The object justifes an eff
fort in spite Of any difficulties.
THE WELsH.-This people constitute
a numerous class in the mining commu-
nifty of California, and exhibit certain
characteristics of marked popularity.
Chief amongst these is that clinging de-
votion to their nationality which we
term clannishness. This keeps them
united in foreign land as by secret
obligation of brotherhood. Obedient
to the subtle instinct of a common
nativity, they prefer one another to
all the world beside, and are prompt, un-
wavering friends in the hour of sickness
or adversely. Let one be stricken down
by accident or disease, and though he
may have been stranger to his country
men, they flock around him with words
and deeds of kindness, remaining watch
full guardians of his couch till health re-
visits it. Where one prospers in his
search for gold, others soon come, buy
ing out those of the worlds people who
may happen to be there before them,
until the entire locality is sometimes in
their possession little Welsh settle
ment. They are noted for industry,
are generally successful, and are skillful
laborers. Wherever tunneling is done
almost certainly you will find them en-
ployed, dividing this field of occupation
with inexperienced miners of Cornwall.
Although usually shorter in stature than
the English, they are not less stout and
robust. Lacking the shrewd craftiness
of the Scotch, they are like them in ma
tive intelligence, and although SO exclu-
sive and unfamiliar, are yet good neigh
bors-not backward in assisting the
needy, even if not of their darling ma
tionality. They are generally acknowl-
edged to be good and useful citizens,
but they have one ruinous habit, which
is the only thing that nearly assimilates
them to Americans, and that is the
habit of drinking intoxicating liquors.
| This incites them to midnight brawls,
contrary to their naturally peaceful tenn
per; wastes their health, consumes their