San Andreas independent., 1858-06-19


cred in by the low and cherries chant of the
Whippowil* Change and decay is indelibly
stamped upon everything around us; and the
night-winds tell us in whispers that we are
passing away. Hopes cheering smile has
faded gradually away, before the thickly gath
ering clouds of disappointment, toll and mis-
fortune The bright dream of wealth that has
sustained and led US on for years, has bursted
as bubble at last; and we are compelled to
commence life anew. with dismal future be-
fore US and a still gloomier past to look back
upon. Disguised with our want Of enterprise,
we receive but few additions to our limited
population; while completely disheartened by
a want of success, numbers of our best citizens
are seeking refuge from their present miser-
the Flume has been heavy addition to the
burden of our hardships, for it has rendered
the Flat unavoidable diminished the quantity
of money in circulation-ruined credt-and
compelled our business men to adopt cash
system, at the very time when the miner, una
BILE to work his claim with single chance of
success, needs it most To work the Flat as
we have been doing for the past year or more,
with whims, masts, pumps, &C., is not to be
thought of for a single moment, as it would
only be waste of time and toll. Then, the
expenses overrun the profit in most cases and
now it would be far better to seeka claim else
where, than to attempt it. Some have already
abandoned claims in which a single share was
worth from $500 to ST. 900 few months ago,
North" as soon as possible. Those who have
been fortunate enough to amass a few hundred
dollars, clutch it with the grasp of desperation,
and are hurryng northward, while those who
have not been so fortunate, roam about like
spectres, mute and reckless of consequences.
Willing, and yet unable to gain an honest live
lihood, it is sufficient to incite men to deeds of
evil; for in this enlightened age, unless you
can grasp the almighty dollars" it is almost
crime to live Could we but complete the
Flume, this camp would be the Gem of the
Southern Mines; and instead Of doubt and
gloom, we could afford to wear content and
smiles of welcome upon our brows. One more
united and determined effort, and we must
prove successful. One more desperate onset,
and we will have achieved victory, compared
with which the blood stained glories of Wa
terloo, an Aboukir, Cressey, or a Banock-
burn, will be as forgotten dream. Now is the
time to strike. Everything is in our favor
Water is scarce; the miners, generally, idle
and the weather mild and dry. Soon the Win
ter floods will render it impossible to blast to
the required DEPTH and perhaps destroy the
labor of eight long and weary months. can
charge! On, Stanly, on!" but 1 will say
"Charge, Miners charged On, Merchants
on "'or the day is lost.
1t was really amusing to note the effect o.
the Sunday Law upon our quiet and peaceablt
citizens. Here you might hear a stalwar
miner swearing because the shops were shu
and he was compelled to do without his daily
allowance of beef. Here bearded fellow wa:
Hio CuIStS III SCNCldl QlIGIHuL ldu
guages, because he had not laid in a store O
bread. Some might be seen fastening will
rapid strides toward their cabins, in no very
pleasant humor at not being able to purchase
sundry little articles of either dress or food
Although each one had his particular hobby
they all united in considering it nuisance
rather than a benefit curse rather than a
blessing. Such law need not necessarily be
felt in the cities but in these small and seclu-
ded mining camps, it weighs upon the miner
with heavy pressure. The idea is rather an
original one, to close all the stores and yet,
permit legion of rum-shops to remain open.
If this was reversed, every bar closed and the
stores permitted to be open, there would be
less grumbling, and it would meet with bet
ter welcome. AS it is, it is mockery-worse
than nuisance; and the sooner it is altered,
or repealed, the better. But what difference
does it make, if it is oppressive and injurious
| to the miner? Has he not been the mute and
patient animal upon whom everything has been
| saddled since this has become State? Ger
tanly he has, and will he dare to prove restive
now. We shall see. Without single law
for his protection or benefit, he is truly pit
liable object; and yet the miner is both the
prop and boast of our young and glorious
State. The time may come when they will be
even better appreciated than they are now !;
but never better than they deserve.
The meeting appointed for the 18th has been
put off until the 10th, in consequence of a
number of the company being detained by i'm
portant business at the county seat.
The claims upon Central Hill, Red Hill,
Owlsburg, Pennsylvania and Missouri Clutches,
are paying well.
The Frazer River mania is on the increase
here, and large number are preparing to
start about the 1st of next month. We have
roughed it together for many long year, and
am loath to part with my old and tried
friends even now; yet if they will go, that
Fortune may scatter her golden smiles before
tnr;a with lavish hand, is the heartfelt wish
of MAzEPPA,
FROM CHILL GULCH.
Correspondence of the Independent.