Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1861-05-25
From Our Portland Correspondent.
PORTLAND. Nav q, 1861.


difficulties, the subject ofthe Nez Perces
mines is just now the theme of con.
versation in this locality. Perhaps I
should say the "theme Of prognostica-
tom" for, notwithstanding the fact
that parties have been leaving here for
that region for more than four months
past, and their number have swclled to
upward Of two thousand, but compare
lively little is yet known in relation to
the extent of the mines. Every one
has an opinion though, and the general
opinion seems to be that there is gOhi
there. The only substantial evidence
of that fact. which has been received
here during the last fortni ght, is the
reception Of $500. which was brought
down by Tracy 4 Co., some eight days
a.o-a very small sum when we con-
slider the number of men in the mines.
"Old California miners" shake their
lie his at this announcement and read
lily pronounce the mines a humbug;
and the editor of the Times, in response
to them, straightway proceeds to "write
an inkstand dry" in furnishing his
readers with reasons why the gold does
not come down. In common with
the editor of the Times, l long ago
came to the conclusion that this quot
ing the opinions of Old California mi
ncrs was "humbug," and that their
opinions arc worth no moro than those
of an Orcgonian or Westinghouse
who may be as we'll acquainted with
the facts as they arc; and further, that
the opinion of the aforesaid editor is
no more wcighty than that of any other
man who may have been bought to
subservc particular interest. "A num-
Der of private letters have been receiv-
ed by persons here from friends in the
mines, and the general verdict of the
writer's is, that the mines are not what
they have been represented to be.
They say that those who have claims
opcn-and there are few who are so
tortunate-arc making from S. to 81
per day. The mining region is limit
cd and great many who are now
there will be unable to obtain claims
unless further discoveries arc made.
A great deal of suffering has been ex-
pcricnced on account of cold weather,
snow and rain, and scarcity Of provis-
ions, and large number are dissat-
isiied and will return to their homes.
RUMoRED DEATH OF GEN. LANE.
a rumor reached this city last eve
ming that Gen. Lane had died of the
wound lately received by the accident
al discharge of his pistol. The report
needs confirmation. The ball cntercd
his right breast, and lodged under his
shoulder blade, from whence it was
extracted. His condition has for some
days been considered critical. Though
until the report of last evening, there
was every reason to believe he would
recover.
TIE STEAMER COL. WRIGHT
struck a rock at the mouth of John
Days River on Saturday last, and was
compelled to put ashore. She had on
board large number of passengers
and a large amount Of freight, destined
for Statewide, the new landing at the
forks of Clearwater. The freight was
discharged in good order. The new
steamer Okinagan which was launched
on tho afternoon of the 10Th, proceeded
Immediately to the relief Of the Col.
Wright. The owners Of the Wright
say that she will be repaired and ready
to resume her trips by tina 25th.
MATTERS ABOUT TOWN.
In consequence of tho departure of
so many of our citizens for the mines,
affairs in our city seem very dull just
now. Yet we are keeping up with the
age, and the march of improvement is
onward. Three brick buildings are
now in course Of construction, besides
many private residences, and, in
this respect. our town will advance
much more rapidly this season than it
did last year. The members 6f the
First Baptist Church laid the corner