, 1862-08-16
Bad Policy.
We clip the following erroneous state
ment in regard to our mines from the last
number of the Oregon Statesman

as they at any time went thither But few new dis.
eoveues have thus far been made and the results so
far developed sum up about as follows: small ex-
tent of country at Salmon is very rich beyond that
1t don't pan out " there Is little gold on both Pow
der and John Days rivers, and but litte the Nez
Perces mines yield about they did last year New
and rich discoveries may be made in the future but
this Is the way the case stands now.
In more than one instance this paper has
taken occasion to speak in very disparaging
terms of the mines in different sections of
the upper country and for the life of us
we cannot imagine its object in thus attempt
ing to detract from the real merits of the
mines by advancing the false notion from
time to time that they contain but little
gold and don't amount to much. The sta
tistics of gold receipts from the northern
mines, and reliable information from men of
accurate knowledge and experience as to
their character, have certainly been suffi-
cient to convince any candid mind that they
are not only rich, but that they cover a vast
extent of territory. 1t is true they are yet
in their infancy both in years and develop
ment; but no one claiming fair share of
intelligence, with all the evidences before
him, can for a moment doubt that their
thorough development will bring the most
satisfactory results. There certainly cannot
be such a disparity of interests between
Washington and Oregon as to make the
latter jealous Of our advancing strides in
wealth and prosperity, and in the attainment
of all those objects desirable in civilized
and progressive community We do not
so comprehend our relations, but on the
contrary it seems to us that our interests
are identical and reciprocal. A retrospect
i've lance at the past history of Oregon will
by no means show that she has been retard
ed IN any respect by our prosperity II is
alleged that the discovery of gold in the
northern country has diverted farmers from
the plOw and mechanics from the shop
This is true to some extent; but if we look
at the condition of things in Oregon at the
time of these discoveries, we shall find in
that alone sufficient and cogent reasons for
farmers to become disbeartened and me-
chanics to desert their accustomed occupa-
ton. For a series of years before the dis
covery of the gold mines, nearly all branches
sof business in Oregon were seriously en-
barrassed, arising mainly from the want of
a market for the products of the country
Staple articles failed to command a remu-
neratiOn sufficient to justify bringing them
to market. Wheat-the main product of
the country-was down as low as forty cents
per bushel, other articles ruling in proper
ton; so low indeed as not to refund the
actual expense of the crop. This manifest
failure in the main resources of the country,
naturally embarrassed all other classes of
business and merchants, mechanics and
farmers alike shared the general depression.
In the progress of things the northern mines
were discovered. In spite of unfayorable
representations, they have gradually gained
the public confidence until they have in
duced thousands to test their richness, a
large proportion of whom are to-day sue
cessfully employed in digging up their treas
ures The careful observer has not failed
to note the gradual improvement in the va
rious branches OF business both in Wash
ingtOn and Oregon during the past two
years. Trade has received an impetus, and
business degree of energy AMI thrift which
promise largely for the future success of the
country. Oregon may have possessed some
recuperative power within ITSELF but not in
a sufficient degree to bring about the state
of things we witness to-day. 1t is an incon-
trovertable fact that she is indebted to these
mining discoveries and the business arising
from the existence of mines, for her mani
fest improvement in trade and business and
her prospects for the future. We say this
not by any means to reflect upon her indus
try and capacity, nor will the fact in any
rightful sense be regarded as derogatory
And for the reason that we believe the sue
cessful development of an extensive mining
region north, infusing life and energy into
business operations and pursuits, cannot but
result in material benefit to Washington
and Oregon alike, we regret to note a
chronic disposition in leading journal to
throw cold water upon efforts directed in
this channel to bring about the most desra-
6le results. Besides it is much easier task
to make farmers believe that, whatever the
mines prove to be, their true interest lies
in cultivating their crops, than to induce
them to stay at home by telling them that
there is but little gold in the country The
evidences of good, paying mines, prove the
contrary to he true.
Take whatever view Of the matter we
may, we cannot see how the progress and
speedy development of the upper country
can have any other than highly favorable
infuerce upon Oregon Whether it does
or not, however, we are satisfied that
through the force and influence of these
discoveries, few years will suffice to peo-
pie the country with energetic and thrifty
settlers, who will cause a State to be erec-
ted and send its representatives to the Fed
eral Congress to act in unison with those
already there from Oregon and California in
securing the adoption of measures of impor-
tance to the Pacific coast.
BUsINEss.-Business in our city is ma
terially on the increase. We notice with
as1,ro that . mum her Of non. h,,c;nocr