Weekly Trinity journal. [volume] (Weaverville, Calif.) 1857-1972, 1869-01-16
Heaven Helps those who Help Themselvs

.-s.e 49, -: .xssssbss;s.u
Heaven Helps those who Help Themselves:I
The present condition and probable future of
Trinity county are matters well worthy our care
full consideration, and in which every business
man and tax payer, at least, has = direct pecu-
mary interest. A plain statement of the pHp.
ences operating in the past, and of those likely
to effect the future, may, in this connection,
tend to promote discussion and assist in arriv-
ing at correct conclusions. The early mining
excitemepts brought to this county a crowd of
adventurous treasure-seekers in haste to gather
riches and be away. Rich mines, easy of access
were discovered, capital and population came
with their attendant parasites, preying upon the
credulity and baser instincts of the improvident
miner. Business fourished, enterprise was
richly rewarded. Money was abundant, and
Trinity ranked among the most populous and
wealthy counties of California. Those were the
halcyon days remembered BY many here now,
and recalled by them with regret Not foresee-
ing the actual result, and anticipating long
duration of this prosperous state of affairs,
many employed their capital in the construction
of costly buildings, extensive bitches and other
Improvements common to mining sections, thus
adding to the general wealth, and perhaps I'M
duly stimulating business of all kinds. By and
by natural causes began to operate and reaction
ensued. The shallow, easily-worked placers
were soon exhausted capital and perseverance
became necessary for the profitable working of
the mines. The annual tides of emigration to-
wards some newly -found FL Dorado of the gold
hunters swept away the dissatisfied and the more
excitable and adventurous. Many experienced
longings to see their homes and friends again,
and departed, taking their earnings with them.
The Hood came, carrying away mining wheels
and all Improvements such as bitches, fences,
fumes, bridges, cabins, &C., unfortunately with
in its reach, throwing many out of employment.
Fires visited our principal towns hostile In
dams infested some parts of our territory, and
by the destruction of life and property contrbu-
ted to the exodus of population and capital.
Business languished, property deprecated in val
ne, a debt contracted in times of profuse and
reckless expenditure necessitated increased tax
dllOuf anu Inc THUS iedfluR d SluhluR snip, men
of capital MADE haste to seek the growing cities,
or to locate in the agricultural counties of GER
tain prospective growth. These are among some
of the principal causes contributing to denude
our county of population and wealth. Another
of considerable weight, may be ascribed to the
vast territorial extent comprising the State of
California as compared with its population. To
sum up briefly, going no further back than the
year 1860, we find we had about 5 900 inhabit-
ants then to about 3, 900 now. With property
valuation of about ST. 200, 900, then, we have
about $500, 900 now. There are those probably
who, in view of these facts and figures conf
IDENTIFY expect and predict still more unfavora-
BILE condition of things. Just here We differ.
In our judgment we have quite reached the foot
of the hill and are destined to retrace our steps,
perhaps slowly, but how soon depends largely
upon ourselves, The limits of this article will
not at this time permit the assignment of the ma
ny reasons to be offered in support of our opin-
ion, but we shall take especial occasion to do so
from time to time hereafter. We will say, how
ever, in this connection, that much importance
is to be attached to the fact that our population
is gradually becoming of permanent character, !
and our citizens are beginning to feel themselves
more and more identified with the welfare of the
county. This is indicated by the increased in
terest manifested in local affairs and the county
1t is step in the right direc-
ton, and the first step upward. During the past
year our population has remained about station
airy, while our neghboring county of Shasta
shows a slight increase Our revenue for 1868
shows a considerable increase from all sources
while the expenditures for the same time exhibit
a corresponding decrease in every branch, as will
appear from statement of the financial condi-
ton of the county, which we hope soon to pre-
sent. Another hopeful indication is to be found
in the fact that the apathy upon this subject
hitherto pervading all classes is fast wearing
AWAY. Let the spirit of inquiry and discussion
but once generally prevail and it will not fail to
bear substantial fruit. Our boundless mineral
resources and magnificent climate offer rare
inducements to capital and immigration, and it
will be largely our fault if they are not general
y known and appreciated. We must remember
hat after all " heaven only helps those who help
themselves"
MoRroN's RESUMPTION BILL Senator Nor
on's resumption bill provides that hereafter
here shall be no sales of gold by the United
States Treasurer, and after July LIST, 1870, all