The Placer herald., 1870-07-23
C0LFAX CORRESPONDENCE.
CoIFAx. July 1S. 1870.

CoIFAx, july 1S, 1870.
EDITOR HERALD:-In this letter hoped to have
the pleasure Of telling your readers that our peo-
pie had celebrated the anniversary of our indie
pendence in manner commensurate with the
importance of the event. But must say (more
in sorrow than in anger) that the e-honored
anniversary Of onr Nations liberty passed with
out the least demonstration. No guns gave
token of our hard fought battles in the past No
proud banner hoated in the breeze. No parade.
No singing of salvos in grateful acknowledgment
for the blessings of the liberty we now enjoy.
Nothing of the kind. Every one seemed dull
and demure. In fact, it would have peen diff
cult for stranger to tell whether it was in mourn
ing for some National calamity or in doubt wheth-
er the day had been rendered dear to us by the
associations of the past, and now forgotten. In
fine, have never seen such apathy manifested
before on any 4th Of July as was witnessed in
Colfax on the 9th anniversary of our countrys
independence.
On last Thursday evening accidentally drop
ped into ''Webster's Hail." where was both
amused and edited in witnessing concert given
by the Sabbath School Children Of Colfax to raise
means to purchase library for their school. l
was amused, because the little amateurs afforded
food for laughter at times, and edited because
such exhibitions always give an opportunity to
Judge of future prospects by the rising generation
The concert was gotten up for the purpose above
named by Mr.. and Mrs. Story, Mr. Dam, Mrs
ESbert Mrs. Gardner and others, who take an
interest IN the proper culture of the rising gene
ration, and spared no labor or pains to make the
whole affair entertaining. The programme was
as follows: 1st, Introductory Address, by Master
Georgy Gardner. Little Georgy acquitted him
self in a style worthy of praise His voice. pro-
nunclatlon and subject We're appropriate, and
called forth rounds of applause This little fel-
low Is not more than ten years old, but possesses
tact and talent far beyond his years Next the
curtain rose and exhibited the beautiful picture
OF 20 little girls elegantly dressed and well ar
ranged. The little folks with united voices sung
beautiful ditty very satisfactory. The little
ones, although timid, done remarkably well.
Next came 10 little boys, who each depicted what
he would be and could. This piece was well
performed. After each one selecting his future
calling by wlsh 1t came to Georgy Gardner
who wished to be President, which was in his
reach in that event he would reward all his un-
cles, aunts, cousins and relatives 1t struck me
that the little fellow, if SO lonored would follow
closely on the heels of our present Chief Execu-
! tive and allow none of his kindred to suffer
while there was dime in the public treasury
Next came "a good representation of Woman's
Rights Convention. Three ladies appeared and
anxiously looked for q larger meeting. Two
freely expressed themsemlves dianetically op-
posed to man S innovations and cruelty, while
third (sensible woman) suggested it was better
Tor all to go home and attend to their domestic
affairs. During this dialogue several little ones
appeared and told their mothers of numerous
difficulties at hoEe-evorything was tossed topsy
turvy, and all was lost without their timely aid
At this the cuItain fell and 1au1 ~
lowed. A few more plays ended the perform
ance. The exhibition closed satisfactorily to all
and financial success for the contemplated OBJ
ject.
Almost fatal accident happened to one OF our
citizens last Wednesday, while Mr. and Mrs Muir
ply were returning from Dutch Flat in a buggy
near Secret Town, where the wagonroad crosses
the railroad, at point where it ir impossible to
see the cars coming either way. Mr.. NJ. arrived
at thus point as the passenger train bound East
was coming upat full speed. In this dilemma, III
attempting to check his team they became fright
ened and unmanageabe, and backed over all en-
bankment, throwing Mr.. and Mrs. Murphy down
the chasln followed by both horses and buggy
Mrs. Murphy rolled down a distance of 80 feet
without any serious hurt, while her husband sus-
famed no serious injury except a sprained ankle.
The horses and buggy were but slightly damaged
lher escape from instant death was almost mi
raculous L his IS but repetition of the car
lessness OF conductors in not giving the proper
signals while crossing the public highways.
There Is not much change in our mining news
since my last The Rising sun still works
her usual quota of men, and keeps pounding
away, with what success l have not learned /
should Judge however, 1t must be remunerative
or work would not be prosecuted with such en-
erSy.
The Montana " contracted for machinery at
Forest Hill last week 1t consists of sufficient
power to pump, hoist, and run ten stamps, to-
8ether with all necessary apparatus for first
ciass quartz mil. They commence operations
next week.
The scarcity of water ends our placer mining
until Providence shall bless us with the indis-
pensable element again. Those who have done
well IN placer mining during the rainy season are
now laying on their oars idle, or have gone to
seeh employment elsewhere. NORRIS