The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-01-08

ifornia already measures six thousand
milcs-the economy of the hydraulic
method j. 50 considerable that some com
panics, FOR example the American in
Nevada county, have obtained proht
from ground whose average value fans
below thirty cents per cubic yard. il Is
calculated that the proceeds of hydraulic
washing exceed those of the primitive
trough or basin in the ratio of $50 TO l. or
in other words render practicable the
treatment Ol oarths u hundred and nifty
times less rich. After five years of indis-
peusable preparation. the hydraulic system
is now fairly under way, and the results
effected point. ns we have stated, to a
maintenance OF the gold production of
California ut the present figures for many
years
Nevada constitutes, however, the deci-
sive factor in the expanding quota OF pre-
cious metals contributed by the United
states. Prior to 1859 the bulk Of the
worlds silver had been derived from
Spanish America. In 1874 the joint product
of Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and Chill was
computed ut sixteen millions of dollars,
whereas the returns from Nevada and
Utah had attained 20 forty-oue millions,
Of which six-sevcnths belonged to the for
mer state. Twelve hundred millions was
the value assigned by HUMBOLDT TO the
treasures extracted from the great silver
lode of Potosi in three centuries. If we
assume merely n degree of fruitfulness
corresponding TO average results between
Z = 10 Ia. hot t..gu
yield Of the Comstocls VEN must exceed
those figures within period of fifty years.
But recent developments in a section of
this lode render 1t certain that the rate of
delivery will be notably accelerated.
The bonanza discovered toward the close
OF 1874 within the Comstock vein, in u
quarter hitherto barren. has no analogue
in the annals OF mining. A stupendous
mass Of silver ohlorides aud sulphurets-
the particular ores observed TO be richest
in the metal-trayerses the ground covered
by the Consolidated Virginia, California,
and Ophr claims, presenting IA length OF
| 200 feet, Il breadth ut certain points of GOO,
aud depth which persistent explorations
pushed through more than n year have
failed to fathom. Above the lowest level
has been honeycombed and tested in all
directions, and 1t is calculated that the
amount OF metal to be drawn from that
section alone cannot fall short OF forty
millions. The adjoining claim-the Cali
fornia"-is n virgin mine, but it has been
| ear efully prospected and placed in thor
ough condition for delivery. Experts
compute that the quantity of ore in sight
within the limits OF the California" should
yield one hundred millions of dollars The
richest ore streak, however, of the bonan-
"a is said TO be embraced by the Ophir
works. A body of mineral has been here
set free between two horizontal galleries,
and perforated by numerous proof shafts,
having an estimated weight of 10000 tons,
and a mean value per ton OF not less than
$500.
Passing over the minor contributions OF
! Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Arizona,
let us look at the comparison OF general
results. In the year 1874 the United States
supplied an amount of gold and silver
computed at scventy-three millions Of dol
lars The quotas elsewhere furnished are
thus apportioned: To Australia and ST.
IBERIA, each twenty millions, all in gold; to
Spanish America. sixteen millions in silver
and four in gold; TO all other countries
| jointly, about twelve millions in both
metals. 1t Will be seen that our produc-
ton of the precious metals exactly bal
anced that of the remainder of the globe.
1t is equally plain that for the year which
has just closed, the augmented yield of the
bonanza mines alone will have sufilced to
| turn the scale.
Is there no lesson in these suspicious
figures? Is it not theme FOR wonder and
self-reproach that n nation whose soil pro-
vidcs the world with specie. should con-
denim itself TO a deprecated currency and
langush in paralysis and bankruptcy for
want of constant circulating medium?