Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-11-19
Colorado Wonders.

NUlUIduO w UuuClss
Thousands of disappointed gold
seekers have returned to their homes,
sadder if not wiser men, while thou
sands of others remain prospecting,
and will continue to do so while the
snow lnow of daily occurrence in some
parts) drives them into winter quar-
tiers. There has been great number
Of new claims made, which will neces-
sarily require time to develop; while
the discoveries of last year have Ia
great many of them) been more or less
developed, in some cases showing
handsome assays. One of the biggest
strikes this year is mine that Gov
ernor Tabor and others purchased for
$780, and which is said to be the
biggest "bonanza yet held by him.
Experts assert that half million of
ore is in sight, with no limit to the
possibilities. The owners will not sell
ut any price, but will work it for all it
is worth. The Chrysolite, after much
auctuation, is panning out we'll, and
the stock owners are rejoicing. Of
those who sacrificed their stock a few
weeks since. when the bears hal full
sway, deponent sayeth not. Ditto the
Little Pittsburgh. Leadville has got
lid OF its great floating and turbulent
elements. and appears to have settled
down to legitimate mining business,
the most OF the important mines show
ing satisfactory results, and giving to
the stockholders greater or lesser divi-
dends. Smelling and stamping ma.
ohinery is being placed in the mining
districts with the same degree of activ-
ity and solidity that machinery would
be placed in . lumber mill in Michigan.
Mineral ID there, and it must be got
ont. There is very little OF any excite.
ment in mining circles. Legitimate
business seems to rule now and mining
j. freely engaged in. Reports of rich
6nds are frequent, and while many are
mere fabrications, others are not, and
embryo developments give assurance
that the lucky finders have got some.
thing for their hardships, priyations and
sufferings. Mines are not developed in
. day, any more than salt we'll Is put
down and the product barreled in TWEEN.
ty-four hours. In hundreds of cases
the finder of gold mine is penniless
and the location Of his d" f3nd" is re-
mote from accessibility. It takes time
and money for him to get out the met
als; hence there is no occasion for i'm
mediate alarm that the Colorado gold
mines have played out, and that Denver
and al other places here will 20 to the
Old Scratch. During my stay this
summer, I have learned of no case
where developed mine has played out.
Il was Gaid few weeks since that the
famous Chrysolite and Little Pittsburgh
had run ont that all the mineral had
been extracted. As subsequent events
have proved it was the same old game
Of "stock teafi ,g," and those who
we're taken with the panic, and sacri-
Heed their stock, contributed just 80
much to the earthly possessions of
those who were in the ring. There are
many inferior mines, and it is poor
man who does not own an interest in q
" hole" somewhere If he has lived here
. few days or weeks; Ind there are
mines that are absolutely worthless
the ore being of such poor grade as to
make it cost more than it's worth to
work IL; but Of the thousand and one
developed mines, honestly stocked and
properly managed, have yet to hear
Of one that has been exhausted and
abandoned.
Occasionally stories reach ms from
remote parts Of the mountains; and
some OF them require many grains OF
allowance in order to make them pal
stable. II ID reported that recently
two young men, prospectors, found
themselves several miles from their
camp. and before starting on the back
traal. sat down to eat up their scanty
food. Soon they were disturbed by
loud peals of laughter, Immediately
followed by unearthly screams, and
then, almost in the same breath, heard
. low. moaning song. Following up
the sound, they came to Q secluded
spot, dotted here and there with pines
and low brush. The nearer they sp-
preached, the more distinct became the
chant, and while hesitating what to do,
they were considerably frightened by
the appearance of Q woman, with d.
sheveled hair and ragged garments, who
came toward them from out the bush.
having in her hand stout stick, which
she dourished menacingly at them.
Speaking to her kindly-for they saw
ut . glance that the poor thing was
raving maniac-they soon convinced
her that no harm was intended and fol.
lowed her slowly a. she retreated.
Here they found to their astonishment
. little board shanty, and e. they neared
the rickety door . frightful stencil
greeted them. With shrisks and means
the woman dared them TO enter, but
they Wefe not easily frightened. and