The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1880-05-21
ABOUT NEW MEXICO.
Experiences ola Dallas Man on - Tour
of Mining InspectiOn-The Price
and Quality OF Water-A Gener-
ally Overrated Country-Ex.
Texans Met

To the Eiit " OF the herald.
ilaving made trip to New Mexico for
the purpose of investigating its mineral dis
coveries and also to look after some reported
discoveries of rich districts, left Dallas
April 18th bound for Santa Fe which place
| reached after forty-eight hours travel.
Having rested for few days and made en-
quiry in reference to certain reported rich
mining camps, myself, together with five
other miners of large experience, procured II
conveyance and started May lst for the So
called mining camp known as the white
Oaks" located in Lincoln county, New Mex
leo. Five days constant travel brought us
to the muchly overrated camp and, | must
say, that my reasons for giving this to the
public is that it may be the means of deter
ring Others who may contemplate going into
that God forsaken and God forgotten
country with the calculation of making
rapid fortunes. | must say that with mining
experience of five years in California and
Colorado, that l never, in all my lite, have
witnessed as stupendous u humbug as the
White Oaks; that is, in so far as its mineral
wealth is concerned. l am willing to admit
that there is some of the precious metals
scattered throughout the territory, but It is
in such limited quantities that for every dol
lar extracted from the ore or the placers it
will cost not less than two dollars to get II.
My reason for putting this estimate upon II
are-Atst, the limited quantities in which it
ID found and the great scarcity of water,
without an abundance of which all
men of mining experience must
admit it is impossible to
mine successfully. No man, woman or
child in these White Oak regions can use a
drop Of water for any purpose with
out first purchasing it at the rate of 80 cents
per barrel, and even at these rates the water
Is inferior, being highly impregnated with
alcali and other unwholesome compounds.
The writer, in one instance, witnessed the
fact OF gentleman paying 81 80 span for
the privilege of watering his horses, and
your humble servant paid the same vendor
90 cents bucket for water to use in camp.
These are stubborn and undoniable facts, the
proof of which can be had at any time. This
particular locality is in what is known Ms
the Hickories district, eighteen miles from
thu w bVohho anu hbpuJ ullb uuUuTOu anu
sixty from Santa Fe. The cheapest water
hole is what is known as Sinking Springs,
about tifty-four miles from Santa
Fe, the price per span being the
moderate sum of ten cents. And o, ye
gods what Il smell it was. The only place
appropriately named in the territory that
ran against. The mixtures in said sp ngs
are too numerous to mention The next
place on our route where water was for sale
was ut II point known AS Alkali Wells, fifty
seven miles from the famous Stir king
Springs. Here water per span of mules,
horses, etc, costs twenty cents. This water
is so highly impregnated with alkali that it is
almost impossible to use it for any purpose.
All phi, sicians will tell you the Injurious
effects it produces, applied either internally
or externally. Speaking of the lack of
water in the territory reminds me that |
must say there has not been II single inch of
rain fall in the territory for the past eleven
months. You can travel Tor five hundred
miles through portions of New Mexico and
never be able to lay your eye on particle of
vegetation that seems to have life in 1t.
All as dry and uninviting rs it is possible to
imagine. The fact Of so much being
written and published in favor of New Next
co rs rich mining country is simply outra-
geous, and the "boom" is kept up principal
ly by rich corporations, such rs railroad com.
panes, mercantile firms, hotel and livery
men and other designing rings which it is
not necessary to mention. | am persuaded
that before year elapses there will be a
great amount suffering in that country for
the necessaries of life. | do not write this
because | was ppointed-because | did
not expect much; simply went on a tour of
inspection, and would advise people who
contemplate going there to change their
course and give the territory u wide berth, as
1t is uAft for man or beast. No comfort can
be taken within her borders. A perfect cy-
clone is blowing at all hours of the day and
night, sending dust and gravel in all direc-
tons. Santa Fe contains about
seven thousand souls. In that
number presume there are not
more than 800 or 400 white people, the bal
ance being Mexicans, Pueblo Indians and a
small smattering of the African. And as to
business, | al convinced that the firm of
Sanger Brothers, of Dallas, sell more goods
in one day than Santa Fe, take itall through,
sells in week. This is putting it pretty
strong, but know whereof speak. So it
goes throughout tHe enllre Territory.
Whilst in New Mexico l met Mr.. Laughn,
formerly of Dallas, bu. now Recorder of the
Cercos district, and also Notary Public.
This district is located twenty four miles
southwest of Santa Fe Mr.. Laughlin re-
ceived and treated our party courteously
during our sojourn in the camp. He informed
me that he was making preparations to 60 to
Denver, Colorado for the purpose of re-
engaging in the practice of the law also
met NJ Robertson, formerly drug clerk for
Conner u Walker Mr.. Robertson is well
and looking as robust as you please. also
met several other Texans, but do not ramom-
Der their names owing 10 the fact that with
them had no intimate acquaintance.
For fear | am making my article too
lengthy will close, trusting you Will give
this Il place in your columns.
J. L. DAVIS.