The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-02-10

TURLocK, Stanislaus Co, Cal, !
Ian 25 1880

TURIoCK, StaniSlaus Co, Cal,
Jan. %, 1882.
Mr.. FDrToR-We have almost as much
trouble here with "Slickens" as they have in
WASHINGTON with Guiteau. SHckens is a
dangerous fellow who throws sand into the
rivers and fills them up. Or. rather, silckenS
Is the sand itself but by figure Of speech,
where the effect is changed to the cause, we
call the men "Slickens" who shovel the sand.
The legislator who takes bTibe from miners,
or who advocates their cause, is also called
''slickens." The rivers were getting so hlled
uD with the debris from the mines that the
courts had to interfere and enjoin miners TO
do so no more. InjUnctiOns are now holding
hundreds of miners in allegiance, or prevent
ing them from working their mines. rms
throws thousands of men idle, and it is diff
icult case to settle. The miners hold their
claims from the General Government (the
NatiOn), but the general government, or the
nation, also claims the authority to regulate
navigable streams. So it is not only State
fight but,a fight of Our Nation vs.. our nation.
State rights are nowhere here. And it IS
hard case to settle. If the rivers are filled
up the country around will be flooded. Many
farmers will lose their ranches, and the best
land lies near the rivers. IF the mines are
closed, one of the great industries of our
State viii be broken up. Much capital is in
vested in mining, and it would be ike plac-
ing an Injunction on the great Cambria Iron
Company for ObstTucting the COnemaugh
river. It is a blow at capital and capital
gives men employment. If | were sitting on
the case as a juryman l would not know how
to decide. On one side it is all the placer
mines in the State on the other side it is all
the farmers along the rivers and the citizens
of san Francisco and around the bays that
are being filed up with the sediment. Who
has the best right? 1t overshadOws one of
the sunny spots Of California.
Another trouble this year is want of rain.
1t looks as if we were to have another dry
year, as in 1877. The rainfall up to this time
in all the south-say half of CalifOrnia-has
,,oAr, NcF1C
have been nine. Plat would be about gen.
eTal average, 1t is a very dry year so far,
and the only hope is that some good showers
may yet fall in February. or perhaps in
March. Late rains are rather unusual We
have Just had a refreshing shower. and may
get more. But there is not much silver lin
ing to the cloud which impends over the State
at present.
Another great trouble is high taxation un-
der the new Constitution which makes rail
roads and corporate property taxable. Rail-
roads and other corporations refuse to pay
their quota of tax, and that makes taxes
higher on those who are compelled to pay.
The New Constitution is not understood.
The Legislature failed to make provisions for
carrying out its intentions. We do not know
when to elect our county officers. Indeed
we have had no county elections since the
constitution came into effect The old Off
GERS hold over, and there is iarrOn every
where. This makes another dark spot on the
fair face of the State. There is blood on the
moon. The low price OF wheat IS another
terror.
Still people want to leave good homes and
come to California. get lots of letters from
different parties making inquiries about this
Golden State" And yet there is no gold
''lying around loose" here Farmers and
miners have to dig for it 5; Sheep and cattle
men have to dig for it ; men who raise fruit,
vines, hops, berries, or yeGeta bles, have to
dig for it. / believe there Is gold in the
ground anywhere, if people dig Tor it. There
is gold in the old hills of Cambria county
and ore might as justly call it the golden
county" as this the Golden State" And
what is gold? An empty bubble Pope says,
ga competence is all we can enjoy" But a
competence comes mighty handy sometimes
And this reminds me that your subscribers
should take into consideration, not only your
heavy Affections, but the great pecuniarv
burden to which you have been subjected,
and send you, each one, at least one years
subscription in advance. If they do, God
will bless them, for He loves a cheerful giver
5. B. MCCORMICK.