Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-01-20
DAILY poST-IMTElucENCER.


NlNRs ANO MlS1NG.
We had something to say the other
day sbout the value Of the mining in
dustry, and its relation TO the progress
and growth of the States wherein
precious metals are found. Since that
time some figures have come To hand
which more forcibly than words illus
trate tho vast importance and benefit
70 the country derived from this indus
try. Since 1913 the Pacific Coast has
contributed in gold and silver, washed
from gravel beds and crushed from
rocks, $2,3s5 10000. more than one
third and not much less than ore bali
the total gold and silver product IN she
world. Whoever fails to recognize the
fact that to tue infusion Of this vast
amount of Lying blood into the arteries
Of commerce is argely due the mighty
progress, Of the past 10 years is q dull
scholar or stubbornly incredulous. The
addition Of this two and third bill
ions Of precious metals TO the wealth OF
the United States has kept our Govern
ment solvent and has made its people
rich.
OF the vast amount thus contributed
California takes tse lead in production,
her total yield being nearly 81 ,3O5, Co.,
600. The years from 1870 TO 1863 show
the largest product, averaging *5s.O0O,-
coo annually. For the decade ending
in December, 1882 the annual average
Was &2l 600 900, which bids fair 10 con
tinue indefinitely. unless the recent de-
cision Of Judge Sawyer in the slickens
suit shall put stop to hydraulic min
ing. Mining was the creator OF the
great and prosperous State Of Califor-
mia. For the sixteen years following
ths discovery Of gold there Was no agri-
culture worthy Of mention. Salted meats
came from the East, around Cape Horn.
beef from the valley Of Great Salt Lake
and wheat fiOm Chill. Only vegeta-
bles, and those in small quantities,
we're produced. 1t was home demand,
the aeeds Of the mining population that
first forced upon her people the knowl-
edge Of the wonderful produotiveness Of
her alluviaI valleys.
In 1850 Nevada WAS an outlying prov
inOe Of Utah Territory. On the eastern
slope Of tho Sierra, in the valley Of the
Carson river, on the overland route to
the land Of gold, some stations were es-
tablishsd and few farms cultivated
mainly TO supply the needs Of imni-
grants. In 1861 it became known that
in spur of the main range, about ten
miles therefrom, were deposits Of rich
silver ore. Population poured into
Washce. The piues we're rich, and
fortune smiled upon the adventurous
throng who swarmed over the noun
tains from California. Since that men,
orable year Nevada. now buffeted and
made the butt Of ridicule by denizsns
Of States more populous, but not con-
tanning more energetic or patriotic
people, Nevada, the silver crowned, has
given to the world over $500. 000, 600 in
gold and silver bullion, $3S5, zoo. 600 of
which was produced in the decade end
ing December, 1881. The average an
noal yield of bullion from Nevada
mines since 1890 has been a little over
100000.
Montana, from her Businesses. has
since 1862 sent forth in gold and silver
about tl70,O0O,O00. The records credit
Idaho with about 81, 900 600 since 1864,
before which much was produced Of
which no official note was taken. Colo
RADIO, since 1876, comes forward with
nearly $123, O00. 600, and last years pro-
duct il set down a. over "a, 900.
Arizona since 1873 has contributed
81. 1905 OO. and In the Same period New
Mexico has yielded 100000, In the
thirteen years past Utah mines have
produced over $s7 ,0O0. COO and have fur
nished steady annual average in the
past six years Of about $500. 600.
From the Black Hills Of Dakota &2s,-
100000 Of gold have been brought forth;
while from Oregon and Washington
Territory the yield has been over $3S,-
100000, Last year the product OF pre-
cious metals In the States and Terrific
ries west of the Missouri river. iuclud-
ing British Columbia and the west coast
Of Mexico. was over $9e,OoO,0OO.
The effect of this annual addition TO
the bullion wealth Of the United States
could be far better appreciated il for
a few years il should cease. II would
then be realized that in this rs other
things. blessings brighten as they take
their flight" and perhaps the quid
mancs who deory an industry. which
without the protection accorded iron
miners or other GLASSES Of producers, has
soroyally rewarded legitimate enterprise
and 20 vastly contributed to the wealth
Of the nation might be led to acknowl.
edge that after all the business Of gold
and silver mining deserved some little
recognition.
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WHAT aE MIGHT NAVE sAlD.