The Russellville Democrat., 1885-12-10
CORRESPONDENCE
orrespondence of the Democrat.


 BAKER CIrY, OR, Nov. 2l, l8S5.-- In some respects, the Western news paper man has decided advantage over the kaight of the quill whose lot is cast in the land we sometimes call Gods country.' The silver question will catch the attention of 9 western reader every time, prohibi tion articles are sand witched in with political news and given top dressing from the latest phase of the Mormon situation, and, when all others fail we fall back on The intri- cate mysteries of the Chinese prob. 1 lem.
 The latter subject is one that has, during the past few months, formed the basis for heavy editorials all oyer the coast. each individual writer thinking that he had found It's cor rect solution, and, wishing the out side world to be advised of it-- through the columns of his paper. United they are on one point: "The Chinese must go.' The latest ad vice, as offered by those who claim to have the subject down fine, is not to, in any way, employ them. This is also enjoined upon members of the anti Coolie League and other or ganizations having for their object the suppression of the almond-eyed intruder. This plan, however, must fall short of It's intended purpose. Such advice holds simply an imprac- ticable truism. Remove the license from whisky, and let the gambler establish hls many games of chance without let or hindrance, then tell the people not to patronize the one or the other and you have fair il. illustration of the non employment policy. Competitors they are, and will be, for the white mans place in the ranks of working men, and so they will remain as long as they have a show of governmental pro tection.
 This western country also affords other and far more interesting themes upon which to build an ar ticle when s'copy,, is out. Our mines, prolific in more ways than one, form the grand nucleus from which a scintillating radius is evolved that sometimes over reaches the narrow boundaries of truth and sheds it's beams athwart the portals of fancy. In your sanctum you run your fin ger down long list of adjectives in order to find one that fully expresses the symmetrical proportions of the last agricultural freak while the western editor carefully punctuates tue figures that tell how much John Dor's piece of rock assayed to the ton. These specimens, unlike pump kins and other perishable fruit, can not be utilized but like old bottles in drug store they accumulate on his hands until, together with other "rocks" that he adds to the dump, he comes to be possessor of a consid erable portion of the earth's surface.
 Speaking of this part of Oregon, we have no agricultural country, simply garden spots here and there, but just below us lA the web. foot country wheat is scarcely worth the transportation to market. It is a problem, not easily solved, why, in this new country where the capital ist and working man alike are invit- ed to come and aid in reaping the golden harvest, why IS there so many to be found here broken in purse, health, spirits and possessed of but one hope on earth and that is to some day(?) strike it rich. Thelr name IS Legion, and embrace every calling in the catalogue ot pursuits. Aged men whose frosted locks have been tossed by breezes from every noun tain top this side of the Rockies. men whose limbs are cramped and paralyzed with toll through varying seasons and whose few remaining days should be spent in the chimney corner at home, like little Joe in Bleak House have but one impulse, "moving on." The trail, for them, is growing shorter and to follow 1t now is second nature. Far, far back upon it lies the wealth of devotion, hearts that were stepped across in order to make this long pilgrimage in search of the Golden Fleece. Oft en dawned but still Tn the ring, hope
 essly, aimlessly waiting for the final blow which must surely knock them out of time.
 The mining season here is about over. The prospector now seeks his winter quarters and waits the com ing spring time. For Eastern Ore gon the past season has been an un- prccedented one. New and valuable fields have been opened to the gold seeker and it IS safe to say that thls town now numbering 2300 souls will double it's population during the coming year. Surrounded by mines that have for years paid largely and are stlll producing, with hundreds of new discoveries that only await de velopment, "the Inland Empire" can well afford tohaye her Thanksgiving turkey served up Tn any style she prefers. McM. A holy act strengthens the inward