Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-04-23
HYDRAULIC MINING.
United States Attorney Carey Seeking In
formation ON the Subject.


formation on the Subject.
At the conclusion of the business before
the Board of Supervisors, late yesterday
afternoon, the following communication
from United States District Attorney Carey
was read. The letter is explanatory of the
difficulty encountered in securing informa-
ton regarding the illegal operation of n.y.
draulic mines along the American river,
and requests the Board to offer reward
for testimony that would convict the vio-
lators of the orders of the Federal Courts
Action was taken in accordance with the
suggestion. The letter reads:
SAN FRANCISCO April 90, 1889
To the Honorable Board OF Supervisors Of Sdcra-
n1efsto Counts-GENTLEMEN: Every possible effort
has been made by the Government to stop n.y.
draulic mining, huriful to the navigability of
the Yuba, Feather and Sacramento rivers Ac-
tons have been instituted and iuiunctions is
sued against all persons operating hydraulic
mines on the watersheds of those rivers, against
whom sufficient evidence could be obtained to
warrant the issuance of ipiunctions.
As am informed, since the trial of The Peo-
pie VS.. Gold Run, (66 Cal. 1881, hydraulic mining
has been practically suspended on the Ameri-
can and Bear rivers. have indefinite informa-
ton still, from such reliable source to induce
me to address your honorable body upon the
subject, that since the commencement of the
present season, hydraulic mines are being oper-
ated at Liberty Hill, Gold Run, Dutch Flat Iowa
Hill, Michigan Bluff and Forest Hill am in
formed that the condition of the waters coming
from these watersheds into the river below in
dictates the existence of active hydraulic min
ing; that they are debrisladen to an extent not
seen since the trial of the Gold Run case.
What information l have is confidential and
cannot be used, and is insufficient in itself 10
warrant proceedings. / am further informed
that the operators have q system of guards
falRnh0npS tn a.r,t 3 l,a
presence OF stranger in that section without it
being instantly made known to the entire min
ing district Whereabouts. That everybody con-
nected with them is absolutely intirnidated to
such an extent that it is impossible 10 obtain
information. That no one is permitted to visit
or inspect the mines, and that it is hazardous
for any one TO make the attempt in daytime or
night, and that it is believed that personal vio-
lence would be done any one making the at
tempt. That owing to this condition of affairs
it is impossible to get the necessary information
to warrant proceedings 1t has occurred to me
that the information might be obtained if a
sufficient reward were offered to induce persons
to secure the evidence at all hazards. ! have
no means at hand and have no authority TO
offer reward on behalf of the Government 1t
has occurred to me that your honorable Board
has always taken very great interest and an
active part in stopping hydraulic mining, and
that in this matter you are more Immediately
interested in the working of the American river
mines than any other county, and would in
selfprotection, lend every encouragement pos
slble to etfectually carry out the purpose and
policy OF Congress to protect the navigability of
the Sacramento and other rivers.
therefore suggest the propriety of your coun-
ty offering reward OF from $3.50 to 5. 90 for the
detection of these mines, or either of Them in
active operation and for supplying sufficient in
formation thereof TO warrant proceedings by in
junction. The effect of Offering a reward might
be etficacious in itself, and SO intimidate the
owners and operatives as to put a stop TO ny
draulic mining in that section i will be
pleased TO have your cooperation in this mat
ter. Very respectfully.
JOHN T. CAREY, United States Attorney.