The record-union., 1891-03-22

e1iected, and the measures taken against
both steps are so Inadequate, that the
eradication of the Illicit traffic seems
well-nigh impossible. The claim-hold-
ers suffer, even to the extent of financial
ruin. The bright gem. which would
many tunes Tecoup months of toll and
anxiety, lies beneath the toes OF that
swarthy toiler, to find its way in the
evening, in exchange for a paltry sum
and glass of brandy, to the pocket of a
white diamond shark. With 10000 blacks
daily working over diamondiferous soil,
watched by about one overseer to every
ten of them, the chances for stealing are
unlimited. The only black to be trusted
is the raw native, direct from his
''kraaP' LOCO miles away, where he has
never known the white mans influence.
AS an instance, one digger was watch
ing his boys" when big diamond fell
from the wall negro called "Bucket''
ON it, and kept the diamond thus held for
an hour, when he picked up his foot as
though to scratch it, but in reality to get
the stone from between his toes and
transfer 1t to some other part of his body.
Finding that he was observed, he aban-
doned the attempt for the moment. The
master about this time began to feel a
curiosity To see his diamond, and ordered
Bucket to pick elsewhere; but the
black was unwilling to move. Losing all
patience, he pushed him aside, and found
the gem, whereupon Bucket remarked,
IN cool and surprised tone, Here's a
diamond, Baas.' 1t was beautiful
elghteen-carat stone; the digger's quick
eye saved him 5000.
Kimberley is the one town of the dia-
| mond country. Here are gathered all
classes OF all nationalities. But far in the
majority are the ''diggers,' in mole
skin" trousers, flannel shirt and broad
hat twlned round with puggeree. By
digger must be understood claim
! holder and director of his own or an
others mining operations. He seldom
| touches pick or shovel, far better to use
his eyes and prevent the negroes work
ing under him from stealing. Diamonds,
claims, finds, are the all-absorbing topic.
Having ordered with some mate" Il
split the first inquiry is, ANY finds
to-day?' or as the mail in?" and "Are
diamonds up or DOWN." The state OF the
reef is discussed, and the progress of
pumping operations. Here, perhaps,
some one asks: "Have you heard of
Browns luck? He bought a claim yes
day in which they hadn't paid expenses
for three months, and found diamond
worth $1,000 this morning before break
fast"
Perhaps what strikes one at first the
most oddly is the careless manner in
which diamonds are handed about and
displayed. Drawing forth from his
pocket a little metal or wooden match
box, the digger opens it to show his
finds" 1t is full of diamonds of all
sizes and qualities, just as they have come
from the ground, lustrous and glowing
with their soft white. ..or yellow lights.
The box is passed around the crowd quite
out of sight of its owner, different
gems are taken out of it and admired,
and it is finally returned quite as it left
him.
Another draws from his trousers
pocket handful of good-sized stones
and lays them down upon the table. One
by one they are taken up and distributed
about the crowd present for inspection,
the owner quietly awaiting their return
from the different quarters of the room,
quite undisturbed as to the safety of his
property; they all come back. Slipping
his thumb and finger into q side vest
pocket, a fresh conner pulls out perfect
beauty-a l00-carat yellow, as large as
marble, far brighter and more lustrous
than any cut glass or crystal; alas! worth
now, at the deprecated price of off
COLOR not more than S5,000-in the days
before ''off-color" were plentifulry found,
worth $4,000. This, too, is passed freely
about There is no danger of the gems
being stolen, because the whole COM
munity is committee of public safety"
and can not afford to allow dishonesty
st. Louis Globe Democrat.