Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-10-02
NOT MUCH GOLD.
Mr. Eldridge OF the Geological Survey Ex-
presses That Opinion

Mr. Eldridge Of the Geological Survey Ex-
presses That Opinion.
In the commission this morning there was
some discussion as to certain questions being
reserved and by common consent the pamphlet
containing the offers made to owners was con-
sidered in evidence. the commission stating
that they wanted all the light possible. MT.
Shoemaker asked to correct that part OF his
testimony in which he had stated the price paid
by him for the Shorter tract at the junction Of
the Broad Branch and Military roads was $3.50
per acre. II was $3.50 per acre he paid for it.
George II. Eldridge of the geological survey
was called by the government and examined
by District Attorney Cole. He gave an account
Of his studies ct Harvard and his duties on the
survey. and especially his experience in mining
geology in the west He on the Truesdeil
tract with Mr.. Spalding and MIR. Dewey and
the first time he examined a pit on August Is.
There was a body OF quartz in it with some OF
the granite. The quartz was loose from
natural causes. They took seven samples,
one of quartz. in places, and some of the loose.
The samples showed trace of gold less than
81 per ton. He went out again on August 26,
when Mr.. Spaulding and Mr.. TruesdeIl were
with him, and examined another pit, from
which sample showed less than 81 per ton-a
trace. A sample from another hole showed
no gold. They then panned, finding no gold
In one and one 81. 42 per ton and others q trifie
of gold. He then described several other visits
when he got SLIGO and other amounts per ton.
From the assays made he would say that no
value as to precious metal had been shown. A
speculator might give $500 to 500 for the
prospect. He had also examined the Shoema-
ker property within the past two weeks and
described his examinations of the pits
The sample from dump showed not over u Of
per cent and from pit j only traces; one
sample from pit showed g. 40 per ton. For
mining purposes the land was Of no value.
No REASON TO EXPECT GREAT GOLD.
On cross-eXamination witness said he had
seen gold prospects in the Maryland mines
further west than DR.. Kempster and Mr. Russ
have charge of. There was no reason to expect
that the veins increase in value as you 20
down. He had known of prospects having been
sold in Georgia, but he knew of no sales in this
section.
On ncross-examination witness said the report
of Prof. Emmons, on which he was being ques-
toned, was unofficial, and on the offer of it in
evidence the objection to it was sustained.
By Judge Wilson-There is no actual evidence
of gold in the specimens examined, except the
presence Of the gold itself. The presence of
rant an expenditure in the develop
ment Of the property. Ordinarily, quartz
without these mineral woulds hardly
warrant such an expenditure A prospect,
such as he had in mind, is a number of pits
sunk, which might, but not necessarily so, yield
a gold-bearing quartz on further development,
or which might lead to the belief of q paying
one. Gold must be found to make it . pros
pect.
Mr.. Howell. civil engineer, was called by
Mr.. McKenney for the Brown tract 17) and
he testified that II per cent was suitable for
subdivision. There were thirty-two acres OF
the 22l subject to an overflow in . 6fteen-foo,
rise of the creek.
Mr.. Eldridge resumed the stand and Judge
Wilson continued his cross-examInation.