Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1893-04-13
TWO TENDERFEET.

The ''old timer" in Colorado has a su-
preme contempt for tenderfeet, or new
comers. This feeling is gradually dying
out, but it will never be wholly extinct
until the last old timer has passed lover
the range" There was time, however,
when the old timer looked upon the ten
derfoot as an interloper and usurper.
Less than 10 years ago two bright
young fellows from New York arrived
In Colorado bearing letters of introduce
ton to the most prominent and wealthy
men in Denver. They were young men
OF ample fortunes and announced their
intention of engaging in mining. They
did not desire to purchase mine. They
wanted the excitement of prospecting.
They were hale and hearty and were
anxious for the experience of roughing it.
Among others to whom they brought
letters of introduction was Uncle Billy
Golden, an old timer, who had "struck it
rich" in Leadville and was rated finan-
cially at $3,0O0,O00.
Uncle Billy had all of the pioneer
dislike for tenderfeet, but these young
men We're such manly, independent fel-
lows that they soon found favor in the
Old mans eyes, 80 that one morning
when they came to him and announced
their intention of going to Leadville to
prospect for "carbonates" the old man
gave them some very valuable informa-
ton. He told them of locality where
he was confident they would find min
eral. He shook them warmly by the
hand at parting, and they promised to
take his advice and never to forget his
great kindness
"Those boys have the right kind of
stuff in them" said Uncle Billy.
Amonth later he received letter from
the boys They had located claim in
the exact spot suggested by him and had
named the claim the ''Uncle Billy" In his
honor. They were very sanguine of
striking mineral, and as Uncle Billy had
given them pointer" on this promising
location they felt that they ought to
show their appreciation in some substan-
tial way, so they sent him deed to
one-third interest in the "Uncle Billy"
mine.
Two months passed by, and Uncle
Billy received occasional letters from his
young tenderfeet friends. They had not
struck mineral, but they were expecting
to do so any day.
A few weeks later Uncle Billy received
the following telegram:
New YORK, July 10, 1882.
To William Golden, Denver, Colo:
What will you take for the Uncle Billy
miner Spot cash. Answer quick.
j. MADISON WRIGHT & Co.
This telegram set Uncle Billy to think
ing. He reasoned that the boys had
struck it in this mine and had acquaint-
ed their New York friends with the fact.
He had been purposely kept in ignorance,
SO that they could buy him out cheap.
1t was all clear to Uncle Billy. He had
been through number of mining trans
actions, but he had never yet been "done
up by tenderfoot," as he expressed it.
He wired back:
DENVER, July 10, 1882.
J. Madison Wright & Co., New York:
cannot make figure without consulting
my partners, who are now in Leadville. If you
want my one-third interest, wire me, and l will
name price. WILLIAM GOLDEN.
That night came the answer:
Must have the entire property. See your
partners and fix lowest possible price. English
capitalists waiting
J. MADISON WRIGHT & Co.
The next night Uncle Billy arrived in
Leadville, and early the next morning
started for the mine. He had little
trouble in finding it, for the fame of the
"Uncle Billy" had quietly spread
throughout the camp.
''Halti'
This challenge brought Uncle Billy to
q sudden standstill. 1t came from
miner standing in front of the "Uncle
Billy" shafthouse. AS he gave the COM
mand he lowered Winchester rifle to
enforce it if necessary.
A parley ensued. Uncle Billy learned
that the mine had been closed and left
under an armed guard. No one was al
lowed ON the premises.
81 am one of the owners Of this minel"
exclaimed Uncle Billy.
II can't help that" was the reply.
'you can't come any farther. I've got
my orders, and now you've got yours.
Keep Off"
where are young jackson anG Mil
lerY'
'In Denver"
Uncle Billy managed to get handful
of the dirt on the dump when the sentry
was not looking and made dignified re-
treat.
II see how it is" he said; "these young
tenderfeet are trying to do me up. I'll
show 'em a trick with hole in it,
He hurried back to Denver and found
young jackson, one of the co-owners Of
the "Uncle Billy" mine.
How much do you and Miller want
for your Interest,"" asked Uncle Billy.
I'VE are not anxious to SELL" replied
jackson. 1--WE think we have pretty
good thing, but if you want our interest
you can have it for $100, 900 cash."
"Come in this evening"" replied Uncle
Billy.
He at once wired j. Madison Wright
e. Co.:
"Will take $5OO,OOO for Uncle Billy
mine."