New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-11-25
TOPICS IN CALIFORNIA.
MINERS AND FRUIT-GROWERS - PER-
SONAL AND GENERAL NOTES.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
San Francisco Nov A-Two important con-
Ventions have been held here this week-One by
the miners Of the Coast and the other by CALI
fornia fruit growers Both were largely attended
and their deliberations were very fully reported
in the daily papers. The miners discussed many
plans for stimulating their neglected industry,
but they finally concluded that Congress should
appropriate quarter Of million for the build
ing of impounding dams, by the aid OF which
hydraulic mines could be worked without detri-
ment to the farmers in the valleys. and $4,000
for opening trails and wagon roads 10 mining
districts that are now inaccessible. The old con-
fict between the miners and the valley farmers
was touched upon. but experts held that with
proper dams TO collect the debris nearly all the
big hydraulic mines could be worked. The con-
vention did one good thing in emphasizing the
lack in San Francisco of a central headquarters
where the capitalist in search Of good mines may
meet the prospector or the small miner. At such
a place if proper rules were observed, no mines
which were not genuine could be listed The
convention also gave proof Of the reviving Of
gold mining since the decline in silver Many
gold mines abandoned since pioneer days have
been lately reopened and worked at good profit.
The chief topics of discussion by the fruit
growers were railroad freight rates and better
methods OF marketing green fruit at the East.
The horticulturists Of Placer County complained
that high freight charges and low prices In
Eastern markets had lost them all their profits
on deciduous fruits. They clamored for a re-
duction OF rates. but agents Of the railroad
showed that no material cut could be made in
the freight tariff. all fruit cars had to be
handled on passenger time IT was shown That
the remedy lay mainly in better systems or
distribution at the East. Unless shippers could
he assured by telegraph that the market was
good at Chicago ST. Louis New-York. or other
cities. 1t would be more profitable for them TO
dry their fruit. An association was formed by
which the small shipper Will be put on the Same
level as the large dealer.
The full details Of the dosing Of the millionaire
"Lucky" Baldwin's racehorses by stable groom.
of which the outline was sent TO The tribune
last Tuesday. created a sensation here. BALDWIN
in self-defence had to tell the facts for Reu FL
Santa Anita on Thursday beat cracks like Sena-
Tor Irby after running poorly few days De-
fore.
Among prominent Calfornians who died this
week may be mentioned j. II. Robinson the late
Senator Sharons private secretary. ana AFTER
ward secretary Of the Sharon estate. Mr. Rob
irson was an Englishman. and he was one or the
most familiar figures in the Palace Hotel lobby,
as he had lived at the hotel from the Gay II
opened.
John Francovich. who died suddenly. was one
OF the richest fruit dealers in california.
John E. Milholand is here on a brief visit in
search of rest after the labCrs of the New J ork
campaign. He is enthusiastic over the work OF
the Lexow Committee.
The expenses OF the local election will amount
10 $225,O 900. With appropriation OF only $780,
000 there Is sure TO be an ugly deficit
The Lick School Of Mechanic Arts. Tor which
the old millionaire provided $4,000, will be
opened in January. Manual training will be
obligatory upon all pupils and special courses
will be given in all the leading trades The idea
is to so educate boys that with small practice
they may take places in any shop. The head of
the school will be George +. Merrill. who was
principal of the Cogswel Polytechnic School
until II was closed
On Thanksgiving Day the Lick statuary COM
memorating incidents in pioneer days will be
dedicated. The statuary consists Of a central
shaft Of granite around which are grouped
bronze figures and bas-reliefs The work stands