The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-11-11
Sketched IN the Convention Hall

conduct OF the work OF rehabilltat1ng these
mines All these things are the direct results
of the efforts of this association.
am sure that we ought TO all feel somewhat
proud OF the result OF our efforts in behalf OF
our chosen INDUSTRY. Our experience shows
that it only needed united effort to accomplish
what was at one time supposed TO be almost
impossible. The public and the press, then
mls1nformed, only needed to be 1ntelllgently
told OF the true condition of affairs and what
was necessary to remedy them, when their
sympathies were at once enlisted in our behalf
and we received their active assistance and
influence. And gentlemen, we have been true
to our promises. We have so succeeded in
conducting the hydraulic-mining business
to work no injury to any man or any interest.
We have asked for no radical changes in the
law, but simply pressed the enforcement of
those existing. Those for which we may ask
in the future are simply such as experience
shows are Necessary Tor the progress of the
mining industry. They will interfere with no
one elses affairs in any way, and only relate
to methods OF conducting our own business
have great faith in the future of the min
ing industry of California. This great INDUS
try is now advancing with rapid strides and
increasing its product between two and three
millions of dollars every year. Those noble
mountains which overlook our great valleys
and form the backbone of the State are daily
yielding their golden treasures to the enrich
ment of US all. More still remains hidden
than has ever been taken out and there is
work for the sturdy miner for years to come.
The blows of his pick will resound and re-
echo through those grand old canyons aud
ravines long after all OF us here present shall
US hope that the work we have accomplished
and what we are to do to-day will bring re-
suits from which the miner of the future will
derive beneht and cause him to pause IN bis
work and thank the Miners Association of
California for what it did in his behalf.
A delegate offered three cheers for Chair
man Neff, which were given with will.
On motion of Niles Searls the secretary
was authorized to have 5000 copies of the
chairman's address published.
a yv1 1--WE fro O rI.O
de Vries. Congressman-elect from Stock
ton, regretting That business would pre-
vent his attendance on the convention.
| TREY L. Ford read the following report
of his work in Washington:
The movement for the rehabilitation of the
| hydraulic mining industry, begun with the
| formation OF the California Miners Associa-
tion In 1892, has steadily advanced in public
opinion, and has been favorably considered by
| the law-making bodies of both State and Ma
| tion. The foundation for ultimate success has
been securely laid, and. with united and de-
| termined action upon the part OF those most
deeply interested, the final result should not
be a matter OF serious doubt.
| 1t should not be forgotten, however, that the
| work is but fairly begun, and that much yet
remains to be accomplished. An unfortunate
| antagonism still exists in certain quarters,
| though, happily, confined 10 narrow and ever
contracting limits. Our National Congress is
slow to recognize the importance of the work,
and is still in doubt to the limits OF its juris-
/ diction in the premises. Added to all this the
miners of California are the mselves not wholly
| in accord as TO the best means of accom- plish-
| ing the desired results
The first matter that should engage the seri-
Gus attention of the California Miners Asso-
citation is that of agreeing upon q definite line
| of policy 10 be pursued by the friends of the
! hydraulic-mi ming industry in their efforts to
restore it to its rightful station among the in
duStries OF California. Either the policy out
! lined by the Biggs Commission and ampiified
| by the Caminetti act should continue TO guide
! the association in the future as it has in the
| past or new policy should be definitely
| agreed upon that would bring harmony and
increased energy to the cause. AS one who
has watched the cause through its various
stages and mas given TO II considerable de-
/ gree of attention, your representative begs
| leave 10 suggest that it would be well TO care
fully consider any proposed change before de-
parting from the policy which has hitherto
| guided the association. and TO which Congress
! is in large measure committed.
With a definite policy agreed upon, every
| energy should be directed to a proper present
alton of our case at Washington, whence must
come the final relief to which the miners oi
! California are so clearly entitled
Mr.. Ford added that the report of neces-
| sity omitted something of the details oi
the work at Washington. He desired to
| express his thanks to all those who had
| done valiant service toward securing the
results that had been noted. Never before
had they real zed clearly the results that
followed from the union of strength. II
was al first herculean task and miners
lated localities, accessible only on the hur-
rIcane deck OF mule.
The association had reached the turn.
ing point OF its career. By pursuing the
right methods the mining industry would
De known as 1t was never known be lore
They had secured an appropriation OF
S250,OOO, unhampered by single condi
tion, Tor the benefit of the hydranlic-minel
and the farmer. Every member of the
California delegation was entitled to the
heartfelt thanks of the association. The
miners cause had also received many
courtesies from Republicans and Demo.
Gratis on the Congressional Committee, al
but two of whom opposed the appropr a.
ton. Thy were Barrett of Massachusetts
and Cooper OF Wisconsin, who were of the
opinion that 1t was purely private af
falr, and they fought it to the very end.
l. Ine Secretary of Wa had given his in.
strnctlons to the engineers. and at least
S250,o00 would be expended in the con
strncton OF restraining barriers in this
State.