The San Francisco call., 1896-08-05

for the construction of works to impound
mining debris and thereby to protect nav
igable streams of California did not pass
through because ofa hitch which eventual
~ resulted in a misunderstanding between
Mr.. Ford and President Neff and Secretary
Sonntag of the ASSOCIATION, which, how.
ever. was happily Strengthened out by ex
plantations al last nights meeting. In
order to tully explain this measure and its
import Mr.. Ford was OBLIGED to review the
history OF the mining question from leg
lslattve standpoint and he went back tC
the provision contained IN the river and
harbor act of 1880. This provided for ar
examination, survey and report of the cost
OF lmpounding dams on the arteries of the
two great rivers. In his report Mr.. Ford
made extracts from the exhaustive report
of Colonel George H. MendelI. who at
tended to this work also the report oi
the Briggs commission, which was created
in 1888.
1t was estimated by the Commissioners
that over 500, 000, 600 was invested in this
branch of mining prior to its partial sup
preston by the courts. They also stated
that in consequence of the suppression o.
this class of mining, costly hydraulic
works were allowed 10 go to decav, mining
camps deserted and large districts depopu-
lated. Both Commissioners recommended
the appropriation of money for the con-
struction of impounding dams, and sew
eral streams were suggested where these
should be placed.
Mr., Ford then gave detailed account
OF the new appropriation bill and the
manner it too was tossed about on the
legislative sea, together with some SPICY
correspondence between the officers OF the
association and himself relative to the
measure ibis unpleasantness was ex-
planned by John M. Wright TO have been
caused by the delay in the delivery OF two
important kilograms to Mr.. Neh from Mr..
Ford and TO Mr.. Ford from Mr. Neff.
In speaking OF the result, Mr.. Ford
said:
1.-The final result is written In the laws
en- acted by the Fifty-fourth Congress and
will ever stand as a notable example oi
the result of united and harmonious effort
upon the part of California's representa-
tives in the National Congress"
In conclusion MIR. Ford said that the
foundation for ultimate success has been
laid, but there is still much work to be
done. The first matter to engage the at.
tention of the association is that OF agree
ing upon a definite line of policy to be
pursued by the friends OF hydraulic min
ing.
Mr.. Ford's expenses amounted to over
5000, and he was obliged to draw upon
his own resources at times. 1t was decid ed
to give him 500 for his services. A reso-
luton offered by Charles G. Yale thank
ing Mr.. Ford and the friends at Washing.
ton who helped in the cause was enthusi-
astically passed. A few remarks were
made by the Hon. Grove L. Johnson, who
said he had done ell IN his power to helI
the cause, and he promised to do what ht
could in the same cause when Congress,
bies again.
The executive com mittee decided to hole
the next California Miners Association
convention on the second Tuesday il
Novem Der. This was in order to pass tht
exciting times of the coming campaign
and when the miners will be able to give
their attention 10 future work instead o
politics.
Hon. TREY L. Ford had been voted $100
as fee for his valuable services to th,
miners of the State 10 defray expenses, etc
Yesterday, however, he declined the fee
sending the committee letter of explana
| ton.