Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-03-02
! GOLD FILLED CAVE.
olp. JOHN DoNAHoE's SECRET MINE
 TO BE OPENED AT LAST.

r,n,ald Treasure Under Guard-English
 Capitalists and New Workers Cast Eyes
 m the Weaita-An Cid squaw Told the
 secret--Maybe n Now Cripple Creek.
 Gold has been discovered in Putnam eounty, N. Y, and some of the largest eanitalists ill that section are said to be interested ill the development of the mines.
 It was several years ago that nuggets If gold wore first fouad on the shores of Indian Lnke, about a mile back from Garrison s. Silver in large quantities was also found, and Tt that time null titude of prospectors wore drawn to the spot. Free fights occurred when claims were being stakod out, and for weeks 8 state of anarchy prevailed on the grounds. As in the present rush to Vest chester county, the operators then had no right to take gold from the place. Mir Donahoe, the owner of the land, called upon the authorities for rrotec- tion, and the jumpers were ejected. For years afterward nothing was done to de- velop tho mines.
 Capitalists came and offered Donahoe large sums for his tract of mountainous land, but he refused to sell. It had been gossiped around the village that Dona- hoo knew where the principal bed of precious orc lay, but he kept his own counsel. An Indian woman had been brought up ill the Donahoe family from her childhood, and she it was, the gos- sips said who imparted the secret to old John Donahoe.
 About five years ago the old man died, and on his deathbed he told his son whore the vein was
 Several months ago tho younger Don- ahoe decided to work the mines. He hired laborers and began in systematic manner He called upon Speaker Fish and explained his situation. John M Toucey of the Hudson River railroad, Samuel Sloan of the Delaware, Laeka- wanna and Western railroad, Assembly man Louis F. Goodsell of Highland Falls, aud few others were also let into the soeiot
 The project of starting big mining company was discussed. but the desire of the majority was to keep the matter secret until it was certain that gold ill paying quantities could be dug In the meantime all the land in the vicin- ity was secured.
 Donahoe still kept his men at work and soon made other discoveries. He found cave which extended fully 500 feet into the heart of the mountain. Chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites of unusual brillianey made it look like an enchanted place. Lumps of silver ore weighing several pounds were found. Gurgling streams of spring water ran through the center, and on the bottom small nuggets of the pre- eious metal were found. The walls were also studded with Jumps of silver ore.
 Other chambers of unknown extent branched north and south, but the lack of good air prevented the explorers from proceeding. Donahoe closed up tho month of tho cave and set his men to work drilling and digging over the spot where his father said tho richest vein was concealed
 There shafts are now being sunk, and the new machinery will soon enliven tho surrounding hills.
 Recently half dozen English specu- lators paid tho place visit and com menced making soundings. Donahoe's men warned them off, and since then they have lowered around the district. A score of Now York mining operators also came prepared to jump claims. A liberal display of six shooters caused thoir quick departure.
 DonahOa still iuns tho hotel at Gar rison s. He is excited over his good for tune. Ho is q single man, not much over 30 years of age
 When Assemblyman Goodsell was asked about tho mine, on his way to Al bany, he was reticent and wondered how tho nsws leaked out. He admitted having heard of the gold mines at In dian Lakb, and intimated that, there were also largo quantities of gold ill the mountain 3n the west shore of tho Hud- son. He denied owning stock in tho semine, but thought it likely that the mil lionaires of tho Garrison slope were helping Dfnahoe Donahoe says that tho qHntity Of orc so far unearthed will pay foSsh the labor and expense incurred. He has several beautiful specimens of ore ill his office ---New York World.