The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-07-11
MINES AND MINING.
The Methow Country and Its
Connection With Seattle.
A GOLD PRODUCING DISTRICT,
One Of the ideal Mining Sections OF the
State OF washtnxton-Sotes From
the Minss.

G. p Martin. who has spent three years
IN prospecting and mining in the Meshow
country. Is - the city. and will spend
a few days here In furthering the later
esss OF the mines ia hts section. To
Post-Iafeilfgencer reporter. Mr.. Martin.
ia the course OF brief interview yester-
day. said:
We have been somewhat lonesome in
our country for several years past be-
cause people perslstentiy ignored the inn
portance OF our mines. and were always
looking beyond as into other ZELDA II
IL very gratifying 10 see an awakening
interest in Seattle. and since the Post
InfeIiigencer has taken hold OF the min
ing interests OF the entire Pacific North
west with such commendableA vigor. I
can see a marked increase IN thu general
interest ia mines. The people. roo, are
beginning to comprehend the fact that
the Cascade mountains. which are visible
from their own doors. are an immense
repository OF nearly al theprecious and
base metals and that Il Is the wise thing
to encourage the development of the
mines In this wonderfully rich range.
II have spent three years In the Me-
thow, which is Tributary 20 Seattle, and
have been engaged during this time in
prospecting for gold. silver and copper.
The district embraces country ABOUT
twelve miles long and five miles wide.
Squaw, Mcfarland and Gold creeks.
There is active work In all these camps.
but the Lower Methow Is the scene OF the
greatest activity. as the mines have been
more thoroughly developed. and are pro-
ducing and shipping ore. The Friday mine
has been Shipping 10 the Sound smelsers
for several months past. and the returns
have been so encouraging that others are
getting in line. The transportation ques
- 49, - Il 80
steamboats, making concessions that have
enabled the miners 10 ship with . good
margin OF profit
Among the other mines that are pre-
pairing 10 ship ore are the Hidden Treas
ure Gray Eagle and probably the High
land Light. These mines have conssd-
cradle ore on their dumps and are sack
Ing Ii. The ore shipped from the Friday
has returned about SIS per ton. This is
gold ore with percentage Of copper and
silver. Shipments from the Friday have
been interrupted recently by the high
water In the Methow. there being no
bridges over the stream nor ferry boats
10 navigate IL.
AT present there are about DO people
in the district 100 of whom are engaged
In active mining. while the others are
prospecting and engaged in other pur-
suits.
There Is good wagon road from the
Columbia river up the Methow 10 Squaw
creek. bat there Is no road between Squaw
creek and Gold creek to connect with the
state wagon road at the mouth Of the
Twisp. This would open up the Upper
Methow and give another rich mining and
agricultural country connection with the
Columbia. Seattle would derive further
benefit from TIE completion of this road,
which would cost not to exceed 8. 0oo.
half OF which could be In the way of sup
plies, the other cash. Locally $500 has
been raised toward the building OF this
road.
The investments In Methow mines re-
Gently made by Andrew Burleigh OF the
Northern Pacific. and other Seattle men,
has given fresh Impetus TO the mines.
and has Increased the general interest
very materially. There II In the neigh
borhood OF 800 locations in the district.
and the greatest depth yet attained by
any Of the mines will not exceed 125
leet. The ore improves with depth and
tho lodges widen very materially. The
Lodges vary in width from three 10 ten
feet. and while some show free gold on
the surface. almost Invariably charge TO
suiphurets and retain this character 10
the deeper workings
The climate OF the Methow Is some
thing that we can all boast about, because
~ Is so fair that work can be carried on
the year around without scarcely any In
terruption. In the winter We have 1t dry
and opep. with snow sufficient TO make
good shedding. and mining operations are
not inpeded through deep SHOWS.
1T is an open bunch grass country.
with scattering trees 10 the SUBMITS OF
the mountains. furnishing plenty OF tim
Der for mining and domestic purposes II
Is the prospeetors paradise, taken IN
comparison TO the country on the west
ern slope Of the Cascade range
The prospectors hold their properties
az reasonable prices. and are willing to
take investors into their holdings on
working or development terms They
srs pleased TO see capital coming into
the country and instead OF asking mine
prices for prospects. are disposed to let
them so az their prospect value. There
Is plenty OF room for men OF means
and energy IN The Methow and all are
cordially welcomed. II Is an ideal mining
country, and one that cannot help but
attract the attention OF capitalists and
mining men generally. With the Impetus
now given Il believe Il VIII forge ahead