Arizona republican., 1897-10-31
FLORENCE DISTRICT.

can dollars, 45.
 FLORENCE DISTRICT.
 A Good Grist of Mining Notes Gath
 cred in the Gila Valley
 Florence has suffered in the past six years largely from the apathy dis played in mining. The suspension of the Silver King and Vekol mining propositions, which were due to the fall in silver, was a serious matter and Florence has since felt the results likely to follow the shutting down of one or more big mining proposi- tions. These districts were not wholly deserted, for a few remain to keep the mines and outfits associat- ed with them in good order It has become part of the system of operat- ing mining district to have a rail road in close touch, said railroad to be one of the arteries of trunk line. Florence, one of the best developed districts in Arizona, is sadly lack ing in such facilities and the great wonder is that the district was not tapped many years ago, for the very good reason that it is so easy to cov- CT. But the imprisonment, if such it may be called, will soon end. The long and patient waiting will cease and Florence as the center of a good mining and agricultural section will blossom as the rose But sentiment alone will not cure the ills. Action IS necessary and this will be apparent in the west end of Gila valley, or that section in which Florence is located before many days. But to the mines and prospects, which are very numer- Ous.
 some references may appear exag- gerated but the writer feels assured that what is here presented has none or the yellow in it, other than that of a golden hue.
 Five years ago the big Silver King some distance northeast of Florence. was shut down, throwing about 500 men out of employment and leaving about twenty-five to do a little work m and about the mine. The Silver King IS essentially a silver property 0ne assays showing 80 per cent of Wnloe metal, small percentage in Iead and copper. Work on one claim mas been done, this since 1874. Thsra are chlmneys in large bodies and pockets of native silver. The com pany claim known as "The Blk |" was opened and connected with the lower workings of the King. Prom 1nently associated with the Silver King are Pheby and Champion. they owning the controlling interest. A iorty stamp mill was operated. Ouan- 1nu dump. 'ne
 Riverside, thirty miles east is on the wagon road to Globe. Copper is apparent ln large bodies in the dis tr1ct.: The Copper Queen Consoli- dateo' Mrs. Alfred Kinney of Globe ana others are interested in this To- cahty: Five miles north of the Gila on Mlneral creek considerable deveI- opment work has been done bv James Elder and other parties. A eood deal of work has been. accom- pllsned, the gold mines comprising tne Hamilton and two other claims A tunnel has been opened and drifting carried on. sale of this propertv IS expected, Chicago capital being in lerested in the project. There is a strong belt of copper running through the riverside district which is tribu- tary 10 Florence, and active deyelon- ment will depend upon rapid transit 10 De had through the Arizona and Pacific. anu
 Near the proposed Buttes reservoir t"elVe miles east, are mining pros pects. High grade copper ore is to De found. Development work has peen done on eight claims. United states Marshal Griffith, Judge Stone ana A. T. Cotton, last two gentlemen oI fIorence, are interested in the last mentioned proposition. An expert reports the finest surface showing ot copper that he has ever seen.
 southeast of the county seat. sey- enty miles distant, is the much talked or Mammoth, which, with the Collins mine, was opened in the early sos me district is on the San Pedro. fiji. teen miles north of the Pima line. ir hence the claim of Florence to an interest in it. The Mammoth uoid Mining company was operatins hIty stamp mill two years ago. The1 smut ooWn temporarily in order t( put lnings in first class shape, includ Ing the hoists. It is understood tha, the stamps will be increased to loo Only a few men are working. On, hundred men are working on the Mo hawk, an extension of the Mammoth which is operated by other parties Four miles from Mammoth is thirt7 stamp mill, the water necessary bein, pumped s-Sm the San Pedro. A wag on road is being constructed iron Mammoth to the tEable mountain copper mine. Two pndred men ar working on this al pe of transpor tation.
 Below Casa Grande some twent miles is the old Vekol mine, work O which has been suspended on accoun