The record-union., 1897-10-19

troduced by Hon. F. D. Seward of ST.
ezra, was amended by the Committee
on Mines and Mining of the Assembly
in several particulars, which amend
ments were finally incorporated in the
bill by both Senate and Assembly. The
principal one of these changes relates
to the necessity of doing $50 worth
upon a mining claim as part Of the
location thereof. This change has been
the subject of considerable comment.
concerning which your committee ex-
presses no opinion. Many other laws
We're enacted by the Legislature re-
lating to the mining industry which are
believed to be of considerable value,
but which we have not space to recite
in detail in this report. They relate
to provisions concerning miners liens,
the safety of miners employed in the
mines, the conduct of the business Of
mining corporations and many other
matters of equal Importance to the
mining industry. In fact, the Legis-
lature at the last session, accomplished
much in the way of mining legislation
and deserves the sincere thanks Of the
miners Of California. We deem it but
right and proper in this connection to
make special reference to the earnest
labors of Hon. F. d. Seward of Sierra
County, who was untiring in his efforts
in behalf of the legislation recommend
ed by this association.
Pursuant to the recommendation of
your committee, a special committee for
a revision of the Federal Mining Laws
was appointed at the last session of
your honorable body. Your committee,
therefore has nothing to report in re-
spect to this matter.
There was also reported at the last
session of your honorable body a special
committee to take such steps as they
might deem proper to aid in the crea-
ton and establishment of a depart
nlent of mines and mining. This sub
ject, therefore, has not been consid-
cred by your committee.
Your committee desire to say, how
ever, that the International Gold Min
ers' Convention, which met at Denver,
and the trans Mississippi Commercial
Congress, which met at Salt Lake
City, both in July last, took up both
of the last aforementioned subjects
their behalf. These committees, so
steps toward securing the cooperation
among the miners of the country look
ing to the establishment of a depart
ment of mines and mining and a sci
entific revision of our Federal mining
laws. AS to what steps have been taken
in this regard, your committee has not
been fully adviced.
Your committee beg leave to recon-
mend:
Ff1rst-That prompt and urgent meas
ures be taken to secure the passage OF
the so-called mineral lands bill at the
approaching session of Congress.
Second = That Congress be urged to
make further appropriations for the
construction of restraining barriers and
other works, with a view to the inn
provement and protection of the Sac
ramento and San joaquin River sys-
TENS. to the end that all branches Of
mining may be successfully and prof
itably conducted without material in
jury to other interests.
Third-That further steps be taken
to secure a revision of the Federal min
ing laws and the creation of a depart
ment Of mines and mining.
The report of the Committee on Gre
dentials, accrediting 407 delegates, was
received and adopted. and the conven-
ton then listened to the annual address
of President Jacob H. Nef of Placer
County.
President Neff drew attention to the
lamentable condition of the mining in
dustry of this State six years ago. when
the annual yield of gold was at low
ebb. ard one branch of gold mining
Cthe hydraulic) was practically destroy
ed. Then came the California Miners
Association with its enthusiastic ener-
gy and its cooperative determination.
The State Legislature responded to it's
appeals. and Congress lent a willing
ear. The world once more learned of
our marvellous mineral resources, and
capital FASTENED to make investment
in California mines. To-day the min
ing industry of California is better
known, better understood and is at
tracting more favorable attention than
for a quarter of a century past
President Neff then stated that cordi-
ality and good feeling existed between
those in charge of the State Miners
Association and the executive officers of
the Anti-Debris Association of the Sac
difference of opinion regarding these
matters, leaving hope for future har-
monious action upon the hydraulic min
ing industry. Considerable progress
had been made in the important mat
ter of State and Federal appropriation
for the protection and improvement of
the rivers and the building of dams to
restrain the mining debris. 1t was
hoped that at the coming session of
Congress the Federal Government may
be induced to aid by further appropria-
tion. 1t is understood the present con-
ference between the State authorities
in charge of the dredge scheme and
the United States engineers viii result
satisfactorily.
Mr.. Neff suggested that it would be
we'll for the association at this con-
vention to set forth the present status
of the hydraulic mining situation, and
petition Congress for further appropria-
ton to continue the work which the
100000 already appropriated was in
tended to inaugurate.
In conclusion he commended those
who have thus far successfully car
ried On the work of the association, and
urged the mining counties to respond
more freely to its calls for financial aid.
that burden having fallen largely upon
the merchants and manufacturers of
San Francisco.
President Neff's address was fire.
ehno 0fforiinro