The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-10
bicycle TOURNAMENT.
PLENTY OF VIRGINJA GOLD.
A Mining Engineers Advice to Those Who
Have Klondike Fever.


MINERAL CITY. VA. August 9-Spe-
cial.-Noticing the various articles in sew
eral papers on the gold fields in Alaska.
and feeling that such exaggerated reports
may have a misleading effect upon those
Of our citizens who feel inclined To look
nearer home for gold mining investment,
| desire 10 ask that / may be allowed TO
call attention though the columns Of your
valuable paper TO a few points, which all
would do well TO pay attention TO.
SO far as / can learn the finds" I'm the
Klondike and Yukon districts are remark
able: but no more 50 than many that are
daily made in many OF the gold producing
States. Georgia, North Carolina, and Nir-
glnia, I'm my estimation, can to-day show
up as we'll by comparison. as any State
I'm the Union, not excepting Alaska, the
newly found field.
Look at the history OF some of tho
Alaska finds" Many years have been
consumed in the search for the treasure.
Many lives sacrificed. and great suffering
endured for the sake Of gold, which could
have been found easier, and in less time
1T home.
The lever I'm Alaska IS caused by a
wcll-worked up boom by the transport
tatiOn companies and real estate men, and
those of you who may have experienced
a boom" know what II means. Now l
do not wish TO cast any reflection adverse
TO the interests Of Alaska; but 1 do wish
TO say that many States offer just as
great inducements and more especially
the Southern States; where the cost Of
mining is from 10 TO one in favor Of
Southern mining.
| could point TO many well authenticat-
ed remarkable finds" here In Virginia,
and show TO any one who knows a vein
when he sees IT, as good gold veins as
may be found I'm any other State. My OBJ
ject in making this statement is not 20
boom Virginia, but to ask the thoughtful
ones to "call halt" before going blndly
into Schemes" for getting rich by invest
ing in Alaska mines, and look nearer
home first.
A belt OF unparallel extent is here in
Virginia, with many veins Of good. pro-
ftable ore, showing on the surface finds
OF nuggets. fine gold. and veins are made
nearly every day, and nothing IS ever said
OF il. and II IT is mentioned. II is only
taken as a fake, and forgotten. Never
tholess there are to-day several practical
gold mines at work in Virginia close 10
this place. They are developing, and pre-
pairing to work their properties In a bus
mess like manner, by putting in machin-
cry OF the latest pattern.
They have found the veins which upon
the most severe tests. give evidence that
they are rich enough to pay handsome
profits.
In conclusion, remember the trip 10
Alaska IS an expensive and very danger
Gus one. Living expenses are very high,
and also materials tor mining OF all kinds
are almost out OF reach Of those with or
binary means. Titles TO claims are
questionable. and the chances for a big
strike" are very little better, IL any, than
elsewhere.
The climate renders 1t impossible TO
work more than one third Of the year
while right here within three hours ride
OF the nations capital, there are fields as
richly worth attention, as Alaska, Cali
fornia, or any other gold field, where
work can be carried on the year round
with timebr form 81 TO $40 per thousand,
against from SIS TO $50. in other fields.
1uel almost free &c, &c. Virginiansl
look to the interests OF the Old Dominion.
The writer has spent nearly eight years
here. and is satisfied with the result OF
his researches, and his investments in
Virginia gold mines. He predicts that
the coming spring will be the dawn OF
profitable mining in Virginia, and an in
nux OF capital into this section OF the
state. Georgia took the lead, North Car
olina is following. Virginia should come
10 the front, and II will.
NJ T.