The record-union., 1897-10-20


ergies had been directed. 1t was the
intention of the bureau to issue a, reg
lister OF the mines in the State as a
basis of future scientific ield work.
The register will be accompanied by
reliable maps as a basis for carrying
on field work, especially in economic
geology. Bulletins will be issued on the
following subjects: COLONIZATION, dry
washing, beach washing, dredging.
building stands, petroleum, limestones
and cement.
The Committee on Resolutions sub
mitted a series Of resolutions which
We're considered seriatum. The com
mittee recommended more action upon
the recommendations of f. S. Keyes as
TO the revision of the Federal mining
laws. The committee recommended the
appointment of a committee to confer
with the Debris Commission for the
purpose of taking steps to prevent the
emptying of large quantities of debris
into navigable rivers. This resolution
occasioned an animated discussion. c.
w. Cross declared that the dams should
be so constructed as to permit the re-
sumption Of hydraulic mining. y. Cam
inetti Of Amador consented to the
change in the wording of the resolution.
Mr. Cross said the miners had raised
money and gone to Congress and the
State for funds to be devoted to the
bringing about of resumption of hy-
draulic mining. The association should
not commit itself to a resumption of
hydraulic mining without reference to
other interests. The resolution was re-
ferred to the Committee on Resolu-
tions.
Major Heuer of the Debris Commits
sion was introduced and made a brief
address in which he said that he was
in full sympathy with the miners. He
nevertheless desired to remind them
that he had not sought the appoint
ment, which, he said, had been thrust
upon him.
Senator George C. Perkins then ad-
dressed the miners. He paid a glowing
tribute to Major Heuer and then to the
miners in general declaring that there
would have been no California if there
had been no mines. The farmer could
no more live without the miner than
the miner could live without the farm
er. Therefore; the subject of mining
and the restraining of debris should be
discussed from a mutual standpoint.
He was glad to see representatives Of
the agricultural interests in the conven-
ton. He assured the convention that
the California delegation in Washington
would willingly serve the association in
the halls of Congress IL only the mem
bers would agree upon what they want.
The Mineral Land Act was before Con-
gress and would become a law within
sixty days after the next convening of
Congress. He explained the difficulties
in the way of getting legislation
through Congress. There was so much
of it that it was often impossible to get
bills through promptly The miners
should not get weary if there should be
delay. Senator Perkins said the miners
would not be able to get a Cabinet Off
Ger at the head of a department of
mining. That, he said, was not practi-
cable; but the miners could get a Com
missioner of Mining. That would ac-
complish all that the miners desired.
John p Irish was next called upon
for a speech. He. said that he agreed
with Senator Perkins that the securing
of a Mining Commissioner would be a
step in the direction of getting a Cabi-
net officer Mr.. Irish then spoke at
length upon the wonderful mineral re-
sources of this country. We have, he
said, the most remarkable resources in
mining Of any country on earth, and
yet we have done less in the way of en-
couraging the mining interests than
any other nation. Let the remedy for
this evil come in the form of a Commits
sioner who would lead up to the estab-
lishment of a mining department.