The San Francisco call., 1898-04-17
The Governments Defi- hilton of Hydraulic
 Mining at Last.
Large Prospects for the Inter. national Mining Congress.
 Mining Progress.

The formal decision by the California Debris Commission that the definition of hydraulic mining" to which it will ad here in carrying out the Camineti law shall be mining by means of water un- der pressure through nozzle" is the most important ruling that mining af fairs have brought forth for a long time. It practically settles a vexed question: over which the last California Miners Convention debated long and about which authorities disagreed much. It Is now settled that the Federal engineers, when acting as the California Debris Commission under the Caminetti law will regulate drift mining. ground sluic- ing, the washing of tailings, dumps and all placer mining on the water sheds of the navigable streams when water is used through a nozzle under pressure, as well as when it is used against nat ural bank.
 This decision probably settles the Ques- ton, because the miners are not apt to appeal from the decision. This makes of practical non-effect the definition adopted by the State Legislature. which technically limited the term hydraulic mining" to hydraulic operations against a natural bank" The definition with it's implied declaration of jurisdiction will undoubtedly be accepted with fairly good grace by the hydraulic mining interests, who are especially and wearily anxious that some move be made toward the con- struction of the restraining dams. The spirit in which the decision will be re- ceived by the majority of miners is prob ably we'll reflected by the Mining and Scientific Press, which observes in its current issue:
 Tt is fair to assume that the future of the great industry of hydraulic mining in California rests fin a liberal administra- ton and interpretation of the existing he general lines. Insistence upon marrow rules or interpretation, which do violence to the spirit of the law. will impede rath- CT than advance the interests of the in- dustry."
 During the week Ju ian Sonntag. secre- tary of the California Miners Associa- tion. received from D. Johnson of Den yer, chairman of the executive commit tee of the international Mining Congress. letter urging active interest here in the coming meeting Of the congress in Dem yer, July !. s and 2. The writer predicts an exceedingly large attendance and be- lieves that the meeting will be one of the most important events in the history of mining.
 Mr. Sonntag's reply reflected the cordial interest taken in the congress here and the expectation of a large California dele gation being in attendance. He offered the wise suggestion that Governors and be specially asked by letter to name only men practically identified with mining interests.
 The initial convention of last year was called the International Gold Mining Convention" The name has been b-oad- ened with the scope and purposes of it to the international Mining Congress- and this year all phases of mining will be within its range. The coming session promises to be great and important one that will influence legislation as well as the practical progress of the industry
 The Grass Valley Union called atten- tion to disregarded State law passed in 1872 which makes 1t unlawful to work d mine below -epth of 90 feet, if twelve