Arizona republican., 1899-01-10
THE LA FORTUNA MINES
Work on These Valuable Properties
 10 be at Once Resumed.

MT. H. A. Howard of Los Angeles, who was recently appointed general manager of La Fortuna mines situ- ated at Agua Dulce, Lower California, returned a few days ago to Los An geles. His visit is, however but fly ing one, as he will return to Lower Cal ifornia the early part of next week. He wilI.take with him force of men from Los Angeles to work Cn La For tuna properties, and while engaged ia further development work on them will start up the mill on custom ore, there being several other good mines in that district near La Fortuna.
 Speaking Of the late trouble with the Mexican government (which is now all happily settled,) the San Diego Tribune of January says:
 "L A. Wright and H. A. Howard returned last night overland from Agua Dulce, Lower California, where they have been for the past nine days taking possession of the mining prop critics belonging to the La Fortuna Mining company of New York City. These properties have been in the hands of the Mexican government since last June, when it was seized by reason of the company's manager, Gay Lombard. having clandestinely shipped S75,0O0 in god bullion to avoid the payment of 3 per cent Mex ican export duty.
 "The government placed a heavy fine upon the company, and seized the property for payment. The company was in no way a party to Lombard's actions, and maintained they should recover the property upon the payment of regular duties and the costs to the government in seizing and holding the property.
 After a thorough investigation the Mexican government made liberal concessions, and during this trip the money was deposited with the court awaiting orders from the City of Mexico, and H. A. Howard, who has been appointed manager Of the mines, was placed in possession of the prop erty
 'sThe company has a 10-stamp mill in operation and another 1O-stamp mill on the ground ready to be erected, and well constructed buildings. includ- ing mill building. store building, boarding house, office, blacks nth shop. powder house and lodging-house.
 '|Mr Howard will at once revive the camp. The first work to be done after overhauling the mill will be to pump the water out of the Tesora mine, which is full to the 50-fCot level. Until this Is done the stamp HILL Will be operated with custom work, as there is considerable ore on the dumps at other mines in the district. The com pany has expended about $100,O00 at this camp and has one of the moost thoroughly equipped mining camps in Lower California. At one time 125 men were employed in these mines, although it has not yet been deter mined how large force will be em- ployed under MT Howard. Day and night shifts will be put on until the mines are free from water, and then the force will be increased. MT. How ard was selected because of his thorough knowledge of min9s and min ing experience in Lower Califoi mia, be- ing at one time manager of the Cedros Island mines. He is also familiar with the Mexican ways of doing busi- ness and is sufficiently acquainted with their language to do business without an interpreter His knowledge is a guarantee that the mines will not again be involved with the Mexican government. Mir Howard hopes be able to pay dividends within a very