The San Francisco call., 1899-10-24

solve. It is true some of our mining and ditch
companies have built some of the largest ditch
and reservoir systems in the world. but this
work has only commenced, compared with
what has yet to be done.
And now another thing, and of no small
Importance. either 1t is evident that this as
sociation has got to go back to first principles
and take up the fight of the hydraulic miners
again. And we have got to take it up vigor-
ously, too. The Camnetti law, for which we
all fought so hard and which has accomplished
much is in danger. and with il the whole hy-
draulic mining industry of California once
more. Our old opponents, who never
very well satisfied with the debris question be-
ing taken out of local hands and placed in
those Of the Government want again to be in
a position to have something to say in this
matter. Their old weapon, the injunction. has
been brought out and put into the hands of
the men who formerly welded 1t so disas-
trously and with such dire effect.
This is the last convention in which | shall
occupy the chair which | have filled through
your courtesy, ever since the organization of
the California Miners Association Nominally
l have had the direction of the affairs of the
association for some years past but. while L
have had many excellent advisers this is really
the first time 1 have ever been allowed to have
my own way. L mean when l am at last per-
mitted to retire to the ranks so that some
younger and more active man may preside over
your deliberations. I am afraid 1t would take
too many words to adequately express to YOU
all the kindly sentiments 1 feel toward you
the thanks have deep in my heart for the
consideration and help you have given me
during my terms of office. Like most of the
rest OF the members of this association l have
been connected with the mining industry for a
great many years. My feelings and sympathies
are all for the miners and their work, for
am one of them myself though my actual work
with the pick and shovel ia done.
The future of this organization is of hope
and Of usefulness. There is much for us all
to do and will come before AS far
as my experience has shown 1 feel certain that
the right man will come to the front when we
need special services. There are plenty of able
men among our members and they all cheer
fully stand in with whatever work is to
be done
II but remains for me to again thank you
for all your courtesies to me-
At the conclusion of the presidents ad-
dress there was cry for three cheers
for Honest Old Jake Neff,' and they were
given with a will that loft no doubt of
their sincerity. Coming as they did from
the men who had worked with him when
he toiled with the pick and shovel and
pan, Mr. Neff was visibly affected by the
expression of friendship.
A motion was made and carried to ap-
point a committee 20 prepare resolutions
expressing the thanks of the association
to Mr. Neff for the services he had per-
ston named the following delegates on
the committee: Warren D. Parsons, Judge
Niles Searls and Charles c. Yale
p. N. Shoecraft, chairman of the COM
mittee on the mineral exhibit at the Paris
Exposition, presented a report that was
tee had formulated plans for an exhibit
that would have been a credit to the
State, but lack of cooperation on the
part of the Legislature forced them to
abandon the project. The exhibit as in
tended by the committee would have bean
complete in every detail. giving an ade-
quate representation of all the minerals
found in the State, the various forma-
tions, plans and methods of working orr
mines. models of mills and exhibits Of