The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1902-02-22

the water line in their respective proper
ties, great trouble was experienced be-
cause Of the necessity Of either company
having to pump out the mine of the
other in order to 60 deeper, unless the
other co-operated in the pumping. This
naturally entailed a great deal Of expense
and it seemed impossible for the compa-
MES to be able to enter into any arrange
ment satisfactory to both, by which the
water could be pumped out and deeper
mining be thereby made possible. Bad
feeling between the companies seemed to
be the principal bar in the way Of a
proper adjustment OF the difficulty.
1t is co~nservatively estimated that these
two mines have produced in the neigh
borhood Of $50, 0OO, 1000. 1t is Of course
but a mere matter of speculation what
may be found below the water level. 1t is
known that when the water drove the
miners from the lowest levels good ore
bodies were exposed. The opinions of
mining experts have differed as to the
probable existence of ore bodies below
the water line, some feeling confident
that large and valuable ore deposits
would certainly be found, while others
have been doubtful as to the expediency
Of sinking deeper, believing that ore
would not be encountered in sufficient
quantities and of such values as to justify
the expense that would be necessarily
entailed in its extraction under the ad-
verse conditions connected with the
pumping out of the water.
For several years past both these min
ing properties have been worked under
the so-called "tribute" System, but few
men being employed by either company
at days pay, and neither doing much
prospecting. Notwithstanding this fact
the tribuiers, who have been mining
principally through the old chambers and
old workings in the upper levels, have
maintained a steady and valuable pro-
duction.
1t has been the generally accepted the
Dry among the Ruby Hill miners familiar
with the ground that rich ore deposits
would eventually be found below the
water level. and it has earnestly been
hoped that one Of the companies would
some day buy the other out, in the belief
that If this were done and the whole
property brought under n management,
that a practical means would at once be
devised for the handling Of the water
and the mines be prospected to a consid-
erably greater depth.
What the policy Of the Eureka Con.
management may be, should the sale be
completed, can hardly be surmised. but
tits q contamination devoutly to be
wished that prospecting and new devel-
opment work be earnestly and vigorously
pushed in the hope that the belief held
by many as to the existence of other rich
ore bodies in these mines may be fully
realized.
The opening up and active develop
ment Of these properties would mean
much for Eureka and its vicinity. Be-
sides the employment of a large number
OF men in various capacities about the
mines, and the possible consequent re-
duction of its own ores by the company
here on the ground, it would cause the
awakening Of interest in other mines Of
the Eureka District. and undoubtedly
draw the attention Of outside capital tc
some Of our really excellent mining prop
critics.
There is a vast amount Of capital which
is really seeking investment in mines
but the very lethargy which has con
trolled these two companies during the
past several years has been the principa
factor in causing capital to cast a shy ant
suspicious eye at the prospects OF thii
district.