The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-01-02
GREATLY DISAPPOINTED
The Test Hole Near GrantsviIIe Does
Not Make Great Show
of Minerals.
DRILLED TO A DEPTH OF 400 FEET.
Only Four Small Veins of Coal Struck By
the Drill and the Cores of These Not
Preserved, Much to the Dissatisfaction
of the Company.

Preserved, Much to the Disqualification
of the Company.
Some weeks ago a company was
formed by citizens of Grantsyille and
vicinity for the purpose of putting
down test hole for minerals in the
valley of the Casselman river. Work
was soon commenced and on Decem
Der 18th the depth of 400 feet had
been reached, when the further sink
ing of the hole was abandoned. The
State lent some aid to the work.
The point where the drilling was
done is near Jennings Bros mills, on
the north branch of the Casselman
river. 1t appears to haye been poor
selection. Prof. Clark, State Geolo-
gist, under whose supervision the
boring was done, was not satisfied
with the location. Results prove his
predictions correct.
The company is somewhat surpris-
ed, if not discouraged, to learn that
only four small veins of coal were
found. Some dissatisfaction is ex-
pressed that the drill produced no
core of the coal, but they were ad-
vised of this fact. 1t is thought the
State may drill deeper, but the land
owners of the valley will not invest
more money at that point. 1t APP
pears to be more interesting geolog-
zeal experiment than a profitable bus
mess investment. Drilling at other
points is spoken of, but for the pres
ent other intererts will occupy the at
tention of our farmers. No doubt ex-
lists that four-foot vein can be found
in less than 100 feet from the surface
and larger vein within 300 feet of
the surface. Previous tests have
proven that fact. The general opin-
ion expressed by experts is that on
the other side of the stream above or
below this point the veins can be
reached. Believing this our people
are not inclined to entertain the price
offered for their minerals and will
now pay more attention to the sur
face.
The Casselman valley is easily the
richest and most fertile agricultural
section of the county. Large areas
of virgin forest with every valuable
variety of timber still standing and
lime in unlimited quantities within
easy reach of every farm. Our intel
ligent and Industrious farmers will
soon restore the original fertility of
our soil. With high grade cultiva-
ton these lands so productive will
become very valuable.
Cooperation or the organization of
oranges among our farmers in every
district of Garrett county would do
more to advance the material inter
ests of our people than any other
movement. What manual training
schools are doing for our youth the
grange will do for our farmers. They
should meet together more frequent
ly and discuss the many problems
they are so deeply interested in.
Literature should be more widely
read and lectures more frequently
heard. This is an age of intelligence
and progress. Agriculture, the source
of all wealth, commanding one-third
of the vote, for want of organization
has less influence and protection than
any other INTEREST," of equal import
ance. This is not for the want of in
telligence but caused by negligence
and Indifference. The privilege to
pay half the taxes appears to be the
only undisputed right they possess.
Perhaps their Indifference to politics
accounts partially for lack of proper
protection. If they would more gen
orally attend the primaries and con-
ventions and insist upon a fairer dis
tribution of place and power they
would receive more consideration.
1.-The gods help those who help them
selves" The organization of oranges
would remedy some of the evils COM
planned of and prevent others. Gar
rett county is destined to be an agri-
cultural or grazing community for
many years to come and the farmer
should look to his interests and keep
pace with the progress of the age.
Every other great interest is CONSOLE
dating and cooperating in the shape
of syndicates, trusts and corporations
for protection. They must move in
that direction.
The establishment of Department
of Agriculture by the United States
Government has done much to aid
and enlighten the farmer. If every
community would take advantage of
the powers and privileges offered by
this department great good would re-
suit
Our wise and progressive President