Bisbee daily review., 1902-01-10
ARIZONA MINING FIELDS.

FIELDS.
 The Arizona Republican is correct when it says that for the miner and prospector the world today offers DO more attractive field than is found right here in Arizona. Indeed, it is doubtful if there is any other mineral region on the globe which has unde- veloped mineral wealth equal to that of this territory. It is almost week ly occurrence for rich strike of gold or copper to be made in some district in Arizona, which in any other part of North America would attract general attention But here such things are taken as matter of course and pro- duce no excitement. Probably it is because familiarity breeds contempt that many prospectors neglect oppor- tunities at home while thinking of mining districts abroad. During the last year or two Mexico, and Sonora particularly, has been a magnet to draw numerous mining men of Arizona away from home. Sonora is undoubt- edly rich in minerals, and the few great fIrtunes which have been made there in recent years by Arizona oper- stors have served to eclipse the home territory as prospecting field. There is, of course, something fascinating in seeking one's fortune in a foreign country, which paints Mexico in a rosy hue il the minds of imaginative people. Yet Mexico-at least as to surface prospecting-ha been more thoroughly gone over than Arizona.
 ''I could not advise anyone to start to Mexico seeking a high-grade propo- sition which may be worked with small capital" says Theod re s. Delay in the Engineering Magazine, and bases his opinion on the following facts:
 A more or less scientific system of mining and metallurgy was practiced ip many localities in Mexico long be- fore the California discoveries gave American mining its great impetus. These operations were carried on un- der the supervision of the priesthood, for the benefit of the church. At that time the population of Mexico was fanatically religious; therefore, any thing pertaining to the interest of the church would certainly attract the interest of the public at large. The ecclesiastical mining plants did not require any special and exclusive class of operatives, but employed any and all of the communicants who were not otherwise occupied. It follows that nearly all the laborers of ~fhe country would, at some time or other in their lives, be employed in mining operations.
 In later years the American and German miners have made Mexico field of operations, and have installed comparatively recent methods. These foreign enterprises have been no re specters of persons, as regards their native labOrers. employing the first person who appeared to fill vacancy; and since few dollars in hand makes ] Mexican laborer too rich to work, vacancies were not infrequent. From ell of which it follows that the condi- tions have been favorable for a gen. eral dissemination of practical mining knowledge in Mexico.
 Now the Mexican, while not of strong mentality, has the faculty of observation strongly developed by close contact with nature, and has the capacity for accurate imitation, char scterist:c of all emi-civilized peoples. Hence we may expect to find him good off-hand judge of ore, quite skill ful in tests with the .'batea" and horn spoon, and even able to supplement these with rough roasting and amalga- mating operations. In nearly every Mexican home, however lowly, one will find specimens of ore, with which the children play while they listen to the talk of their elders about the fortunes which have been gaIned by the turning of stone.
 In country over every foot of which men of the above character have been roaming for generations, either directly in search of mineral or as herders, yet ever with an eye open for piedras ricas, there is small chance of there remaining anything which can be seen at surface.
 Arizona is much better than Mexico. For instance, years from now, when Prescott has become a second Denver, and old Yavapai county alone is show ing scores of great mines in profitable operssiop, hundreds of prospec,ors will be heard to regret that they neglected that region while chasing fortune far s6eld. And almost every county in the territory has attractions greater than can be found any where else in the world. Within ten years Tombstone sill be . second Leadville in popula- tion and mineral production. Yuma, Tucson, Globe, the Mineral Creek dis trict, Clifton, Morenci, Bisbee and No gales will be thriving cities, daily en- riched by the wealth of surrounding | mines.
 
 GROVER CLEVELAND Mark Hanna