Weekly Arizona journal-miner., 1904-07-06
GIGANTIC BUT PRACTICAL.

The Journal-Niner in its last three
issues has given its readers in consid-
cradle detail the plans for a projected
tunnel through the Black Hills range
of mountains.
The protector of this tunnel is W.
F. P. FCgg, a prominent attorney OF
Springfield, Massachusetts, who had
occasion TO visit the above range of
mountains about three and a half
years ago. Being a keen observer, he
became possessed at that time of the
great possibilities which that range OF
mountains afforded for the production
of minerals and water, as we'll for
traffic connection between Jerome,
the Verde valley and Prescott by
means of a tunnel.
On each succeeding visit, and with
q more careful and exhaustive exami-
nation of all the conditions existing
there, the feasibility as we'll as the
probable remunerative features of
tunneling the mountain has grown
upon him.
A short time since, on his invita-
ton, about a score of Prescott bust
ness men visited the old camp of the
Yavapai Copper company, and in ad-
dition to enjoying the bounteous hos
pitality of Mr.. Fogg made an exami-
nation of the mountains in an inves-
tigation of the possibilities of success
of such an enterprise.
While this examination was of
necessity somewhat limited 1t was
sufficient to enlist every one in behalf
of the enterprise.
Later a committee appointed at
meeting of citizens visited the place
again and made a more thorough eX-
animation, putting in two days of
strenuous work on horseback and sab
mitted a very favorable report on the
subject.
The enterprise, if the success is
achieved which certainly seems not
only possible but probable, is one
which would make of this section the
richest mineral section in the United
States-
1t would result in more than
doubling the population of this
county, as we'll as increasing several
times over its mineral production.
The immense underground stream
Of water which apparently flows be-
meath the surafce of those mountains,
and the existence of which the surface
furnishes incontrovertible proof,
should afford water for the irrigation
and reclamation of thousands of acres
of Lonesome valley, the soil of which
only needs the magic touch Of water
to make it as highly productive as
any to be found in the world.
The transportation feature Of the
tunnel would also be an important
factor in the revenues which it would
produce.
OF course neither Mr.. Fogg nor any
those of who have visited that section
can see into the ground to determine
what lies beneath the surface of these
mountains. The only guide furnished
to any one making an investigation is
by the surface indications and by
what has already been accomplished
with development in that vicinity.
To enumerste few of these, the
United Verde mines with their world
wide reputation, are located on the
eastern slope. What has been &C
complished in their development is
so well known that it would be super
f1uous to repeat it here.
Further south, on the eastern slope
of the range and near the eastern end !
of the proposed tunnel is the Iron
King mine, already developed to con-
siderable depth, with a smelter in |
successful operation reducing its ore
to bullion, or merchantable copper
matte.
Adjoining this is the Copper Chief, !
also we'll developed and with, it is |
claimed by experts, 1900, 900 worth |
of ore in sight and ready for reduc- |
ton plant to be placed upon it.
On the western slope and within |
about mile of the western termi-
nus of the proposed tunnel is the
property of the Yesger Canyon5Copper
property, developed to depth of 500 |
feet and with a reduction plant in !
operation treating the ore.
These are proven properties and |
prove as we'll the possibilities of the
district for minreal production.
There are numerous other claims
being developed as capital can be OBJ
tanned for that purpose and with most
satisfactory results, and with equal
promise of success as has been achiev-
ed in the other cases, with greater
development.
Indications are found in great num-
oers, all over the surface of the noun
tain range of the existence OF minreal
beneath and while it might not be
expected that another United Vedre
mine will be discovered in making
the proposed tunnel, it is not without
the range of possibility that such an
event might happen. 1t is certainly
within the reasonable expectation
that before the work had proceeded
on the tunnel for a mile in length,
sufficient ore will be developed to
furnish revenue for its entire con-
5truction.
So much for the mineral possibili-
ties. Now as to water indications. 1t
Is presumed that every reader of the
Journal Miner, and particularly those
VINO are interested in such an enter
prise, or in the development of the
resources of the territory, have read
he repor. tbumitted by the commit
tee appointed to investigate this
question. This committee. after Civ
ng abundant reasons for believing
that water in large quantities exists
the range sum up their con