Gilpin observer., 1911-11-09
AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW.

The wonderful possibilities Of min.
ing are not appreciated at their full
worth. Many believe it is far beyond
their understanding. It fs almost
scientific in its requirements, coupled
as 1t Is with science itself, in the
sense that the latter must come to
the aid of tie former in order to
! gain results.
Much has been wasted of both time
and values through theory in sustain
ing fair understanding Of the in
dustry Of mining. Speaking Of the
waste Of time and lack of that which
would aid, is to cite recent an
nouncement that the much despisei
blackjack is the valuable mineral
tungsten. Occasionally it was c,assei
as zinc. To go further and repeat the
story Of the discovery of carbonates
at Leadville. How that highly valued
mineral was nuisance to the placer
miner because it clogged his sluice
boxes. Then, at the same place came
MORE
the latter accidental discovery of car
Donates of zinc. Nearer home the
miner has a surprise in learning that
a veritable Grippe Creek mine exists
right in our midst Much more of the
same sort might be stated to show
that the calling of mining is always
full of surprises, making many pause
because Of lack of understanding Of
the true condition, which gives it a
sort Of mystery, Hike that felt of the
alchemy of old.
Ent it is a very practical business
in these days. Anything requiring
energy and hard knocks generally
conveys much common sense to those
engaged in seeking affluence through
mining otherwise. The uncertainties
seldom disbar a man from attempt
ing to wrest a fortune from Mother
Earth. He is full of the hope that
his time and little expenditure will
be pretty certain to return him great
gain. He feels that his few hundred
dollars may, in a comparatively short
time, return him as many millions.
He Is justified in the assumption, for
he has seen it repeated so often
that to doubt the result is to mega
tive his endeavor Too many, though,
have gone into mining in a haphaz-
ard. hit-or-miss sort Of way, trust
Ing to blind eannes - hfing Wettere
lout = theEhslxans wou,d haxe 4.
Much money has been lost TO indfvi-
duals in this way. Their contribution
toward bringing about results was
lacking in amount. They had hoped
to gain much from the expenditure Of
few hundred dollars. Some have
been able to do this, but they are
few compared with those who lost.
No sort of reasoning can convince
a man that he is not likely to make
millions by merely taking hand at
mining. He will so at it with the con
viction that it is in him to make a
big strike If he will undertake the
matter himself. They all have the
idea that they possess the mysterious
something which impe's reorganization
from dame fortune. Many Of these
little attempts are tragedies. But
these lose with good heart. They
gave the best that was in them. No
word of condemnation either self or
the mine comes from them. They are
apt to feel resentment though where
they have entrusted their all to an
other who lost 1t. They regret their
action should the other party fail in
his purpoce to g'ean fortune from
the hills. OF course, all are not fail
ures, but he is wise who can accom-
plish good for himself. Rut there is
no real guide to success in mining
He who goes it a'one may fail. 9th
ers may succeed through q combina
ton Of interest. He who can afford
to take the risk in a good thing in
mining will neglect an opportunity In
not closing with 1t to determine
result.
Z
} The list Of Italian and Austrian
subscribers of the Observer has in
: creased to such an extent lately. tht
n