The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1914-02-27
HEALTHYM|N|NGA ACTIVITY
J. L. Harper Becoming Large.
ly Interested In This
Neighborhood.

luulcdIlOuS LuFOuSnOuC tu0 WluCer
have pointed to a great revival Of
mining activity in northern Okanogan
county for the year 1914, and already
the first movements in the direction
of fully developing that important yet
dormant resource have been inaugu-
rated. Whether the new operators are
to meet with -~eater fortune than
those who proceeded them and failed
remains to be determined, but this
much can be said on behalf and in
favor of the last to take hand in the
great game of chance, they are going
to work along more systematic and
cOmmendable lines. They are now
following the ore where heretofore
operators have wasted time, energy
and money searching for surface leads
by means of tunnels, which in theory
may be a very admirable and attract
i've process, although in practice it has
in the main brought only disappOint
ment to those indulging in the system.
Disappointment largely through the
lack of means for carrying the tunnel
far enough to intersect the ledges for
which the tunnels were started to cut.
Furthermore, it is the intention of the
latest workers ir the field not only to
|
to depth, and depth on ore is some
by former mine workers in this coun-
try. Grouping around the surface
never yet and never will make a mine,
and until depth is obtained the true
mineral conditions of Okanogan coun-
now interested, or who may become in
taracfo1 sinh 1000 foot ond tho oro
values hold out, then the contention of
those who have long held that mineral
exists in this part of the state in pay
ing quantities will be proved to the
satisfaction of the mining world. If
the ore does not hold out at depth then
mining hereabouts as q source of profit
will have to be abandoned.
The latest venture in the way of
renewing exploration upon an old
holding is the sta ting of work on the
Portal, group vi claims owned by
Sam Kaiser, located on the east slope
of Kruger mountain, short distance
above and west of Osoyoos lake, some
five miles north of Oroville. This
group has been taken over by J. L.
Harper and his associates, and force
of men was put to work sinking on the
ledge Saturday, work that will be kept
up until the real merits of the Portal
are ascertained. The extent of deve!
opment heretofore done on the Portal
has been confined largely to prospect
ing, although years have been con-
sumed doing the little that has been
done This meagre showing is more
on account of the shortage of means
to carry on work than through any
lack of confidence on the part of the
owner. A shaft was sunk some 30
feet. Ore was struck in the shaft, but
the shaft was practically abandoned,
and tunnels were started to reach the
lead, which was never accomplished.
Mr.. Harper had the water pumped
out of the shaft, an accumulation from
the surface, and on investigation
found one of the best placed lodges so
far uncovered on Kruger mountain.
The ledge is not wide, but it is in
place, stands nearly perpendicular, be-
tween we'll defined walls, and the val
ues are so high that the ore will pay
well to ship, even with the wagon haul
necessary to reach the railroad. 1t
is the intention Of Mr.. Harper to sink
on this ledge, sort and ship the ore
as rapidly as 1t is taken out.
Mr.. Harper has control of the Gold
en- Chariot, which is only short dist
ance from the new possession, and
will work the two claims in conjunc-
ton, indeed is now working them in
conjunction, employing as large a
force as he can handle to advantage
at the present time. When his plans
are consummated the force will be
increased. 1t is his intention to in
stall power drills, increase the power,
and push development as rapidly as
possible. In making a mine speed of
operation is most important factor,
and it is Mr.. Harper's hobby to get
under ground, around under ground
and demonstrate the full producing
capacity of any property he has in
charge. If the ore is there he wants
to know it. If it is not there pro-
crastination in development is not go
ing to help matters. If it is not there
he wants to know that, too, so that
he may transfer his energies where
there may be some reward for effort.
If there is ore on Kruger mountain
in sufficient quantities to pay for ex-
traction, and within the boundaries
of the Golden Chariot and Portal, Mr..
Harper is going to find 1t, and be in
strumental in placin- the bullion on
the market. If he succeeds in making
paying mines he will not only restore
his own fortune, but he will be doing
an inestimable benefit to Oroville, for
paying mines on Kruger means that
Oroville is to enjoy the advantages
that always accrue to the town. or
city, within direct touch and the in
| fluence of such mines. It would stim-
ulate the growth of the place, and
speed the day when Oroville is to be-
come one of the important cities of
| the state. Hence it is to be seen
| there is even shade of a selfish mo-
tive wishing Mr.. Harper luck in his