smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1859

On the afternoon Of the 9th when the
Great Eastern was off Hastings, eed-pipe
casing in the forward tunnel, which had
been introduced on the ground of economy
ia heat. and to keep heat TO the tunnels from
the cabin, exploded with terrific force blow
ing the funnel into the air, and tearing TO
pieces the grand saloon and lower deck
cabins, through which the funnel passed,
and otherwise doing great damage to the
internal fittings. Great CONSERVATION pre-
vailed on board, but prompt efforts were
made to get at the unfortunate men In
the engineering department, who were eth
er buried in the rubish or prostrated by the
steam Three iremen we're found in dy
ing state and soon expired, two of whom
subsequently died. One fireman was lost
overheard, having either fallen into The wa
er or jumped into it to escape s"alding.--
The injured men were generally progress
ing favoraly. although two OF three Of them
were in precarious condition the numer-
Gus guests on board had only Quilted the
grand saloon. though which the funnel pass
ed, and in which they had been dining, a
few minutes before the explosion took place
But for this, the consequences would have
been most serious. The explosion is stated
to have probably been one of the most ter
rife which vessel has ever survived, and
which none In the MOI Id could have with
stood, save a structure of such marvellous
strength as the Great Eastern. She not
only resisted it, her frame sustaining no
injury whatever. but 1t made SO little diff
ference in the movements of the vessel
| that the engines were never once stopped
till she reached Portland. 1t is asserted
that great objections had been made to the
casing around the tunnels, but the directors
persisted in adopting the plan. notwilh.
standing it had been tried and abandoned
by the Colling and other steamers. The
Coroner's inquest was commenced at Wey.
mouth on the 18th. and the eyidencs clear
ly showed the cause oil. the explosion, ic
be: First. the supply. of the boilers
through the water-jacket Of the funnel
was stopped because of = sfailurepin the
auxiliary pumping power5 second a stack
pipe which acts as safety-yalve had
in it tap when the casing was hydrau-
Ideally tested. and that tap was turned. ap-
parently Intentionally. SO that the pipe was
useless. The inquest was adjourned till
the 18th.


Prior to the accident the performance oi
the vessel was most satisfactory. and she
was almost without motion, while large
vessels in her vicinity were pitching and
Year: 1859

tossing In stormy sea. A survey of tho
vessel had been held, and estimates sent in
o forthwith repair the damage at a cost
of not more than f5.ooo. the injury being
far less considerable than was at first sup
posed. Little If any delay would take place
in the departure of the ship on FIRST voyage.
bat rumor prevailed that she would not
proceed to Holyhead, but sail direct from
Portland. The accident caused a slight
decline in the shares of the company, bu,
did not influence the general confidence in
tie ship.
Year: 1859




RECRUITING ON AMERICAN SoIL-The San
Diego Herald. OF Nov. 18th, says that there Is
a party of Mexcaus encamped on this side OF
the boundary line, in the State of California,
engaged in recruiting aud procuring arms aud
ammunition for an attack on the forces which
sustain the government of Lower California.
They had lot of lances made at San Diego,
not long since and are openly engaged in pro-
curing arms and ammunition. The Herald says


This recruiting and fitting out an armed ex-
petition on American soil. for the purpose OF
invading another country, should not he tol
Grated for moment, and we are not alone IN
the opinion at il is the duty of the command
ing officer of this post to arrest the whole party
and have them dealt with as Walker and other
flibusters have been for the like offense against
our laws.
Year: 1859

CAVE OLA TuNNEL-Two MEN BURIED ALIVE.
We learn just before going to press on Saturday
evening" that the tunnel of Messrs. Smith Sparks
main quartz ledge caved on Saturday afternoon,
hopelessy burying two men alive The main tunnel
runs into the mountain some nine hundred feet ;
from this main tunnel shaft was sunk forty feet,
and the men were at work in drift from the shaft.
The shaft was kept dry by an engine stationed in
the main tunnel. Some seyenty-fye feet Of the main
tunnel caved, burying the engine and filling up the
shaft. The men at the engine had barely time to
give the alarm and make their escape, portions Of
the debris striking some of them as they fed. To
reach the shaft would require clearing of the tun-
mel for distance of seventy five feet AS the engine
constantly employed to keep the shaft dry il is
supposed that the men were drowned in the drift.
We did not learn their names, nor what steps had
been taken towards their rescue.-BsRte Record.
Year: 1859

LocAI. popuLAR ERRoRs.--It is an error to
suppose that California is becoming poor because
her surface mines no longer pay an ounce a day TO
the hand. On the contrary, the richest nations IN
the world those who labor the hardest ior ther
property whilst the poorest are those who make
money without an effort and spend it without a
thought.


1t is popular error to suppose that our country
will be worthless when the mines are worked out
(if haply that time ever comes). The gold which
labor produce does not stop at home TO enricn
u.s. but difuses itself all over the world, leaving little
to the producer but the transitory satisfaction OF
counting out the pieces. We shall never grow rich
until other pursuits receive patronage and encou-
ragement, so that the money We spend for necessa-
ries and luxures may be told out to our home man
ufacturers and workers.


Ii is great mistake to argue that this country
is only fit for fortune hunters and spectators TO
tarry in, and that every man who is not averaging
more than dollar day should return to the At
lantic States. II we make as much money per
month here as we could in the Atlantic States, we
have still one advantage which they have not there,
viz the best climate in the world.


1t is not true that soil is worthless, (as most
western people will have it, simply because 1t re-
fuses to grow Indian corn. 1t will produce most
excellent grapes, and one acre of vineyard is more
valuable than twenty acres of corn


IL false notion (sill too prevalent in the minesl
that gambling is profitable and that whskey and
strychnine liquids are healthy merely because the
climate is dry in the summer and icet IN the WINTER


There is an old proverb that 90 rolling stone
gathers no moss !" and sadly as it has been treated
by Californians is nevertheless sound philosophy
now and forever-SGn AadreGs Independent.


BURNED TO DEATH-We learn from the Trinity
Journal, that about nine O'Clock, on the night OF
November 24th the dwelling house of 7. /. Tuthill,
half a mile below Weayerville, was discovered on
fire, and consumed before assistance could be had.
The house was occupied by Omar Morton and fam
ily Mr.. Morton had left the house for short
time, leaving Mrs. Morton and little daughter OF
Daniel Osgood, four years DID, alone. The first
persons VINO arrived at the house found the little
girl some distance away, and across the gulch near
by. Search was made for Mrs. Morton, but her
charred remains were only discovered after the bull
ding was entirely consumed. How the fire COM
menced or how the little girl escaped, is all mys-
terry She says she out Of the burning building,
and knows nothing of Mrs. Morton. Her feet and
clothes were slightly burned, and her face covered
with SCOT or some other substance, showing that
she must have had narrow escape Mrs. Morton
had resided in Trinity county four years, and came
there from Humboldt county.
Year: 1859

CHINESE EvIDENcR.-We are led to the belief
that Chinese testimony even in the trial Of their
own countrymen, is not worth a continental ard
should not be taken. The Cinnamon sworn as wit
nesses in the late trial OF All Tape some Of whom
were sworn by the Chinese and some by the Anne
rican form Of OATH would have convicted any body
by their evidence. Their minds were seemingly
made to answer any question to the prisoners det-
riment. A Chnaman has no idea Of the real nature
or sacredness of the oath he takes, and our opinion
is that in answering questions they lose sight OF the
oath entirely and do not scruple to swear falsely
when their object is to convict countrynan Of all
opposing party.-Irinity Journal.
Year: 1859

THE San Joaquin Republican says that the losses
of sheep and cattle in that county, in consequence
of the late storm, which was the severest known
there since lS49, will be very considerable.
Year: 1859

Pacific RAILRoAD.-We have read the i'd
dress Of the committee and think it exceed
ingly able. The Convention has done itself
great credit. and deserves the thanks of the
whole Pacific coast. 1t has virtually inau--
gurated the building OF the road-this is say
ing much-.but we are confident OF what we
assert.


The intelligence and capital Of the state
is equal 10 all that the Convention suggests.
We are in favor Of going to work in earnest.
We are in favor of loaning the credit OF the
State for s20o00, ,0o0--if necessary, more
The sum proposed by the committee is not
a dollar too much. All that the people ol
the State have to say Is "yes," and the work
will 60 straight forward to completion
More next week.
Year: 1859

The recent storm has been, by far, the
heavest and most extensive, for the first Of
the season, whichhas ever been experienced
In the State since the period Of the Gold dis
coveries In this neighborhOod rot less
than sixteen inches of rain had fallen up to
Sunday morning last.


The rain has been almost continuous for
nine days, and has fallen so gently as to do
the greatest possible good by settling grad
ually into the earth, instead Of running of
IN floods, Ia consequence of its rapid decent
from the clouds.


High up In the mountains, though il has
generally fallen in the shape Of snow il has
melted very rapidly. thus filing up the
springs and raising the rivers, thereby Sc.
curing for the miner a much earlier. and
more permanent supply Of water than is
usual at this season of the year. The effects
OF the storm must tell most hvorably 10
comparison with past seasons, upon the early
winter e gold product.


The snow on the divide, between Placer.
vile and Carson VALLEY up TO Monday
last had not accumulated to qnite foot OF
average depth, so fast did i. melt. In Hope
Valley the ground was barely covered, and
in Strawberry Valley no snow was TO be seen
though II had rained steadily from the com
mencment OF the storm. Several Washoe
bound wagons when near the Summit had
to be abandoned, at t1e commencement of the
storm and the animals taken back for extra
supply of feed. with which they immediaty
returned to pursue heir journey.


Freight over the summit from Sacramento
has gone up from five to ten cents on the
pound had advanced to sl4 and
barley to twelve AID fifteen cents. 1t is the
determination to keen the Placerville route
open for the winter for stage and feight
travel-of course the summit will be crossed
OF runners.
Year: 1859

1t seems that the business OF miners is al


war with The physical value and beauty OF


this most attractive portion Of the earth. By


II everything is turned upside down, per-
sonal property is deemed in many parts of
the State as possessing more Of the elements
of substantial worth than " real estate"
An alluvial valley in the mountains, which
could one purchase il. with a security that
IL would never be disturbed, worth six
thousand dollars. will not command loan
of one thousand. Mining while il exports
wealth from our State. counted by millions
OF dollars per month, in the upheaving OF
the earth. to pour it forth as volcano of
mammon, overwhelmes the gladening land
scape with desolatiou and ruin. The happy
vale. which was once resplendent with the
beauty of its flowers. while the stll air
that hung over its bosom, drank in their
rich perfume, is now scene of formless
heaps OF rocks and earth ; the fresh clear
waters OF the mountain tunnel is now the
meagre and muddy stream the muse has
deserted these regions, once 10 them the
most poetic and facinating on earth, not to
return again till some future and purer age,
when gold shall less be sought, and the
graces Of the landscape, and the true poetry
Of the earth be the more esteemed.


We can never forget with what pride and
admiration with which, in lS49, we first
looked upon the strong current of The large,
clear, deep river of the Sacramento. In its
triumphant march of waters 1t rolled on be.
tween the thick deties of noble trees on
either side which stretched out their sturdy y
arms over its bosom and TO the blue heavens
above, as though it were the abode Of the
fairy queen. But now how changed. Its
waters are turbid and muddy with the
growing pursuit Of the gold-seeker. Its chan.
uel is fast being filed up. and in few years
II things go on as they now do its glories
shall have departed forever. The occupation
of the Steam Boat Navigation Co., will be
gone, and the noble and beautifully painted
trout, that the early emigrant stopped to
gaze upon. in the windows of the restaurants
will die. if he has not already +, not for want
of water, but from too much mud, If the
people of Sacramento do not bore artesian
wells or do something else to get pure water
they may share the same fate.) and will only
be known,-likc the whig party-as having
once existed on the annals ofhistory. There
is no doubt about it this business OF mining
is nuisance in many respects We are
Overlooking the world with money, and our
rivers and valles and fertile lands with mud
and gravel


On the banks OF the Mississippi they con
structed levies to protect the land from the
overfowng of water here, our farmers will
have to build them to protect their rich
acres from an overflow OF mining debris.
Year: 1859

To all appearances We shall now have
plenty Of water. The storm King has com
menced his reign. On Thursday week the
rain commenced, and continued undated
until Sunday noon. during which time, ac-
cording to the measurement of gentleman.
who resides short distance from Grass Val
ley. l6 inches of water fell.


The two following days it tried to clear up.
but again the storm set in and has continued
with undated fury during the present week.
But it is quite relief after six months dry
dusty weather, to hear the pattering of the
rain upon the house-tops. and hear the wind
moaning and signing as it rushes on through
our streets. Particularly SO, with cheerful
log fire to shed its genial warmth, while the
good wife is singing lullabys to the babe
who has just fallen to sleep in her arms
varily there is something captivating in
such evenings. just for change, reader.
Year: 1859

The policy by which our quartz lodges are
held IL detrimental 10 the country. and inja
rious to the thrift OF the masses of the peo-
pie. There are three or four Of the best
mines In Grass Valley township, each
OF which is held by virtue Of few thou
sand dollars worth Of machinery. that hav G
not been worked for more than twelve
months. Practical miners would work them
aud pay fair and handsome consideration
for so doing but the proprietors. as they as
sumo themselves to be, will not agree to
this. they want still greater profit. Thus
they will not work them on their own ac-
count, neither will they lea Sc them on equ l.
table terms to laboring men who would like
to do so.


The miners il is true, make their own
laws; II is our opinion right that they should.
Whatever mining interest one may acquire
under them, OF course we believe should re
main sacred. But we are inclined to the
opinion that there is a vast amount of auri-
ferrous quartz in this township that would
pay the laboring man handsomely, that is
held by spurious titles. Those who hold
claims by lawful presumption and improve
ment, cannot be molested. But those claims
which are attempted to be held by old, idle
machinery, or inadequate amount ofimprove-
meDt, as provided for by the Quartz Min
ing Laws, of the township we hope to see
Jumped by the industrious and enterprising
miners, who will foster labor, and develop
that ealth brought about only by indomita-
ble exertion, and which alone can give pros
perity to Grass Valley, and all her citizens
with thrift, satisfaction and happiness.


Gold is our staple, and whatever inter
feres with Its production, is at enmity with
the prosperity OF the people.


This sort of prohibition to the working
OF the mines, and the consequent production
of gold, by which men claim through one
subterfuge or another. large mining inter
ests that they will neither work or permit TO
be worked by others, is discouraging to la
Dor, baneful to the growth of the place. and
should be crushed down by all lawful means.


The dog-in-the-mange class should re-
ceive as little encouragement as possible;
and in country where the mining interest
is not sold by the government, it should
rightfully be left as prize to energy, indus
try and skill. Laws should be so framed,
that improvement and pre-emption shou Id
go hand in hand; and those who from any
cause. cannot afford to work mine. should
give way to the superior abilities of the man
who can.


The greatest encouragement to energy.
Industry and skill should be the cardinal
principle of mining legislation. Guided by
it, prosperity and wealth. in golden streams,
will flow over happy land.
Year: 1859

TT Miss Annette lice performed at
Hamilton Thcater on Wednesday evening
last, aud notwithstanding the extreme in
clemency of the weather, quite good house
greeted her appearance, and the applause
which was frequently given, testified to the
fact that her talent as an actress was highly
appreciated. We trust that on her next
appearance. she may have a fair evening for
her performance, when sie can be assured
of crowded house.
Year: 1859

A NEW DrrcH.-Ths Excelsior Ditch
Company have contracted with some Chi
nese for the completion Of a ditch which has
been surveyed from point near the Ran 4.
dolph saw mill to Sand Hill. 1t is to be
eight feet wide at the top, five at the bot
tom. and four feet deep and the terms OF
the contract are five dollars and half per
rod This will about drain Deer Creek the
greater part Of the year, for some miles be-
low The head Of the ditch.
Year: 1859

APPLEs.-This delicious frnt is becoming
quite plenty in this market, and is being
offered at prices somewhat more reasonable
than heretofore They are selling here at
six pounds for dollar. This however
would seem TO be quite TO high when comp
pared with San Francisco prices. We see
they are advertised in that city at from four
to eight cents per pound, by the box.
Year: 1859

The popularity and prosperity of cities is
promoted on the same principle as the pop
ularity and prosperity Of man. Should the
political sentiment ami action OF q city be-
come antagonistic to the opinions and inter-
ests OF certain sections of country that gave
II their trade and support, IL is but natural
and certain that the offended people will
deny such irreciprocal city. as well as the
commerce and profits arising therefrom.


Within the last twenty years we have had
two marked illustrations Of this PROPOSE ticn.
Boston at one time had an immense ard no
less profitable trade from the the South, par
ticularly in boots and shoes. In truth, Bos-
ton at one time, was the great emporium Of
the boot and shoe trade of all the New Eng
land States. The factories Of all the States
were but tributaries to the enormous traffic
carried on in that city. Boston has grown
rich by southern Patronage. She has profit
cd, really as much from the slaye-worked
self At tue very time when a streak of
wealth was pouring in upon Boston from
her southern cnstom. she saw fit to become
prominent II she did not take the lead. in
denouncing slavery and the Shareholder,
- -.---ii.s h~- vaiitienl influence antaTn
nistical TO the interests Of the cotton grow
ing states. Was 1t to be supposed that the
planters and merchants Of the south would
continue TO support and enrich those who
employed the very wealth they bestowed
upon them to make war upon their political
rights and material welfare!


The south, with instructive dignity and
proper resentment, withdrew that immense
and lucrative patronage which she bad SO
long bestowed upon Boston. and that city
has ever since vainly endeavored to recover
from the blow which was given to her growth
aud prosperity, on account OF her ungener-
Gus. suicidal and fanatical intermeddling.-
Her tremendous effort to get up ''Trade
Sale" will give her but spasmodic relief;
she can never regain what her foolish and
unfriendly policy has caused her to lose.


st. Louis is another example. Her ori-
gin and rapid growth in population, trade
and wealth. was founded on the enormous
produce and heavy crops of hemp and to-
bacco, from the inexhaustably fertile lands
of upper Missouri, owned by shareholders
and worked by negroes.


In time, through emigration. from yankee
dom, St. Louis becomes free-soil, or abolition
In her sentiments, and lost no opportunity
to advocate such legislation and doctrines
as must and has already proved inimical t'
the interests of the farmers Of north ant
northwest Missouri. She attempted to turn
destruction upon those who have filled he
with that measure OF prosperity which sh
has so richly and increasingly enjoyed. ST
Louis is suffering from her ingratitude ant
folly. She is killing the goose that laid he
golden eggs. Her trade, all Of sudden,
suffering intensely.


The people Of north and northwest Nil
souri are retaliating upon her, and sendin


their produce to find market elsewhere
This intermeddling will ruin cities and state
net less than il ruins individuals.
Year: 1859

THASKs-Our especial thanks are due to
the publishers OF the Nevada Democrat"
for timely supply Of paper for our pres
eni issue. Without this favor we should
have been unable to appear to-day. A sup
ply OF paper for this Office has now been on
its way from San Francisco nearly three
weeks.
Year: 1859

OCEAN SrEAMERs.--The John L. Stephens
connects on the other side with the splendid
steamer Atlantic. The price Of passage is
greatly reduced, and passengers by this line
tan rely upon receiving every comfort that
win make the trip agreeable and pleasant.
Year: 1859

question ever aincs it Vas started, aad nov
that you have no further use for your German
allies. you turn upon them, and. not content
with coming down on their opposition to the
Sunday ordinances. you sneer at their inability
to speak and write the English language %
fiuently 80 native born American.


The Gazette. toadyism is 1t oil times dis
gus.ing, but ss they have always chosen TO
follow that path, We shsll take care that they
do not hereafter step to either side. You
winked at al disregard Of the Sabbath before
the election. and you must continue to wink ct
it after Don't desert your allies in their need,
just because You hope to make few orthodox
friends. And above al, Add. don't let that
troublesome know.nothing spirit Of yours get
the upper hand. for it would not be at all
pleasant for ) ou to have to apologize to the
CANNED Dutch" just before the next election,
for what you eaid immediately after the last


The Council will, of course, have to take
some action upon this matter to-day. We
hope to see full meeting Of this august body.
70 that their wise and learned decision may no
be at all one sided