Volume 18 (1869) (430 pages)

The Mining and Scientific Press, 296 one AND Somnamic ‘Dass, W. B. EWER,.cccccssnseccnsccrssscrsecsenens Sxnror Epitor. W. B. EWER. A. T, DEWEY. DEWEY & CO., Publishers. Qfiice, No. 414 Clay street, below Sansome, Terms of Subscription: Onc copy, per annum, in advance. One copy. six months, 1m advance. Ra For sale by Varricrs and N Writers should be cautious about addressing correspon denee relating to the business or interests of a firm to atin. dividual member thereof, whose absence at the time might cause @elay. Permanent Interests in Mining Sections, A mining correspondent has furnished, in another column, some excelleut hints, looking to a more permanent development of the various mining sections of the State —particnlarly those in and just above the foot-hills. The future of eur mining towns is a problem which has elicited much serious thought on the part, not only of the citizens of those towns themselves, but of all who have the general welfare and prosperity of the State at heart. To those who have properly considered the question, no sufficient reason can be seen why indicaOur Agents. Our Frirnps can do much in aid of our paper and the } cause of practical knowledge and sotence, by assisting our . Agents in their labors of canvassing, by lending their intiueee and encouraging favors. We shall send noue but worthy nen. : Traveling Agents. Wa, UW. Murray, California. De L. G, Yatrs, California. Isaac G. Stxzgr, Oregon. Resident Agents. Oaxtanp.—W, EB. llardy. Canirornia aNd Neyaba—S. HW. Herring. Sackaxtento—A. S Hopkins, No. 70 J street. Waits Ping District.—Alex. Bruekman, Uamilton, Nev. Treasvkr City, Nev.—J 1. Robertson. Sueruantown, Nev.—T G Anderson, Hxwexa, Montana.—E. W. Carpenier. Brack Hawx,C. f.—Harper M, Grahood. Cxntrat City, €. T.--Messrs. Richards £ Crane, of the City Book Store, Main street, will act as our agents, GrorcetTown. C.T.—John A. Lafferty, Postmaster, Is our agentio this place. RAVER City, G. T.—Messrs, Woolworth & Moffat, are our ager.ts for this plaee. Curvsexyr, DN, T.—Mr. Robert Beersis our authorized agent for this pleee. Ousna, N. T.—Messrs. Barkalow & Brothers, are our ageurstar thls place. —_ Rr, A. Xunox, is our city soliciting and collecting Agent, and all subscriptions, or other favors extended to him, will be duly acknowledged at this ofiice. Jan. 11, 1865. San Francisco: Saturday Morning, May 8, 1869. Notices to Correspondents. Coznumsra, Tuolumne County.—The best Parian marble is white, very slightly inelined to yellow, with a waxy lustre. It is fine and granular, and if well polished, presents a subdued varnished appearance. It is particularly celebrated for withstanding the decomposing effects arising from atmospheric inflnences. The name is derived from the isle of Paros, where it is obtaiued. Parian marble was highly prized by the first Grecian sculptors on account of its adaptability of accnrately receiving the finest cesigns and most delicate touches of the chisel, and retaining for ages the rich mild lustre of the original polisb. The finestspecimens of Greek sculpture remaining to the present time consist of Parian marble, for example, Venus di Medicis, the Diana Venatrix, the collosal Minerva (called Pallas of Velletri), Ariadne (called Cleopatra), and Juno (called Capitolana). PaintER, Cauaveras Co.—The great bulk of natural mineral paints consists of oxides of iron mixed with various proportions of alumina and silica; by far the greater part consisting of what are usually known underthe name of ochre. These are usually ofa dnll yellow color, which, when beated, changes to red, or as it is sometimes called, ‘‘coleothar” color. Spanish Brown and Venetian reds are the commonest varieties of torrified ochres. Nususuatist.—lf the metallic circulating medium ot Great Britain is the one to which you allude, we believe that it amounts to about $670,000,000, of which . $400,000,000 is in gold coin. With what is called the copper coinage—pence, halfpence and farthing—the sum is about $5,000,000. Although called copper money, the last named is really formed of bronze, 2. ¢é., tin and copper alloyed, forming the most dnrable small currency to be found in the world. Srratacrapnast, Knight’s Ferry.—The description of rocks of varied classes oan easily be exhibited by employing dots and linesin varied angles and arrangements,—as well as by coloriug, though this method is not so pleasing to theeye. Tne Curer CLerK.—We learn by tele gram that Mr. James Grinnell will he retained in his present situation as Chief Clerk of the Patent Office, From our acquaintance with Mr. G. and his antecedents, We are confident this is a wise confirmation by the new Commissioner. Mr, Grinnell is 2 native of Hampshire county, Mass., and hails from the mountains contiguous to the poetic-famed Berkshire Hills—where they raise men of robust mein and vigorous mind. Continnytat Life Insurance Company, 203 Montgomery street, corner of Pine, tions of decay should be so often witnessed there; for the experience of the past few years has fully proved that the spurs and intermediate depressions of the Sierra Neyada, possess other resources than their placers of gold. Our mountain soil, even in the absence of irrigation, has been found prolific beyond expectation, in the growth of frnit, vegetables and cereals. Go where we may, into any of the markets of the State, where the vegetables and fruits of the mountains are exposed forsale side by side with similar produetions of the river bottoms, and everywhere it will be observed that the former commands the readiest sale and the largest price. The meat or pulp of tbe mountain fruit or vegetable is the firmer, more palatable and less liable to decay of the two. All the small grains are also produced abundantly, and of the very best quality in the red soil of the hills—especially is this true of wheat, as the products of the numerous flouring mills in the mountains abundantly prove. The vine, as every one knows, has its peenliar and most appropriate home on the hill-sides. California presents no exception to the general rnle. We make no mention of the superior inducemeuts which many of our mountain valleys present for the dairy business or for sheep-raising. Valleys of greater or less exteut are scattered all through the miues, as well as greatly-sloping liill-sides, as fertile as the banks of the Sacramento or the San Joaquin; and men who have become tired of mining, and of the roaming to and fro consequent npon that pursuit, are anxious to settle down upon these desirable localities, and make for themselves and their families a permanent home. But tbere is a serions draw-back to any such attempt, which is alluded to by the correspondent aforesaid, and of which all dwellers in the mountains are wellaware. This difficulty. grows out of the unnatural hostility which exists between the mining and farming interests, aud we know of no better plan for removing it than a sale of the lands by the government—all the lands, both mineral and agricultural, so that the farmer can make his own chosen use of them, without disturbance from any quarter. Such a policy would in nowise interfere with legitimate prospecting, as any land holder would cheerfully grant permits for prospecting which would lead to the developmeut of his property, and on terms which would be mutually advantageous. We are pleased to note the fact, in this connection, that such opinions are now very generally prevalent among minersin allsections of this and adjoining States, and it is only by carrying ont this policy that we can have auy reasonahle hope for the perma neney of our mining towns. Tho advantage of a mixed system of miuing and agriculture in reducing the cost of living and all its attendant beuefits, is too apparent to need any argument. With a sale of the mineral lands in small parcels, as suggested in our issue of the 10th ult., our mountain population will become more thrifty and permanent iu character, and will greatly improve in its moral element from the more general introduction of families. We may safely assert that nothing can contribute so much towards socializing and permanently improving the pecnniary and industzial condition of the mines as a large introduction of the farming interest. Who does not rejoice to meet, when traveling in tbe mountains, with one of those cosy little spots, nicely enclosed, planted with vines, trees and vegetables, beautified with flowers, and made alive with rosy, rollickiug children. Such people, as a class, do not rapidly grow rich; neither are they partic-. ularly anxious for riches. They are content with humble independence and form the genniue substratum npou which the most permanent and most prospersous communities are built. Our mountaiu valleye should be full of such nurseries of industry and population. There is no mountain territory on the glope more admirably fitted, by nature, for the fixed abode of hnmauity, than are the mineral regions of Califoruia. If the Swiss peasants can live and thrive and make their lands worth a thousand dollars an acre and more, on the wintery slope of the Alps, so steep that many of the hill sides have to be terraced for cultivatiou, why cannot the Anglo Saxon do as much or more in the equally beautiful aud milder valleys of the Sierra Nevada, where nearly the’entire season of wiuter can be devoted with more or less profit to prospecting and mining? With the growing knowledge of the worth of our hill-sides and mountain valleys for horticultural, pomological, cereal and grazing purposes, and with an adequate protection to that class of industry, we have faith to believe that a new era is dawning upon our mining towns; and we grow bopeful and confident that the mineral regions of this State in particular, will ultimately be as equally blest and flourishing as any portion of our ‘territory east or west. Tre Cuemistry or Jnon Pan AMALGAMATION is receiving so much attention from the more intelligent of our millmen that the mystery thereof is no longer in character withthe times. Drug-store processes are not all extinct, but the matter is pretty well understood that if any ehemical, that may be added possesses virtues in amalgamation, it is becanse there is a good and simple reason for the same. Experiment suggested by the analogical faculty, and accident, develop néw processes; science follows, seeks out and discovers the reason why, and thereby generalizes and facilitates its proper and economical application. While snch differences of opinion still exist} in regard to the actual chemistry of the patio process, the part played and actual successive charges undergone by that which we put in as sulphate of copper in the iron pan amalgamation ; while we rest uncertain whether much or little is really due to friction electricity, in the grinding-amalgamating pans, it must be conceded that we have yetsome steps to make towards clearness, and certainty at least, in our understanding of the principles we are employing with such marked success in given cases, and such signal failure in others. TREATISE ON HanTHQuakES.—On Monday next will be published at this office, a work by Prof. T, Rowlandson, under the title of “arthquake Dynamics and Palliatives.” The work in question will contain, not only much matter that is not generally knowu, but views that will be uovel even to those who have paid some attention to this brauch of physics. We may mention thattbe novel theories broached have been derived, in part, from a study of the phenomena associated with metallic veins. The work will be noticed in our ensuing number. In order to accommodate those living at a distance from bookstores, copies will be transmited by mail, free of postage, to any address on the receipt of 50 cents, by) Dewey & Co. _ Axoruer Lower California exploring and specnlating cxpedition this weck in the schooner Mary Harrison. The Railroad Jubilee. The last rail that is to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific will most probably be laid this (Saturday) morning. Our readers are already aware of the elegant and costly shape which has been given to the last tie—a magnificent piece of polished laurel; while the last epike which will be employed has been made of pure California gold, to be driven down by a 4-pound sledge of Washoe Silver. When that sledge descends to made its last stroke, telegraphic wires will be so arranged that the blow will send a spark Hast and West, wherever tbe wires may reach. It has been arranged that this spark shall fire signal guns in this city, Sacramento, Stockton, Chicago and other eastern cities, at the same instant. The gun, in this city, will be fired at Fort Point, and will be the eignal for national salutes from Forts Aleatraz, Black Point, Fort Point, and Clay street Hill, At the same instant a band of 200 pieces will strike up ‘Hail OGolumbia,” and witha universal display of flags, all the steam whistles in the city will pour forth a screaching chorus to the national anthem. Other cities throughout the State, and no doubt throughout the Atlantic States, will make similar arrangements to herald the finishing stroke of this, thegrandest work which the world has ever witnessed. Extensivo arrangements have been made in this city and Sacramento for the celebration of the day in a mauner commensurate with the importance of the occasion. Business will be suspended and onr citizens and civie bodies, the military and firemen, will turn out in a procession which, it is confidently expected, will be the largest . and most imposing ever wituessed on the Pacific Coast. After countor-marching through the principal streets the procession will moye to the Mechanics’ Paviliou, whero an address and poem will be delivered, to be followed, perhaps, by ‘other exercises of a literary character. A genoral illumination will take place in the eveniug, and bonfires will blaze from all the prominent hill tops in the vicinity of San Francisco. . The day will be a happy and a glorious one for California, and one, in the rejoicings of which, the whole civilized world will heartily unite. It will be, too, a proud day for the bold pioneers, who dared, in earnest, to undertake a work, over which all others had been talkiug for more than a decade. These men had faith in the work and faith in themselves that they could accomplish the work, and upon that faith the road las been built. When men of scientific professions and those that were possessed of wealth laughed at them, they pushed forward with all the more energy and zeal. They have conquered ; and now comes the day of their rejoicing. We fully agree with our Sacramento cotemporary—‘‘Let an iron monument be raised to their memory; let the names of those noble, indefatigable men of Sacramento, who carried the work to a euccessful termination, be inscribed thercon in letters of iron; let us have something to commemorate the event, which will endure until ourselves and our childreu shall be no more.” P. §.—Since writing the above, a telegram from the front states that it will be impossible to proceed with the ceremonies of laying the last rail to-day. The celebration, however, will be held in this city today. Tue “ Last Spike” was mauufactnred at the metal-working establishment of W. T. Garratt, in this city, and consists of $360, U. 8. coin, San Francisco Mint, melted together. The work was douo by Joseph Garratt, father of W. T. Gavratt, and the oldest metal worker, prohably, on the coast, who very naturally took pride in doing the job. ‘The finishing and engraving were by Shultz, Fisher & Mokling. A silver spike has also been forged in Virginia, City, and sent forward to the front to precede the driving of the last and golden spike. While it was being forged over one hundred persons present, gave cach a blow with the sledge.

The Mining and Scientific Press, 296 one AND Somnamic ‘Dass, W. B. EWER,.cccccssnseccnsccrssscrsecsenens Sxnror Epitor. W. B. EWER. A. T, DEWEY. DEWEY & CO., Publishers. Qfiice, No. 414 Clay street, below Sansome, Terms of Subscription: Onc copy, per annum, in advance.. One copy. six months, 1m advance.. Ra For sale by Varricrs and N Writers should be cautious about addressing correspon denee relating to the business or interests of a firm to atin. dividual member thereof, whose absence at the time might cause @elay. Permanent Interests in Mining Sections, A mining correspondent has furnished, in another column, some excelleut hints, looking to a more permanent development of the various mining sections of the State —particnlarly those in and just above the foot-hills. The future of eur mining towns is a problem which has elicited much serious thought on the part, not only of the citizens of those towns themselves, but of all who have the general welfare and prosperity of the State at heart. To those who have properly considered the question, no sufficient reason can be seen why indicaOur Agents. Our Frirnps can do much in aid of our paper and the } cause of practical knowledge and sotence, by assisting our . Agents in their labors of canvassing, by lending their intiueee and encouraging favors. We shall send noue but worthy nen. : Traveling Agents. Wa, UW. Murray, California. De L. G, Yatrs, California. Isaac G. Stxzgr, Oregon. Resident Agents. Oaxtanp.—W, EB. llardy. Canirornia aNd Neyaba—S. HW. Herring. Sackaxtento—A. S Hopkins, No. 70 J street. Waits Ping District.—Alex. Bruekman, Uamilton, Nev. Treasvkr City, Nev.—J 1. Robertson. Sueruantown, Nev.—T G Anderson, Hxwexa, Montana.—E. W. Carpenier. Brack Hawx,C. f.—Harper M, Grahood. Cxntrat City, €. T.--Messrs. Richards £ Crane, of the City Book Store, Main street, will act as our agents, GrorcetTown. C.T.—John A. Lafferty, Postmaster, Is our agentio this place. RAVER City, G. T.—Messrs, Woolworth & Moffat, are our ager.ts for this plaee. Curvsexyr, DN, T.—Mr. Robert Beersis our authorized agent for this pleee. Ousna, N. T.—Messrs. Barkalow & Brothers, are our ageurstar thls place. —_ Rr, A. Xunox, is our city soliciting and collecting Agent, and all subscriptions, or other favors extended to him, will be duly acknowledged at this ofiice. Jan. 11, 1865. San Francisco: Saturday Morning, May 8, 1869. Notices to Correspondents. Coznumsra, Tuolumne County.—The best Parian marble is white, very slightly inelined to yellow, with a waxy lustre. It is fine and granular, and if well polished, presents a subdued varnished appearance. It is particularly celebrated for withstanding the decomposing effects arising from atmospheric inflnences. The name is derived from the isle of Paros, where it is obtaiued. Parian marble was highly prized by the first Grecian sculptors on account of its adaptability of accnrately receiving the finest cesigns and most delicate touches of the chisel, and retaining for ages the rich mild lustre of the original polisb. The finestspecimens of Greek sculpture remaining to the present time consist of Parian marble, for example, Venus di Medicis, the Diana Venatrix, the collosal Minerva (called Pallas of Velletri), Ariadne (called Cleopatra), and Juno (called Capitolana). PaintER, Cauaveras Co.—The great bulk of natural mineral paints consists of oxides of iron mixed with various proportions of alumina and silica; by far the greater part consisting of what are usually known underthe name of ochre. These are usually ofa dnll yellow color, which, when beated, changes to red, or as it is sometimes called, ‘‘coleothar” color. Spanish Brown and Venetian reds are the commonest varieties of torrified ochres. Nususuatist.—lf the metallic circulating medium ot Great Britain is the one to which you allude, we believe that it amounts to about $670,000,000, of which . $400,000,000 is in gold coin. With what is called the copper coinage—pence, halfpence and farthing—the sum is about $5,000,000. Although called copper money, the last named is really formed of bronze, 2. ¢é., tin and copper alloyed, forming the most dnrable small currency to be found in the world. Srratacrapnast, Knight’s Ferry.—The description of rocks of varied classes oan easily be exhibited by employing dots and linesin varied angles and arrangements,—as well as by coloriug, though this method is not so pleasing to theeye. Tne Curer CLerK.—We learn by tele gram that Mr. James Grinnell will he retained in his present situation as Chief Clerk of the Patent Office, From our acquaintance with Mr. G. and his antecedents, We are confident this is a wise confirmation by the new Commissioner. Mr, Grinnell is 2 native of Hampshire county, Mass., and hails from the mountains contiguous to the poetic-famed Berkshire Hills—where they raise men of robust mein and vigorous mind. Continnytat Life Insurance Company, 203 Montgomery street, corner of Pine, tions of decay should be so often witnessed there; for the experience of the past few years has fully proved that the spurs and intermediate depressions of the Sierra Neyada, possess other resources than their placers of gold. Our mountain soil, even in the absence of irrigation, has been found prolific beyond expectation, in the growth of frnit, vegetables and cereals. Go where we may, into any of the markets of the State, where the vegetables and fruits of the mountains are exposed forsale side by side with similar produetions of the river bottoms, and everywhere it will be observed that the former commands the readiest sale and the largest price. The meat or pulp of tbe mountain fruit or vegetable is the firmer, more palatable and less liable to decay of the two. All the small grains are also produced abundantly, and of the very best quality in the red soil of the hills—especially is this true of wheat, as the products of the numerous flouring mills in the mountains abundantly prove. The vine, as every one knows, has its peenliar and most appropriate home on the hill-sides. California presents no exception to the general rnle. We make no mention of the superior inducemeuts which many of our mountain valleys present for the dairy business or for sheep-raising. Valleys of greater or less exteut are scattered all through the miues, as well as greatly-sloping liill-sides, as fertile as the banks of the Sacramento or the San Joaquin; and men who have become tired of mining, and of the roaming to and fro consequent npon that pursuit, are anxious to settle down upon these desirable localities, and make for themselves and their families a permanent home. But tbere is a serions draw-back to any such attempt, which is alluded to by the correspondent aforesaid, and of which all dwellers in the mountains are wellaware. This difficulty. grows out of the unnatural hostility which exists between the mining and farming interests, aud we know of no better plan for removing it than a sale of the lands by the government—all the lands, both mineral and agricultural, so that the farmer can make his own chosen use of them, without disturbance from any quarter. Such a policy would in nowise interfere with legitimate prospecting, as any land holder would cheerfully grant permits for prospecting which would lead to the developmeut of his property, and on terms which would be mutually advantageous. We are pleased to note the fact, in this connection, that such opinions are now very generally prevalent among minersin allsections of this and adjoining States, and it is only by carrying ont this policy that we can have auy reasonahle hope for the perma neney of our mining towns. Tho advantage of a mixed system of miuing and agriculture in reducing the cost of living and all its attendant beuefits, is too apparent to need any argument. With a sale of the mineral lands in small parcels, as suggested in our issue of the 10th ult., our mountain population will become more thrifty and

permanent iu character, and will greatly improve in its moral element from the more general introduction of families. We may safely assert that nothing can contribute so much towards socializing and permanently improving the pecnniary and industzial condition of the mines as a large introduction of the farming interest. Who does not rejoice to meet, when traveling in tbe mountains, with one of those cosy little spots, nicely enclosed, planted with vines, trees and vegetables, beautified with flowers, and made alive with rosy, rollickiug children. Such people, as a class, do not rapidly grow rich; neither are they partic-. ularly anxious for riches. They are content with humble independence and form the genniue substratum npou which the most permanent and most prospersous communities are built. Our mountaiu valleye should be full of such nurseries of industry and population. There is no mountain territory on the glope more admirably fitted, by nature, for the fixed abode of hnmauity, than are the mineral regions of Califoruia. If the Swiss peasants can live and thrive and make their lands worth a thousand dollars an acre and more, on the wintery slope of the Alps, so steep that many of the hill sides have to be terraced for cultivatiou, why cannot the Anglo Saxon do as much or more in the equally beautiful aud milder valleys of the Sierra Nevada, where nearly the’entire season of wiuter can be devoted with more or less profit to prospecting and mining? With the growing knowledge of the worth of our hill-sides and mountain valleys for horticultural, pomological, cereal and grazing purposes, and with an adequate protection to that class of industry, we have faith to believe that a new era is dawning upon our mining towns; and we grow bopeful and confident that the mineral regions of this State in particular, will ultimately be as equally blest and flourishing as any portion of our ‘territory east or west. Tre Cuemistry or Jnon Pan AMALGAMATION is receiving so much attention from the more intelligent of our millmen that the mystery thereof is no longer in character withthe times. Drug-store processes are not all extinct, but the matter is pretty well understood that if any ehemical, that may be added possesses virtues in amalgamation, it is becanse there is a good and simple reason for the same. Experiment suggested by the analogical faculty, and accident, develop néw processes; science follows, seeks out and discovers the reason why, and thereby generalizes and facilitates its proper and economical application. While snch differences of opinion still exist} in regard to the actual chemistry of the patio process, the part played and actual successive charges undergone by that which we put in as sulphate of copper in the iron pan amalgamation ; while we rest uncertain whether much or little is really due to friction electricity, in the grinding-amalgamating pans, it must be conceded that we have yetsome steps to make towards clearness, and certainty at least, in our understanding of the principles we are employing with such marked success in given cases, and such signal failure in others. TREATISE ON HanTHQuakES.—On Monday next will be published at this office, a work by Prof. T, Rowlandson, under the title of “arthquake Dynamics and Palliatives.” The work in question will contain, not only much matter that is not generally knowu, but views that will be uovel even to those who have paid some attention to this brauch of physics. We may mention thattbe novel theories broached have been derived, in part, from a study of the phenomena associated with metallic veins. The work will be noticed in our ensuing number. In order to accommodate those living at a distance from bookstores, copies will be transmited by mail, free of postage, to any address on the receipt of 50 cents, by) Dewey & Co. _ Axoruer Lower California exploring and specnlating cxpedition this weck in the schooner Mary Harrison. The Railroad Jubilee. The last rail that is to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific will most probably be laid this (Saturday) morning. Our readers are already aware of the elegant and costly shape which has been given to the last tie—a magnificent piece of polished laurel; while the last epike which will be employed has been made of pure California gold, to be driven down by a 4-pound sledge of Washoe Silver. When that sledge descends to made its last stroke, telegraphic wires will be so arranged that the blow will send a spark Hast and West, wherever tbe wires may reach. It has been arranged that this spark shall fire signal guns in this city, Sacramento, Stockton, Chicago and other eastern cities, at the same instant. The gun, in this city, will be fired at Fort Point, and will be the eignal for national salutes from Forts Aleatraz, Black Point, Fort Point, and Clay street Hill, At the same instant a band of 200 pieces will strike up ‘Hail OGolumbia,” and witha universal display of flags, all the steam whistles in the city will pour forth a screaching chorus to the national anthem. Other cities throughout the State, and no doubt throughout the Atlantic States, will make similar arrangements to herald the finishing stroke of this, thegrandest work which the world has ever witnessed. Extensivo arrangements have been made in this city and Sacramento for the celebration of the day in a mauner commensurate with the importance of the occasion. Business will be suspended and onr citizens and civie bodies, the military and firemen, will turn out in a procession which, it is confidently expected, will be the largest . and most imposing ever wituessed on the Pacific Coast. After countor-marching through the principal streets the procession will moye to the Mechanics’ Paviliou, whero an address and poem will be delivered, to be followed, perhaps, by ‘other exercises of a literary character. A genoral illumination will take place in the eveniug, and bonfires will blaze from all the prominent hill tops in the vicinity of San Francisco. . The day will be a happy and a glorious one for California, and one, in the rejoicings of which, the whole civilized world will heartily unite. It will be, too, a proud day for the bold pioneers, who dared, in earnest, to undertake a work, over which all others had been talkiug for more than a decade. These men had faith in the work and faith in themselves that they could accomplish the work, and upon that faith the road las been built. When men of scientific professions and those that were possessed of wealth laughed at them, they pushed forward with all the more energy and zeal. They have conquered ; and now comes the day of their rejoicing. We fully agree with our Sacramento cotemporary—‘‘Let an iron monument be raised to their memory; let the names of those noble, indefatigable men of Sacramento, who carried the work to a euccessful termination, be inscribed thercon in letters of iron; let us have something to commemorate the event, which will endure until ourselves and our childreu shall be no more.” P. §.—Since writing the above, a telegram from the front states that it will be impossible to proceed with the ceremonies of laying the last rail to-day. The celebration, however, will be held in this city today. Tue “ Last Spike” was mauufactnred at the metal-working establishment of W. T. Garratt, in this city, and consists of $360, U. 8. coin, San Francisco Mint, melted together. The work was douo by Joseph Garratt, father of W. T. Gavratt, and the oldest metal worker, prohably, on the coast, who very naturally took pride in doing the job. ‘The finishing and engraving were by Shultz, Fisher & Mokling. A silver spike has also been forged in Virginia, City, and sent forward to the front to precede the driving of the last and golden spike. While it was being forged over one hundred persons present, gave cach a blow with the sledge.