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- in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2458
Our first real soaking rains have hit Alleghany. In the early a.m. Wednseday it started raining and continued through early a.m. yesterday. The clouds broke up during the day for a starry twilight then it clouded up again last night and it is raining as I type. It was 34 degrees Fahrenheit this morning. We haven’t had our first hard frost yet. Rae’s tomato plants are still putting out a few fruits.
Not much new at the mine to report. The mine phone line up to the corporate office has been repaired and is working again. No gold this week.
Re-hab work continues.
The Empire Mine Tunnel is moving foward again after a stop order that was caused by the unexpected break-through to old workings was lifted late last week.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2460Hows come that Goldmister dont right anymore? Shur seems like theres a bunch to right about, all, this stuffs bin goin on that were alway in his craw.
Guys, keep diggin cause its in there
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2459Department of the Treasury…Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Sends Agent to Sixteen to One Mine. President spends over three hours answering questions. Makes good headlines, huh? Now for the real story:
A federal agent made an appointment yesterday to inspect the two powder magazines at the mine. The authority is the Safe Explosives Act, enacted on November 25, 2002. Everyone who uses explosives in the United States must have an ATF permit. Once a permit is issued, the agency can make inspections, write up violations and regulate the storage and handling of explosives. Seems like a good idea as long as the rules are fair and reasonable. Explosives in California are already regulated by three governmental agencies: local sheriff permits, State OSHA and federal MSHA.
The Department of Justice entered 27CFR Part 555 into the Federal Register on March 20, 2003. It requires that all persons receiving explosives on and after May 24, 2003 obtain a license or permit. The worksheet used during the inspection has forty separate sections or definitions for review and is signed by the applicant and ATF officer. Mike had budget an hour for the inspection. It lasted over three. Scoop heard the final thirty minutes in the corporate office.
It is a felony to not report a theft. ATF estimates that the requirement to obtain a limited permit will impact 20,000 persons. One interesting and almost relevant condition of the new law covers possession by prohibited persons. Paragraph 555.26(c) excludes anyone who: “is under indictment or information for, or who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.” The CDAA sponsored grand jury indictment would have eliminated President Miller from doing his job of corporate oversight of explosives. So, merely an indictment has the chilling effect of guilty until proven innocent under this law.
The inspection seemed to go pretty well. The magazines passed except for two of the four locks had a shank that was not thick enough. One of the protective covers of the locks was 1/16 too thin and must be replaced. The inventory records were perfect as well as everything else except a little loose gravel on the floor. This new law is good for the security of our country in the 21st century.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2456Courtrooms are mysterious places. They can be intimidating at times for even a seasoned pro. One side will win. One side will lose. Interested spectators usually walk away wondering, “What just happened?” Courtrooms also are America’s last bastions of justice for the average American citizen. Courtrooms have a sacred quality, or at least they should.
The case of Miller and Original Sixteen to One Mine (Plaintiffs) v the California District Attorneys Association and four of its employees (Defendants) convened yesterday. Three motions were at issue: a motion to set aside a default Miller served on Defendants, a motion by Defendants to change the venue and a motion to throw out the case by Defendants. The motion to set aside Miller’s default was granted. Nothing else was decided. There was a shared agreement supporting Judge Young’s statement that the case will likely continue towards a jury trial in Downieville. While Superior Court Judge Stanley Young did not rule on defendants’ motion to move the venue from Downieville to Sacramento, they did not present a legal or otherwise compelling oral argument for moving from Sierra County. The Anti SLAPP motion by Defendants is rescheduled for November 16, 2005.
Judge Young acknowledged the tragic death of George Gilmour. His words were sincere and moving. Judge Young got to know George not only from his appearances in court but also from his clear, crisp and ethical portrayal of his pleadings. The arguments George made were sometimes flawed, but they were always scholarly and lawful. Even though George was not physically in the courtroom yesterday, his presence was felt.
Judge Young made it clear to everyone in the courtroom, but pointedly to the Defendants’ lawyer, Tom Knox, both with words and his hands that he wanted the paper bombardment to cease. He raised his hand two feet above his desk and inferred, no more! Mr. Knox’s filings stack about that high. With all the paper work filed, Knox has yet to answer the complaint. What a novel tactic these arrogant lawyers are showing: let’s paper them into insolvency. Since Lloyds of London is paying the bill, let’s make paper and make some billable hours. What will he and his clients, the most powerful corporation of lawyers operating in California, think of next in order to evade the inevitable justice? Unless Tom Knox is an idiot, he will consider modifying these tactics of bombing the court with paper and specious motions.
The next order of business was Klaus Kolb introducing himself as Original Sixteen to One Mine’s attorney. Klaus lives in Grass Valley and works in Sacramento. He is a Michigan graduate and his law degree is from Harvard Law School. He appeared comfortable and prepared to take over from George. The case intrigued him and he was one of the behind-the-scene attorneys working with Plaintiffs. The record was made clear that Klaus represented the mine only. Let the game begin.
Although Miller lost his default position, the day belonged to the Plaintiffs. Miller was prepared and badly wanted to confront Knox’s tactic of calling both him and George frauds. Instead he used good judgment and let the issue lay. Miller had made a promise to Knox that was conditioned that Knox treats him independently from George and that George could not speak for Miller. George could not speak for Mike on any issue. Knox broke his promise within 24 hours.
The remaining order of business was oral argument on Defendants’ motion to move away from Sierra County to Sacramento. Mr. Knox offered no new points to support his motion. Instead he argued that Dan O’Neill’s cartoons the Mountain Messenger articles (posted on this web site) and the web site itself poisoned the county against Defendants. His most absurd statement was that Miller intentionally used the web site to poison the jury pool in Sierra County. Plaintiffs filed a declaration that excluding employees, there were only three shareholders in Sierra County. The web site was established years ago to serve the 1300 shareholders living all over the world. Well, now to think about it, that was not Knox’s most absurd testimony. He told the judge that his clients were intimidated by these actions. Scoop unsuccessfully controlled his laughter and chuckled out loud. Here is a powerful lawyer from Sacramento standing in this courtroom, telling the Judge that his lawyer clients and CDAA are intimidated and afraid to return to Sierra County by a weekly newspaper, a cartoonist and a web site.
It was curious to watch the players from the visitor section. The judge was decisive and considerate. It was Judge Young, who extended the Anti SLAPP motion to November. It was amazing that the mine was prepared to go forward with oral argument even though Klaus could easily have asked for more time. It is a credit to George and Mike that the painful transition passed so smoothly. Klaus pointedly informed the court that he was prepared that day to proceed. It is in the record. Mr. Knox seemed surly. He never spoke to Miller and grunted once to Klaus. He left the courtroom ignoring a question presented to both lawyers from the local journalist.
Prediction: deny motion to change venue by November 16, 2005; deny Anti SLAPP motion after pleadings are put in crisper order by both sides and Klaus presents the law and the facts in oral argument. Bad guys will pull another paper jam that will fail. Loser will appeal decision. There are many tangential issues present in the events leading up to Plaintiffs filing their claims for damages. How did CDAA receive a fat State contract without the contract going to bid? Has the State of California suffered damages because CDAA broke terms of the contract? Grand juries are currently in the national news. Here in little Sierra County is proof (the transcript) that prosecutors, real ones or phony ones break or manipulate laws in order to get an indictment. In Texas it is speculation. In California it is fact.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2455Scoop is riding shotgun over the back roads to the Downieville courthouse with Mike and Klaus, who has substituted in for George. Will try to post results today.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2454Recently received correspondence.
October 4, 2005
Mr. Michael Miller, President
The Sixteen to One Mine
356 Main St.
Alleghany C.A. 95910Dear Mr. Miller,
Every time I read an article about you in the Union I think I’m going to write to you, but never do – until now.
I married into the Miller family from Forest. My husband is now 84 and his sister just turned 90. She was born in Forest and when the mines shut down the Miller clan moved to Oakland. The family home in Forest burned down at some point. According to my sister-in-law, her father, George Miller was also a stagecoach driver to Sacramento, as well as a miner.
Uncle Ted (George’s brother) was the unfortunate miner who fell to his death. This miner was my husband’s favorite relative. At one time my husband could relate many stories about him, but in the pat year his memory of that period is gone.
My father-in-law remarried, and as so often happens, his second wife destroyed almost all of his photos of Forest.
But, to get on to the point of my writing, I can still hear, in the 1960s and 70s, George saying
“We left a lot of gold behind.”
I have no idea why I want to write this to you except that you seem a very determined individual and might appreciate some encouragement, even from some one like me, a displaced New Yorker.
I am sure that knowing old George as I did; he and other miners may well be looking down on you and saying:
“Look Up! We’ll help you find that gold.”
Well, I’ve finally done it. No reply is necessary. Just keep on digging.
Yours sincerely,
Helen and Norval Miller
17124 Alioto Drive
Grass Valley, C.A. 95949in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2453Hmm, Johnny….at least you didn’t call me stupid, just my comment. Which part? I agree with you about the mine being the most important thing about the mine, yet see the legal stuff as an integral part of the success potential.
But, granted, the mine and the gold inside and the perseverence of the guys breaking rock will be around regardless of the outcome of a court decision.
Which, by the way, given the direction things have gone lately, will most likely be postponed again and again. The good news is that the guys continue to mine gold, right? Despite all the ongoing postponements in the courtrooms, I get most excited about success underground. (Even though I often come across sounding like the lawsuit stuff is more important, mining is the primary goal. I really don’t see the court stuff coming to a resolution any time soon.)
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2452Rick:
I think your comment is stupid. What is more important to a mining company than the mine.
Think it over matein reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2451Currently the 16 to 1 crew numbers five men. Two men are breaking rock on the 1,100 foot level and have been bringing up bits of gold almost daily. As one miner jokingly put it “We have it surrounded” so we’ll see….
Re-hab work on the 800 level continues.
The men also have been busy getting things ready for winter. The road is almost winterized, water pipes have been wrapped etc.
The heliport at the old dry is functional again. This is in case a medi-vac helicopter is ever needed for either one of our workers or for a member of the community. The next closest landing spot is at Plum Valley.
The security system at the mine site has been upgraded and Rae has made some progress organizing the new mine office.
Gold Sales has had a steady stream of small orders and a few walk-in customers almost weekly.
Rae is starting quarter-end close on the books AGAIN Already?
There’s been a bit of activity on OAU-Xmart as well.
The museum aquired a fire proof filing cabinet yesterday which will be put to use storing historical documents.
See why scoop has been neglecting to write? Do nag, your interest is appreciated.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2450Here’s what’s going on:
First: Mining hard rock gold-quartz veins in the wold’s best mine. When we don’t hear much about success, relate it to the stretched rubber-band…the larger the pull, the bigger the snap. If you haven’t made it up, come see for yourself. It’ll make more sense.
Second, which could, (and I’ll weigh in that it should, between today and a week or two from now,) define free enterprise mining for our entire nation in the future, not to mention whether your own property may be snatched from you in an un-Constitutional moment: October 19, Superior Court in Downieville, Mike Miller and hence the Original Sixteen to One Mine, will do what no other entity has had the balls to do (yes, I said balls); that being taking the CDAA to task for a bunch of crap that is the reason you’ve asked this question.
You should read all about it. Might wake up the entire free population.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2449What is going on at the mine??
in reply to: From the Sixteen to One Archives #2448BUTTERFIELD’S TO OFFER 17 POUND NATIVE GOLD PIECE
Nov. 25, 1994Los Angeles and San Francisco calif.- Butterfield & Butterfield will auction native gold from the pioneering Original Sixteen to One Mine, the oldest, continuously operated mine in the West. The phenomenal event, a first for any auction house, will take place on Dec. 15 at Butterfield & Butterfield’s galleries. Expected to draw capacity crowds, it is a historic opportunity to reflect on the timeless and universal luster of gold.
The Original Sixteen to One Mine is situated in the mountain town of Alleghany, on the western flank of the Sierra Nevada Mountains; the area itself, first discovered in 1851, has been and is, the site of some of the richest concentrations of gold in the world, and helped propel the rush for gold. The Original Sixteen to One is one of the most dynamic, and with its tradition of innovative mining techniques, one of the most successful mines ever, continuing a rich history of discovering pods of gold with astonishing yields.
The auction’s paramount feature is ‘The Whopper’. It is the single most spectacular specimen to come out of the mine in modern history, with 141 oz. Of gold content and weighing at a (whopping) 17lbs. It was discovered in the late summer of 1993, a stunning preface to the mine’s $1 million gold find of Dec. 17. Another undisputed auction highlight is a gold quartz specimen, carved into a one of a kind sphere by a renowned lapidary.
The Original Sixteen to One Mine, as well as others, acquired new fame at the turn of the century, when it was determined that quartz veins of gold were coveted not only for their intrinsic value as precious metals but for jewelry as well. (In New York for example, Tiffany Co. fashioned exotic pieces from the polished slabs of ore.)
The auction features not only examples of gold-in-quartz jewelry; in a rich variety of forms, the array of other gold specimens and slabs from the legendary Original Sixteen to One Mine to be offered includes gold crystals, chunks of rough native crystalline gold, ball mill forms, leaf gold and gold-in-quartz.A CLAUSTROPHOBE’S TOUR OF THE SIXTEEN TO ONE
By, Chris Gillespie June 12,1997
When Hero Bunny asked me if I’d like to go with him and Head Bunny on a tour of the Sixteen to One Mine, my first thought was, “yeah, right. About as much as I’d like to pull out my toenails one by one.” I don’t like cramped quarters, especially dark ones. I don’t even like to ride in elevators.
But after giving it some thought (and having to listen to Hero call me Chicken), I relented. I figured I could always come up with a bad case of 24-hour leprosy or something if I had to.
The day of the tour (Friday June 6, 1997) dawned bright and beautiful. Well, so much for my rainy day excuse, I thought. Head Bunny and I got into the trusty Stealth Bronco and headed for Alleghany.
Upon our arrival, we signed a release of liability (standard procedure, but a little sobering all the same) and joined the other family members and friends for a welcome chat with Mike Miller, president of the company and all around nice person. He told us briefly about his philosophy of running the company. The reason for the tour, he explained, was so that we would better understand what our friends and loved ones were doing and talking about when they came home from a hard day at the mine. (Yes, visions of the Seven Dwarves returning home to Snow White did flash briefly through my mind.)
Miller stressed safety of the miners that worked for him as being the most important aspect of operations. And, that proved to be true throughout the day. Hard rock mining is a dangerous business and, after seeing the operation close up, I have even more respect for the men who do this job day after day.
Once orientation was over, the group was taken down to the working area. There we were met by a friend/family member who would be escorting us on the tour. First order of business was to don our mining apparel (rubber boots, jackets, and safety helmets with nifty mining lights attached). After that was accomplished, we headed towards the mine portal (entrance).
As Head Bunny and I followed Hero into the tunnel (after being logged in by a miner at the entrance), I kept telling myself that this was no big deal. And to my surprise, I found it much easier than I had expected. Because lighting in the mine itself is limited to that provided by the light on your helmet, you have a tendency to keep your head tilted down a little bit. This was perfect for me… by concentrating on where I was walking, I found myself not really noticing that I was actually trudging through a big, black hole in the side of a mountain of rock.
Going in at the 800 level we soon approached the “skip” landing. A skip is a kind of large metal container (I thought of it as a really big SPAM can) used to move people down the various levels being worked. After climbing in, our group descended to the 2200 level. The trip down is better than an E ticket ride…but nowhere near as fast. After wandering around through parts of the 2200 level and seeing lots of interesting equipment, we reboarded the skip and returned to the 800 level.
Next on the tour was the Ballroom (at the 1100 level), a large cavity big enough for weddings (one miner was actually married there recently). The way to the Ballroom was lit by miniature Christmas tree lights… giving the whole experience a festive air.
Don’t get me wrong; walking underground isn’t like a walk in the park. The footing is tricky due to the water (perfectly normal in mines) running through the path. In addition, there are some fairly steep inclines to be traversed. This trek isn’t for those who don’t want a little physical exertion.
After seeing the Ballroom, we retraced our steps and returned to the outside world. I was amazed… the time seemed to pass really quickly. As we left, Hero Bunny made sure our names were checked off as being out of the mine. There are over 27 miles of tunnels underground, and anyone entering the mine has to be logged in and out. Like I said before, safety is of primary importance.
After returning to the office area, Mike Miller also proved his talents as chef extraordinaire as he cooked up what one tour participant described as the best hamburgers she’d ever eaten. I agreed. After eating, socializing, and thanking our host, we returned home.
The Sixteen to One Mine Tour is one trip I won’t quickly forget. I want to thank Mike Miller, Hero Bunny and all the other miners for making the whole experience enjoyable and memorable.
If you’re interested in touring the Sixteen to One Mine you can call the Alleghany Mining Museum at (530) 287-3330. Surface tours, underground tours, and deluxe tours are available. The museum includes exhibits under development on the history of underground gold mining, geological information on the formation of the gold deposit, history of the town, and a mine model.in reply to: YOU JUDGE *** US COURT OF APPEALS #2446October 5, 2005
Cathy A. Catterson
United States Court of Appeals
For the Ninth Circuit
P.O. Box 193939
San Francisco, Ca 94119-3939Re: No. 04-71301
Original Sixteen to One Mine.,
And Michael Miller, Petitionerv.
Secretary of Labor (MSHA) and
Federal Mine Safety and Review
Commission, RespondentsDear Ms Catterson:
I write to notify the Court the sad news that on September 12, 2005, my friend and confidant and business attorney, George Gilmour, was killed in a car accident near the mine. It is a significant loss. George will not be readily replaced in the case before the Court because of the complexities of mining law, worker safety law and all the other laws and procedures involved in our case. George was a sole practitioner,, and therefore, there is no one familiar with the nuances of the issues we are appealing. I will be seeking competent help, since the issues we argue affect everyone in the United States mining industry.
Until a replacement is located who will substitute into the case, I ask that you send all correspondence to me at the above address. I have spoken with our contact at your Court and learned that our case will not be heard this year. Please consider granting this request. If my letter does not cover the facts necessary to remove George as the lawyer of record and future correspondences sent to me, please let me know what else to do. California lost one of the brilliant good guys practicing law in our great state.
Sincerely yours,
Michael M. Miller, President
Cc: Cherly C. Blair-Kijewski
in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #2444It won’t be “This weeks hearing” as I last wrote, but it will be on October 19th, unless some other ungodly misfortune takes place.
Perhaps you’ve read my letter to Mike, the one in which I acknowledged why I discovered how George’s and my passions were one and the same. I was delighted to see it, knowing it beforehand that it would be just the same face to face.
George, give me some guidance here…..
Okay. The clock it ticking away, and I have no idea what to do, except write. Write about how telling the truth works every time its tried.
Do any of you out there have any suggestions?
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2443The chance of rain yesterday was just that, only a chance. Summer returned today. The only excitement at the mine was the arrival of two MSHA inspectors for the quarterly review. The odds favored the inspectors: three miners reported to work and the feds brought up two inspectors. In years past one inspector was experienced, trained and skilled enough to hold an inspection. Maybe the feds can use the excess employees to help out down South, where they can earn their pay.
Mike wasn’t around today but Scoop knows Ian expects three non-serious citations. Two look like housecleaning items that had been around for years. Ian is miffed about one and will probably ask Mike to appeal. Writing paper may be a carry over from the past when MSHA agents were promoted not by helping the miner but by creating violations worth writing. Also the lawyers need some work. Things are better, though. It seems like the bosses in D.C. realize why there are so few underground gold mines in America to regulate may come home to roost at their hen house. Better yet, maybe they realize the foolishness on their past and its harm to the industry they are mandated to protect.
Why only three miners at work? Reid took a vacation, Kevin had personal business and Joey is in the hospital with a very serious infection in both hands. He may be out for a week. At times it looks like Alleghany is asleep. Today is one of those days.
Sure hope to see you returning to the FORUM. We miss George but he needs something stimulating to read from his new perch. Oh, tomorrow the Mountain Messenger will print its own “brilliant and eccentric” obituary. Look for it under NEWS.
in reply to: CDAA Conduct #2442Dear Friends,
As a friend wrote last week, “Nowhere to start.” Well, when someone goes beyond the horizon, those left behind tend to tell their stories. Following is the first letter I received after George’s accident.“Nowhere to start.
So I will. First, how fortunate I was to have met him; there were a few silent times standing around in the corp office, but the biggie was only one real time, the dinner at your house, but I believe George and I really met that night. We connected because we think alike. That night, despite the 50th bottle of wine, he told me that we should talk, that we both stood for the same ideals, that I could write and he and I shook hands.
We were shaking hands with each other. Mirror. (Although I have never been arrested for helping people.)
There is so much on the table, and it is split between life and legal crap. Well, we know priority. After all, this is why George got involved, eh? And why we fight.
I’m not sure in what capacity I can help, with so many prerogatives and necessities. Since I’m not needed in the family arrangement (yet I would be honored if perhaps George’s wife knew these words), I want/need to help carry the torch.”
Last Saturday Betsey (George’s wife) invited friends into their home in Richmond for a gathering. Mid afternoon everyone assembled in the living room , where an eccletic minister spoke and invited us to speak. There were old friends from pre college days, college friends, his first wife (a young folk singer in the 60’s), his daughter, and grieving others. Just like the writer of the above letter, the binding for all of us was the recognition that George had a manner that reached into our souls. Our reasons may differ but the affection shared in the room encompassed all.
I dreaded putting into words my loss and love, but it was not about me. It’s all about George. My time came towards the end. My desire was to be quick for there is great difficulty in relating what we were doing let alone all the whys and how we were doing what we were doing. The room got warmer and warmer as I stood and spoke. I knew it was not the room but my head, as I began relating the experiences for George and me in this friendly and loving setting. Allow me to pause and give you the second letter I read after George’s accident, written a few hours after Scoop posted the sad news.
“Dear Mike,
I want you to know that I am SO very proud of you. I can’t even imagine the pain of the loss you have just suffered. The history you share with George. The power of that history. The power of the convictions you shared with George about right and wrong. I totally hold you in the highest esteem for your “fight”. I pray that George will lend you the strength to continue and win. Other than the loss of a child I can’t imagine anything more crushing than the loss you have suffered. I think I can relate just a little.
I didn’t know George that long, however the time I have known him I have really enjoyed. Thank you for giving me some history about him on the website. I want to tell you that George and I had a joke about MONDAYS. He would call and ask how I could be so “chipper” on a MONDAY! I teased him that FRIDAY must be his day. I explained that Monday lets me know I am still “here” and I still have a job. What more perfect life is there?
I will miss him, as we all will. I just want to tell you that you will still do it. George was under your wings and a very big part of your life and always will be there still, but he knows this is something you can finish alone. I’m still in your corner!”
So, all of this is fresh in my broken mind as I look into the eyes of his wife, his daughter (whom I had yet to meet) and the others as I begin to speak.. …..
“George and I are partners in something beyond what I will be able to convey fully but will try anyway. It has to do with more than any single point: the law, justice, compensation, and social good or even social responsibility. We spent hours in the truck driving somewhere and more hours at the dinner table. The topics were many. George spent hours at his desk downstairs. We knew what we were doing and we loved it! Also we are very good at what we are doing and George, finally and fully admitted it during our last meeting just before his accident. It is important for you to know his activities now because George had turned a corner in his personal healing process in life and business. This is a part of my overwhelming sadness. It has nothing to do with the outcome of our fight. We know the outcome. He does the law and I do the evidence. He taught me how to argue and welcomed it. He knows that the theater housing our play is the courtroom. He knows the game is a game of words and he knows the words better than the other side; but George won’t be on the stage or watching the performance. I am sad because he labored and obsessed over the language of his beloved profession and won’t see the final act.”
I just wanted to crawl away quickly and mourn within myself, but that was not to be. Whatever they knew or felt about George was not the same as the George who died that Monday. It was for Betsey, who saw this composure that morning, his daughter, who had not seen him for several years, his first wife, and the others who knew him before and after his mental collapse or just after. Few probably knew him in the sphere of his passion, the law. My George was more than anyone could know because that was the nature of the pragmatic and ethereal, dynamic and currently active relationship we practiced and enjoyed.
I spoke a long time because there were questions and a sincere desire in the room to hear our story. Later a dozen people told me how much the information helped them understand George, even his mother-in-law told me that she , for the first time, understood his behavior. At one point I asked a woman standing next to a table with the Downieville Mountain Messenger newspaper on it to read the caption under Sourdough Jack Sez… “Ol George’ll be a pretty hard ack to foller. Rural America will probably never learn how much it owes that city boy.”
The night before I had broken into tears when I read what Don Russell, owner, publisher and editor of the paper put on his front page. It dawned on me as I talked Saturday afternoon to a gathering of people who loved George as I loved George that here is something that everyone in the room can do to relieve their grief: remove the words “probably never” so George will be remembered and recognized for the judicial scholar and sensitive soul we knew. “Ol George’ll be a pretty hard ack to foller. Rural America will learn how much it owes that city boy.”
So, will you do the same for George and for our country? Even if you never met George, familiarize yourself with the social issues of the dream we share. It can be your dream as well. For those of you who have written about the substance of our legal history, maybe you can more clearly express the issues and help ignite our country into action. George and I know what to do. So do others. America will learn how much it owes George.
September 19, 2005
in reply to: CDAA Conduct #2441To All Who Loved Him,
Thank you all for the love, support, and friendship you’ve given my father(George) in the past few years. I have only spoken to him on the phone in the past couple of years, due to living so far apart, but I loved him sooo… much and, as all of you, will miss him teribly also.
So Thank you all for loving him and giving him the pride and joy that made him so happy in his work.God Bless You All,
Katie
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2440George and Mike spend a lot of time together, as previously reported by Scoop. They work well together to defeat “the bad guys” (an accurate and clear name they call the defendants). Scoop has observed, as well as others, their compatibility and sense of purpose. Hope you all realize what this team and their core of advisors bring to the table. They are unbeatable. Sure the bad guys wanted to imprison Mike, break the mining company and get their first victory in privatizing criminal prosecution (criminalizing accidents along the way). George somehow over the months successfully drove this reality into Mike’ head. No accountability plus getting a grant for the front CDAA non-profit corporation would be quite the coup for them, especially the leader, Gayle Filter. George understood the deep social issues interwoven into the case. He also quickly understood the total collapse of his profession. “When did we allow and accept lawyers to suborn perjury in the court room?” he would ask.
George entered the world of law after breaking away from the scholarly Jesuit order. But the why and how he so fully understood and grabbed onto the Original Sixteen to One Mine and Mike’s law suit is traceable to personal events between 1961-63, which remained with him. Few people know the following.
Scoop joined George and Mike at a gourmet Basque dinner in Nevada City at a table with three strangers so can report this as first hand info. Mike has developed a way of dragging out some of the stuff that George keeps inside, maybe because it was a painful memory or more likely because George can be so disinclined to reveal himself. Scoop thinks this action about exposing the bad guys has much to do about their shared passions, shared beliefs in America and its justice system but back to the story.
At twenty years old George left the Jesuits and shortly thereafter decided to drive from California to his parents home on the ease coast. He took the southern route. Along the way he talked to a young man who was headed to school in Mississippi. George said, “It is not far out of the way so I’ll drive you there.” It was a Negro college where early voter registrations were underway. George decided to help for a while, which turned into an extended stay. One afternoon he was sitting at a counter with the locals when the Mississippi police arrived to bust up the place. George slugged a cop who was beating up a five or six year old girl. Oops! He awoke in an all black prison where he was incarcerated for 9 ½ months. No phone calls out. No phone calls in. He just disappeared.
His treatment was sinful. The guards broke both arms, beat him and for sport would put their shotguns into his mouth and pull the trigger, adding, “Now you die, nigger lover.” George was a teacher to his fellow inmates. History, philosophy and especially music were his topics. One day the torture from the guards stopped. He later found out that the inmates told the guards that any more and there would be serious consequences. Within his battered body, the all black inmates and the all white guards a sense of harmony was found. George was abused no more.
One day a white guy from New York arrived to the prison yard. Since George was the only white face, he stood out. The man immediately approach him (the warden was there as well). Without a word the white guy took George’s arm and led him out of the prison. George refused medical attention in Mississippi and went instead to Saint Louis where he remained in a hospital’s care for ten months. When he finally reached his mother, she said, “Well, you got what you deserved for going to Mississippi.” George did not see it that way. He drove back to California and enrolled in school in order to become a lawyer. His life took on a new direction, driven by a judicial sense of purpose.
All at our table were stunned, except Mike because he knew the story. He kept on George to continue even when George probably preferred to stop talking about himself. Scoop was at another dinner table another time when George turned the tables on Mike. Mike seemed in denial about how serious, powerful and close to succeeding the bad guys were in putting him in prison. This particular night George silenced him with the reality of Mike’s plight and the powerful forces aligned against him and the mine. While George’s and Mike’s experiences were certainly different, they arrived at the same place at a time in their lives where so much opportunity as well as duty was at hand to go beyond the horizon. This is where they are headed.
Scoop now has the terrible responsibility to report to you that this Monday night about 7:30 pm an unexpected and unwanted twist in their game took place. George was killed in his car a few miles out of Alleghany when he slipped off the road and smashed into a tree. Scoop along with everybody he had met in Sierra County and Nevada County are deeply mourning. George’s wife, Betsey spent that morning with her husband at their Richmond home before he left for the mine. She said she had not seen him so poised, so confident and so much like the old George as that morning and told him so. George was at the top of his game: the sanctity of the law, the process of the judicial system and getting the bad guys. Scoop saw George in Alleghany two hours before the tragic accident and felt the same. George knew that bad guys are going down, the law and the evidence are impenetrable, the case is prepared and social justice as well as justice for his client will prevail. One look at Mike right now and you can tell that George is still at his side.
in reply to: 16 to 1 Mine #174in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #2439This week’s hearing will bring many truths to light. It remains to be seen how well truth is received and interpreted.
Yet I believe that truth works, evey time its tried. There is every reason to believe that it will.
We never know what spin will emerge from the ones who have the most to lose; in this case the criminals, our select group of elite public sector, non-representative, lost, CDAA.
Yet, given a fair ear, truth should prevail, and a bunch of worthless red-tape obstructionists will be shut down to their socks, allowing the pie to expand once again.
in reply to: Stock exchange listing #2437Our gold collection was secured for the bank loan. The only remaining bank loan is for one of the trucks, so the gold collection is no longer encumbered by the bank. The $400,000 loan is secured by our property in Alleghany with a private lender. We have discussed the means of repayment and have agreed that the loan will not be called as long as our inventory remains above the loan value. So, if we sell the gold collection, we pay off the loan.
The crew in Alleghany has been shrinking because of little or no production this year. There are currently eight at the mine. Financial times are tough, and we need to cut back soon or mine into the pocket we are seeking off the 1000-foot level. All the miners are employed by Morning Glory Gold Mines (MGGM), which has the workers compensation insurance that was unavailable to the Sixteen due to past debt. MGGM provides the labor to the mine at no additional cost to the Sixteen. No one likes this situation, but it was the only way to keep the mine operating.
As far as the well being of the mine, it will always be decaying. Wood will not hold up underground, and we have miles of levels and other working shored up with wood. A decade ago we began using metal. It is the best way to go in those areas desired to keep open over a long period of time. As I have stated before, our small number of underground miners makes it difficult to maintain the workings and mine for gold. For that reason we are limiting our work area to the 1100-foot level.
in reply to: Miscellaneous #2436Hello again I wanted to add a few salient points– we are across 49 a half mile from the old Allison Ranch/Forest Springs mining district. The closest mines to us were the Norambagua, Shamrock Lode, General Grant, Daisy King, Amador and Amanda. Just south of the Grass Valley Mining District. There once was plenty of hardrock activity up here, some as late as 1921-22.
Don’t know if any of them were considered producers, but we are sitting on granodiorite outcroppings, it pokes up above my driveway. Several of the mining claims I have say there were shafts up to 1500 feet long running approx. NE-SW, that sound right?in reply to: Miscellaneous #2435Hello sorry for interrupting the thread. The noises continue, however no blasting ahakes for some time. Voices, both female and male are heard below, but are too indistinct and low volume to record, I tried with first rate equipt. I found out a lot since my last message; namely that our house rests on an old mine cut, there are 6 mining claims on our deed and I found copies of them at the county offices.
There were at least 3 shafts in the area, one of which is shown on my older 70’s topo map. My driveway sits on huge boulders that were blasted out and show drill marks. I have drills, wedges and other tools that show my place was somehow involved with hard rock mining.
Mike may be right, maybe they are using the old tunnels and adits for making drugs, we do smell very odd smells late at night sometimes which are very chemical smelling and there’s too much traffic in the area.
The noises have simmered down a lot since the publication in the paper of a police report.
Maybe the druggies got scared off, we hope.
ONCE on the internet I came across a lone reference to a book someone in Nevada City had written, about a secret society living in all the old abandoned gold mines under GV and NC, which I thought was a very creative idea, anybody know the name of this book? I have never run across the reference to it again. Thanks to all who took an interest!in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2434Oops, Scoop hit the wrong key and failed to log this report written on August 29. Better late than never.
The 4100-volt electrical power to the pump transformer is kicking out 500 volts on one leg, 150 volts on another and fluctuates on the third. This condition was discovered about 10am today (Monday) when the pumps were turned on. The crew turned them off after work on Thursday because of a scheduled black out that night. PG&E was notified. Probably related to the power shut down.
Reid still reporting that his heading looks similar to the ground when the last pocket was found last July. The gold showing in the other headings does not have the potential ounces to drill now.
Unpatented claim fees due this week. Looks like about $14,000 with all the combined claims from Gold Crown, Plumbago, Brown Bear and Forest.
in reply to: Another U.S. precious metals miner goes foreign #2433World traveler asks, how many language relate this web site?
If only English, Why?
Gold is international language of economic freedom. More need know this story in California.
in reply to: From the Sixteen to One Archives #2429Don’t you just love armchair quarterbacks?
Well, the oil business is a little like gold mining. If a couple of roughnecks decide to strike out on their own with a Duece and a Half Cornbinder, a derrick and all the macaroni they can carry (plus a whole lot more), somebody is sure to back them with a little cash. Whether they get the nod to drill from a doodle-bugger or a rock-hound and the hole turns out to be a duster and the next one is a blowout is of no concern because, they’re drilling in a proven area and the guy next door just hit a gusher… there are always more investors. If you do hit it, you can cap the well and move to the next one.
However, with mining, You drill and blast a lot bigger hole. The gold does not come to you. You must go down to the gold and carry it to the surface. Now you are producing a spiderweb of tunnels and carrying gold to the surface from a much greater distance. As with oil, it is better to have several wells to bring the oil to the surface. the same is true in mining. Hence, The Red Star Shaft. This would provide an opportunity to expand on an existing spiderweb and to create a safer environment for the miners by increasing airflow and providing a safe alternate exit. Also, it would cut costs by reducing the distance to daylight the gold.
However, as you expand a mining operation, you must become a professional plate spinner. You know, those guys in the circus that can spin a plate on the end of a stick and then another and another. But, then the first one starts to wobble and everybody thinks it will fall but, the plate spinner runs back and gets them all spinning again and spins even more. Well, thats how it is underground (and in the office). You have to go back and make sure that the first tunnel doesn’t fall and the next and the next and the pumps and the fans and the muckers and the lights and the drills and the rail and the etc., etc., etc. Then a government agency comes along and decides that plate spining is too dangerous and makes all of your plates wobble and crash. Then they threaten you with jail and tell the grand jury that it was your fault that the plates crashed because you shouldn’t have been spinning plates in the first place.
As for ore, Lets put it in NRA terms. God instructed his angels to use pump-action shotguns loaded with gold dust on selected areas of Earth. Not wanting to be left out of all the fun, God decided to cruise by in his “Heavenly Battleship.” God took aim on a spot (now known as Alleghany, CA) with sixteen inch and 40mm guns loaded with golden projectiles. Needless to say, those projectiles are harder to find than the gold dust in other areas fired from the shotguns (metaphorically speaking). But, when you do… Yeh-Hah!!! It is more than just finding gold.(The views of this independant mine owner are not necessarily that of the Sixteen to One management, miners or stockholders).
in reply to: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK #2426“They know not what they are doing. They know not the evidence and real situation of the work they are charged to help become reality.”
Parks had a large staff telephone conference on August 17, 2005, but none in attendance understood the ground. It is sad. Individually these men and women are sincere and well intended. Collectively they cannot accept responsibility, cannot solve or even participate in meaningful discussions about the underground adit project, and the opinions expressed in this conference were shallower than adit they are charged to construct. It is sad, and I cannot help but wonder how California has turned this agency into mush. I do have an opinion. My opinion is based on observing the Empire Mine Adit Project over eighteen years from the perspective of one who accepts responsibility, accountability, and deals with the difficult job of executing underground projects. For this group of people to instruct its project manager to draft this letter, which says my crew is working in unsafe conditions is, well, you just go back and think about the Sixteen to One and all the miners over the years and the mine management and you finish the sentence.
Paragraph 1. The contract places safety in the hands of the contractor. Our crew is working safely; just ask them. Just look at all the supplies, equipment and talent at the site. The miners have not missed a day. They know the ground better than they know their wives and girlfriends.
Paragraph 2. The statement that MGGM ignored warnings is untrue and not supported by any evidence. It is an opinion and not a very good one.
Paragraph 3. The miners probed the floor and the ribs prior to drilling out each round. There was no indication that old working existed until after the blast revealed the old workings. The muck naturally filled the hole beneath the floor because of gravity. It is impossible to determine the extent of old workings until someone can see them. Standing on the sidelines and scratching our balls, will reveal nothing about old workings. Oh, yes, the Project Engineer (referenced below) has been to the site once this year and it was last Thursday. The miners drill, load, shoot and muck each foot of this adit. Who would you trust? Oh, one more thing. This crew has 110 years of mining experience in California’s Northern Mines. The Project Engineer sits in his office in Sacramento with no mining experience at the Empire. By the way, he is a nice guy, but fearful of his job. His supervisors know less than he does about the ground and safety.
Yesterday, I submitted a solution, which would provide everyone with additional data to evaluate the sub floor and extent of the old workings. What Parks is really concerned about has nothing to do with our miners’ safety. The plans are sadly flawed, the business plan is impractical and like a good bureaucrat, Parks continue its attempt to shift the blame away from itself. Oh, I almost forgot. It really helps the blame game to draw in more agencies. The best example of this can be found in Parks handling the infamous “toxic” issue awhile back.
Work was progressing very well. We went to two shifts to make up some lost time. The old workings add great interest to the future appeal of the project. We are less than two hundred feet from breaking into the old workings leading to the shaft. This crew of professional miners and its leadership are safely in control of the project. Solutions for public safety would be recommended once the extent of the situation is known. Speculation is for gamblers. We are not gamblers.
What have the people done to its governments to make them so reactionary (and without probable cause)?State of California · The Resources Agency Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION · 1 Capitol Mall, Suite 500 · Sacramento, CA 95814 Ruth G. Coleman, DirectorAugust 18, 2005
Michael Miller
Morning Glory Gold Mines
P.O. Box M
Alleghany, CA 95910Re: Suspension of Work
Empire Mine SHP – Public Underground TourDear Michael:
As we discussed in our telephone conversation yesterday, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) suspended construction on this Project due to numerous safety concerns that must be resolved before Work can continue, as follows:
1. In accordance with Specification 02265-3.1B, direction for the amount and type of ground support shall be provided by the Contractor’s Registered Rock Mechanics Engineer. Since the installation of steel sets ended at approximately Station 4+07, Morning Glory Gold Mines (MGGM) has been excavating the adit tunnel without an approved ground support design. This condition has continued to the current adit face at approximately Station 5+50, despite repeated requests from DPR for the ground support design since on or before July 5, 2005.
2. As noted in his Daily Reports, the Project Inspector informed MGGM since early August that the rock is structurally very poor and should be supported by steel sets. MGGM has ignored his warnings and moved forward with virtually no ground support on MGGM’s opinion that the miners are safe. Due to this difference of opinion between mining professionals, with no ground support design to support MGGM’s assertions, DPR was forced to request an inspection and written determination from Cal-OSHA regarding the working conditions in the adit tunnel.
3. MGGM uncovered an existing hole under the adit tunnel floor on August 4th at Station 4+86. Rather than submit an RFI to request resolution for this unforeseen condition, MGGM filled the hole with mine waste rock and continued forward. After MGGM uncovered another hole on August 12th at Station 5+37, it appears that an existing stope runs under the adit tunnel floor. If the depth of rock between the adit tunnel floor and the existing stope is not sufficiently thick, the Project Engineer is concerned that the adit tunnel floor could collapse into the existing stope.
Until (1) a ground support design by a qualified engineer is received by MGGM and approved by DPR, (2) a written determination is received by Cal-OSHA approving MGGM’s lack of ground support, and (3) the adit tunnel floor is confirmed as structurally sound, the work cannot resume.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (916) 445-8739.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By:
Phil Hock
State’s Representativecc: Steve Lehman, Deputy Director
Kathy Amann, NSC Manager
Ron Birkhead, CM Supervisor
Michael Romo, Project Manager
Bruno Renss, Project Engineer
David Sollenberger, Supervising Engineer
Ron Munson, Park Superintendent
Karl Knapp, District Maintenance Chief
Steve Moses, District Maintenance Supervisor
Charlie Schultz, Project Inspectorin reply to: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK #2425The exciting possibility of including a 100 year old mine working into the public educational tour of the famous Empire Mine (as I related
to the career bureaucrats in Sacramento responsible for protecting, preserving and enhancing our historic culture via publicly funded
State Parks) triggered the following response.State of California · The Resources Agency Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION · 1 Capitol Mall, Suite 500 · Sacramento, CA 95814 Ruth G. Coleman, DirectorAugust 16, 2005
Michael Miller
Morning Glory Gold Mines
P.O. Box M
Alleghany, CA 95910Re: Empire Mine SHP – Public Underground Tour
Dear Michael:
A number of issues have arisen on this Project involving previously unforeseen site conditions that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) must review and analyze before work can continue. Consequently, Morning Glory Gold Mines is hereby directed to immediately suspend all work activities on the Project until further notice. DPR anticipates that a resolution may be available by the end of next week.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (916) 445-8739.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By:
State’s Representative
cc: Steve Lehman, Deputy Director
Kathy Amann, NSC Manager
Ron Birkhead, CM Supervisor
Michael Romo, Project Manager
Bruno Renss, Project Engineer
David Sollenberger, Supervising Engineer
Ron Munson, Park Superintendent
Karl Knapp, District Maintenance Chief
Steve Moses, District Maintenance Supervisor
Charlie Schultz, Project Inspectorin reply to: Miscellaneous #2424Hey RyanBaum,
The message below yours speaks directly to one of the most important issues facing our Mine, one that was presented to us at the shareholder’s meeting, that being the current status of the ongoing battle between the rogue CDAA and us, as shareholders.
It’s best to keep Mike Miller’s entry as President of OAu remain on topic, please. (Start a new inquiry for your other concerns.)
Here’s my response, on topic: M vs Madison is the least studied reality check to the issue of constitutional authority, and the respective roll of an interptetive supreme court; judging law as written rather than law as re-written within the confines of the discussion.
in reply to: Miscellaneous #2423Any update on the proposed private placement of shares to help fund an expansion of the mine?
I wasn’t able to make this year’s meeting in June but thought an announcement was to follow?
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2422It’s Saturday in Alleghany and this has to be a first. There are four lawyers in town. Cars and trucks were noticed going into the president’s house. Scoop can only wonder, “What is going on?” Four lawyers is four too many in a little gold mining village, or is it! Scoop will snoop, but whatever the story, this one may take a little time to sniff out.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2421The mine will shut down for a three day mid summer break. The crew will have an opportunity to take on some personal chores. Even though the temperatures are in the 90”s plus, winter knocks at the door. Miners will be up on leaky roofs, cutting firewood, fixing broken glass or maybe fixing the old truck. Everyone is back to work on Monday.
New cameras have been installed at the 1500-foot station and the 2200-foot station to monitor the pumps and water level without physically walking to those locations. New cameras are also placed around the property and security gizmos have been placed in strategic locations. Maybe the crew anticipates a new pocket. Scoop thinks it unlikely the crew will move enough ground with the small number of miners currently employed to hit a pocket. Word is the gold and quartz from the last pocket (July 2004) is gone.
Ian decided to take care of some old business. The miners have been hauling good but unnecessary equipment fro underground to the lower shop. This effort will not ”break rock”, but is definitely in the best interest of the company. It does not show up on the balance sheet, but the company owns three million dollars or more of equipment at replacement costs. It makes no sense to let it depreciate underground due to moisture.
Years ago the cost of powder (explosives) was not a significant expense compared to labor, equipment other supplies and utilities. Times have changed. Scoop saw a recent purchase order to Alpha Explosives. Prell (ammonia nitrate) is $.32 per pound; dyno plus (dynamite) is $150.00 per 50 pound box; and non ells are $4.28 each no matter what number; boosters come 800 to a box and cost $.74 each. It was not long ago that non ells were $1.40. Thank you Homeland Security.
in reply to: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK #2420To Project Manager:
Phil, if this were not worthy of careful consideration, I would not have made the following recommendation. This will be a defining moment for the project. MMMOLD WORKINGS
Old workings were uncovered during normal work in the adit about 500 feet from the portal. The following is a description based upon the initial first hand observations of the miners.
For purposes of orientation, imagine you are standing in the adit, looking at the face of the level. A hole of undetermined size appeared across the tunnel and seemed to extend in both directions beyond and below the solid rock walls. Air is flowing into the new workings from the newly discovered old workings. What is going on?
Miners’ speculations: A raise was driven from an elevation lower than where you are standing. To your left appears to be the highest direction of old workings. To your right there appears to be the largest excavation. This work is called a “stope”. A stope is an excavation from which ore has been removed in a series of steps. It is usually applied to highly inclined or vertical veins, as is the case at the Empire. The term stoping is loosely applied to any subterranean extraction of ore except that which is incidentally performed in sinking shafts and in driving levels.
For the purpose of advancing the face, all safety concerns to the miners have been employed. The condition of the old workings in relationship to the tunnel will require additional work before I am comfortable that the public will be safe. The reason that it is safe for the miners is that they are working the area, are familiar with any subtle changes and are qualified to immediately deal with any issues. The old workings have caused additional and unplanned costs that have not been determined at this time.
This project and its purpose have well stated goals. I recommend that the discovery of these particular workings has great benefit to the public and including them in the project has great merit. This is something that the Empire Mine Park Association may fund if Parks does not have money to do so. My opinion is this unexpected situation by far creates a better project. From the miners’ perspective (we have discussed this at the site) opening it up for viewing with lights could rival seeing the shaft from the new level. The public can already view the shaft from above so the shaft never was intended to be the main attraction. For the public to get the feel, understanding and appreciation of mining at the Empire has been a stated goal. By including the view of an actual stope, the project will gain an historic insight heretofore unavailable. Please ask Parks to give me some direction on this important opportunity. I have no interest in chasing unattainable improvements in the overall design. Safety concerns will not be a meaningful issue because the adit will be constructed safety with or without including the old workings.
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2419Michael got back to Alleghany last night from a trip to the Brown Bear mine in Trinity County. He told few people he was leaving Thursday, He had a morning stop over in Sacramento for a meeting with the State of California lawyer for Cal/OSHA, division of mining and tunneling, and its administrative supervisors. This alone was a significant meeting dealing with the citations Original Sixteen to One Mine, Inc. received after Mark Fussell’s tragic accident in 2000. He is mum regarding the contents of the meeting, but Scoop got the low down on why he drove up north to the Brown Bear. Scoop tells all!
Mike got a call from one of his “Scoops” who lives in Lewiston, the small rural town about five miles from the Brown Bear. “There is activity at the mine, and it may be the cranksters cooking up meth.” Michael put down the phone and immediately called the Trinity County Sheriff department and asked for the deputies who accompanied him last year on a similar mission. Last year some gloves and other stuff were discovered when two deputies and Mike searched the property. The sheriff deputies said that this year would be different. The department was so short handed that no one could go to the property with him when he came up to check out the situation. Scoop does not think that this news made Mike very comfortable, but he had to go and he was going to be by himself. Scoop verified this information and furthermore the Trinity County Sheriff department said that the rural area was peppered with cranksters and Mexican nationals, and it was very dangerous to go into the area. There was a murder last year (we knew this because the caretaker at the Brown Bear was considered a suspect in killing the crankster). Furthermore the drug people all carry guns and will kill any intruder without hesitation. This info is from the deputy.
Scoop had to ask questions, such as, “What are you doing for the meth problem?” The answer was very little because they were going after pot growers, especially on federal land. Over 50,000 pot plants were dug up just the other day and over 75,000 were spotted and removed a week ago. Meth?? We do not have the manpower to go after them. Also the federal funds are designated to get pot growers on federal lands. Scoop bit his tongue and said nothing to this inane approach to solving the rural Californian drug problem.
So, Scoop asked Michael how he proceeded without the law enforcement’s participation. “I left word at the Lewiston Hotel that if I was not back by 7pm to call the sheriff and get help. I carried a shotgun and a pistol and I recorded my approach with my film quality video camera.”
So here is the situation: Cranksters have moved onto the Brown Bear mine site, there is no law enforcement to check it out, the care taker has not been seen for awhile. Thursday around dusk, Mike drove to the mine and parked on the county road above the buildings with binoculars and a beer to check out any movement. There was none. On Friday he drove to Weaverville. After again trying to roust out a deputy in Weaverville (Trinity County seat) to go to the mine with him, he was told that everyone was busy and anyway it was Friday. He stopped back at the hotel before driving the five-mile Deadwood dirt road to the mine. That was his back up.
Scoop asked to see the video. His video was worth seeing. He ran the camera as he approached the Brown Bear compound…old cars …and to his delight no dogs barked as he walked into view of the buildings. Just as the camera recorded his talking about no dogs, three big dogs come roaring from one building towards him. Scoop thinks he heard, “Oh, shit!” Shortly a man appeared and to Michael’s relief and delight it was Jack, the caretaker. All is well at the Brown Bear.
in reply to: From the Sixteen to One Archives #2418Development at Alleghany. [Colorado Capital plans big operations.] June 13, 1909- L.A. Times
Alleghany (CA) June 10- with $100,000 immediately available and backed by a group of the largest Colorado capitalists, L. E. Woodbury, manager of the Rainbow and Red Star mines, has arrived from Denver to push developments on a vastly augmented scale. The Rainbow ten-stamp mill will soon be in commission. The 2000-foot main tunnel pushed ahead, a north drift run to cut the wonderful Sixteen-to-one vein. And it is expected that the tunnel will shortly intersect the great tightner ledge. The working force has been increased and the thirty-inch bonanza shoot recently opened, will be thoroughly exploited. The main tunnel is going forward steadily and much new territory is being opened. Fully 5000 tons of rich ore are blocked in the Red Star and much bonanza quartz is being sacked for shipment. The vein continues thirty inches wide, values from $100 to $50,000 per ton.
Aside from the natural interest the famous Sixteen-to-one, attention is concentrated on the celebrated Tightner where the lower adit is expected to reach the lower ledge within a few days. If the strike comes up to expectations, managing owner, H. L. Johnson declares that the Tightner will at once leap into the front rank of California gold producers. It has already produced in excess of $1,800,000 from the upper workings and indications point to the continuance of the great ore shoot with depth. The tunnel is in over 3800 feet, but progress has been slow, owing to the excessively hard rock encountered.
The Sixteen-to-one, Morning Glory, El Dorado, Bonanza King, and several others continue splendidly with increasing developments. The ore bodies are holding out excellently and give every promise of depth. The St. Elmo and Gold Canon have been taken by eastern capitalists and will be vigorously exploited. The Kenton and other properties, operated by Los Angeles capitalists, also show excellently. It is reported that George Wingfield is still after control of several properties in the district.
While the Alleghany ores carry fabulous values, they do not mill well and, except the Rainbow, none of the other mines are in the position to treat their products. The ore is hauled to Nevada City by teams, and thence sent to the Selby Smelter by rail, naturally at considerable expense. The Red Star is installing a testing mill and as soon as the best method has been determined, several works will probably be erected. The presence of powerful Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Goldfield capitalists is a guarantee that the mines will not suffer for want of milling facilities. In other mother lode counties mines are in full blast.
Southern Californians in the Blue Ledge copper district, Siskiyou County, are opening excellent properties, and recent developments indicate that as soon as the copper market sufficiently improves, the Blue Ledge will rank next to the Shasta belt. At the Blue Ledge mine, large reserves of excellent grade copper have been developed with a smelter installed; the company would be in a position to produce on a large scale. The St, Albans, Bloomfield, Joe Creek, Medford, Copper King and numerous others are also showing well. Several eastern, British and Spokane people are interested. The chief drawback of the district is the lack of adequate transportation facilities.FAKERS-GET BUSY
The remarkable series of strikes in this district has led to the attempts of near-by sections to attract coveted attention from the mining men sojourning here. Reports of fabulous strikes are being freely circulated which in fact, have no foundation. Many so-called mining men in adjacent sections would like to emulate the tactics of the wild-casters. Even here attempts are being made to dispose of properties at fabulous prices, when their sole merit is that they are located near some of the famous ones. Such efforts do not meet the approval of the leading mining or business elements and the inquiring stranger is quickly undeceived if he takes the trouble to investigate before taking hold of the numerous chances offered.
NUMEROUS PROPERTIES
The heirs of the Gilbert estate of Santa Barbara are steadily pushing work on the Lecompton mine in Nevada City and the Norambagua at Grass Valley. The Lecompton has been practically unwatered and active developments will be shortly commenced in the lower levels. This property has an excellent productive record. At the Norambagua, considerable new machinery includes an air compressor and drills, has been installed. This mine has produced over $1,000,000. The Dana Mining Company of Tonopah is actively at work at the Dana and Christopher Columbus claims at Grass Valley and is opening a strong body of excellent grade milling ore. This property adjoins the famous Idaho-Maryland mines which have produced over $16,000,000 and again are in operation on a large scale.
The Butte Creek dredge is operating very satisfactorily at full capacity and handling an immense amount of gravel said to show splendid values on Butte Creek. The largest boat, the Marigold fleet’s No. 2 was launched June 5. This is of the same type as the bid machines in the Folsom fields and when completed will have cost $200,000. It will handle approximately one-third more gravel than any dredger now in commission in the Yuba district. The J.H. Legget Co. at Oroville is constructing another large machine and the Indians dredge, wrecked by floods last winter, has again been placed in commission.
Advances from Oroville state that S.E. Churchman and followers have not abandoned the fight against Stelfer Mining Company. The non-suit was granted on the grounds that Churchman failed to advance proof to substantiate his allegations against the Selfers. Churchman’s attorneys argue that the case was conducted irregularly.
STRIKERS LEAVING
Everything is quiet in Amador County and it is evident that the strike is completely broken. Threats did not frighten companies into employing the ringleaders, and many of the latter have left for other parts. It will likely be long before the Mother lode Districts are again affected by strikes. More conservative men have taken the lead of the unions and every attempt to foster trouble has been promptly repressed. As a result, operations are again at full blast.
The 3500-foot shaft at the Kennedy is being deepened and the 100-stamp mill kept at work. The South Eureka and Central Eureka are operating steadily and the Zella, Argonaut, Fremont, Bunker Hill, and other large mines are working on old time lines.in reply to: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK #2417Yes, the miners today mucking dirt in the Empire, and those mucking rock in the Sixteen to One, are to be applauded for recognizing “dirt” from dirt. One goes in a pile, the other in jail.
in reply to: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK #2416It’s like digging in dirt.
For anyone who has looked at the pile of waste from the mine, the color and texture of the material, nature is unpredictable These miners worked hard to move from dirt to rock and hard rock as they drove the adit. We are Sierra Nevada hard rock miners and mostly familiar with the mines of California’s northern mines. Two of the greatest are only a few miles apart but thousands of feet elevation separates their portals: Empire mine and Sixteen to One mine. The Empire is the greater of the two and knowledgeable historians familiar with the nuances of a running mine will debate the only rival for number one in American is Homestake in Lead, South Dakota.
This story, however, is about current affairs, not history. Both the Empire and Homestake died, out of business, gone from the American landscape. The Empire gave up in 1956; the Homestake just a few years ago. One California mine, which ranks at the top of its class is Sixteen to One. Its vein system and the Empire are related but with very pronounced differences. The gold in its veins is so concentrated that it is measured in ounces in pounds (high grade). By today’s standards the Empire would be high grade but it pales with the heavy concentrations of the Alleghany Mining District
When miners from Alleghany (home of Original Sixteen to One Mine, Inc., owner of the Sixteen to One mine), attacked the Empire last year, mining dirt was never a thought. A sole proprietorship decided that the Empire deserved only local miners to churn its earth, miners with a connection to mining in the northern mines. That is how it turned out.
The only geologist with California registration who visited the work in progress at the Empire and also is intimately familiar (published) in Alleghany inspected the new adit last week. It looks like a mine working, smells like one and feels like one. He along with a long time northern miner, owner and operator also praised the work and added that it is unlikely that any other crew would have gotten through the serious problems of dirt.
To be continued…….
in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #2414Not much to report from Alleghany. Hot days, cool nights. Missy the cat is eating and drinking but hasn’t put on any weight yet.
A little color showed in Chico’s heading day before yesterday, on the same lense (footwall) as the big pocket. The miners sacked a most unusual specimen that David and Mike cleaned in the ultrasonic cleaning machine. It is half the size of a football and in addition to gold has many quartz crystal vugs. Scoop wonders why there’s been so little talk of the recent purchase of the Gold Crown (formerly the Wonder Mine) by the Sixteen to One. Maybe we’ll hear more because Scoop saw Ian, Reid and Mike trudging out of the property about 7:00 p.m. last night covered with mud.
The new minesite office is almost completed. Rae is suppposed to be spending one day a week at that office, although her track record isn’t very good so far…
Rae is trying to get quarter-end wrapped up so she can file the 10-q due on Aug. 15th. Unfortunately the company will be showing a loss for the quarter and year-to-date.
The Empire Mine project is progressing, but not as fast as we would like to see. The tunnel is 462 feet in with approximately 261 feet to go on the straight drift and another 125 feet to go after the “y” which is to meet up with an existing drift. The “y” will be about 648 feet in and once it is made the miners will be able to do both headings at once.
George and Mike were seen around town burning the midnight oil. They filed a big stack of papers at the Downieville Courthouse in response to the Bad Guy’s attorney’s huge stack of papers filed previously. They looked pretty satisfied when they left.
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in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #2415Jim Sinclair at the free website http://www.jsmineset.com has reprinted an article from Forbes entitled, “A Golden Solution To The China Syndrome” written by Richard Lehmann on 7/27/05.
The article is well worth reading. The story discusses gold as an alternative investment for China’s growing reserves which are forecast to reach $1 trillion dollars by June of 2006.
This is the very first article from Forbes that I have read which depicts gold in a positive light.
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