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Show MINING FORTUNES AND MISFORTUNES. 579 mined that they exceeded any thing previously known in Colorado; and were only exceeded, if at all, by the Big Bonanza of Nevada. In May, 1879, this was the situation: Three stage lines were dis-charging their daily loads there, and two railroads were pushing for-ward to Leadville; five smelters and sampling works were taking in ore and shipping ore or bullion ; a dozen saw- mills ran day and night, and were a month behind on orders for lumber; six thousand people had a regular residence in the place, and unknown thousands more were scattered over the adjacent country ; five hundred houses were in process of building, and the sound of the hammer and saw was heard day and night. The luxuries of life followed fast. Dance houses and saloons multiplied, and " dizzy doves " gave an air of abandon to the streets. Enormous sales followed each other rapidly. Men who rarely had an extra dollar in their lives, found themselves rich beyond their dreams, and spent money with lavish hand. It was difficult to make one's way along the streets after night, when sight- seers and roysterers crowded the pavement. A dozen bands were drumming up audiences for as many variety shows and concert halls, and from scores of open doors were heard the click of billiard balls and the crash of ten- pins. Those who make money suddenly, generally spend it carelessly, and life in a thriving mining camp is a continuous invitation to prodi-gality. In December, 1879, the official report showed that Leadville con-tained four banks, with over $ 2,000,000 in deposits; that $ 569,070 had been sent east in postal money- orders, and mail received at the rate of one or two tons per day ; that corner lots sold at from $ 3,000 to $ 8,000; and that the city had that year done a business aggregating over $ 18,000,000! Since the opening of 1881, authentic figures are scarce. The popu-lation is estimated all the way from fifteen to forty thousand: take your choice. But the town is far more solid than it was. The Tabor Opera House is the finest in the State ; and the churches, school build-ings, and public halls are equal to those in eastern cities. The city is illuminated with gas; has first- class water- works, police and fire departments ; is now a well- ordered place ; has three first- class daily and several weekly papers. The post- office is a wonder in itself. Twelve clerks are constantly on the move, and thousands of letters are received daily and delivered here or sent on to distant camps. The hotel business is enormous. The Clarendon took in $ 260,000 in nine months. Almost every Christian denomination is represented by a fine church; and even the heathen Chinese have a little room |