The Kansas Herald Of Freedom

Means to be Honest

A. M. Burns, Esq., of Manhattan, writes to the Pittsburgh Dispatch a letter in which he takes a very sensible view of the "Gold Mines."

We copy:

I would warn your readers to look upon all articles from the newspapers published in the out-fitting border towns with much allowance. Not that I would by any means insinuate that the editors would intentionally exaggerate, but they will doubtless be deceived into the publication of matter intended to advance the pecuniary interests of a certain class of persons. So far as my belief is concerned, there is gold in the Pike Peak region, and no doubt many will acquire wealth there, while others will spend their outfit perhaps, without realizing as much as they expected. But of these things we cannot say with certainty; the bright side, however, will be painted by the imagination of those ambitious of acquiring wealth immediately. I need not portray the success that will be anticipated by many; let me, however, add that those who are successful must endure hardships and privations which the imagination of your eastern people never would have thought of. Provisions must be hauled by ox teams from here to Pike's Peak and Cherry Creek. The distance is great, and the price will be enormous, unless the market should be over stocked, and it may be, as I find that many persons now in this country have an idea of commencing the trade. I have said provisions will be dear. So will everything. The exposure to the inclemency of the new climate will of course have a tendency to create disease; it cannot otherwise be; the hardy mountaineer who has been inured to the privations of the inhospitable wilderness, will stand it; but it will be different with those who have been raised in the orient bandbox.

How many others are there in Kansas who will present the dark side of the gold fever to their readers, even by implication.