Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/32

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22
James R. Robertson.

of search for precious metals, others were aroused to a healthy zeal for progress. A stimulus was given to the search for the latent resources of Oregon which led to the discovery not only of deposits of the precious metals, but to other resources that have proved fully as important and valuable. As the search was extended to Eastern Oregon the mineral resources grew richer. In 1868 quartz mining supplanted the superficial processes previously used, and an industry of a permanent character was thus established which has added yearly to the wealth and been a means of attracting inhabitants to the state. The establishment of mining camps and the growth of towns and cities gave opportunity for the utilization of the agricultural facilities which had been found to exist in the region east of the mountains. Settlement was directed to other sections beside the Willamette Valley and the distribution of population thus changed to a more even ratio thoroughout the state. Hardly yet has the older population awakened to the consciousness of the change and responded to the demands made by it.

The effect of the stimulus of 1848 was apparent in a multitude of ways. The discovery of resources was accompanied by a better utilization of the old. Other industries beside those connected with the mineral resources were established. Manufactures were developed, and a varied industrial life was guaranteed to Oregon. Population was attracted by the new branches of business that would never have joined the population of a strictly agricultural region. Flouring mills increased both in number and capacity. The bountiful resources of timber were more fully utilized. Woolen mills were started to make use of the supply of wool. The canning of salmon supplanted the earlier form of packing in barrels. Tanneries utilized the resources in hides. Investment was found for capital and labor had employment.