The Weekly Standard from Raleigh, North Carolina • Page 2

i THE RUSH FOR Ob, fkis ff gold unfseeri misriesjt vjdestined to bring! How-nray friendsNpe havfe parted with, since we wrote the laet chapter, we snai never meet again this side of their distant graves They leaVe this city to go forth on a dangerous mis ClnlA. nothinf but gold, MUU) ill scaiui -i It is not to earn an honest, substantial livelihood, by labor, which blesses him who labors, it is 10 grasp the shining metal, which, for past ages, has been the fruitful cause of untold murders, and the massacres and crimes which have stained the annals of every na-: that ever nossessed mines gold kll11 VII wu it minn All are now oushing forward to this gold region, urged thither by the basest, lowest, and most grovelling passion that disgraces man's character. Tis destiny to earn his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. When he iorgets this, ana rusues iuu-w ikaonrb'T that will swallow him up, and de stroy hundreds of those we have loved, who have lived so lone among us, wno can ue maim never was, and never will be, a gold region where clt- fnrth unrestrained, and where 1 i Hi niu iiv vi -i mimtor lmv not Teiorned sunreuie. laii- uiuuu auu 0 e.

fornia With the name now ringing, in the ears ot millions throughout our land California that now sounds so sweetly, when pronounced by thousands of the soft and gentle voices of those we love why tkof nA he Hnmiipd 1 Whv should that tllUUlU Villi ii i name destined to be pronounced with the curses of dvine-thousands, and the horrible denunciations of millions, who will have some dear and loved tnend bones lying bleaching on its valleys ana on iia u.uu..-tairi. victims to the lust of gold who have perished murder, assassination or starva tion 1 Destinv and God's decrees ever have ever will be, fulfilled, until time passes into eternity. It is January, 1849. Hope sparKies in every ej'e joy beams upon every countenance all look bright and smiling, and give no token of the horrible future ht mnst and will come. Gold Gold California California is the merry shout of thou 1849.

Roll up the fnr ift.iO. Rlnod. murder, starvation ali fornia. California, California, is the deep toned cry ano-nish and despair that will be heard in every 4. nnr fUv in the commencement of 1S50 lint the haDnv.

excited, feverish crowd think not of t)iimrs-thfv nnur forth from every firesid pvptv vessels bound out teems with our best as well as the very worst of our citizens they are as sanguine as though they already had their pockets filled with the shinnirr metal which has allured them to destruction. Away with work in 1819. Burst tio. even the dearest relations of aorth Smtjor to the winds every blessing that hop est toil brings home to the hearts and the hearth-stone them all aside. Sudden wealth is before you.

Fly, go gold beckons you to California. But take a last look at the house hold gods bid farewell to your home-altars kiss, lor the last time, me wiie, me inumci, the lnwl little ones. You will see them no more You've bartered them for "the last of gold" you've touched the devil's own purchase money you're his forever. Waft, waft, strong winds the victims 10 Sneed on those innocents to the vsIIpv of the Sacramento, where scenes are to be en- tH to hiVh hpll itself is child's play, and the bloodv massacres of Peru in her golden age are but children's pastime. Hurry on, old time, with your months, to the grand finale of "the last of gold in the nineteenth century.

Pass forth to the spot of the grand tragedy, the population of the old, as well as the new world bring us the news of outpourings from England, France, Germany, and all Europe, into thatvalley, which must, from the nature of the elements that will congregate there from all parts of God's creation, be the scene of the bloody immolation of countless thousands who are rushing thither. God protect them Our citizens are mad, stark, staring mad. Who is there that will fook calmly at the records of the past, and beheld the prospects of the future, but will agree with us, and see as clearly as we do, that these things must come to pass, and that the time is not ir distant either! A vast mixed population are crowding to a particular region, far removed all are animated by one absorbing desire to get gold they have no other motive. They go to a land sparsely populated, where no laws have been made, and where no power now existing there could enforce them where the strongest must rule and their success can only be secured by extermination aye, by murder Gold will cause it. Where thirst for gold prevails, it knows neither the laws of God or of man.

Murder! what is that, compared with gold 1 Nothing merely removing a man. Stopping his life that is all. Who will prevent it? "Is thy servant a dog that he should do this thing The old Bible tells us what an innocent man (who once asked this question of God's prophet,) did do when temptation had him, and he had a chance and many an innocent, kind-hearted, gentle, loving man, who goes forth to those gold regions, not dreaming that he ever could harm the hair on the head of a human being, will prove an example of what "the lust of gold" will do, and his career in California will be traced in letters of blood, and the same unassuming citizen who is eminent for his vritues, seduced by the lust of gold, will be rendered infamous and notorious for damning crimes and murders. Every mail, every ship and steamer that is now reaching this great city, comes loaded with new and strange tales of newfound treasures; and the-gold fever rage3 more and more is hourly on the increase among us and hundreds who, two weeks ago, laughed at the idea of going to California, are now selling property, sacrificing their business, and rushing forward to fulfil their destiny. These flaming accounts, written in letters of gold, will not come much longer.

By and by we will begin to hear of the arrival of those who have gone out from among us a few weeks more, and then we shall hear of things we gladly would not hear of then, about January, 1850, every letter that comes will not be written in gold letters, but in letters of blood. God, in mercy, a vertthe horrid scenes which all prudent, far-seeing men behold in the distance New York Herald. Railroads at the close of 1848. The American Railroad Journal, in an article upon this subject, furnishes some interesting facts and suggestions. It is only twenty-three years since a combined effort was made in England to construct a railway between Liverpool and Manchester.

The idea was, at once, hastily entertained by nearly all the Atlantic cities of the United States, and the efforts and results which followed exhibit prominently, the character of the American people. There may be uncertainty as to which Atlantic city belongs the credit of making the first successful1 movement in the construction of a Railroad; amonr the earliest, are Baltimore and Charleston and Bo ton, New York and Philadelphia, were nearly simultaneous in their movements. Boston, however, has been more wise, or rather more fortunate than the others, and now enjoys railway advantages by far superior to any city in the world, London only, perhaps, excepted. Very soon, the advantages of railroads become familiar to all who read and travel, and the impulse was given in every State of the Union, causing extraordinary efforts and outlays to secure their benefits yet it is certain, that few of us justly appreciate or estimate the comforts, the benefits, and the influences which they have already given to man. Although Railroads were first used in England, and next adopted by us, the system is not confined to those countries where the English language is spoken; but it extends throughout Europe into ihe heart of Russia, and also to India! and it may be safely estimated that the entire expenditure, within the last twenty-one years, in the projection and construction of Railroads, will not fall short of one thousand millions of dollars! an amount, enormous as it is, that will fall far short of the increased value they have given to property, besides their influence in facilitating business, in reducing the expense and time of travel, and in opening new regions of country.

These benefits and these influences are, as yet, only beginning to be felt the time will come when all our great thoroughfares, from the Atlantic cities to the extremes of every part of our country even to tha shores of the Pacific Ocean will be by Railroads; and these main lines will be intersected by thousands of connecting and branch Railroads. A Good dat's Work. The following is an account of goods and cash received at the Custom House in the city of New York, on the 8th instant. Free Goods. Dutiable 5oods.

Cash received. 27,765 890,800 220,484 G5 Of this sum A. S. Stewart paid $22,000. The amount deposited with the Assistant Treasurer yesterday, was the largest ever deposited in any one day, amounting to $200,000, all in gold.

For the North Carolina Standard. 'From what I have een in your pa per lately, and particularly from one of your cotem-poraries, pome may be induced to think that I intend ed to charge' the late Speaker oi me oenaw Grates) with a gross act of moral turpitude. It is to disclaim in the most unequivocal manner any inference or intimation of the kind, that I again address you. I know Mr. Graves well, and far be it from me to desire by invective" or otherwise to cast reproach upon the personal character of that gentleman.

The important public acts of the peoples representatives, and particularly of one occupying the position of Speaker of the Senate, is a fair subject for animadversion and censure and no man, 1 dare say, will more cheerfully yield that right to every voter in North Carolina than the late Speaker of the Seriate. The measure was an important question of State policy no less than the contraction of a State debt of at least two millions of dollars without any reliable estimates, even of the costs and profits of the undertaking a course of policy I venture to say that Mr. Graves has heretofore uniformly opposed. To those who havo been reading the recent accounts from the auriferous region, two millions of dollars may be estimated by some as a "small business," (and really thft mani that nrAvaileri at Raleierh for incurring debt without a reasonable prospect of benefit, reminded me the celebrated morus multieaulis fever) yet the sober practical citizens of North Carolina are unaccustomed to sucU extravagance, is i apprising, then, that the casting vote of the Speaker upon a measure of this kind in opposition to his former course, and the known wishes of a majority of his party, and of the Senate over which he presided, if all the members had been present should excite astonishment and deep disappointment 1 If it be said the people directly represented in the Houso of Commons had passed the bill let it be known that upon its second reading there, it was rejected by several maionty a reconsideration was naa unmeui- ately two absent members only were sent for in fluences of some kind were brought to bear ana in one hour the bill was carried by a majority of 12. Either the people were misrepresented, first by re jecting the bill, or lastly by passing it.

Lvery consti tuency did not have the means ol communicating with their representatives by magnetic telegraph, to notify them of a change of opinion in one short hour. In the article I prepared for your paper, while it was natural to refer to the casting vote of the Speaker, my object was to condemn the act, and particularly the hasty, inconsiderate, heedless, and objectionable manner of its consummation and passage. The epi thets ol "demagogue" and croaker' have no terrors for me. I expect theiu as a matter of course to be liberally applied; but I want the advocates of the measure to furnish arguments rather than enthusi asm" facts instead of fary to justify it. It is s.iid our Rail Roads have been unsuccessful because we were geilty of the folly of building two parallel with each other, and consequently rivals and competitors.

Does thi3 Central Road remedy this folly Not at all. When the travel or produce gets from Charlotte to Raleigh there you have the same bitter competition between the Wilmington ana uaston Koads. Can this Koad be completed lrom Uoldsbo- rouah to Charlotte for three millions ot dollars i 1 think not. It will in my opinion cost at least five millions. It is well known that the transportation of produce on the Road will not support it, and much of the produce from the upper country will take a southern direction from Charlotte.

The passengers will be divided for the Manchester Road is now bo ng laid down, and that will be in direct competition with the Central Road for the "through" travel. low, therefore, can the stockholders the State in cluded expect any profit in the investment 1 The stockholders of the Wilmington and Raleigh and Gaston Roads have some feeling experience on that subject. But I did not commence this article with the in tention of going into an argument. That I may not be misunderstood, I state that 1 am not opposed to Internal Improvements by individual enterprise on the contrary it would allord me much pleasure to see them made where they can be profitable and in my opinion when they can be made useful aud profitable to justify them, individual enterprise will make them, and much better and cheaper than the State. And then those interested who contribute will enjoy the benefit without taxing others who are not benefited.

The State cannot profitably or usefully construct nd carry on these works. She will be, as she has been, most shamefully cheated. I use a strong term, but an appropriate one. And situated as our Statu is, it is most unjust to do, as you are compelled to do. take the earnings or one section of the State to build up, foster, and encourage another section.

If I recollect aright in this present fusion of parties, the democratic party used to object to such a policy in federal politics. If true there as a political axiom, it is also true here in State politics. But I desist. I was, and am, uncompromisingly opposed to the heedless action of the last General Assembly in assuming such a heavy State debt for works of Internal Improvements of doubtful propriety, without a careful examination, and a reasonable prospect of success. I feel a deep attachment to my native State, and have heretofore rejoiced that the democratic part', aided by a portion of the whigs have prevented the State from incurring such a load of debt to be left as a legacy to posterity, and the interest of which now so greatly embarrasses many of our sister States.

As an humble citizen, I exercise the privilege of speaking in honest opposition te this imprudent policy. I claim that privilege, although this will probably be my last "scribbling" on that subject. A tilt in opposition to the large body of the newspaper press of the State of both parties, and the enlightened and liberal men of both parties, is not a contest where one can hope to gain any laurels. He must bo content with being set down as a "demagogue," "croaker," and "arrogant scribbler." It is a matter to undergo the revision of the people of the State. I am but one of that body politic, and can bear the ills common to all, and shall certainly rejoice if I am mistaken; but with my present convictions of the injustice and imprudence of the last General Assembly, I shall not fail to express my opinions frankly, and still will subscribe myself ANTI-STATE DEBT.

Yesterday the retroceding whigs were caught Woodcocks in their own springe." The bill like bill ap propriating money to meet the next instalment under the Mexican treaty came up in the Committee of the Whole, when a whig member moved a substitute, authorizing the President to negotiate with Mexico a restoration of California and New Mexico. A most unfortunate movement indeed for the Committee of the Whole, with a view of testing the question by yeas and nays in the House, adopted this substitute instead of the original bill. When the committee rose and went back into the House, the reported substitute was passed on by yeas and nays, and the whigs could muster ten only for it, while there were one hundred and eighty-four against it. Among the ten was Mr. Stephens of Georgia.

Mr. Duer of New York, although he had some -time since thundered in the Index." now backed out. Mr. Truman Smith also, although he had set his face atf the last session against a recognition of the territory, also joined yesterday in providing for its payment. The bill being then put upon its passage, was carried by yeas and nays yeas 188, nays 8 only.

On which vote being announced, Mr. Turner of Illinois, rose to advise the whigs against the repetition of the language they had employed about the acquisition of our new territories. He reminded them that they had charged the administration with having robbed Mexico of her lands; but as the receiver was as bad as the thief, and as they had now sanctioned the acquisition by consenting to pay for the territory, he hoped they would repent of what they had said, and no longer cant about robbery and plunder. The whigs very quietly listened to the lecture which they received and we trust that upon this subject we shall hear no more of such clamor and cant. Wash.

Union, 20th inst. The American Flag. When our flag was first unfurled from its staff in Tampico, an aged Spaniard was heard inveighing, with lugubrious earnestness, against the pertinacity with which that flag had pursued his fort one. In broken English he exclaimed I was de Spanish consul in de Louisine when dat dam flag was raise, and I go to Pensacola, but soon dat dam flag was over me dere. I live den in de Texas, but dat dam flag follow me dere.

Says by the Holy Virgin, I go where dat dam flag never come. I come to Tampico, but here is dat dam flag arin. I believe if I go to II, dat same dam flag will follow me dere." And the old man wept as he turned away his eyes from the flag, which like his evil genius, had haunted him through life, and was now mocking his heartfelt misery. NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD RALEIGH: WEDIf JE3DAT. FEBRUARY 28, 11 GEN.

TAYLOR'S CABINET. It i9 now nrettv e-enerallv understood that Mr, C3 Crittenden has positively declined a seat in Genera- Taylor's Cabinet, and, on the other hand, that the Hon. John M. Clayton of Delaware, will be Secre tary of State. Mr.

Crittenden's reason for declining this position, has been generally supposed to be the coolness and embarrassed relations which exist be tween himself and Clay; but othor considera tions, we must have had- still greater weio-ht in the formation of the determination at which he has arrived. As the Washington Correspondent of the New York Herald very justly observer: "The examples of history are full of saving instruction. Mr. Clay it was who elected John Qnincy Adams in 1824 Mr. Clay it was whoacceptd the department of State under that administration; and the public mind was visited with the ineradicable suspicion that this arrangement was the result of a bargain and sale of the man for -the 'office, and the office for the patronage of the man.

In 1848, almost simultaneously with the coming forward of Mr. Crittenden to the support of Gen. Taylor, it was understood that, in the event of the election of the hero of Monterey, Mr. Crittenden was to take the place of Secretary of State." No doubt Mr. Crittenden had this view of the matter in his mind also and added to this the fact that he has but recently been chosen Governor of Kentucky by a large majority, and would like to keep himself clear of the strifes and difficulties of Washington City for the next four years, so as to be in a "safe" line of succession to the old Hero, it is not at all wonderful that he should have declined the proffered honor, Mr.

Clayton, of Delaware, is a decided Whig, but ho does not exactly belong to the Webster and Cor win school. He is the author of the celebrated Com promise on the Slavery question at the last session, so violently opposed by Mr. Badger, and which, after having passed the Senate, was lost in the House of Representatives. His views on the Slavery question are generally regarded as moderate and conciliatory at any rate, so far as that point is concerned, he is greatly to be preferred to a number ef Gen. Taylor's most prominent and influential supporters, The Correspondent of the Herald, in speaking of Gen.

Taylor's other Cabinet appointments, very sig nificantly says: "Mr. Mangum, of North Carolina, desires nothing, and will accept Of course not. He would not even be Minister to Spain, we presume though it is said, by some of his friends, tnat tne appomimcui win do icnaerea mm. same Correspondent says that Mr. Badger is spoken of among others for the office of Attorney If this rumor should turn out to be well founded, and Mr.

Badger should go into tho Cabinet, and Mr. Mangum should get his consent to serve his country at some foreign Court, we shall have a cou pie of vacancies here in North Carolina and then Would the wishes of the Great Western Reserve" be consulted by the appointment of Mr. Clingman; or would Mr. Stanly and Mr. Rayner be the fortu nate raenl So far so good for Wiugism.

That "no-party President elect. Gen. Taylor, is to have a party Cabinet for the purpose of carrying out his no-par-ty views; but as this is an age of wonders, there is no telling how far the old gentleman may succeed. At any rate, he is determined to try to do something for we find, at the latest dates, that he is pushing forward through snow and ice, and amid the pressure of clamorous and excited crowds, in order to reach the Federal City by the fourth of March. May the Fates in their mercy grant him a safe de liverance" from the horde of office-seekers who hang upon his path THE LATEST FOREIGN NEWS.

We are indebted to the New York Herald of the 23d instant (always ahead in such matters) for the latest news from Europe. This news arrived by the steamer Europa, which reached Halifax, Nova Scotia, in a little over ten days from Liverpool and was thence conveyed, by relays of horses, to a point on the Bay of Fundy thence to St. John's, and thence through to New York by Telegraph. We quote as follows from the Herald, in relation to the condition of the English market 44 In nearly every department of trade and commence increasing activity prevails, and greater buoyancy and hope abound. Cotton is ttill advancing slowly, but ail the more surely.

Sales to a large Ixterit have been going steadily forward during the last two; weeks, ihe grain trade has been more than unusually steady the last fortnight, and prices have been well supported. Cured provisions, ashes, naval stores, and other articles of American productions are in active demand, at remunerating prices. Iron and tin plate continues in very active demand, and have further advanced in price From the manufacturing districts, the accounts are decidedly encouraging. Holders of goods are firm in their operations, and are sanguine as to a good spring trade. The stocks and money markets are unusually buoyant.

Public securities and railway shares are on the advance. The demand for United States six per cents still continues at advancing rates. The excitement created in Europe by the reports of the boundless riches found in California, had somewhat subsided, when the news by the last packet one more aroused tne spirit oi enterprise, and the newspapers again teemed with notices of all kinds of shipping adventures, in connection with this auriferous region. It is no longer an El Dorado, but a veritable terrad1 ore the confirmed statements of mineral wealth in the California hills, now leaving no doubt but that an immense tide of emigration will float towards that quarter." Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, late English Ambassador to Spain, has been appointed British Minister to the United States. Parliament had been opened in person by the Queen.

The speech from the throne gives undoubted evidence that the British government will continue to adhere to its free trade doctrines. Some of the Whig papers have made the wonderful and soul-startling discovery, that Gen. Taylor's letter to Mr. Clayton, tendering him the office of Secretary of State, consists of just one hundred and twenty-two words." We wonder what sort of paper it was written on, and whether an ordinary goose quill was used for the purpose. Will nobody enlighten us 1 Is the country we ask emphatically to remain in ignorance as to these important points? 4 Gen.

Taylor and suit arrived at Washington City on Friday evening last. The Union of Saturday says We are sorry to hear that General Taylor is somewhat indisposed, and that he was 'cupped on Thursday. But we hope that quiet and repose for a day or two will perfectly restore him to his usual health." The Work Begun. The Portsmouth Chronicle of the 3d instant says that the schooner Thomas W. Thompson had arrived there from Boston, loaded with iron for the Seaboard and Roanoke Rail Road the reconstruction of which is therefore about to be commenced.

0ALIFORNJA ITS SOIL AN ITS GOLD. The following delivered by in New Yprk City, a few days since, in relation to California Will doubtless prove interesting to all our numerous readers. arrived in this country two or three weeks since from California, and at the request of a number of citizens of New York, he consented to lecture on the subject of the Gold -We find him extensively reported in the New York papers, and we can have no doubt of the' truth of his statements. We quote as follows from the New York Tribune Ladies and Gentlemen On my arrival in this city; three or four days since, I was applied to by large numbers of persons for- reliable information in reference to California. All the information I have in reference to that country, I have freely imparted to the extent of my ability, to all who.

have sought it; but if I were to answer all the inquiries put to me, I 6hould have no time left to attend to the business for which I left California. Numerous letters have been sent to me, requesting me to give a public lecture several of the papers of the city have called on me to do so, and personal applications have been made to me to the same effect. 1 consented; but, gentlemen, I assure you that it was reluctantly. I would willing ly decline the honor, even now, it it were possiDie. 1 have reduced to writing a portion of what I have to say to you, that it may be presented with some meth od, and in proper order; after which it will give me great pleasure to answer any question which may be put to me.

As my appearance in public as a lecturer is unusual, I beg you to excuse my many imperfections. I shall make of this lecture four general divisions, as follows First The face of the country, climate, produc tions of California, its. healthfulness, River Sacra mento and its branches, price of freight, launches, government of the country, Second the mines, manner of procuring the gold, average quantity per man, probable supply, wet and dry diggings compared and some instances of success within my own personal observation. Third Advice to emigrants to California, articles necessary for an outfit, Fourth The different routes to California, the ex penses ot each, with tul; particulars ot the route through Mexico (over which I travelled on my return from San Francisco,) with distances, expenses and manner of travelling in Mexico." and which is the most advisable route. Under the first eeneral division of my subject, will remark that the soil is generally good and capa ble of producing all the ordinary Drains.

It is good wheat country. The red worm, which destroys so much of the wheat here, is unknown in Califor JC. --a 3 nia, so far as mv knowledge extends. When I first went to California, in the month of January, 1847, land at Bodaga, which is about thirty miles north of San rrancisco, was worth two dollars an acre only when I left, it was worth more than twenty dollars an acre, ban rancisco. or xerba uuena, as we can it, stands, as you know, on the lame and beautiful bay of San Francisco, and contains the most mag nificent harbor in the world, and the only safe har bor in all Upper California, except San Diego.

All tne navies ot the world and its commercial marine might ride in perfect security and repose on its bosom i he harbor is entered from the ocean by a narrow passage about one or two miles wide, with high bluffs on each side. This bay extends about sixty miles to the east of the town of San Francisco, and about one hundred miles to the northwest, and is from five to fifteen miles wide. The town is four or five miles from the ocean. In January 1847, there were about six hundred inhabitants in San Francisco, in April last, just before the gold placers were discovered, there were about one thousand inhabitants there. There were, in May and June, only a few women and children, the majority of the population having gone to the mines.

hen I left, many had returned. The town was filled by emigrants arriving from Ore gon, Sandwich Islands, Valparaiso, and all the neigh boring places, luere are several other towns on this bay. The principal ones are Sonoma, San Raphael, Santa Clara and San Jose. I have visited all these places, but my residence has been at San Francisco from January 1847 up to the 10th of December 1848. In relation to the climate of California, I can safely say that it is not an unhealthy country.

Fever and ague is 6omewhat prevalent along the banks of some ot the rivers; but I hazard nothing in saying that the valley of the Sacramento is much more healthy than the valley of the Mississippi, or the State of Illinois. I am often asked about the "sickly season." There is what is called a rainy season, which lasts about four or five months from November to April and continued exposure and want of food and irregular habits, would, of course, in a rainy or a dry season, strongly predispose to dis ease, and during all seasons it is necessary to exercise ordinary prudence and care in relation to health. During the "dry season," as it is called, the climate is clear and deleightful. The atmosphere is bracinsr. and though sometimes warm, is not weakening to the system, as it is in some of the Southern States.

I would remark, however, that in the summer season heavy fogs are prevalent on the coast. The river Sacramento and San Joaquin are the great rivers of xjyyvi vsauiuiiiia. i ue oacameaio is a mosi oeauu ful stream. At its mouth it is about two thirds as wide as East River, at Fulton Ferry. There is a 8 mall island in the middle of the river at its mouth.

It has a middle bed, and is navigable for three or four hunndred miles above its mouth. I have never been on that river above Sutter's, which isaboutone bund, red and fifty miles above San "Francisco. It is navigable for ships drawing eijrbt feet to the mouth of the American Fork, and a small steamboat drawing two or three feet of water could go two hundred miles still farther up. A branch of the Sacramento called the American Fork, empties into the Sacramento, about 150 miles from its mouth. -Captain Sutter's mill is 40 miles above the mouth of, and on, the American Fork.

This is the place where the gold was first discovered. The discovery was made by some of Uapt. Sutters men, who were employed to dig a race to discharge the waste water from the mill. All articles of merchandize are carried in what are called launches, which are large boats that will carry from eight to fifteen tons. It takes about a week or ten days to go from San Francisco to Sutter's, and back, in one of these launches, and when I left, the freight on a barrel of flour was $14.

A common steamboat could make the trip in two days. When left California, a launch, which but a short time before could have been bought for $500, could not be hired for one trip to Sutter's for that sum. The price of passasre was $10 each passenger to carrv his food and bed with him if he had any to carry. Nothing is tound tor passengers, except passage. Every man has to do as the Irishman did, "eat himself," on the passage, it is quite unnecessary for me to allude to the political regulations of California.

You are well aware that, as yet, we have no Government there. Congress neglect3 to provide a Territorial Govern ment for the country, and although the Alcades are obeyed, the people are not yet obligated to obey them. I now approach that portion of my lecture which will probably be of the greatest interest to you, to wit: the mines, manner of procuring the gold, average (juantity per man, probable supply, wet and dry diggings, and some instances of success within my own persona observation. I may very safely tell you that the accounts you have in the papers, from California, are not exaggerated, however well they may be calculated to stagger belief in them. Gold is found in great abundance over an extent of country 300 miles by 1000.

I have explored only a small portion of this vast area, and new discoveries are constantly being made. The first gold was discovered in February, 1848, about one year ago; but although it was reported in San Francisco" that gold was found, yet it did not at first seem to makeany-impression on the people at that city. They did not believe the reports, or rather they did not realize the fact that gold was found in such abundance, so near them. It was not till April and May that the whole population became fully awakened to the subject, when all the men, and many of the women and children, went to the gold diggings. It was not till people came down with the gold dust and reported $3 to $10 per day, that the people of San Francisco credited the reports.

In the first six weeks after the rush commenced, $600,000 were collected. The quantity collected by each person varied from one ounce to $1000 per day. It is now ascertained that gold exists on both sides of the Sierra Nevada, from latitude 41 north to as far south as the San Joaquin, and although the country has not been fully explored, there is no doubt that the gold region extends 1,000 miles along the valley of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, and 'still farther to the The, supjply.of gold is absolutely inexhaustible. I In my opinion, one hundred thousand people could not; exhaust the supply in ten or twenty years. The ore is in its virgin state, and, is found among the sand and gravel beds, in slate and granite rocks, also in good tillable soil.

Some machines were used when I left, but tin pans were generally preferred. Some Indian baskets were also used, and were considered good, being were light and handy. I saw, yesterday, a machine invented by a gentleman of this city, living, I believe, in Eldridge street, which I consider a superior one; and I would advise those who intend going to the gold diggings to examine it. It is very simple and easy to transport. The quantity pf gold now extracted is estimated, at about four, millions of dollars.

The labor of washing the gold very severe. People wash gold as long as they-can stand up, often paying no attention whatever to the demands of their health, living without adequate food and sleep, or when they do sleep it is in the open air, and thus nature gives way, and the individual sickens and perhaps dies. If a person has sufficient strength' of mind to build his house before commencing to procure gold, and can be contented to work only a reasonable time every day, devoting proper time to cook suitable food and a proper time to sleep, he may be sure of retaining his health and amassing a fortune. The difficulty is that everybody is frantic with the excitement for Each fears: that his neighbor will get more than himself. The Captain of the vessel in which I came from San Francisco to.

San Bias (Captain BJanchard) gathered in three, weeks gold dust of the value of $10,000, and of this sum $3000 were gathered by him in the last three days he was at the mines. This amount he had on board the vessel (the brig Laura Ann.) He informed me that in washing out the last, he must have thrown away 2 or 3 ounces from each tin-pan-full of earth, as it would pay better not to wash it carefully. The largest lump of pure gold I ever saw weighed seven pounds. It was obtained by some Indians in the employ of a man by the name of Weaver. I saw it weighed, and it was pronounced 19 carats fine.

A statement was published in the California Star, a few days before. I left, that one man obtained $12,000 in six days, and that three others obtained 36 pounds in one day. Of the truth of this I have no doubt whatever. It may seem impossible, even ludricrous, but such is the fact. Such occurrences are by no means uncommon.

The dry diggings are considered preferable to the wet. The gold can be procured in the winter and rainy season as well as the dry season, in case the miners provide themselves with houses and a supply ot food. In the present state of society in California, or rather in the absence of all law but "Lynch law," mining, especially in the winter or rainy season, should be carried on in companies, say from ten to fifteen in each, with adeqaute buildings for their protection, and a good supply of food. Companies larger than ten or fii'teen would be likely to break up. So far, they have not succeeded as well as smaller companies.

Those of you who have read the official communi cation of Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, of the 22d December, 1848, twelve daysatter 1 left ban Francisco, may have observed the following remark Incredible quantities of gold are yet daily collected, and scarcely a week elapses without some new dis covery of the precious metal, more startling than any previous one." The Commodore also alludes to the fact that a tew days previous to the date of his dispatch a small party of five or six persons obtained, in two days, $30,000 worth of pure gold. I have no more doubt of the truth of the statement by Commodore Jones than I have of the fact of my existence. Yet, to one who has never seen similar instances of success, such an announcement seems absoluely incredible. Gentlemen, I think it can hardly be necessary for me to say more to you on the actual existence of gold in immense quantities and comparatively easy of access in California. Whatever may be the effect upon the money market of the world, other persons than myself can better determine, but I am perfectly satisfied that tho supply is immense.

The gold region, part of which has been explored, embraces, as you have observed, a larger area than the State of New York, and new discoveries are being made daily. There are, I am told, a little less than 50,000 square miles in the State of New York, and if two persons only were digging on each square mile, you would have 100,000 persons. Now it is possible, though hardly probable, to my mind, that during the next summer there may be 100,000 persons in the gold region digging for gold. B-it they will be scattered over a large extent of territory, and you may depend upon it, gentlemen, that there will be room enough for all. If a Government and a Mint could only be established in California the gold would be as valuable there as in New York.

But such is not the case at present. As an evidence of this, I may say that lots in San Francisco when I left were held and actually sold at prices hiaher than lots of the same size in Wall fit-fol That nnrtinn nf tho minincr district which I have visited, extends along the valley of Sacramento and American Fork, about fifty miles I ahnve Suiter's, and covers an area of abouta hundred miles. One panful of common dirt in which the gold i I is found, when carefully washed, yielded on an aver age abou.t half an ounce of gold. It usually took about fifteen or twenty minutes to wash a panful, provided the dirt was procured near the river or washing place. Of course it takes some time to dig the earth and carry it to the water.

I have known instances of persons going in search of gold, who came back disappointed, unsuccessful. Tbey did not fall into the right "digging" and did not get enough to pay their expenses. Those who fail are generally those who go in too large companies, or those with (delicate constitutions, who break down under fatigue and exposure. It is something of a lottery to find good diggings." When a person or a company has found a right spot, othersre not allowed to dig in the same hole, but they may dig near it. The exclusive right to dig in the spot selected is, however, only allowed while actually occupied by the digger.

There are but very limited facilities for storing goods at San Francisco. I should by all means recommend that materials for a fire-proof building or storehouse be sent around Cape Horn. I will now speak to you of the articles necessary for an outfit to California. In the first place, an India Rubber Tent is, I consider, indispensable. This can be procured in San Francisco at a less price than it would cost to buy it here and" transport it there.

Every man who is going to dig wants a pair of India Rubber long stockings. These can be had in San Francisco also in this city. A pair of thick shoes should be worn over the India Rubber stockings, to i i prevent me gravel irom cutting the feet of the stockings, and thus admitting the water. The India Rubber stocking would prevent perspiration from heino- checked too suddenly, as the labor of digging up the earth will necessarily cause perspiratiorT, which, if checked too suddenly, would certainly produce colds and fevers. Every emigrant should talro or conJ furniture sufficient for his own use, but not more than is necessary, for freight is very high to San Frano.is.o and up the river.

I would not advise any man to go to California who is doing well here. If he is doinr well enough, let him stay. The inconvtmen win be very great, such as always attends the settlement of every new country. There will be a great many puvauuua aim uuucuiiies; uui to such as have good health, who are accustomed to labor and are doin nothing here, or are laying up nothing, I say by all means go to California. Thelabori nor man will sim.

ceed best in California. I would not recommend that wooden frames for dwelling houses be shipped to California to be put up in San Francisco. The whole town is built of wood, and when the houses are compact, as they will be very soon, all would almost inevitably be consumed if one should take fire during the prevalence of the strong northwest winds mai occur aunng summer, linck houses ought to be burlt. There is a great abundance of good clay within two miles of San Francisco, and lime is easily procured. The only difficulty in building brick houses is the great scarcity of labor.

I would not recommend any extra amount of cloth ing to be taken to San Francisco by the emigrant, as u. van uo uau mere as cneap as tne cost here with the freight added. Don't go to any unnecessary expense for clothing. There is plenty of provisions at San Francisco beef and flour in abundance. The flour comes from Chili and Oregon.

Provisions are high at the mines, but only in consequence of the difficulty and expense of transDortation. Fa well to go to California. The soil is so well adapted to Agriculture that a great deal of money might be made by farming on an extensive scale. A friend of mine at San Raphael, on the bay of San Francisco raises green peas, and has them every month in the carall raised in the open air. Grapes are also raised in great abundance, from which excellent wine is made, and fully equal to the best Port Wine Houses could not be obtained at San Francisco when loA Tl.

i house was overflowing, as there are but few hn 1 San Francisco, perhaps not over two hnn" a. nity, and those very small. There are no San Francisco. A good school, with a teaoK language, WOUld he patronized, and e-et scholars from c.uw. ee the whole Pacific coast.

To those who settle in California, without reference to th to I citement, I would simply say, that the country aJn' every inducement to such settlers. In Montere other towns than San Francisco, there would difficulty in obtaining houses at a reasonable a rent of from one hundred dollars- to two and fifty dollars a year." ndre This is the Territory, we beg the people to member, which Mr. Webster pronounced to be terly valueless, and which Mr. Badger, of this Stat voted in secret session of the Senate' to give back Mexico! But for the energy and wisdom of Mr. PniL t.

with its fertile soil, its noble harbors, and its Unto millions of the precious metals, would still hare bee the property of Mexico; but thanks to the spirit progress, and no thanks to Whigism, all these adva tages have been secured, not merely to this aenerj. tion, we trust, but to all posterity. PLANK ROADS. We find in the last Detroit Free Press, a verv i terestmg letter from Mr. T.

S. Faxton, of Utica orK, in reiauon xo nank Koads. We make tU I following extracts "Utica Janaary 22, i8w I a iiere are luur pian roaa leading trom this city all of which, I feel justified in saying, meet the expec-tations of those who projected, carried forward and furnished funds to build them. As to cost, this depends very much on the price of lumber, right of way, grading, and filling up vallies, and many other things occurring under varied circumstances. Lumber at about $5 per thousand, and laying down on an old road, and open ditches, good sluices to cant off the water, and contingent expenses all embrace will give you a plank road for from thirteen to sixteen hundred dollars per mile, including toll houses, Should you attempt to do much grading, it will increase the expense, of which you can judtre by ihe amount to oe uone and cost of doing that part.

By building roads on new soil the cost is very much I creased. It is best in all cases, where practicable, to keep on the hue of old road. Our roads are built with hemlock plnnk, 8 long, 4 inches thick, laid on stringers 4, 4, the atriii ers laid in such a manner as to have the plank laid I on them, and at the same time flat on the ground, No pinning or spiking is necessary; but let thppsrfi, I be flush with the top of the plank at the ends, and the plank laid firm on the earth. The stringeise not to be depended on for anything, more than to I steady the plank. We have generally laid the plank on one side of I the centre of the road, and sometimes on tlie riVht I ana sometimes on ine leu nana siae, calculating to; the loaded teams to have the use of the planked part, the other part should be flush with the top of the plank, and made smoothly, and all small round stones thrown off.

This will induce many lierht teams to travel qn it, and thereby save the plank. We calculate our roads to last from five to seven years, when probably the piank will require to be renewed. 1 They are a kind of road every body seems to be I pleased with, and enable men to do business at all times of the year, being just as good one day as an- other. And if a man wants to go to market he has only to decide in his mind as to the weather, the rwik being: always ffood in short, they are the farmer's railroad, and very democratic, all being allowed to -use them by paying for it. consider every farm, through which a plank mi asses, increased in value jive dollars per acre, at east.

And since commencing this letter two verr respectable and intelligent farmers came into my of fice, and 1 asked them this question, and they readily acknowledge my position correct, and said that many farms are increased in value beyond my estimate. Plank roads have a tendency to equalize business very much in our city, and our businass men, merchants, mechanics, and all classes, fully agree as to their value and importance to their business. My own opinion is fully confirmed, having been long an advocate for them, and the wonder now seems to be, that we should not have discovered their value before." If Plank Roads succeed so well at the North, are they not bound to go ahead here, where we have water-power for sawing and timber in the greatest abundance! Mr. Faxton and this is the uniform i experience on the subject states that every farm .1 w. inrougn wnicn a nacK Koad passes is increased in value Jhce dollars per acre, at least." This is one of the first results but then the benefits of such works are gradually but surely diffused, until the whole community, bordering on these thoroughfares and at both extremities, feels them in quickened trade and remunerating prices.

44 A little leaven leaveos the whole lump." We are gratified to learn that the Fayetteville and Salisbury Planks Road will certainly be built. this laudable work these two Towns are not only laying firmly and surely the foundations of their own prosperity, but every section within the compass of their trading operations will be benefitted and improved. "OLD RUF-AND-REDY." The Whig papers arc publishing the following thrilling lines, as the effusion of some Democrat over the defeat of Gen. Cass 44 No more old Ruf-and-Redy in the field, No more Santaner Mexican maid to yield, The hour is past, The deed is done The Equinoction have crossed the sun, The sword is still the battle is done, And Cass can't set in Washington." The Whigs are mistaken. The above was per petrated by a Whig, by way of glorification om old Zach's election.

Gen. Taylor ought to "chase him down with one of those Florida blood-hounds, and make him "Poet Laureate to the Administration. We learn that the Hon. Alfred Dockery has taken the stump in the District now represented by Mr. Barringer, who declines a re-election to Congress.

Fayelteville Carolinian. Whether any one will have the boldness to oppose a gentleman of his 44 great firmness of purpose and strength of intellect," remains to be seen; but rumor has it that Walter L. Steele, will also be candidate. Mr. Barringer, it is supposed, will i abroad on some foreign mission.

If 44 Old Zack intends to appoint Whigs to office, (and 44 nolhin' he will hardly find a cleverer one than Daniel M. Rarringer. California and Minesota. The Washington Union of Friday last says: 44 Yesterday the House of Representatives ordered the bill to establish a territorial government for the Territory of Minesota to be engrossed, with an amendment providing that the act shall not go into effect until after the 10th proximo, (designed to prevent the present administration from filling the offices created under the bill and also passed the bill extending the revenue laws of the United States over the territory and waters of California." We have received the first number of the "Rail Road Gazette and American Tourist," published in New York by Mr. S.

Horn. This paper is devoted to the subject of Railroading, and contains maps of all the important routes in the country, together wiih valuable statistical information. Address S. Hor" New York City, Editor of the Rail. Road Gazette.

The Salmon P. Chase, a Free Soiler, has been elected to the United States' Senate from Ohio-.