The Sun.
London, England, 1853-04-02 00:00:00

STATE CF CALIFORNIA.

The following is from a correspondent of the Times,
dated

SAN FRANCISCO, FEB. 15.

In no country is the weather watched with more
anxiety than in California ; and while one class of
miners, whose hopes are concentrated on the "dry dig-
gigs," are devoutly wishing for rain, in order to be able
to wash the earth which they have been accumulating
during the summer season, another class, whose labonrs
are confined to the banks of the river, view with
very different feelings the fall of the barometer.
The merchants who confide their goods to the
traders for sale in the interior are likewise equally
interested in the state of the weather, and all
parties eagerly consult the " old inhabitants," who have
perhaps been residing three or four years in the country
—whether the symptoms are indicative of a wet or dry
season. I have now resided upwards of three years in
this country, and judging from my own experience dur-
ing that period, I can put but little faith in precedents,
for there has been no resemblance whatever in the sea-
sons. During the winter of 1849, it rained incessantly,
the next year the communication with the mines was
scarcely interrupted at all, and this year we had inces-
sant heavy rains until the 15th of January, since which
time we have had continued sunshine.

In consequence of the severity of the early part of this
season, the principal inland towns were inundated, all
the roads became impassable, and the only communica-
tion that could be kept up between certain places was
by means of small steamers over plains which, in ordi-
nary times, were perfectly dry, but which had become
like one vast lake. The waters have subsided so rapidly,
that some of these steamers have grounded ; and a few
days ago I heard the owner of one of these boats vainly
offering 1,000 dollars if we could only have a few days
rain such as we had before experienced for weeks to-
gether, in order to be able to set her afloat again.
Now matters have again assumed their usual course,
and the communication with all parts of the interior is
fairly re-established. The city of Sacramento is no longer
in danger of being washed away. Mining villages, where
the people were reported to be suffering from a scarcity
of food, are easily supplied with the necessaries of life,
and miners are enabled to resume their labours, and are,
judging from all accounts, as successful as they have
b aen at any former period. Gold dust, which a month
ago was a scarce article in San Francisco, is now
abundant, and large amounts are being brought in
from the different mining districts. The last semi-
monthly shipment amounted to $2,800,000, and fully
as much is expected to go forward by this steamer.
Had it not been for the discovery of the gold in Australia,
such large shipments would have caused considerable
surprise in England, but, from the accounts we occasion-
ally receive from that part of the world, it appears likely
enough that the mineral wealth of California will
dwindle into insignificance when compared with her
rival. There is one fact in connection with the gold of
these two countries which is worthy of remark—viz.,
that the gold of Australia is about 6 per cent. finer than
the average quality of the placer gold in this country,
the gold extracted from the quartz being of a still lower
standard.

This city is improving rapidly, and the wooden shan-
ties are fast disappearing and being replaced by very
substantial brick buildings, which are constructed as
fireproof as the scarcity and dearness of the necessary
materials will permit. The principal business part of
the town is built out in the bay. Where the depth of
the water allowed, the lots have been filled in with sand
and earth from the surrounding hills, but many houses
are constructed upon piles, which is a less expensive and
more expedious mode of improvinc, them. At present
the question is being agitated of extending the city
front 600 feet further into the bay, and, although it has

been proved beyond a doubt, by all practical men,
that this projected extension of the city would utterly
destroy the harbour, and render it dangerous for the
anchorage of large vessels, from the fact of their having
to lie out in. the stream unprotected from the winds and
currents, yet, the right of possession to all these lots
being already claimed by certain individuals, it is ex-
pected that the State Legislature will sanction this mea-
sure. The public papers are untiring in their endeavours,
and use every possible argument to render this project
abortive, but, where the private interests of the hon.
senators are at stake, the public good is bound to suffer,
and the " will of the people," as the corrupt doings of a
few political idlers are styled, must be carried out.
It is not my desire to enter into a criticism pf the form
of government under which we are suffering, neither
could any language of mine convey to you ;tll accurate
idea of the state of corruption existing among all classes
of the state and civil authorities ; but it is really difficult
for a foreigner to realise. how a free people can submit
quietly and with scarcely a remonstrance to all the
outrages that are practised upon the public. You talk
in England a good deal of the despotism of one man, but
I think even that is preferable to the tyranny of the
multitude.

At the commencement of the month business was very
active, and large transactions were made, chiefly, how-
ever, in provisions, for which there was a great specula-
tive demand. During the last ten days the market has
been dull, and many descriptions of merchandise quite
neglected.
Flour. —ln consequence of large arrivals, and of the
speculative feeling not being maintained, flour has fallen
to $l4 per barrel for best American, and $l3 to $134
for best Chili in sacks.

Barley abundant, at 34c. to 31c. per lb.
Beer--The quantity on the way from England is
known to be insufficient for the consumption of the
coming season, and purchases to a large extent have
been made to arrive of bottled ale and porter of known
brands at prices ranging from $3 to $3l per dozen.
English bulk ale is in good demand. Porter and strong
ale are selling at $45 to $46 per hogshead of 60 gallons.
Pale ale in bulk meets with no inquiry.
Coal—The steam-packet companies being well sup-
plied, and not purchasing, the article is dull. Welch,
$25 to $26 per ton. Anthracite declining, and in some
instances abandoned for freight and charges—price $l4.
Iron—Trade dull on account of the season, with a large
stock on hand and prices nominal. Only best brands
ought to be sent to this country, and particular attention
paid to the careful stowage on. board, as rust depreciates
the value considerably, and renders it very difficult of
sale in this country, where labour is so high.
Dry Goods—Generally dull. The stock of blankets is
large, with further importations shortly expected. It is
thought, however, that the advance in prices in the
eastern States will prevent a further decline, and ulti-
mately produce a reaction in this market.

Exchange.—On London, 474 to 1, 60 days, for first
class bankers' bills. New York, 3 per cent. premium,
sight. Paris, 4. 90 to 95, 60 days' sight. Gold dust,
$l7 50c. per ounce clean.
Her Majesty's ship Thetis arrived here on the 2d inst.
from Vancouver's Island, and sailed again on the sth.