The North-Carolina standard., 1846-03-11
From the New Orleans Commercial Times
CALIFORNIA. -,


This counlrY-is now attracting the partlcula
attention of our ciliZens> Ii is the most pieasan
part of The Pacific coast, and offers inducements
for settlement so much greater than the mouth o
the Columbia river, in Oregon, that the proprlety
of purchasing it from the Mexican. govcrnmcn
has Justly been made matter of inquiry. What
ever NAV be the result of such q negotiation, il
mast in the nature of things, be settled by Ameri
can citizens, and from its great distance lom the
capital of Mexico, if not attached TO the United
States it will become an independent government.
The whole of California is comparatively un-
settled. Its inhabitants are Indians, Creo!cs, and
foreigners; amounting, perhaps to twenty-five
thousand souls The delegated rulers ofthe coun-
try act without fixed principles, or any thing like
civil poltv; the appointed officers live at head
quarters and do little else than exact labor from
the poor Indians for their personal benefit Mon
terey, town that is built on the bay Of that
name one ofthe largest on the coast, was taken
two or three years ago, by Commodore Jones
without a blow, and we believe when he gave
up the fort, finding that war had not been decar-
ed by this country against Mexico those inhab-
tants who knew how to appreciate good order and
a we'll regulated government, pettoned him to
:etain the place. The white inhabitants of Cali
fornia are principally descendants of the early
settlers from old Spain; they arc represented as
ignorant, id.e and disspated Formerly they
were more enlightened, but they have sadly de-
nerated in manners and morals, since the rcvolu-
ton which made Mexico independent Of the moth
er country. . ...: .... . '..
The climate Of California is varied the winter
is mild and the summer heat on the coast, is tenn
pered by the open sea breeze. 1t is country
we'll adapted to either farming or cattle raising;
the latter prevails such extent, that the prin
cipal exports Of the country hides, tallow, etc.
In facilities for farming, however, it's tho most
remarkable, producing in abundance wheat, corn
and vegetables. Fruits ofall kinds, both OF the
tropical and temperate lalitrdcs found in pro-
fusion. The rivers swarm with fish; salmon,
ofthe most excellent quality, are found in great
numbers. The forests are well tImbrrcd The
salubriLy of the climate is equal TO that of any !
part of the world There arc several good bays |
in North California, that must eventually become
important as the resources Of the country are de-
veloped. 1t needs only an enterprising popula-
ton on her continent. Presenting such facilities
and inducements for settling, it is easily imagined
that emigrants in Oregon will wcnd their way
from the, Columbia, and establish themselves upon
the inviting lands of Upper California. The
whole coast will present the appearance of high
cultivation, with positions the most romantic, and
in every quality of soil, and climate, unsurpassed
1t is matter of greater importance to Mexico TO
dispose of this pari of its extensive territory at
good price, than to have it taken away from her
BY the hardy population that is destined to occupy
it within the next twenty years; a population
Injured to labor, and competent under all circum-
stances to take care OF themselves. II is said the
Mormons intend to establish themselves in this
country. If they go in any great numbers, as it
IS stated they WILL they can become masters OF
and hold it against any force that
could be sent against them by the distracted gov
'rnmcnt of Mexico. We look upon California ,
IS deserving the greatest attention from the Uni I
ed States, because we feel assured that if Great
Britain consent to amicabIe arrangement of q
BUR Oregon disputes she will endeavor to get that
country into her possession and its fine climate, d
is rich coast and splendid harbor of ST. Francis
o. could be made at little expense invaluable to
lcr commerce with the East and assure her the 4
supremacy in the Pacific Now is the time for h
'uE, government to act in the matter to secure c
either for our own country, or make h
an ultimatnm, that it shall not pass into the Z
lands of any foreign power. h