Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1847-04-10
From HE Madisoa Democrat.
California.

named from two Spanish words, signi-
fyi1g "a heated oven.' This appella-
tionawas gigen them hy the FIRST Euro.
psan discoverer, not, rs might at frs
he supposed, on account Of the heat Of
the climate, but because Of singular
custom which was observed to prevail
among the a borigines. They had q
habit, which still exists in the interior,
OF constructing huts OF branches and
oslers closely woven, into which they
introduce stones previously heated by
fire. Into these huts, thus warmed,
they would retire, and carefully closing
the entrance the heat would soon pro-
dace violent perspiration. These
"sweat baths," as DIR. Thompson. or
the Hydropathists would call them,
were esteemed by the natives as high
iy conducive to health and comfort.
California is remarkable for possess
ing the finest harhor on the Pacific
coast of America. The harbor of S.
Francisco has been the subject Of admi-
ration 10 travellers OF all nations since
its discovery. Vancouver is eloquent
in its praise and declares it to be capa-
bic Of sheltering with perfect safety
the united navies of the whole world.
Similar tributes are paid to its excel
lence and beauty BY Captain BECKY OF
the British navy. in his interesting
narrative, and in our own days by our
eminent fellow-countrymen, Captain
Wilkes and Lieutenant (now Govern
on Fremont.
This harbor has long been favoritc
resort of Russian, English and Ameri-
can vessels, navigating the Pacific, and
requiring repairs or supplies. An a.
bnndant market is thus afforded for the
wheat raised in the vicinity, which
generally commands the price of Sl,2 $
per bushel. The writer has been in
formed by Mr.. Il. j. Farnhan,, gen.
tleman who has travelled much in Cal
ifornia, who has written a work IN ref
erence to it, and who now resides there,
that wheat can be raised in great aUun-
dance with very little trouble, and that
it has often been sold, Of his knowl-
edge, TO vessels, as high as two dollars
per bushel.
The Russians have few establish
ments and trading houses on islands
along the coast of California north Of
San Francisco. One Of these cstab-
lishmcnts was recently purchased by
Captain Suffer, Swedish gentleman
OF fortune, who removed the guns and
other instruments Of defence TO n for
tilted residence which he has erected
in the valley Of the Sacramento, Ill
tie TO the north east of San Francisco
and in the most beautiful and produce
tive portion Of California.
The Mexican government have been
in the habit OF giving considerable
tracts of land in California to actual
settlers who would make improve
ments. What system will be adopted
by our government under the new or
der Of things, remains to be seen.
Heretofore, California has been rs
nearly without government as il is
possible for a civilized State 10 be-
Mexico has nominally provided these
provinces with Governor and troops.
But the Governor has been almost
without power, and the troops receiv-
ing no regular pay. have soon lost all
discipline and have acted as seemed
best in their own eyes. Then would
follow a revolution. generally blood
lcss-aud n new Governor and new
troops would be sent from the parent
shortly to re-enact the
sane scenes Of disorder. What little
has been vested any where,
seems 10 have been confined 10 the
Roman Catholic priests; who are scat
tered over the country in missions, or
Establishments originally intended for
Tie conversion of The Indians TO Chris
Iianity, but which have generally scrv-
cd very different and less laudablc pur-
poses.
These missions consist Of comfort
lble house for the Padre, or Priest, a
mall Chapel, supplied with the usual
decorations and implements Of the
Catholic faith, and number Of huts for
he accommodation Of the Ncophytes
Dr. converted Indians. An acquain-
ancc with the ceremonies Of the
Church and due observance Of genu-
ieclions and the sign Of the Gross, arc
~ the requisites to make christian
zed Indian.
IN return for the incslimsble benefit
which they have thus received, these