Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1848-12-23

while Inc etDO8ITaSStusuI VI COmmetCtdt
intercourse must have been constant and
unavoidable.
Had Texas fallen into their hands. or
under the influence and control Of strong
maritime or military foreign power, a. she
nigh. have done. these dangers would
have been still greater. They have been
avoided by her voluntary and peaceful an
nexa.ion 10. The United States. Texas,
FROM her position, wa. ana,oral and most
indispensable part Of our territory. For
tunately. she has been restored to our
country, and now constitutes one Of the
States Of our confederacy. upon an equal
footing with the original Sla.es. The sa-
lubri,y Of the climate and fertility Of the
soil. peculiarly adapted to the production
OF some of our most valuable staple COM
modities, and her commercial advantages,
mus. make her soon one of our most pop
ulous States
New Mexico. though situated in the in
terror, and without sea coast, is known
TO contain much fertile land, and 10 abound
in rich mines Of The precious metals, and
to be capable Of maintaining large Popu-
Ialion. From its position, i, is The inter-
mediate and connecting territory between
our settlements and our possessions in
Texas and those on the Pacific coast.
Upper California Irrespective Of the
vast mineral wealth recently developed
there, holds a. this day. in point of value
and importance TO the res. Of the Union.
the same relation that Louisiana did when
tina. fine territory was acquired from
Frame 40 years ago. Extending nearly
loo of latitude along the Pacific. and EN-
bracing the only safe and connections
harbor on that coast. for many hundred
miles. with a temperate climate and ex'en-
slve interior of fertile lands, it is scarcely
possible TO estimate its value until it shall
be brought under, 1.-The government OF our
laws. and its resources fully Developed
From lis position, il must command the
rich commerce Of China, Of Asia. OF The
Islands Of the Pacific, of Western Mexico,
of Central Amerca, the South American
States, and Of the Russian possessions
bordering on that ocean. A grea! empo-
rum will, doubtless, speedily arise on the
California coast, which may be destined
10 rival in importance New Orleans itself.
The depo. of the vast commerce which
must exist on the Pacific, will be at some
point on The Bay Of San Francisco. and
will occupy the same relation 10 the whole
western coas. of ,ha, ocean as New Or
leans does to the Valley of the Mississippi
pi and The Gulfof Mexico. TO this depo,
our numerous whale ships will resort with
their cargoes. 10 trade. reft. and obtain
supplies. This trade will largely conlr-
buie TO build up "A city which will soon be-
come centre of g'ea, and rapidly M
creasing commerce. Situated on safe
harbor, sufficiently capacious for all the
pavies. as well as the marines OF The world,
and convenient TO excellent timber, for
ship building. owned by the United States
i, mus. become our grea. western depot.
II was known that mines OF The pre-
| cious metals existed 10 considerable ex-
| tent in California at the time OF It's occu-
patton. Recon, discoveries render il prob
| able, that these mines are more extensive
and valuable than was anticipated. he
accounts Of The abundance OF gold IN !ha,
territory are Of such an extraordinary
character IA would scarcely command be.
lief were they no corroboraied by the an-
hentic report of officers Of the public service who
have visited the mineral districts and derived The
facts which they detail from personal observation.
Reluctant to credit reports in general circulation
as to the quantity OF gold. the officer commanding
our forces in California visited the mineral district
in july last for the purpose OF obtaining accurate
information on the subject. His report to the War
| Department Of the result Of his examination, ana
the facts obtained on the spot herewith laid be-
fore Congress- When he visited the country there
were about 4. 600 persons engaged in collecting gold
There is every reason ~ believe that the number
has since been augmented The explorations al
ready made warran, the belief that the supply Is
very large and that gold is found In various points
| in an extensive district Of country.
| Information received from officers and other
sources though not so full and minute. conhrm me
account Of the commander Of our military force IN
California II appears also. from these reports that
mines of quicksilver found in the vicinity OF the
gold region. One of them is now being worked,
and is believed to be one of the most productive IN
| the world.
The effects produced by the discovery OF
these rich mineral deposits. and success which
has attended The labors Of those who have re
sorted TO them. have produced surprising
change in The state Of affairs in Calfornla.-
Labor commands most exorbiant price and
all other pursuits bn. that Of searchte he
precious metals. are abandoned. Nearly the
whole male population of tho country have
gone 10 the gold district, Ships arriving on
the coas, are deserted by their crews; and voy
ages suspened for the waut Of sailors. O"r.
commanding officer there en'ertains aPprehen'
sions tina, soldiers canno, he. Kept in the ser