Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-12-27

other sources, though not SO full and mi
mute, confirm the account Of the command
er of our military force in California. 1t
appears, also, from these reports, that
mines of quicksilver are found in the vi
cinity 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 the
success which. has attended the labors of
those who have resorted to them, have
produced surprising change in the
state Of affairs in California. Labor COM
mands most exorbi.ant price and all
other pursuits But that Of searching FOR
fthe precious metals, are Abandoned
Nearly the whole male population Of the
country have gone to the gold district.
Ships arriving on the coast are deserted
by their crews, and their voyages sus-
pended for want of sailors. Our COM
handing officer there entertains appre-
tensions thaf soldiers cannot be kept in
the public service without large increase
of pay. Desertions in his command have
become frequent, and he recommends that
those who shall Withstand the strong
temptation and remain faithful, shall be
rewarded
This abundance of gold, and the all en-
crossing pursuit Of it, has already caused
In California an unprecedented rise in the
necessaries Of life.
That we may the more speedily and
fully avail ourselves of the undeyeloped
wealth Of these mines, it IS deemed of
vast importance, that branch of the mint
of the United States, be authorized TO be
established during the present season, in
California. Among other signal advan-
tages which would result from such an
establishment, would be the raising the
gold to its par value in that territory
A branch mint Of the United States at
that great commercial depot Of the west
coast, would convert into our coin, not
only the gold derived from our rich mines,
but also the bullion and specie which our
commerce may bring from the whole west
coast, Central and South America. The
west coast of America, and the adjacent
interior, embrace the best mines of New
Mexico, New Grenada, Central America,
Chill and Peru.
The bullion and specie drawn from
these countries, and especially from those
of New Mexico and Peru, to an amount
in value of many millions of dollars are
now annually diverted, and carried by
the ships OF Great Britain to her own
ports, 10 be received or used by her to
sustain her National Banks, and thus con-
tribute 10 increase her ability to command
SO much of the commerce of the world.
If branch mint be established at the
great commercial point OF that coast,
vast amount Of bullion and specie woul
flow thither, to be recoined and pass
thence to New Orleans and New York,
and ether Atlantic cities. The amount of
our constitutional currency at home would
he greatly increased, while ITS circulation
would be promoted. 1t is well known to
our merchants trading TO China and the
west coast Of America, that great incon-
venlence and loss are experienced from
the fact, that our coins are not current al
their par value i'll those countries.
The powers of Europe, removed from
the west coast of America by the Attain
tic ocean, which intervenes, and by the
tedious and dangerous navigation around
the cape Of the continent of America can
never successfully compete with tie Uni
ted States in the rich and extensive CON-
merce which is opened to us, at so much
less cost, by the acquisition of California.
The vast Importance and commercial
advantages Of California has heretofore re-
manned undeveloped by the government,
OF the country OF which it constituted
part. Now that this fire province is
part OF our country, all Of the States of
the Union, some mere Immediately and
directly than others, are deeply interested
in the speedy develop ement Of its " eal,h
and resources. No section Of our coun-
try is more interested, or will be more
benefited than the commercial, navigation
al and manufacturing interests of the East
ern States. Our planting and farming
interests, in every part OF the Union, will
be greatly benefited by it. AS our COM
merce and navigation are enlarged and
extended our exports Of agricultural pre-
ducts, and our manufactures, will be in
creased, and in the new markets thus
opened they cannot fail 10 command remu-
neration and profitable price.
The acquisition of California and New
Mexico; the settlement OF the Oregon
boundary, and the annexation of Texas,
extending TO tie Rio Grande, are results
which, combined, are OF greater conse-
quence, and will add n,ole 10 the strength
and wealth Of tie natl, tlan any which
have prscedeu Mem since the adoption Of
the constitution.
But to effect these results, rot only
California but New Mexico must b.
brought under TIE eont-ol oi regular or
gained governments. Tie existing con-
dition o. California, and Of that part OF
New Mexico lying west OF III. Rio
Gran5e and without TIE liui's of Texas,
inpe:iously demand that Congress should,
at It's preser. session, organize territorial
governments over Them.
Upon The exchange, Of the ratification
of the treaty Of peace with Mexico, Oh
the thirtleth of May, the temporary gov