The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-31
HoUsroN, (Texas,) Dec. 3,

HOUSTON, (IexaS,) Dec. 5, lS4S.
Iscde of Houston-Hotels-7he Cotton Crop--Po-
psaation--Prices of Provisions Murder, &c.
This is the business season, and will so CONT
nue. during the month Of January. The prospects
Of this place have been checked somewhat by the
epidemic which ragged the past summer; 1t com.
menced very early, and continued its ravages until
mitgated by cool weather. Notwithstanding the
disease yielded readily to proper medical treat.
ment, great mortality prevailed, particularly among
the Dutch population. BY the Assessors and Collec-
tors reports, last year, Houston contained upwards
Of 200 inhabltants; out ofthis number at least
fourth have been sick, and as near as may be est-
mated, 200 have died. There s no Disgusting the
fact, that distressing maady has prevailed. The
origin is yet matter of dispute among the "sa-
vans" Some think 1t was brought by two SOL
diers from Vera Cruz majority are of opinion that
| 1t orig mated here. The bayou immediately In
front OF the CITY, is filled with logs to supply saw
Gs ttefy iis Or Nary Many is ktsnen rs paid 10
cleanliness The streets, yards, &c are most filthy
These local causes were, no doubt, OF themselves
sufficient to disease, and 1t imported they
certainly encouraged 1t. Property IN consequence
has deprecated In value; several families and store
keepers prep arIDg to leave, TO seek residence
in what they consider more healthy region
Since annexation, this place has improved; only
one blick store existed at that time. Since then
tive nty. three have been erected, large and commo-
deus. with many convenient and handsome prl-
vate residences. The amount OF goods sold last
year probably amounted to $l,5OO,OOO; this year
Gales will not be as great In anticipation of large
crop of cotton last year, merchants bought very
heavy stocks OF goods; but the low price of cot
top in connection with the failure of the crop the
preceding year, impoverished the planters, pre-
| venting them and the country storekeepers from
paying up old accounts, and reduced their means
| The consequence has been that most of the Hous-
nnfs hoya hnnn nII,I ,aL. 1.l
| gence of their creditors at New York and Boston
| Had we bank here, and their notes been made
| payable at IT, many Of the heaviest merchants
would have suffered much In credit, for they could
not have met their engage ments; as 1t Is, don't
| know how 1t affects them; but after the coming
| spring, nous rerCns.
The cotton crop this year is large-nearly equal
TO the past season; prices are rulnously low. and
several local causes operate to the injury of this
| city. The merchants are very industrious, and
attentive to their particular BUSINESS; but as yet
| have done little nothing to preserve their
| trade from finding another channel. Nothing
has been done to improve the roads from the Int.
ror, and at the rainy season, which is usually the
business season, they become almost impossible.
| As soon as the navigation of the rivers Brazos,
Trinity, Nc, is improved, most of the trade will
naturally find its way to Galveston The people OF
the latter city are intelligent and enterprsing
out, from causes beyond their control, Houston Is,
al present, In the ascendant.
| We have SIX chur ches--a Catholic Episcopal.
Baptist, Presbyterian, and two Methodlst--all
well attended no court house, jail hospital. or
public school several hotels, the most conspicu.
Gus of which ale the Houston House and the Old
| Capitol. The former named after Gen. Houston,
has been for SEINE time the leading house It is
situated in the business part OF the town. and kept
| by Wilson and Fulton. The Old Capitol, an ed
flee. erected for and occupied by Congress, stu.
ated few squares above, and is by far most plea
sanity located and when under the care OF the
owner was well and neatly kept. It has been
taken by Brewster and Kelem, late of the
| Houston.
There are so many religious societies and sane
tilted folks that amusemens Of all kinds are dis-
courage d., and out of favor II is difficult to get
rid of spare dollar-if one has it-uness it be to
spend 1t at tea party or fair, to raise money for
| church purposes.
Rents and living are high, and many OF the luxu-
ries OF life not to be had. Beef is the only cheap
ariicle-sells in market from 2 to 4 cents per h.
Other meats high pork lOc: veal Toe Irish
potatoes 50 to IS per barrel Vegetables scarce
and high. Wood 81 per cord. Mix 10c per
quart. Butter % to 40 cents. House rent, from
$40 TO $50 per month. Store rents do small
| house, with two rooms and a Kitchen rents Tor $l5
| per month. Servants wages $40 to Sl2 for women
| $I5 TO $50 for men.
The county court is now IN session, but its pro-
ceediDgs are without general interest; several
| divorce cases, assaults and batteries, &c. A man
by the name of David Allen, an old Texan and one
OF the Mier Prisoners who, for several years. has
been great rowdy, even IN these parts shot Will
liam Jones, an lrishman, few days since, IN
bar-TOOm. Allen had been In the habit OF taking
from the different drinking and eating houses that
he was accustomed to visit, whatever he wanted
without paying; If refused, he would draw pistol
upon the proprietor, and help himself to THAT he
wanted Knowing the desperate character OF The
man, this had been tor some time submitted to- On
the occasion referred to, he was refused liquor at
the bar, and, as was his custom, presented pistol
and threatened to shoot the bar keeper. Jones
being friendly to Allen, and magist ate, endea-
vortd to paclty HIM, when poor Jones received a
ball IN his heart, and died Instantly. Court being
wiltul murder against Allen His trial was fixed
tor last monday, but he managed to swear 1t off
till next term. In the meantime, for want Of a
prison, the sheriff, very kind hearted and humane
Davis, convicted for an aggravated assault and
battery, and sentenced to three months imprison-
ment, in his own chamber at the Old Capitol, FEAST
ing on the beet the house Affords comfortable