Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-05-12
From the Memphis (Tenn.) Eagle.
-.- Won CALIFORNIA.

Among many other advantages which must re-
suit to the Republic from the acquisition of our
new territory the Pacific. will be that of bound
ing and limiting the wandering propensity, which
is growing TO be n Characteristic of our people,
Ever since our race has occupied this great con-
unent. there has been constant tendency west
ward, our people hardly remaining long enough
in one place 10 make themselves comfortable be.
fore the attractions OF some distant. and therefore
more enchanting region, induces ihem to pull up
their stakes. and move thither. " No one is con-
tent with his lot,' sung the old Roman poet. with
as much truth as poetry. The imagination is
ever rushing forward 10 sone spot more pleasant
than THAI which is present to the senses
..'Ts distance lends enehantment to the visw,
And rooes the mountain in its azure hue" rr
This nomadc tendency of our people has continu-
ed greatly TO retard, not only the development of
our national resources, but al lso to weaken those
local. domestic, and social ties which are the true
sources OF the nobest virtues and the rea strength
OF nation. Our people haYe thus become more
enterPrisng than persevering. more adventurous
than steady, more impatient and ardent than con-
stant and determined
In lbe midst of the most prosperous industry.
their minds are continually agtated with ambi.
tious yearnipgs for larger and more avaiIa bic
fields for their talents, skill, and enterprise. They
W i'll not '' let well enough alone - nor remember
the homely proverb, I" a rolling stone gathers no
moss" This ha bit not only weakens the steady
virtues and Introduces reckless spirit of adven-
ture among our people, but it affords 20 the emi.
grants from the old nations of Europe advantages
which very soon put them ahead of many of our
native citizens. The emigrant comes here with a
view of locating himself in the first available
place. Accustomed 10 the hare life, the meagre
resources. and the close labor of the old nations
he soon finds that almost any locality of our pros
porous country, offers advantages which are en-
J taely new 10 him. Thus he settles down content
| edy. and grows rich and comfortable in place
which some enterprising American has abandon.
ed. But this pecuiariiv Of our people is attribu.
table, more TO the bounty of nature, than 10 any
| natural tendency of race. As long as this
/ continent was of boundless extent and wealth. il
was vain TO hope 10 afix limits 10 the ambition
enierprze, and love of change, of our people.
But now We have arrived at our Ultima thule
L he great Pacific shuts in the ambition of ouI
people, and tells them. thus far 90 shall We 60, anc
i no farther" Thher they will rush and are now
! rushing IN crowds, but ii will be 10 locate perma
/ neHtIy, or after soIourning for time, to returr
! 10 their old homes, and cease for ever their wan
4 derngs. California will be the ne plus ultra o
our possessions, our empire will be rounded of
rendered complete, terss et rouniuS, and cur peo
pie will settle down. like prod gals who have grt wi
tired of adventures, excitement. and change Tn
homely and perseverng virtues, industry, the iov,
of home, and all the kindly affections. via b.
more warmly cherished and cultivated. Nus
/ then, may the acquisition of California be viewet
as an event calculated 10 work happy change il
the social and moral character of our people.