The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-04-14


course the report is an exaggsration
for should that number Of people star
they would require at least 100 900 an
imals 10 take them over the mountain
and it would be impossible to subsis
more than one third part Of that nun
Der on the route usually travelled.
have conversed with many who hav
crossed the desert, and they all concu
in this opinion. On large portion Q
the road. vegetation is only found il
small, isolated patches, and the lmile'
emigrations Of former years have con
sumed the verdure even to the las
blade Of grass. If this is the cas-
when there are but 5000 or 5000 ami
mails, what are we to expect when 100,
600 or even $4,000 start on the route
Many horses, mules and oxen are an
nually abandoned on the journey, sc
reduced by hunger as to be unable tc
proceed. What, then, must be the
consequence, when such vast herds o
animals are started upon the same road
The loss OF their animals would cause
thousands to be shut up in the noun
tains amidst the SHOWS OF winter, and
we should have the scenes Of starva
ton and cannibaism, which occurred
two years since, repeated on more
extended and terrible scale. believe
this is not mere speculation; and should
the emigrants take the best possible
precautions for their safety and that Of
their animals, such number Of people
could not reach here by that road in a
year. Those who come late in the seq.
son might take the Santa Fe track, and
enter the country by the Gala river in
the winter or fall, the only period in the
year when that route is practicable for
large parties having many animals 10
their train. 1t is said that large emf
grations will take place from Now
Mexico and some Of the Mexican States
in that quarter; and it would no. be
safe to rely too confidently upon the
resources Of that route. We now have
news Of an emigration from New Mex.
leo being on the road, and Of more
than two thousand people from Sonora
now coming in. believe the steamers
via Panama will afford more certain,
expeditions, and comfortable way Of
reaching California than any other
and for emigrants in the eastern, mid
die, and southern States, it will proba.
oily be the cheapest. Where families
are coming with the intention of re-.
in the country, believe the
voyage round Cape Horn is preferable
in all respects to journey across the
mountains. 1t is cheaper, safer, and
more comfortable, and quite as exped.
'ious, generally speaking. as that over
he mountains and for emigrants leav.
ing the eastern and middle States, far
preferable TO any rout except that
across the isthmus at Panama, by the !
lew line ofsteamers.
The trade OF the country is rapidly
Increasing in consequence Of the mines
Ind the great influx of population. For
several months past the average amount
VI duties collected at this port, exclu.
i've Of the expenditure at the custom
rouse, has been rising $4,000, and it
S thought that i. will exceed S5o,Ooo
ne present month. 1t will be safe,
hink, to put the revenue of California
or the current year at 81 900, 900, and
our.fifths Of this will be collected at
his port. The amount paid is becom.
ng a subject of comment, and the fact
hat population paying such tax has
10 government and no representation,
$ exciting very general dissatisfaction.
Should Congress again adjourn without
my action in relation to this territory,
will create still! more violent com.
nent, and might lead to some measures
IN the part Of the people Of the country
which would bring lasting disgrace up.
IN our flag.
All the trade Of the coast is fast con.
;entrating in this bay. Nearly all the
foods consumed in the lower part Of
his territory are sent from this port;
md as soon as coasters can be got for
he business, foreign vessels will not
'isit these ports at all. The introduc-
len Of steamers on the coast will give
additional importance to this harbor;
nd it is most likely that most of the
'usiness Of Oregon will be done here
lso. In arranging government estab.
ishments in California, l believe it will
70 found advisable to make this the on.
Y port Of entry. This would foster
american shipping interests in this
cean, and would be no injury to other
'oints on the coast, as no foreign yes.
el goes TO the other ports now until
fter visiting this place, and indeed, gen.
rally not at all. ltwould be the safest
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