New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-06-26
CALIFORNIA.
Great Fire In San Francisco-The Steamer
Chesapeake.

Correspondence Of The Tribsne.
SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday, May II, 1880
The prediction Of our fears was truly prophetic
in its fulfllment. An awful conhagration has laid
waste the heart Of the city, and destroyed proper
ty to the amount Of nearly five millions of dollars
The fire broke out on the plaza, opposite the
Custom House, at an early hour on Saturday morn
ing Nav a. and extended with rapidty scarcely
equalled by that in Albany two years ago. There
were but four engines, and the water had to be
taken from the bav at considerable distance, and
with good deal of difficulty. But the fire could
not have been stayed by such means, even with
better facilities, from the combustble nature and
proximity Of the buildings.
Fortunately there was no wind at the time,
though it had been blowing gale during the night,
and the flames were scarcely extinguished when
it commenced again, in most admonitory gusts,
from the same direction.
Nearly all our hotels and cafes were destroyed,
together with the gambling saloons which openly
disgreced them; and if the loss had been confined
10 them there would be bat little sympathy for the
sufferers even in this community. With them it
originated and it Is not unlikely that some lncen-
diary hand applied the torch, while smarting under
his losses at the gaming table. That it was the
work of an incendisry there is no doubt having
been set il several places in building which for
some time was unoccupied. And report prevail
ed In sacramento, on lLc Jay DcOTc, lUdt CITY
Wa. already IN ashes. But phoenix like, a hundred
buildings are now rising from these ashes. some of
which are finished and occupied Andif you were
to Judge of the prosperity OF the city by the bust
ness and hustle in its streets, you would never
dream that such calamity had beiallen 1t.
Arrivals are fully up to former reports. The
Sarah Sands" is hourly expected, and past due.
Nothing has been heard Of the steamer Chesa'
peake for the last six weeks, when she was seen
down the coast, about half way to Panama taking
in wood for fuel and great apprehension is felt for
her safety-the danger being, that she may be out
Of fuel, and becslmed in the sutry latitudes OF
Lower California. But we do not dspair Of seeing
her vet as the steamer Senator was out on the
voyage a month longer than the Chesapeake has
been.
The market is active, and leading articles from
the States are making good returns. Lumber was
not affected by the fire Except what was in III and
it is difficult to clear the freights most shipments
Stoves are dull, the market being overstocked.-
Iron houses are not worth half the original cost
But sheet and bar iron in good demand at high
| prices. There will be a steady though moderate
| consumption of these articles always.
| Every ship ought to take in Goa ballast. 1t il
almost impossible to supply the demand here by
ordinary shipments, and there is no other article
which answers the purpose that commands so high
price. 1t is firm at s35 per tun.
There is nothing OF particular interest to relate
and my last advices were so recent 10y the MAJ
steamer,) that shall close with q short letter now
Respectfully ours AFD.