The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-10-19
The Phases or Califormas.

From the London Mercantile Gssstts, Oct Al
The bright and glowing phases of Californian
adventure are occasionally darkened by narratives
of murder and reckless violence temporarily tend.
ing to repress the feeling Of admiration entertained
for the wonderful success which has folio we'd the
population of that settlement. The accounts just
received allude, with more than customary serious
ness, TO these outbreaks at the "diggings" and to
the certainty that prevailed Of the Mcxicans and
Indians finding themselves thoroughly worsted,
should they attempt to maintain their system OF
ASSASSINATION and plander, at the expense of the
honestly industrious and well disposed miners. In
the midst of these discouragements, we find, how
ever that the energy and enterprise of the various
nations who have contributed 10 furnish their quota
OF the entire community-whether Chinese, Sand.
witch Islanders, Anglo Saxons, or others-haye
been undated; and while some are exploring new
districts, tor the purpose of opening fresh placers
III the interior, others occupied at the leading
port, in bringing its business advantages into pro-
mnent notice. and establishing for the trade of the
coast those facilities which i! SO emnently de-
serves
When il is considered that little less than two
years since, California was almost desert, so
far as general exploration went-and that, save to
the struggling settler and the native, its rivers and
resources were not IN the leas. appreciated,
derstood-its advancement and sudden transition
from what may be termed rude barbarity to active
life and civilization, seems to be rather the work of
eDchantment than Ut positive and traceabe pro-
gress. When il is remembered, also, that within
this period of time population of 300, 900 has been
attracted TO the country-that numbers of these
have abandoned the comforts aud enjoyments OF
the world, tempered by the gradual process OF re-
hnement and education-and that, in isolated in
stances alone, have complaints been made respect
ing exaggeration Of its capabilities or its mineral
deposits-the admission must he frankly and can
ddly rendered that its progress promises to be, on
the whole, satisfactory and lasting. In the wide
range Of human probab lities II is not unlikely that
checks and distractions may occur, as have Oc
Cured in the history OF all other rising settlements,
to embarrass in Sigh! degree the uninterrupted
kf.t
endeavors Of the American to overcome obstacles,
even under the most disheartening circumstances,
have already been powerfully and well exemplfed
In the changes which have so speedily followed the
two great San Francisco conhagratiOns.
That large quantities of gold have been Sc
cured-and that these supplies are steadily finding
heir way, not only 10 the principal Atantic cities,
but likewise to Europe-are facts which may be
considered beyond dispute, the rapid commuuica-
ton afforded by the mail-line steamers securing
transit in safe and convenient manner. What
effect these supplies may have upon currency
eventually, il is not desire 10 discuss at present
All that is ascertained now is, that the money
markets OF New York and London have been sea
sonsbly equalized by this influx OF bullion; and
that, in The former city, 1t has appeared oppor-
tunely TO relieve the mercantile circles from the
Apprehension OF On approaching pressure. The
acknowledgment OF this relief may, nevertheless,
be accepted as gratifying indie cation ofthe benefit
accrung from The developement OF these auriierous
regions.
But il is not only to California we look for pro-
gress and improvement; there are other spots and
other localities that must sensby feel the operation
Of this extraordinary movement, and which must
shortly participate IN the grand scheme of ciyiliza
ton working out in that direction. California has
been planted strongly and firmly. Introduced and
constituted one of the States OF the Federal Union,
its position has been properly and thoroughly re-
cognized. Few years will have 10 elapse ere its
importance will meet, on either side of the Allan
tic, With ready acquieseence. Connection with
California is sure, before long TO lay out the path
for interchange OF trade with Central AMERICA the
hive States comprised within that territory will
ceve new life and energy; the past will be absorb
ed in the prospect Of the future; and when the
trade Of the East shall have bsen brought within
more reasonable bounds by the junction Of the At
lantic with the Pacific Oceans, the whole Of these
districts will spring into full activity, securing for
themselves that fair share OF their commercial
condition which has hitherto been denied them,
through the prevalence of the anarchy and in
distinguishing their previous career.