The southern press., 1850-11-01
California Fever in France
Correspondence of the 81. Louis Republican.

California Fever in France.
Correspondence efths 81. Louis Republican.
PARis, Sept. 10, 1850.
The California fever has become perfect epi-
demc IN France so much so, in fact that mea-
sares VIII soon have to be taken to put a stop TO
1t. Scarcely village has escaped its ravases, and
The deleteuous miasmas which arise from it. in the
shape Of extravagant pamphlets and prospec,uses.
will carry the disease into every domestic 6reside
lii the country California societies are springino
mp every day, and innumerable associations and
companies are specializing largely upon the lone
and credulities OF the working asses The com
Tanies engage 'sen-generay the miserable and
uniortunate-to go out under the guidance of an
overseer, to work the mines of California, and
then they advertise stock at such low rates that il
IS almost invariably all taken up and paid for
within Il few days. Ia nine cases out of ten. the
company then either goes to California itself, for
getting all aboutits workmen and its stockholders
or else absconds to parts unknown, and is never
heard OF afterwards. You have no idea how
many honest workmen and servants have lost
Their little all, the hard earnings of many wears,
by being tempted to spend it in Califarnia stock.
They cannot resist the brilliant prospects held out
10 them, and 1t Is not until too late To repair the
mischief that they find how they have been PLAYED
WIN; In numerous cases the disappointment
which has followed this discovery, has led to de-
spair and suicide.
lt Is amusing to read the names of the different
companies, and see how they are chosen TO ,empt
the ignorant and foolish. There is the ss'True Al
chymls, " the ''Goden Sheaf," the .sEl Dorado, -
l.Nefs on Ioid and Mountains of Silver" the
'Golden Pathfinder, " and various others of more
or less sgnfgance. After reading these titles and
'he pamphlets which are furnished by the compa-
MES, the poor peasants and woikmen think that
once IN California, they will never want more
Indeed doubt much II the California excitement
IS as great IN the United States il is here S,o-
rles are told of such fortunes being made in this
land of gold, as might we'll arouse the cupidity of
The most indifferent, that is, if these tales could I've
beileved by everybody. Here are two, however,
which believe may be relied upon, strange AS they
may seem
Several examples Of rapid fortunes made in
California are related in Paris, and many others
remain unknown, because the heroes are OBJ
acure people who never make themselves talked
OF. One OF the most piquant anecdotes have heard
upon this subject was related short time since by
gentleman whose word may be relied upon
NJ de Saint IT,, one ofthe most noted members
OF the farlslan hunting club, has lately found it
necessary to reduce his expenses considerably.
lie advertised for sale his beautiful hotel in the
Iaubourg st. Honore, which however he still con-
Ihted to Jnhablt, waiting until he should dispose
otlt. A few days after he had advertised, he was
sitting alone at breakfast when yisiter was an
nounced. The name OF the visitor was unknown
him, but he ordered him to be introduced A
-Aan very elegantly dressed entered the room.
and the baron, at sight of him, could not refrain
from an exclamation of surprise.
Baron, said the visitor, "I have called to see
you concerning your hotel which hear is for sale,
and which | intend to buy. :"
hese words arrested the cavalier apostrophe
with which NJ de Saint c., was going TO So
Lutte the man whom he thought he had recognized
tie felt that he must put on more polite air to-
wards person who had come to buy hotel
worth Six hundred thousand francs. He thought
he must be mistaken by a very striking re-
semblance. He had for valet a good -for-nothing
sort OF fellow, whom he was obliged TO turn
away about three years ago. When they came to
se''e accounts, the valet had permitted himself to
give M: de Saint c. some imperlinence, where
upon the latter took him by the shoulders and
Kicked him out of doors.
1t was for this valet that the Baron had a, frs,
mistaken his visitor. The resemblance seemed SO
strange TO him that he could not refrain from ex-
planning it to the man.
Baron" said the visitor, with an agreeable
tone, feel infinitely fattered to find that you still
remember my face.''
What! you are not
Yes; Michel, your old valet de chambre,
Michel little altered, If not in face, at least in
AIR and manner, in social position, and all that
follows"
And MIR. Michel saying these words, smiled in
the most sef-satsfied manner possible, whilst the
Baron, taken completely aback, cried
What! rascal is it you; :"
Excuse me, Baron, but that is a qualification. ~
But, interrupted the Baron, eff it is you,
what does this elegant dress-thls visit mean' Is
il a joker" r.
"lf you would listen to me, you would see that
nothing can be more serious
"To buy my hote'''
I" And all that it contains -
"Well this is odd But speak, will listen to
you"
During the time was with you Baron, YOU
perhaps remarked that was not made to be a SER
want The manner in which we parted disguised
me with the trade, and resolved to abandon it,
mad by me some considerable economies. "
Faith, you stole enough from me for that! !"
Pardon me, Baron but am not accustomed
TO the tone you use towards me. To make you
understand very legitimate susceptibility, hasten
TO tell you that when left your service, | went to
California and do you know what have just
brought back from there!'
How should know -
deposited, this morning, with Mr. de
Rothschild a capital Of fifteen. hundred thousand
francs" .--
Faith it seems your econmies prospered.''
Yes, sir, yes. o! what fine country Cali
fornia is. You have only to stoop down and pick
up the gold. took with me a small amount of mer-
Ghandlze, which retailed at incredible prices.
ihen bought two small vessels, in which trans
ported passengers and merchandise. Each trip
brought me in sum which you would think fabu-
'oIs' could have made there as many millions
80 should have known what do with, but am q
pnIos9pher, and know how TO limit my wants,
Gnu whsn had earned fifteen hundred thousand
.am"s came home. Love for my country re-
- su me, and was in hurry to play my role
., arcn man. had studied in your school and
iP,SYPose 70 take you for my model"
., WI. W 'he srsat honor, MIR. Michael
sad to myself: That is Just whs, want know
ne hous' have lived in it, and { shall feed at