The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-13
AFFAIRS on THE PACIFIC COAST.
Our Oregon Correspondence.
OREGON CIrl, April 25, ]

Ine WeamT-1m EIfent OF the Freshets-Agrt-
cuture-AbandaMce of Specie Markets-Ship-
ping-Sh,p-buiid,mg.
The winter has passed away, and we are once
more basking in the verdure and sunshine of a
lovely spring. This is all the more pleasant, we
have had pretty severe winter Ice Was formed
at Oregon City some hree-fourths of an inch thick,
and the Colombia river was frozen over at Fort
Van Couver, and remained closed three OF four
days This for Oregon, is unusually cold. But
the amount of snow and rain which fell during the
winter, far exceeded anything experienced by the
American settlers here as that most veritable wit
mess, 4" the Oldest inhabant," testIfies. rather
more convincing proof however, is found in the
fact that rivers, on two OCCASIONS the past win
ter, reached height not marked by any high
water mark heretofore noted by white men, causing
Immense destruction to mills and mill property
throughout this territory. 1t would not be more
than a moderate estimate TO place the loss thus ex-
,perienced at two hundred thousand dollars This,
coming On the couatry in the infancy of its trade,
was severe blow; but though il has most seriously
affected the entire community present, its ulti-
mate influence will be decidedly good, in inducing
more caution in the construction of null property
hereafter.
The spring, thus far, has been rather backward,
retarding, TO some extent the labors of the farmer
The month of March passed amid one incessant
storm of rain and snow. But with the approach of
April, the clouds passed away, and Nature again be-
gan to be clothed in her own rich livery. But in
this utltarian and gold-seeking age, this lovely
spring month will suggest more substantial train
of reflection. Amid the rage for gold which SO
generally prevails, il is in the highest degree graft
flying to witness with what real good will our far
mers have gone to work in the prosecution of their
agricultural lab0rs The farmers of Oregon have
pretty generally visited the mines and ivng seen
the elephant they have resumed the business OF the
wheat sowed last fail. This is being greatly in.
creased by large fields of spring gram. There is
also being planted very large crop Of potatoes;
at least would judge so from the great demand
for seed potatoes, and the exorbitant prices Give,
six, and seven dollars per busheD paid for them.
II may be safely said that the amount of provisions
that will be raised in this territory this season,
should the season prove favorable, will be sufficient
to feed twice our present population and theu have
to spare for the California market. There is,
however, it may be properly noticed, old wheat
enough on hand to more than bread our population
for year to come; so we feel prepared to feed
emigration OF ten or fifteen thousand souls, without
difficulty.
The superabundance of specie in the country has
caused everything in the provision line to DO very
high. 1t is hoped, however, favorable reaction
is commencing. Since the last news from Califor-
mia, to the effect that the market was abundantly
supplied and prices down, holders Of provisions
here are beginning to relax, and prices have receded
Flour il sold now for go per Darrell pork, 20 cents
per ID butter, 81 per ID eggs, q per dszen;
IS Per seven bushels. These prices will be great
" reduced before the summer passes As for our
lumber trade, such fleet of 'down casters has
appeared on the Pacific, as has thrown it into quite
q CONSERVATION. Sawyers who, two or three
months since, held their lumber at $50 per M,
are now very willing to strike oil the hundred. and
content themselves with the modest nifty. II lum-
Der should remain at $50 per NJ, will be glori-
GUS time for Oregon. Ii can be made at that rate,
and then everybody can and will improve.
1t is true, however, that this reduction in the
fsn ant eom%ercs Of The Columbia river The trade
of the Columbia has, for long time, been held in
check by the terror associated with the bar at its
mouth. But, by the mere force of circumstances,
these terrOrs have been removed, and the trade has
assumed activity quite fiattering
As evidence that the bar at the mouth of the
Columbia is not the horrible thing it has been re-
presented, the following facts are given as anthem
tic :-Durug the year ending the first instant, there
passed the bar, ships, 80 barks q briggs schoon
ers; total, 60. There were two schooners built
here during the year. Tonnage of foreign vessels,
1859; of American vessels, from foreign ports,
$50; American, coastwise, H,l29 total, l6.4S.
Amount of duties collected during the year,
HS26,4oS u The above vessels have varied IN size
dimensions the bar has been crossed one hundred
and twenyeight times in safety, except one or two
very slight accidents. This, we Oregonians think
places the entrance to the Columbia on high ground,
as safe and good port. At all events, our COM
merce has firmer tone, and we shall anticipate a
great reduction in the rates OF insurance TO this
port
of seventy horse power, to ply between Astoria and
Oregon City tbs said it will commence running
about tn. Is, Of July Business lively, money
OREGON CRY. May 10, 1850.
The Legislative Assembiy -Gov. Lave The Terri.
trial OGcus-Party Organis0tio~-1hs Mount
cd Rife Corps.
The Legislative Assembly is now in session al
Oregon City. They convened on a special call Of
Governor Lane. The Governor being aware that
his successor will soon be here, is very solictous
to have the affairs Of the executive office in a snug
condition. You know it would never do for the
next President of the United States to leave the
small affairs of the governsrship of Oregon in con
fusion.
Mr.. Holbrook, the District Attorney, is the only
one OF the new wing officers who has yet arrived
The arrival Of the others is daily anticipated
The change of officers for this Territory
however, attended with one important result
1t has aroused party spirit, and will lead immedi
ately to party organization. Hitherto, the citizens
of this Territory have made !, matter of duty te
choke down every rising feeling Of craftsmanship
The elections have, heretofore, been conducted
wholly with reference to local and personal cons
deraticns; but now all the old party ambition Il
reused BY the removal Of democratic administra-
Sn and the ~ o. one mar s sos s..
consulted in this matter. The moral and social
advancement of this Territory could have been
more successfully promoted by keeping the merry
and factioss spirit out Of the country. Passion viii
take the place Of calm deliberaton, and prejudice
will sit in the room of confidence. Already have
the democrats Of one county organized, and nomt
mated party candidates, and others will follow suit
And the party calling this fell spirit from the yss,y
Deep" will be the fret TO feel Its magn effects
This Territory is, out and out, democratic. gooc
deal Of remark has been made in relation TO the
attention bestowed by government functionarie,
here commercial operations The two Judges
Bryant and Pratt, are both supposed to have amass
ed large fortunes during their hrst six or eigh
months residence in Oregon. But when the truth
is known and fairly considered, it will undoubtedl,
be conceded that these gentlemen have don,
nothing culpable. In the first place, their salaries
remain, as yet, unpaid and, in the second place
their salaries when paid, insufficient for the
tresprctabIe maintenance Lawyers are retained