New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-02-11

We learn that on the 18th inst IN the Cascade
Mountains, on the eastern border OF Marion Co two
or three loud reports were Notwithstanding distant
thunder accompanied by other unusual movements
in the elements Immediately atcrward Silver
Creek. which is a good sized mill stream, dried op
and no water ran In II for some twenty four hours
When the water did resume its course, Il was so
thoroughly impoverished with ak slne substances
as TO have the appearance OF strong I've, and as
also 10 cause the death ct the hsh IN the stream.
About the time of the occurrence strong winds pre-
vailed from the south, heavy isl OF ashes was no
tced in most parts of thus valley and dense cloud
OF smoke settled in the atmosphere. shutting out
the hight Of the sun for nearly week.
Whether volcanic eruption has taken plsce, or
whether the phenomenon was produced by some
other agency, we have not rs yet the means OF de
f3crmininc One fact however is worthy OF no
tce The whole Cascade range o mountains are
on fire and the vast amount q. vegetable matter thus
consumed would be entirely sufficient 20 account
for the ashes and smoke which have prevailed
And il is probable that the prevalence OF lire may
account tor the other occurrence.
The intense heat occasioned by the fire may
have extended far enough into the rocky bosom OF
the mountain to have come into contact with gases
found in the cavities OF the rocks aid thus produce
an explosion. This might have occasioned land
slide, throwing portion Of the mountain into a
deep ravinc, and arresiing the water OF silver
| Creek for a time And this seems the more proba-
| substances by the explosion would be brought 10
the surface and coming in contact with the waters
| Il the creek would change its character
| Mouth of the Colunbia-Oregon Commerce.
Its with no ordinary feelings OF qualification tina,
We refer not only our Oregon readers but also the
| commercial world, % the marine list found m
another column This list affords hstterlnc iLdica
| hons M growing commerce in ths Territory. I'm
nj q very recent date but few vessels wOuld ven
| tare to approach this port. Such was the terror
| inspired by the very name of the mouth OF the
Columbis, that il only the more bold and ven
taroas that would favor with their visits. Great
| u WAS the national interest al stake, the home
government refused or neglected 10 do anything u
| ward the improvement Of the entrance into the
Columbia The wheat growers OF Oregon ex
perieneed so many draw backs On their business
tnat some have their wheat IN the graneries and
o'hers s0feredit to 20 TO waste IN the fields and
unhspp'iy FOR the present prosperity Of Oregon
700 many OF them are turning their attention q
'ther and more profitable pursuits Hence -four
'snnS trade IA wheat and aOur. through false i'm
pressions and the neglect OF Government has pass
ed nv the present, into the hands OF our South
| AmencSn neiehbors. Wheat -four butter AID
cheese have been exported in Emited Quantities -
| The chief business. however has been in the INN
Der trade. Already the trade has assumed the
form of regular commerce. No, less that sy,
| millions ieet OF lumber besides large number o
! house france have been exported from this por-
this Summer The Oregon City Milling Conpan,
alone have shipfed million iees IN addition To ii,
demands met tor city Three small vessei
! have been built here this season, and all are &C
lively engaged in profitable trade
E,ufsraats