The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-11-16
Our Oregon Corrssponaenss.


OREGON, August l, 1850
xt,,,u,rrts of Governor LaWs-Ow Nsw Cos
rrror pro tsn-ToritoriaI Polifses-IAs Hon.
d C. Pratt-CommaciaI Matters o,gns,
Markets, &c.
Since my last letter, much has ranspired, which
will doubtless be viewed with interest by the
friends of Oregon throughout the Union. Early In
the month of June, Governor Lane left this valley
for Rogue rIver and California having resigned his
Office. the resignation to take effect on the 18th OF
June. The old General is now supposed to be in
California. endeavoring to make raise in money
matters And he certainly deserves to find good
"pocket" in the placers. HIS milling speculations,
about which more has been said than was good
natured, are supposed 10 have been anything else
than ennchng TO his Golfers
On the 18Th June, Secretary Pricken assumed
the gubernatorial function, since which time he
has stood before the public a new man. AS Gov
enor of the territory, he proves himself to be a
gentleman of ab and intellig ence. AS states
man he was in the condition of a crysilis while he
was secretary; but since his wings fiedged in
new official station, he is much admired. He is
rep0rted TO have delivered Grafton on the Fourth
of July, in Oregon Cly, which was characterized
by great beauty and eioquence Ii Is greatly TO be
hoped that this Improvement in capacity for USE
fulness will not be as brief as the onciai tenure
which called II iouh
Hon. O. G Pratt has left for the States. None
of our public func onaTles have done greater ser
vice to the Territory lhan Judge Pratt. lie was
the first 10 AZ his post and he has faithfully
remained al It, though during considerable por.
ton of the time the entIrt duties OF all the judicial
districts of The territory devolved on him alone.
And il 10 well known here, that not even now
would he have left, though he has been absent
from his family for years, had he not been well
assured that Judge Strong would arrive in few
days. Judge p, Is supposed to carry with him
funds amounting 10 little short OF 100000, which
he has amassed siGce he came to this territory
Ii is understood he is To return here next spnng
He would do well 10 return at an early day,
especially il he has any political aspirations, as his
present popularity would secure HIM any office In
the gift OF the people.
The political atmosphere has been slightly agi-
tated by the announcement that new wing pa
per was to be commenced at our commercial EN-
porium-the village OF Portland One would have
thought a few months since, 10 hear the wings,
poor innocent souls, talk about the wicked loco
focos stirring up politics, that they would shudder
AT the thought OF such terrible sin. But alas
for tickle man Here they are, leading oil in
party strife in valiant style. How they will sus-
coed, remains 10 be placed on the page OF history
hereafter. One thing is certain, the democracy
will now rally, aud parry war will rule the day.
In commercial matters there has been decided
improvement within a few months. During the
after part Of the past WINTER in consequence Of the
check given TO our numbering business, the amount
of shipping on the Columbia was very considerably
diminished. But, latterly the trade has gradually
grown unt the arrivals in the Columbia amount
10 two and three per week. The mail steamers
now pay their monthly visits and are, hereafter,
10 come semi-mOnhy. There is also small
steamer now plying ON the Columbia and Villa
mette rivers, and or two Others are in process
of construction. This increased demand for pub
lie conyeyanCes shows thriving commerce. But
there IS anOtt tr Indication OF prosperity which de-
serves passing notice. There is going on in this
territory a most beautiful strife about towns and
town sites Every village from the top of the cas-
cades to the mouth OF the Columbia, is the
place" AT present, however, Oregon city, Port
land, and La Fayttte, lead the way
This general activity In shipping and town.
making imparts d beallhful vgor 10 other COM
mercigl pursuits Merchandising has hitherto
been governed by an independent rover system.
Every one keeps a sharp look out, and the moment
he discovers that he is the fortunate possessor of
article not found IN other shops, he up the
price TO an exoIbii3nt tate. la this way salaratus
has sold for three dollars poi h. and sugar is
selling al sixty cents per 10. II Is TO be hoped,
however, that regular and established merchants
will 20 into business here, who will sell al fair
per oentum, and thus infuse more s,eadiness and
regularity INTO tTade.
Markets fucuate but very little. Provisions
still command high prices Flour has ranged at
- 10 40 ptr cwt and S22 10 S25 per barrel du ring
this summer. Beef IL SC. TO i0c. per 10. on foot
and l5c. a Zoe PER 10. IN market. Potatoes, at
present, have 10 Fixed value | have heard OF one
field beng sold II 81 per bushel in the ground, and
OF another sold al 80 per bashel, the seller digging
them. Though there is a large crop IN the terri-
tory, yet they will not come below these prices,
and will probably range at much higher rates.
Groceries comma aud high prices; sugar, SOC. 7Jc.
per 10; collie, L5C. SOC. per ID. tea, 81 80 per
ID; salaIstus, per lb salt, loo. per 10. Grain
Is being harvested. and there is very large and
excellent cop No fears need be entertained Of
any deficiency OF provisions in Oregon.
ALPuA.