The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-14
From The San Francisco Ne,os, January 81
The Growth Of CaIfforntn

A twelvemonth ago and there was scarcely a yes
sci in the hafbor Of San Francisco; now thick SCI
fleet lies anchored there, sent by tie nations of the
world A twelvemonth since and voyager might
meet a small village called Yerba Buena, lying by
the waters side; San Francisco stretches
through the valleys and spreads with rapid growth
up the hill sides. twelvemonth since and the
Spanish was alone spoken where now are heard the
languages OF all Europe. The magical wand Of
energy and enterprise waving over the land has
started towns and cities into existence Upon il
rivers pass and repass daily dozen steamboats,,
and the waters Of the San Joaquin and Sacramento
can no longer flow quietly from the Sierra Nevada
Ito the ocean. The nineteenth century has thrown
together men from all parts of the world, and in
single year has produced nation-has brought
| about that seeming paradox of State without law
and yet one which may vie with the world for or
der. The whole land Of Alta California has aroused
itself from the torpor of ages, and is stepping forth
not infant, but with all the strength OF manhood
| 10 perform its work in the world.
| What now shall we say Of those wise statesmen
through whose foresight we have become possessed
| OF California! The consummate value OF the har-
Dor Of San Francisco is opening itself up 10 the
view Of eventhe most short sighted. From the for.
nation OF its entrance, il can easily be fortified
and, considering that il is the strong bold the key
TO all that part Of America at the west Of the
tains considering that is the most advantageous
situation for the base Of military operations thai
when this IL gained the Pacific slope IL easily
tanned, the early and complete fertilization OF thi,
harbor cannot be urged too strongly.
~ III point OF view san ~ &C
valuable, what shall we say Of its commercial adj.
vantages II is already arousng the Islands Of the
Pacific from their sunny quiet, inspiring them with
| new life, stimulating them TO action, and giving
them momentum, force, and importance in the
world. Not the less beneficial is its effect upon
Oregon. San Francisco will build up that territory
II is an ominous fact that during the year before
last not ten vessels visited the harbor at the Colum
bia river while, during this last year, over thres
| hundred vessels Of American bottom alone passed
| the bar.
| California is attracting TO itself thousands from
Europe who would never have emigrated TO people
land, IL not for the splendid facilities for OBJ
tanning wealth held here and already presents
a new and not TO be dcspised market for our hons
manufactures; n new field for the outlay and in
crease of capital, and new employment for thou
sands Of hands and, finally, II has walked oui
people up to the Importance Of the Pacific trade
and fastened their movements towards gaining
! possession Of the key 10 that trade.
Thus we see that the main feature in the history
Of our country at the present time the which
is producing the most tremendous effects upon the
growth and condition Of America, and one Of th'
main objects stimulating the whole world into sc.
| ton, is the State Of California.