The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-29

quiet, and that the amount OF crime has been much
les than might, under the circumstances, have
reasonably been expected. II il to be feared how
ever, that during the coming winter, when large
numbers Of the miners collect in the towns public
order may be occasionally disturbed. But Il Il be-
liesed that in the mean time, a more complete or
gsaization OF the existing government will be ef-
feed 70 enable the authorities TO enforce the
lays with greater regularity and efficiency.
Rumors have reached me that there Il no very
anicable feeling existing between the Americans
and foreigners In the gold regions; and that the
fonsr disposed to forciby expel tho latter from
tip Placer districts. shall soon visit the valleys Of
tip Sacramento and San joaquin, and hope TO DO
ae to report upon the true state Of affairs there by
tif August steamer. Az Congress has declined
posing any laws restricting the working Of the
PAcers, shall not deem myself authorized 10 in
tfiere in this matter, any further than may be
c$sary to preserve the public tranquility. Indeed,
there is much reason to believe that Congress has
pursued the best policy, under the circumstances,
rleaving the Placers open TO all; for il would be
exceedingly difficult to enforce any regulations not
absolutely required by the necessity OF the case;
aid it is more than probable that any attempt, at
tbs time, to rent out the mineral lands or TO tax
tleir products, would involve great expense, and
tits possible that such an attempt would lead to
vry serious difficulties. or the large number who
hive been attracted to this country by the fiatter
ing prospect of sudden wealth. and with the inten-
tbn Of returning to their former homes to enjoy
tIeir gains, many foreigners, as we'll as Americans
IRE becoming established in business, and will
make California their permanent place of residence
is, therefore, well worthy of serious considcra-
ion, whether the present system may not prove
equally beneficial with that of a more exclusive
policy. 1t certainly conduces much towards de-
yeloping the resources OF tho country, extending
is commerce, and rapidly augmenting its wealth
ind population. As soon as have made personal
examination Of the gold regons, shall be prepared
. express my views on this subject, but cannot
unit the present occasion to urge upon the Govern
nent the importance of establishing mint in CAL
fornia with the least possible delay.
Information not official, has been received, that
The revenue laws of the United States have been
extended over this country, and that collector and
deputies may soon be expected to take charge Of
the collection of revenue in this district. On their
arrival all custom houses and custom house proper
ty will be turned over TO them, and the temporary
collectors employed by my predecessor and by my
self will be discharged The moneys collected dur
ing and since the war under the direction of the
Governor of California, and not required for de-
fraying the expenses of the existing civil govern
lnent, will be kept as separate and distinct fund.-
subject to the disposition ofCongress The grounds
upon which this revenue has been collected since
the declaration Of peace, are fully stated in letter
10 the collector of San Francisco dated the oath Of
February last It may be proper to add that the
course pursued by my predecessor was rendered
necessary by the peculiar circumstances
of the case. The wants of the country rendered it
4,
cign goods in this Territory; and had tits been done
without the collection Of duties, large amounts Of
dutiable goods would have been placed in depot on
his coast, to tho manifest injury of the and
prejudice TO our own merchants. The importers
have sold their goods at such prices to the
duties paid and still leave them enormous profits;
and to now return these duties to the importers
would be virtual gift, without in any way bene-
citing the people Of California. But to expend this
money in objects of public utility in the country
would confer lasting benefit upon all. l would,
therefore, recommend that such portions of these
moneys may be left after defraying the expenses
pf the existing civil government shall be given TO
California 'school fund.- TO be exclusively de-
roted to the purposes of education. No difficulty
ias been experienced in enforcing the tariff Of 1886,
ind the revenue has been collected al very mod
rate expense considering the peculiar circum-
tapces of the times
All officers Of the civil government of California
vii be paid out Of the "civil fund" arising from
he customs. the salaries fixed by law; and would
commend that those officers of the army and
y who have been employed collectors and
eivers of customs in California, both during and
nee the war, be allowed fair percentage on the
loney which they have collected and disbursed.
wo- and half per cent on the amount collected,
18th the restriction contained In section two Of the
tof March Sd, 1s49, is deemed fair allowance for
Dllecting these customs; and two and half per
mt. the amount actually expended is deemed
mple compensation for keeping and accounting
r the same. 1t would be more just and proper TO
AXE the allowance for the actual expenditures than
r receiving and keeping these moneys; because,
the reverse rule were established, officers who
i've received large sums, and within few days
nnsfcrred them 70 others, with other trouble
an merely passing receipts, would be entitled TO
higher pay than those who have had all the trou-
6 Of expanding this money in small sums and in
eping and rendering accounts of these cxpcndi.
res.
Az soon as these "civl funds" can be collected
,m the officers now holding them, il Is proposed
place them in the hands Of some officer, other
sponsbe person, who will act AZ treasurer for the
fgovernment, with fixed compensation for his
rviccs. On the arrival OF the regular collector
ID deputies, appointed according 10 law, full
.tcment will be made Of all the moneys which
I'VE been collected in California, and the papers
I'd accounts connected with the expenditure Of
his civil fund will be sent TO Washington as here
Dfore, in order that all officers who shall receive
spcnd the same may be held TO a strict accouuta-
ility.
am sir, very respectfully, your obcd't serv't,
(signed) n. RILEY,
B'f Brig. Gen. U. s. a. and Goo. of California.
Major General n. Josrs
AdJt. Gen. Of the army, Washington. ID. c.