The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-26
THE SOUTHERN PRESS.
California News.

We have received files of the California pa
pers by the last arrival, which give full and re-
liable accounts of the progress and prospects of
Ell Dorado.
From the Sacramento Transcript of the l4th
February, we take the following condensed
view of the state of affairs in that region:
GENERAL SUMMARY FOR THE MoSTH-BusI-
NESS PRosPEcrs-Business of all kinds has in
creased vastly in our city within the two past
weeks. The prospect is frightening, and al
though there is still pressure in the money
market, we think the crisis is pretty we'll over.
The mercantile community are actively engaged.
Owing to the great competition, goods of all
descriptions may be had ut reasonable rates, and
on good terms. During the early settling of
California, and for twclvemon.h afterward,
all kinds of business was con iucted on the cash
principle. Latterly, there has been much more
crediting and although it may work advantage.
ously for the few, those who have no capital
save that of honesty and good character, We be-
lieve the system will work ruin to the MASSES
who are largely engaged in trade Let us CON-
mence afresh, on the good old principle we
started out on, and we shall have none of those
heavy failures and bankruptcies which are so
common where an extended credit system pre-
walls. We refer our readers to the commercial
department, under charge of Berry, Bliss & Co..
The SEAsor.-During the past three months
we have enjoyed most delightful weather, and
the attempt to get up rainy season, has proved
an arrant humbug The temperature has been
as delightful as the closing days of the month
Of Nav in the ultra-mountain States. The mean
of the last three months--November, Deem
Der, and January-has been forty-eight degrees,
temperature higher than that of Rome during
the same season of the year. During the three
last months it has rained only fifteen days, aver
aging about three hours each; and the entire
fall Of rain has been only about six inches. We
refer our readers in the Atlantic States to n
meteorological summary found in this paper,
from the pen of Professor Blake, gentleman of
ability, and who writes on this subject with
great force and perspicuity.
As general review Of the mining interest
we would remark, that the prospect for the en-
suing summer, is far better than during that Of
last year, when miners had streams of water,
swelled by the melting SHOWS, to contend with.
If they engage in damming rivers this season,
the facilities IRE double as great as the preceding
year.
AGRICULTURAL INTEREsT.-Next in point cf
interest to the mining, stands the agricultural
interest. Such portions Of California as are ca
pable of cultivation, are far more fruitful than
lands generally. The main arabic land lies in
the beautiful vallies of the Sacramento, San
Joaquin, Napa, Suisn, Cache Creek, San jose,
Costumes, &C., and is mostly Of a rich loan, ca
pable of growing two crops each year, if there
were sufficient fall of rain. The amount Of
arabic land in the State is estimated by Dr.
Robinson to be about eight millions of acres,
sufficient to furnish to fifty thousand families
one hundred and sixty acres each, a sufficiency
to constitute a handsome little farm. This, if
properly managed, will yield snug little sum
each year, for produce will always command q
high price, Last season, we know of several
persons who amassed fortunes off a few acres
One gentleman in a neighboring valley, made
100000 from the produce of less than twenty
acres of land.
Nearly the entire arabic land in California il
susceptible of irrigation, and already persons
have commenced the work Among Others is
Mr. Sheldon on the Costumes river, who owns q
mile square of land, and is about damming the
river and cutting canals, at cost Of ten thous-
and dollars. Being resident of this country
for the last seventeen years, he is engaged in a
work the practcability of which has been de-
monstrated to his satisfaction.
LAND TIrLEs.-T'he greatest interest is felt
throughout the country in regard to the action
Congress may take relative TO land titles. We
have not seen Mr.. OWNS bill in ertenso, and
forbear expressing our opinion until we are
fully informed of its provisions We ask that
Congress may 80 shape their decisions, that the
greatest good may be done the greatest number
though by no means to the breaking of pre-
existing claims which are Valid the titles mani
fest, clear and unquestionable. Let us respect
in good faith every legal claim-but be certain
it is such, before it receives endorsement, and
passes forever away beyond our grasp
THE LEGIsLATURE.-The United States SEN
ator is not yet elected in the room of Mr.. FIRE.
mont whose seat becomes vacant on the 4th of
this month 1t is entirely certain that Col. FIRE.
monts prospects for reelection are much
brighter than they were a month ago, and he
may be regarded as one of her leading candi-
dates. The names of the Hon. Thomas Henly,
Hon. John B. Weller, Mayor John w. Geary of
San Francisco, and Judge Heydenfeldt, are also
favorably mentioned in connection with that
Office on the side Of the Democracy On the
part of the Wings, the Hon. #. Butler King is
probably the leading candidate. The names of
Gregory Yale, esq, Col James Collier, Hon. j.
p. Wethered and that of James nj. Crane, ESQ.,,
of the Courier, have at times, been somewhat
prominent though we infer the last named gent
leman has partially withdrawn from the race
Parties are somewhat evenly balanced in the
legislature, although we believe there is real
Democratic majority of two on joint ballot; but
"A many of the gentlemen were elected on per-
sonal merits, rather than by the force Of party
considerations, it is thought that strict party
vote will not be cast-leaving the election open
to much speculation until the decision is finally
made. The election will probably he held on
the 18th inst.
The legislature have ncceded to the munih-
cent offer Of NJ. G. Vallejo, esq, The State
capital will be removed to the city of Vallejo,
situated close to the straits of Carqunez a
large town will speedily grow up, and new
spirit be infused into that whole region Of
country.
The lower house have passed bill authoriz-
ing the Secretary Of State to negotiate war
loan of 100000. This bill was substituted in
the senate for one reported by the finance CON-
mittee Of that body. and subsequently passed
So that it only requires the signature Of the gov
ernOr to hecome a law