Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-02-12
THE LATE CALIFORNIA NEWS.

BY the arrival of the steamers Empire City and
Georgia, at New York, we have dates from San
Francisco to the LIST January. We subjoin a
summary of the leading events on the Pacific side.
The election of a Wing Senator in Col Ere
monts place, appears almost certain, provided the
election shall hinge on party politics.
Correspondence of the N Y. Express.
MATTERS AND THINGS IN CALIFORNIA.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 81, 1850.
Affairs here remarkably quiet, in every sense of
the word, with nothing in the future to give one very
buoyant feelings Politics form now quite prominent
feature in conversations and is almost certain that
California willretum Wing Senator in place of Col.
Fremont, who IS now here, and suffering from neural
gia to such an extent as will preclude his taking his
Seat this session. Col. Fremont is out in long ad-
dress to the people of California, defending the mea-
sures he would have advocated, had Congress CONT
nued its session long enough. He is accused here of
making great political mistake in advocating the ex-
cluslon OF all foreigners from the mines and is upon
this sort OF Native American issue that his Democra-
tic opponents hope to defeat him. To this charge of
blunder Col: Fremont replies, that California is long
way from Washington and that the distance precuded
him from making political summersets with the readi-
ness displayed by his friends here and that he has fol-
selt The address evidently dictated by Senator
Benton, and is most able document, but not str ong
enough to secure hsre-election
The prominent Wing candidates are Col. Collier
our present Collector and J. NJ Crane of the "Cou-
rier newspaper; but among the better informed there
is an impression that T. Butler King can command
King held in high estimation here and is deemed one
OF the strongest and most devoted friends this State
possesses.
At a recent election to fill vacancy in the Assembly.
held at Sacramento City, the Wings routed the Loco
focos, horse foot and dragons and now feel the ut
most confidence that they could sweep the State.
Inc Legislature will commence its session next week,
and will find abundance of work in setting its finances
IN order. The State is bankrupt to start with, and
owes an immense floating debt which, by its Constitu-
ton, can only be iqudaed by taxation, without the
Intervention OF loan to save off the day of payment
until the State deveopes her In fact every
thing is gouge" here, from the Governors salary
down to the petty officers that administer the police Of
the city. Everything is paid in scrip at enormous pr-
ces policy that will ere long involve the State in nan
clal difficulties, before which the operations of Misss-
sippi will appear honest, and very simple of eucida
ton.
Business prospects here are not at all encouraging,
but the reverse, and prudent will try this mar
ket unless he Is ii possession of facts that make his re-
turns sure as mathematical demonstration. Lum-
Der still remains so low as not to pay the freight Clo
thing cannot be sold at New York rates, nor can the
money be obtained for provisions generally which they
cost on the Atlantic. Many articles in prime order sell
at so per cent. less than home rates. Auctioneers
thrive, and whole cargoes of goods oaoned else,ohere
are remorselessly knocked off at a nominal value.
Rents are exorbitantly high, mere shell command
ing $500 per month; but this evil will cure ITSELF
as the production of houses just now is much in advance
OF the influx OF population. and OF the legitimate wants
OF trade. Trade too constantly changing its centre
and the anomaly be seen of stores on one wharf
seeking $l20 per month while on the next pier
the same brings $500 per month; but it must be re-
membered that the $l20 store commanded $500 last
year.
very large amount of land has been made in the
bay and the spot now occupied by hundreds of romg
ships is buoyed off into "water LOTS, which being
rapidly piled and built upon. In small part of Mont
gomerystreet, the principal business horoughiare here
counted twenty stores and parts to let fact which tells
the tale Of rents here
The condition OF the shipping here, too, presents
melancholy spectacle. AS far as the eye can reach,
from tho mouth OF the harbor up the bay, nothing can
be seen but ships, the pride OF New England rottng at
their anchorstheir coIdage flying in the air. and all
about them speaking state of things more disastrous
than embargo. A handsome fortune could be made
in short time by purchasing ships here and taking
them to the Atantic-and many owners at home, who
do nothing bat the captains of their Ships would
do well TO strain their credit little and remit enough
to get their ships home.
The weather is delightful, and for many days past
has been like June with you. The hill sides al
ready green, and flowers starting from the ground;
butterflies in the fields and everything bears
spng-lke freshness; the chief streets planked and
upon the whole, clean those of New York at
this of the year. This city and those OF its in
habtans who do not swill bad brandy and abuse
ure in every way, is as healthy as New York. Soce-
y, that is female society is in crude state yet, and
any lady who contemplates coming hther must be pre-
pared to look much discomfort the face so the best
way is TO stay at home. In fact tins If the advice pro-
per 10 be given TO all except the few who can Afford 10