The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-05-19
ADDITIONAL NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA.


stated as satisfactory.
The accounts from the mining regions have been
as diversified as the face Of the country. While
the late opportune rains have greatly benefited the
| dry diggings aud enabled perhaps larger amount
tgola to be taken out than would have been in the
same time had the weather continued settled, they
have on most OF the rivers put complete stop 20
the operations, from the foods of water which gil
their banks, while in the infamous districts the
snow has fallen to great depth, putting stop to
digging there, and causing, in some districts as Is
feared, great suffering anu loss of life, even from
want Of provisions. 1t being near the close Of the
winter, the traders in the mining districts were
rather bare of stocks, not having generally laid in
spring supplies. The SHOWS came very unex xpected-
ly, blocking up some Of the roads that it was i'm
possible TO traverse them with packs, and il il
feared tnat as the routes are again opened we shall
/ hear Of much suffering.
Oathe whole. so far rs regards the yield Of gold,
theaccounts continue good Our latest advices from
the mining region O re that more gold Is coming
down, than has come down at any period this winter.
Ihe accounts from the region of Scott's, Trinity
and Klamath rivers make il certain that the prin-
cpa portions of that region are rich as any that
have yet been discovered. From San Diego we re-
ceive encouraging accounts as to the yield OF the
mines in the neighboring country.
More attention is now being paid to the working
ofthe quartz veins, which yield largely, and WILL no
doubt, when machinery has been brought more ge-
nerally into use, give immense returns Of the pre-
cions metal There Is no doubt whatever that these
veins will richly repay working. Extensive orders
are understood to have been given for machinery,
and we are cognizant of large companies being
formed to work the mines
noticeable feature in reference to mining pros
poets Is the arrival of great numbers Of Chilians
Pefuyians and MexicaDs, consequent upon the re-
peal of the miners tax law; AMI as they are
amongst the best miners in the country, and spend
freely what they earn, their influx viii doubtless
tend to revive trade. Commercial Affairs have been
quite dull since the last mail, in consequ of the
large number Of arrivals which have had oil
vessels laden with merchandise, but are now i'm
proving Some interesting statistics relative to the
impor,atons, &c, will bo found under the CONNER
cial head.
In connection with the yield of gold and mercan-
tile AFFAIRS the question OF currency is o very
important one. Congress entirely neglected to sup
ply that pressing want by establishing mint, aud
private individuals stepped in, coming gold pieces Of
80, $40, and SO apparent value and purporting to
be Of the standard mint value Assays show, how
ever. that they are from one to ten per cent
below that standard and miners who until recently
have been compelled to sell their dust for sixteen
dollars ounce obliged to take this inferior
currency III payment. 1t is calculated that there
are now two millions ofdoars in circulation issued
by these private mints, with no guarantee to the
community Of their value, except the standing of
the houses which issue them. The evil has grown
to such magnitude espe cially from the fact that
one OF the largest issuers would not redeem their
own issues, that the bankers and mercantile COM
munity have finally resolved not to receive them as
currency, but to place them on the footing as
gold dust. The Assay office only very partially
supplies the place of mint, and we feel here that
Congress has acted very illiberaly and unjustly
towards US.
Agricultural prospects are very bright. The
weather since the last mail has placed the crops in
a condition where failure cannot be anticipated.
The Legislature is busily eng aged in forwarding
legislation preparatory TO the adjournment, which
has been fixed for the first ofthe ensuing month.
Indian affairs in the back districts have q more
promising aspect than here tofore and we hope soon
to be able to record the fact that all the rbos have
entered into treaty with US. Meanwhile, there are
reports that some Indians have been committing
great rayages in the neighborhood Of Monterey
and San Louis Obispo; but there are strong sus-
picons that the theits of stock and other property
in that region have been perpetrated by n band Of
desperadoes, led by mulatto, distinguished for
ravaging and marauding propensities. A force is
being organized to that section Of the country
In municipal affairs, the politicians are very &C.
tive in cauoussing and selecting their candidates
for the election which is to take place very shortly
prom the San Francisco Public Balance, April Isl
This month began with unusual variety Of
matters Of interest to this community. The bru-
tai murd CT OF an esteemed citizen Mt Mission Do
loree, while walking with his wife, together with
numerous and bold robberes. and attem pts at rob-
berry, in the interior, have created wide excite
ment amongst our more orderly and peaceable in
habtants. There seemed to be less and less safety
for life and property, though measures have been
taken IN all quarters TO put prompt and speedy end
to such outrages and depredations for the future,
by the intervention Of power which has often
been, in our State, stronger than the law yet we
find that the most terrible punishments, inflicted
with stern promptness, unavailable to render
life and property safe Scarcely day passes over
US that accounts do not reach ofdesperate crimes
or adroit rognery committed or attempted. The
recent establishment Of chain gang has had an
effect the most beneficial the rogues Of this city.
An excellent device for tho prevention OF crime.
Our Indian war gets on after "A fashion. No
great inclination to fight Is shown either side.
The Indian will do the white man all the injury he
can, consistently with his safety; and the
white man is ready to do all he can to whip the
Indian into proper course of behavior for the fu
ture, provided the chase is not continued too far
into the mountains. No very strenuous efforts
have been made Of late by the authorities to pro
seoute the war. More troops have been called for
to bring the war to speedy termination, but the
call has been refused by the Governor Ii is very
evident that unless the Indians made to feel the
necessity OF keeping quiet, in order to be safe
themselves, there be very little safety to small
bands Of white men who may cntsr too far into the
mountains, either to hunt for gold game.
Accounts from the mines have been Of a mixed
character. The recent abundant rains have been OF
immense service to them who threw up dirt from
the beds and sides Of dry creeks last fall and winter.
winter Of discomfort, and, in some cases, severe
pryatioD has given place 10 spring of active labor
and pleasing ntisipatons of gain in the future.
The repeal Of the tax on foreign miners has had
most beneficial effect. Many Of those who were
driven away by its heavy exactions, either have
TUNED, or are fast returning. Every addition to
our mining population Of industrious, working men,
only brings forward greater power in developing the
resources Of our mineral lands, and more rapid
sumption Of our agricultural products and the arti
clcs Of our trade and commerce.
Quartz mining has more particularly attracted
the attention of many for a short time past Very
interesting and authentic accounts reach u.s. at short
intervals, OF the great richness and value Of veins
now being prospected or worked. Very many Of
the specimens OF the rock, with gold have been sub
mitted TO our inspection, which surprise by the
abundance apparent. Several companies are only
waiting the arrival Of machinery, already ordered,
to commence operations
Much suffering has been experienced very lately
in the moro northern mines, occasioned by the
great fall of snow, and scarcity Of and the difficulty
| VI obtaining supplies of provision. Ten men are
Qcalf In hat fanrIe elouiu nnuga
| valley. News from Salmon river is not very aat-
tering TO the prospects Of those engaged in mining
there. On Trinity river, mining is more profitable
The merchants and bankers have been lately en-
deavorng to throw private coin out OF the currency
and have succeeded. A bill has been brought into
the Legislature to prohibit the issues OF such coin
| altogether. II will undoubtedly pass
Building has beon prosecuted, for short time
Iast. with q comme endnhle activllY. The sonlhArn