Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1853-02-03
Votes Yes or No.
Orders supplied at this Office.
IA DAYS Later from California

The steamer Star of the West, from San JuN
arrived at New York Friday morning brincinA
California dates to the LIST inst.
The following is summary Of the news pub-
lishcd at San Francisco LIST inst:
The present winter is conceded to be the most
severe one experienced in this country since II
has been populated by Americans. During tho
last fortnight It has been raining and showing
continually IN the mountains and valleys. and
we are daily IN the receipt of accounts of dis
ress and suffering in all parts of the State
The waters have been unusually high. and com
muncntions through the mining regions have
been almost entirely cut of, either BY the snow
or overlooking streams.
The rivers have been sweled to such an ex.
tent as to inundate all the low lands, causing an
immense damage, and destroying stock and srr
cultural products. The Whole country between
! ehama and Sacramento city. was entirely under
water, while Marysylle was partly inundated
and though Sacramento was well protected by a
levee, the lower portions were submerged. The
waters at the pfesent time have subsidized,
although the rains still continue On the noun
tain streams the loss Of mining implements has
been great, and all work for the present is sus.
pended. Bridges have been swept away, and
ferries destroyed and some few lives lost The
southern portion Of the mining district has suffer.
ed equally with the northern
Stockton has been inundated partially, and
property TO a considerable amount DESTROYED
The bridges on Calavcras, Stanislaus and other
streams, have been swept away, and communica.
ton with the mining towns for while sus
pended.
The flood has been universal and the ws,or.
higher than IN the winter of lsi9.
The great scarcity of provisions and the co,
at,f d Oh. ,.rs.. -.
ing and distress, and 1t is feared that many ON
actually die from ST irvation. Many miners snh.
sist entirely on beef and potatoes, whilst in other
portions of the mines there are hundreds who
have nothing at all but barley and potatoes. In
portions of Yuba and Sierra counties. the snow
was already ten feet deep, and still falling. and
the miners actually reduced TO absolute want.
In one place the miners held meeting and
offered trader, to sell what -four they had on
at 10 cents per pound, and all who we're able 10
leave did 80, thus leaving the provisions to those
who were unable TO find their way through the
snow to the valleys.
In some places cabins are entirely crushed,
thus cutting off the last chance of protection.
The accounts received may be greatly exap-
geraied, nevertheless there is much suffering and
distress, and 1t Is not improbable that some may
perish by starvation
! ne united Suites Land Commissioners have
resumed their session IN this city, and rendered
several opinions and DEGREES of final confirmation.
Among the most important is one confirming the
claim Of Col John c. Fremont to Las Marposas.
containing ten square leagues, bounded on the
north by the Sierra Nevada, on the east by the
rver Chuachlles, on the south by San JOAQUIN.
and west by the MERGED.
The Sandwich Islands news is favorable
Sugar plantations are expected to yield abund-
antly.
In the Society Islands the French are reported
as extending their power and influence rapidly.
The French Governor has despatched an expedi-
ton against Navigator Islands to punish the ma
yves Tor insulting missionaries and French ira
ders
he Bsrque America, which cleared at San
francisco for Hong Kong, on the Goth ult, with
ioo Chinese passengers, had Just hoisted anchors
when the Chinese made a desperate attack with
knives on the officers and crew, driving them
overheard. Assistance being afterwards obtain.
ed the vessel was re:aken. The Chinese had
been informed that the vessel was short of pro-
visions and water. The America was afterwards
attached by the Chinese for their passage money
ana the voyage was abandoned.