The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-31
A Fortnight's California News.
From the Alta California. .Ja,,uarv

From the Alta California, January l.
Inc present winter Ia conceded to be the moe
severe experienced in this country since it has been
populated by Americans. During the last fortnight
it has been raining and showing continually in the
mountains and valleys, and we daily in the re-
ceipt of accounts of distress and suffering in all
parts OF the State The waters have been unusually
high, and communication through the mining re-
gions almost entirely cut off, either by snow or
overlooked streams. The rivers have been sweled
to such an extent as to inunda.e all the low lands
causing immense damage, destroying stock and
agricultural products. The whole country between
Tehama and Sacramento city was entirely under
water, whilst Marysvile was partly inundated; and
though Sacramento city was we'll protected by a
ievee, the lower portions we're submerged. The
waters at the present time have subsidized, although
the rains still continue. On the mountain streams
the loss of mining implements has been great and
all work for the present suspended. Bridges have
been swept away, and ferries destroyed, and some
few lives lost. The southern portion of the mining
district has suffered equally with the northern.
Stockton has been inundated partially, and pro
perty to a considerable amount DESTROYED The
bridges the Calaveras, Stanisaus, and other
streams, have been swept away, and communca-
ton with the mining towns for while suspended
The food has been universal, and the waters high.
er than in the memorable winter of lS49.
The great scarcity of provisions, and the conse-
Quent high price, has occasiOned much SUFFERING
and distress already, and it is feared that many
will actually die from starvation. Many miners
subsist entirely "a 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 they held meeting and forced trader to
sell what flour he had on hand at forty five cents
pound, and all who were able to leave did So thus
leaving the provisions for those who were unable
to find their way through the SHOWS to the valleys
In some places cabins are entirely covered with
snow, and the roofs of many have been crushed in
Of3 IQaf han IF NJ
accounts received may be greatly exaggerated !;
nevertheless, there is much suffering and distress
and 1t is not improbable that some may perish by
starvation.
The United States 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 Mariposas,
containing ten square leagues, bounded on the
north by the Sierra Nevada, on the east by the
river Chuachilles the south by the San JOAQUIN
and west by the MERGED. The grant was made in
1914 BY Governor Mlcheltorena to Juan b. AIva-
RADIO, In consideration of important services rem
dered.
man named William K. Jones was hung by
the people few days since, twelve miles above
Sacramento, for the murder of Peter McGafig gan.
The supreme court of this State has rendered an
important decision in relation to the validity Of
Mexican grants The opinion is an able one, and
was delivered by Justice Heydenfeldt, in the case
of Vandersice and Clarkson o. Julien Hanks.
interest in this State. They have Also delivered an
opinion, declaring that j.. Caleb Smith, ex-iudge
OF the superior court, was entitled to his salary
justice of that court for three years from the
| time he was elected. The court was reorganized
with but one justices instead of three; and at the
election held in 1851 Justice Saterlee was elected
The decision gives Judge Smith salary until
| April next when the term for which he was elect
| ed by the Legislature will expire.
The New England Society celebrated the two
hundred and thirty -second anniversary of the
landing of the Pilgrims in this city, in fine style
An GRAFTON was delivered at the American theatre
and splendid dinner served up at Wilson's Ex
change.
A few days since we were visited with a terrible
southeast gale, which prevailed for two DAYS
Several light tenements were blown down, and
some injury done to the shipping in the harbor.
For day or two communication by stage with
San Jose was cut off, owing to the sudden rise OF
the intermediate streams
The members of the next Legislature are rapidlv
congregating in this city, preparatory to their
meeting at Vallejo on Monday next. It is very
uncertain whether the seat Of government will
remain there during the winter. In the event
OF lts removal, Benicia will probably be Sc
lected
contract has been made by the Common Coun-
Gil with Mr.. ]. B. Nd. Crooks to light the city
within thirty days, the contract to remain IN full
force until Dopahue's gas contract goes INTO OPP
GRAFTON.
Miss catharine Hayes has given twelve concerts
In this CITY, with great success Her last concerts
have been given in San Francisco Hall.
Sienorina Biscaccianti will commence her con-
certs in San Francisco Hall in lew days.
We have three theatres at present, all appa-