The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-02-10

The sufferings of the people of California at
this time, and particularly by the newcomers,
are beyond description, and cannot be contem-
plated without feelings of the deepest sadness.
The miners, when they have been able to
work-which has been only about one-third OF
the time for the last two mOnths-haye been,
as a general thing, handsomely rewarded Tor
their services and the more become acqualnt-
ed with the mines, and the manner of mining,
the better satisfied am that they are mex
haustible and will be worked for centuries 10
come. Rich leads will continue to be less
frequent than formerly the mines that have
been run over, will be more thoroughly re-
worked; while new and extensive dlgglngs Will
be constantly discovered But large fortunes
are no longer to be made in day, nor month
OF course there will be isolated cases. here as
in all other countries, where man will strike
a rich lead and make his fortune in day and
| think he is more likely to do it here than IN
any other place on the globe. But after all, |
think there is but little ndncement for man
land especially one with family who is doing
living business at home to come to Califor
MIA. Some people suppose that if they can get
70 California, their fortunes are made. But
let me say to this class of person. that it is one
thing to come to California and another thing
to find diggings that will pay; and quite an
other thing still, last but not least is, to do the
digging.
From careful observation for the last six
months, am satisfied that one-thrd of the
people who have come to California have not
paid expenses. This is easily accounted for
Quite a good many persons have come here
expecting to get gold without work others are
not satisfied with moderate diggings and are
consequently passing to and fro through the
State in search of better. while the balance
are Industrious and honest but have not the
capacity to find diggings or employment. This
state of things produces an immense amount of
suffering, both mental and physical, here and
at home
great many persons have made large sacri-
fees, and in some instances have jeoparded
their all, to procure means To pay their pas
sage, expecting to make early remittances, 80
~ to redeem their property. After making
many efforts, all of which prove Intellectual,
they become desperate reckless of conse-
quences, and fall into habits Of iutemperance
gambling and RIGHTEOUSNESS follow in the
train, and death in some rude cot winds up the
scene while u beautiful wife and lovely chill
dren are left in II state of beggary at home, to
mourn the untmely end of husband and father.
No person should think of coming to CaliiOr
MIA, unless he has ample means to take him
both ways.
Here permit me to give a word of advice TO
reformed drunkards and gamblers and that
is, never to harbor for one moment the thought
of coming to California. 1t is upon this fatal
rock that the hopes Of thousands have been
wrecked. You will find at almost every place
of Importance, both in the mountains and in the
city, the grog shop and gambling saloon com
bined. Temptations are presented at every
turn. If person who had always been sober
and temperate at home, who never knew one
game from another, who would have consider
ed his soul lost forever, if he had been guilty of
profaning the name of Cod say, if this class
of persons fall into the habits of intemperance,
gambling, and protane swearing, how much
more liable are persons who are predisposed to
all these habits "a word to the wise is suff-
Gent
Let me say to all persons who are doing a
living and legitimate business at home, attend
to that business be content with small profits,
and the end will be much better than to come
to California. Yours for the truth,
J. B. BARNES.