, 1853-11-12
sAv FnANeIsco, o.. I'D, ls53.

SAv FEANclsco, Oct. 2l, 1853.
EDrroR COLUMBIAN BY the arrivals Of
the Nicaragua steamer Cortes, from San
Jusn, on the 18th inst, and the mail steam
er J. L. Stephens, from Panama, on the
18th, we are in possession of later news
from tho Atlantic States and Europe, than
was enabled 10 report in my last letter.
These steamers, however, brought but little
intelligence Of interest TO US, except few
additional items respecting the Atlantic and
Pacific Railroad, and some further accounts
Of the progress Of the Yellow Fever. The
President still persists in his determination
not to give the grand railroad scheme any
countenance or encouragement as an ad-
ministrative measure. But the Presidents
course will not hinder or retard its con.
struction. If the government has not sui-
fcient enterprise and national pride 10 build
it, the people have. So you may rely upon
II, the road will be made. Hon. Robert J.
Walker of Mississippi, who was appointed
Minister 10 China, has thrown up his com
mission, and has entered heart, soul and
body, into the plans and operations of this
road. believe il is pretty generally conce-
dcd that Mr.. Walker is the most practical
and skillful fnancier in the Uuilcd States,
and the impetus he will give 10 the move
ment will BE- apt, il is thought, 10 warrant
success. lie has subscribed for himself and
others, Ten Millions Dollars 1910, 900, ,00O)
towards the object! If eight or ten more
such men could be found, they could build
the road themselves.
The news in regard to the Yellow Fever
in the South, is rather more unsatisfactory
than by the advices of the previous steamer.
1t did moi rage with such violence in New
Orleans, but had spread over greater extent
Of country.
The Russo-Turkish question remains en-
veloped in doubtNnd uncertainty. Turkey,
with France on her right hand and England
on her lefl, and one or two weaker and less
decided powers at her back, peeping over
her shoulders, seems 10 form a pie Of such
gigantic proportions and questionable ingre-
dents, that the Russian bear is afraid he
can't make it lie comfortably upon bis
stomach.
There is IN Agricultural exhibition now
open in our city and we have been much
pleased 10 witness lis success, and the great
respectability Of the articles contributed.
No one who has not seen il would believe
that California is capable of producing such
monster vegetables, and fruits, and grains,
and flowers as are there on exhibition.
A part Of the f'illibustering expedition
against Sonora, Of which have heretofore
spoken, succeeded in clearing for that coun-
try last week. By cunning and stealthy
maneuvering they escaped the notice Of the
government vessels in our harbor, and made
their way 10 sea about three o'clock one
morning and are probably now not far
from Mazatlan, the port, | believe, where
they intend 10 disembark. Their number
is variously estimated al from $50 TO $50 ;
and / understand they are we'll supplied with
ammunition and PJovisions-yet it looks
like hopeless and foolhardy undertaking
for so small number of men 10 attempt 10
conquer and subiugate state like that in
question.
On Saturday mording last, the St. Francis
Hotel, on the corner of Clay and Dupont
streets, was burned, and man by tho name
Of Coleman, who was sleeping there at the
time, perished in the flames. He leaves a
wife and family in Maryland. The loss Of
property is estimated at $4,000.
There is no cheering news 10 commUnI-
cate concerning trade and business. Our
merchants have nOihing 10 do, and the pros
Pect for anything in the way OF profitable
employment grows more rusty every dhy.
Wa had looLod fort,.r,l - Nb;, ,ooaor ~
pecting that il would be one Of great actiyi-
" and lucrativeness, but we were doomed
to sad disappointment. The sellers had
filled their stores and warehouses full to
overaowing Of every description of merchan-
disc, but the buyers did not come 10. The
market is crowded with goods for which
there Is little or no demand. The fact is,
there are too many merchants compared
with the number Of consumers, and some Of
them will soon have to back out of business,
or else their business will back them out.
A large and well known firm "pegged out"
10 the tune of 100000 three or four days
ago, and it is thought that this is only the
precursor of a half dozen others of kindred
size that will soon follow.
Two steamboat explosions occurred on
the Stockton slough last week The first
was the American Eagle, which was blown
up about forty miles this side of Stockton !;
ths Oiher, the Stockton. Both steamers lit
eraAly "burst their boilers" Some six Or
eight persons we're killed, and many more
seriously wounded. The steamers will be
repaired soon, and again put upon the route.
| forgot TO mention in my last letter the
death Of two of our most substantial and
exemplary citizens, namely, ANDREW NJ.
Macy and EDENEzER KNIGHT. Mr.. Macv
came to.this country in May 1851, in COM
paDy with the writer Of these lines, and was
long connected with the press Of this city.
He was one Of the most upright, kind and
guileless men ever saw. Capt. Knight
was widely known as the agent of the P.
NJ - Cbsv (tau,ran,, ,Al