The weekly Columbian. [volume] (Columbia, Tuolumne Co., Cal.) 1856-1???, 1856-12-13

It is but few years since Oregon was but
little known in the annals of history. Then
comparatively nothing was known, save it was
a wild. expansive waste beyond the Rocky
Mountains. inhabited only by the savage races
and visited BY few adventurous whites in the
capacity of hunters and fur traders. It Is but
few years since Astoria, at the mouth of the
Columbia. was the only town that dotted the
broad domain included in the map of Oregon,
and it was called the capital.
What marked difference is to-day presented.
Twobroad Territories Oregon and Washington,
dotted over with towns and villages, are peopled
with seventy thousand hardy, enterprising pio-
neers now occupy its place. Six years ago its
entire population was but little over thirteen
thousand, the sturdy and enterprisng emigrants
who have crossed the Rocky Mountains since
then. have contributed largely in swelling our
population in gradual and permanent man.
ner to its present number. The Industrious
husbandman is here well repaid for his toll
mother earth here yields bounteous return to
all speed the pillow through her rich soil, Or ply
the axe to her forests
The products of Oregon alone, for exporta
ton amount to half million dollors yearly.
The item of apples. which will be exported tbs
season, will not fall below one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars.
Where once the Indian canoe was the only
mode of conveyance upon our waters. we now
see the noble steamships. al-ships. and steam
ers in abundance. Trade and commerce ac-
quires momentum. and where formerly existed
trading posts with limited supplies of Indian
commodities, we now ind stores and store -hou-
ses stocked with every thing that can conduce
to the comforts of civilized life.
Notwithstanding a devastating Indian var
has been raging throughout Oregon and Wash
rrto tbo vi
has proved disastrous to our general prosperity.
yet through the abundance of kind Nature. a
large surplus Of croDs have been harvested this
fall.
l.esl estate is manifestly improving in value
and. although farm stock is raised in great pro
fusion, there seems to be but little diminution
in its value. Improvements are going forward
rapidly throughout the Willamette valley: mills
and manufacturing establishments of various
KINDS are in process of completion Schools,
Churches, and Printing Presses are properly
appreciated and literally sustained.
We occasionally hear the remark made-'Or-
egon is poof country to thrive in,''-but such
are ieW. We know many who have resided
here Tor time, and returned to the States with
the hope of being better satisfied. who. in most
cases. have either returned or expressed their
regrets of leaving, and wished themselves back
in Oregon once more. lie. croakers say what
they will. in the soreness OF petty disappont-
ment, the country is sure to prosper. A steady
but sure progress is better. in the end. than
fictitious and momensary flashes of advance
lnert.
We gee additional reasons, from year to year.
Why the people here have cause to be contented
and happy. The Industrious need have no fears
OF coming want-and the capitalist will ever
find abundant opportunities for profitable in
vestnents. What more is necessary ?-Porsldnd
Tines