The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-02-16
THE WEALTH AND PROSPERITY OF CALIFORNIA
" GOVERNOR BIGLERs MESSAGE.


We are indebted to Gov Biger, Of California for pam.
phet copy Of his last annual to the legislature
Of that State Il is an unusually long doeument-Oceu.
plying some thirty ciosey-prnted octave pagesand
exhibits external evidence OF great and ability in the
Embodiment Of vast amount Of important and highlyu-
eresng Information in regard TO the rise and progress of
a State which has already filled the world with wonder
While gold st continues DO the great staple Of Cali
ornia is not alone the gering that the people
Of that State look as the basis of enduring wealth and
prosperity butt the boundess agricultural resources now
ia the rapid course Of development The Governor eri.
IDENTIFY with glowing pride, remarks;
"From one end of the State to the other from San Diego
10 sskyou every valley and plain evidences the gratifying
fact that people fast turning their attention ag
cultural pursuits The farm houses dotng our rversdes
the ranches mountain slopes the nnumerabe herds of
the southern plainsa eynce not only the happiness,
enmen and prosperity OF people, but also the perma
nent of settlements and progress In industrial
and peaceful pursuits Immigrants hither come not now
oourn period and then leave our shores forever but
they with their wives children and parents to remain
as surround themselves with all the
comforts blessings, aud endearments OF adding
their the general prosperity to lay the foundation of
the future greatness awaiting this young State These
the elementshe iorerunners-of enlightened civilizations
and to the harmonzng influences OF home, OF friends and
the circle, must look for future wealth and
during progress the paths of peace, happiness and
perty." ....
The Governor says that comparisoa of the financial
condition of California with that OF other western States
can be favoraby insttutedths States of Missouri Iowa.
and Wisconsin alone having smaller amount of ndebt-
edness than California the Others much larger He places
the total amount of the civil indebtedness of the State
the 10th of December 1855, exclusive of the school fund.-
ut 269 In regard to the debt he that it
is an apparent rather than real debt of the State and that
the general government is clearly liable for the payment
of every cent oft" aH aa.at- .-..
In regard to the yield of the gold mines Of California
the Governor says a..n ..,.
Although the shipment of dust and bullion exhibited
by custom-houe returns, would to indicate falling
of The product Of the mines during the past twelve months
yet there doubt that the aggregate amount yielded has
largely exceeded that OF any former year.
ain the past and until lately, people were compelled
to purchase almost exclusively from the Atlantic States and
Europe every article of necessity utility, luxury, for
which they paid in dust and bullion taken from mines,
causing constant drain almost If not quite equal to the
whole amount Of gold obtained.
"Now, however, it is different Oar own farmers supply
doors with provisions and the necesaes and luz
of life mechanics and artizan furnish with i'm
in machinery and manufactures in word
wants. very great extent fully and well supplied by
people, and the gold Of California finds home
instead of foreign market Thus is large portion OF the
rich product of gold fields retained within the borders Of
the State serving enrich people rather than
the Golfers of capitalists and European
bankers sa.H
The following table shows the total value OF the agreu
tur products live stock &C. of the State for the year
| 1856: .......... .... .
Value of products of 1866 -- sl2, s97, 12s 90
/ fruit trees and grape vines 1889 Is
| " live stock 1914, G92 90
Total value Of products and live stock 2se3s,72s is
FIGURING and saw mills l,222, 500 90
Number OF feet of lumber produced, 3o4, l4s,4s7.
been as follows: .. aHH au.
Gold dust and bullion $4sl $50 80
Quicksilver, (l0 monthsl ss007l 90
Agricultural products Gil months) 925 1856 90
As, s39 494 80
The whole Of the message is devoted to State affairs and
regret that only able at the present time
give cursory view Of few OF the important
features of this interesting and valuable document