, 1857-01-30

sources OF the golden" state, as to agri
culture, minerals, &C., and to devise SOM
means whereby the cost Of transit may b
cheapened, between the Atlantic and Pa
ci6c, and to point out the most favorable
places TO locate, &c. We will refer to thii
Subject more generally at another time
1 Although we find no mention made Of tkiI
territory, in the subjoined proceedings, We
apprehend that the fact that we have, here
"a "local habitation and a name,' will
some day, be made apparent.
Pursuant to q call published in the
morning papers, O meeting Of Californians
was held in the city Of New York, Monday,
December 1st, ito consider the subject Of
emigration, and other matters in the inter
est Of our State"
W. T. Coleman explained the objects Of
the meeting. 1t was proposed by num-
Der Of Californians in New York city, to
begin here a movement which shall result
in sending to our State an emigration COM
mensurate with her wants and the induce
menis she has to offer actual settlers. Sew
eral plans to effect this were open for dis
cussion, the most favored Of which seemed
to he, lst: The securing of proper infu-
ences in Washington this winter to procure
the passage Of the Pacific Railroad and
Wagon Road bills, in such shape as will
admit Of their early construction, and af-
ford our State direct relief; meantime, I'd:
To set before the emigrating class, through
the newspapers, by pamphlet publications
and otherwise, accurate information on
California resources; and by correspondence
and cooperation with our California breth-
rcn, to obtain and offer such inducements
of labor aud land as shall encourage indus
trious men 10 emigrate thither with their
families. Sd: To make arrangements, by
business negotiations, with steamship
companies, western railroads, and other
agencies Of transportations, for the passage
Of actual emigrants on terms CONSTANT
with the means Of the emigrant and the
benefits rendered by our union. 1t was
the opiuion Of many Californians, confirmed
by inquiry and observation, that each and
all of these methods were entirely practica-
bic. By combined effort on the part of
citizens of our State, the Wagon Road bill
might be made operative in the coming
spring; and under its chief provisions, a
large body Of emigrants, stimulated by
inducements opened in California, and sure
of aid and protection for their families and
property, might be sent forward, meanwhile
that reduced rates, fair representations and
an agency here to protect them against
imposition, would be turning thousands to
our shores by sea. 1t was only necessary
to initiate the movement in New York, to
awaken our California friends in neighbor-
ing cities, aud even in European countries,
and renew the interest which our own State
has already manifested in the subject.
The Secretary read o statement showing
the present rate and character of the in-
crease Of our State in population by land
and sea. No year in the annals of Califor-
nia emigration had been so Improbable as
the past one-no period so discouraging
as the present, or that quarter to the end
Of which our present returns are made up.
Our gain by sea has been only in women
and children, and Chinese; and of tho first
two classes, the chief proportion have been
families Of temporary residents in the count
ry. Our overland emigration, which was
estimated as high as $4,000, turns out less
than Eve thousand, though of character
to add greatly TO the wealth Of the. State
The prospects Of securing to California q
better result for the next and succeeding
years, were then examined; the aspect Of
our relations with the General Government
aud the hope Of our State for Pacific
Railroad. No relief seemed so immediate
and certain as that which we had it in our
own power to confer.
The geographical situation Of our State,
and the many obstacles in the way Of emf
grafton, deny the hope Of her natural in
crease in the ratio of her wants. We must
apply the same methods by which other
counties, even our own 10 early times, were
settled. These are through organizations
of citizens interested in promoting the
welfare Of the State. Mutual conference
and corporations were necessary. Califor-
mia must be fairly and adequately represen-
ted abroad. Her wealthy citizens must Of.
fer proper inducements to emigration.
Lands must be secured and set apart, which
might be paid for by the settler at the ex-
piration Of term Of years.
The Germans in San Francisco were even
now discussing plan to induce the emf
grafton Of their brethren. 1t is 10y just
such methods as we proposed. Correspon-
dence should be opened at once with Cali
fornia; offers Of land, &c. invited throughout
the State, and the cooperation Of our
people enlisted in season to put our plans
in operations before the spring Of 1851.
The chairman stated that lands could
be procured for emigrants in California on
very reasonable terms, through arrange.
ments with holders Of extensive tracts, and
instanced the cheapness at which good lands
were offered within the past year. The
titles were fast being confirmed, and now
the chief want was good occupants.
Mr.. Bond was in favor Of removing oil
restrictions in the way Of Chinese emigration
and inviting all who choose to come to
l settle among Ms He moved that n nlan