The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-20
Our California Correspondence.


Our CALIFORNIA; Correspondence.
SAN FRAScIsCo, Nov. 20. 1851.
The State Debt Mormon Ouirages on Immigrants
-Fa uh Brigham Young Considered Lneri
tabis-7hs Opinion the Cahfornians Entertain of
the Latter Day Sainfs-I olantesrs anxious to take
the Field against the Mo,mons &c., &C., &c.
The past fortnight has not been productive of any
local event of interest beyond the boundaries of
State. The press for the most part, is engaged in
discussing the late calamity by which so many of
our citizens lost their lives on the Central America
When the people voted at the last election, by
large majority, to pay the State debt, it was con.
sidered that as far its assumption concerned,
the matter finally settled; but it seems ques-
ton has been raised that the people by the vote Of
September, could not, no matter how large She ma
jorty, give sodity to debt contracted in delcga'
ton of an express provision of the constitution At
the time the subject was before the Legislature much
difficulty and doubt existed as TO the precise manner
the people could legaize the debt-how they were
TO vote. and in what manner the evidences of out
standing liabilities of the State were TO be rendered
legal and of binding force. Those who now moot the
question say the people were without power to as
sumo the debt in the particular way they undertook
TO effect that PURPOSE and il il understood settled
Court at early day for adjudication, in which they
will once be called upon to pass upon the State
debt question. The ground taken by those who. for
object assume TO deny the legality OF the pro-
ceeing the part of the people Is that though the
course followed il the one pointed out by the Su-
preme Court in the decision which declared the debt
unconstitutional and that tribunal will be obliged to
ratify what performed under their own direc-
ton vet il appears one Of the Judges who delivered
the opinion Of the Court only suggested vote Of the
people as a proper means TO assume payment OF the
debt but did commit himself unreseryedly 10 its
legality. The other member of the Court was of
opinion the debt could he legalized by vote Of the
people in its favor Since then the Court has changed
in its Judges and the point referred to Is now raised
and will have TO be decided The object is probably
for stockiobbing ends solely, for no sane person
doubts the Supreme Court will unanimously approve
the action Of the people.
We hear every day of some fresh outrage perpetrat
ed by the Mormons emigrants crossing the Plains,
and II i a melancholy fact that these reports have
become 40 familiar In our ears that they no longer
excite surprise. II il confidently believed in Califor
mia that war with Brigham Youngs followers IL
inevitable and that If hostilities have not com
menced ere this II il 70 be attributed to the non
appearance Of Col Johnston and hi force at this side
Of Fort Bridger. There can be no mistake about the
tone of the dscourses delivered by the elders NJ Salt
Lake. They are full Of threats against the soldiers.
and show fixed resolution 10 prevent, at all hazards,
their entry into the Territory Even If the language
used admitted of explanation could be ascribed to
the fanatical and heated feelings Of the Mormons,
there can be mistake To the acts and measures
81 the Leaders and people. Months ago the settle
ments occupied by them in this state were aban-
doned by order Of Young, and the Mormons pro-
ceeded in a body to Salt Lake City In dsposing Of
their stock and other property they sought more to
exchange them for rifles, pistols and ammunition
than to obtain money in return. All the late arri-
walls from Utah agree in stating that the entire people
there are arms resolved to resist the United States
soldiers and determined 70 prevent their approach
ing the city Of Salt Lake. The late massacre the
middle Plains has left deep impression on the pub
IA nj in hq WI ado
has been furnished that the Mormons were al the
bottom Of that nhuman butchery they did not take
an active part in the massacre The government can
not allow these matters 10 pass over even II there was
any attempt made TO shift the responsibility from the
actual criminals 10 the Indians. But on ths coca
sion II il not likely the government will have any
chance TO avoid the contest with honor Young has
his forces in readiness and appears TO be sangune
Of overthroving any army that can be sent against
him. II is subject Of painful regret that 20 small
body OF men should have been despatched to Utah.
We are here almost forced 70 believe Col. Johnston.
with but twelve or fifteen hundred troops stands on
the brink Of destruction II he determines 10 advance,
and II must We Notifying to him II Obliged 70 retrace
his steps 20 into winter quarters when the only
cause that obiges either resolution u the superior
number Of the Mormons, who declare neither he
nor his troops enter that portion OF the United
States. In California the Mormons enjoy but little
share Of the peoples affections The scandalous and
infamous harangues which 10 long have emanated
from Utah have served TO create adherence Of the
entire people and the wrongs endured by thousands
who have travelled the overland route, and passed
through that Territory, have not moderated the bad
opinions held Of the Saints in California. The gene
raj government would find II an easy task to raise
five TO ten thousand men In this State TO operate
against the Mormons. Already many who served
in Mexico sre waking up and prefer their
readiness to Join any force that may be sent from
here TO Utah The menaces and threats Of Brigham
have little effect on who have lived six or seven
years in Californis other than 70 add zest to IN
petition that promises hard fighting. and the ertir
patton Of system of rule that mpiously consigns TO
perditon ali who dare 10 canvass its immoral and
debssing tendencies. The next news from Utah is
anxiously looked for, as last advices from Salt
Lake left Col. Johnston within days march OF
Port Bridger.
The trial Of Mr. Haratz,hy, late meltcr and reGner
Of The Branch Mint located in this city, has been
postponed until February next owing 10 the absence
from the State Of important witnesses FOR the defence
Mr.. Haratzthy, expects 10 prove the deficiency Of
t250000 In his department occurred through the use
Of bad machinery and that be had repeatedly called
the attention Of the other officers Of the mint to the
fact and also advised them Of the losses which were
continually taking place by Of the defective
condition Of the work.. Colonel Snowden Superin.
tendent Of the parent establishment at Philadelphia
l. mbppnaed 10 attend the United States Circuit
Court a. witness for the defence the trial, TO
gehct With Judge Lott, Late Superintendent 81 "a: