The Placer herald., 1858-04-17
San Francisco Correspondence.
SAN Francisco, April 14th, 1858.


Friend MitcheN:-The 18th inst, seemed
quite like old times, when the two lines Of
steamers were running-the Orizaba having
arrived at 5 o'clock A. M, and the Golden
Age at 8 P. M, of the same day. The former
had been due for some days, but was kept
back by heavy weather and short supply
of coal.
The news by the steamer is not so satisfac-
tory as might have been wished. Many had
hoped that their ears would be delighted by
the announcement, that for all future time,
Kansas was empowered to do her own howl
ing; that in her position as a sovereign State,
she could shrek and bleed to her hearts con-
tent, without any outside interference. Day
light is visible, however-the vote was taken
in the Senate on the 22d Of March. There
the Administration had decided majority.
In the House the result was not so certain,
the Administration men counted confidently
on fifteen majority, and the opposition men
claiming, with almost equal confidence, that
their combined forces would outnumber those
of the Lecomptonites l suppose the truth
is that there are several members who are
yet undecided. Many are now opposed who
will vote for it if certain amendments are
accepted. The fact that there is now flee
State majority in the Kansas Legislature
will induce some to support it as the readi-
est and quickest way of settling the question;
as in the event Of their being dissatisfied
with it they could call convention and
amend it or make an entire new one in a
few weeks; and by this means would get
what they want in one-tenth the time it
would take to do it in any other way. De-
mocrats must not forget one thng-that
keeping this question open and unsettled
is absolutely essential to the existence of
the Black Republican party, and as it
has been by reason of their counsels,
that, their friends in Kansas have refused to
vote heretofore, what right have we to sup
pose that they will act differently in the
future. 1t being their interest to keep the
subject open it is reasonable to expect that
they will endeavor to do so. But make them
State and they will be obliged to vote if
they do not wish to submit to the will of
what they claim is a minority. 1t strikes
me very forciblv that it is the most utter and
egregious folly for democrats to quarrel
about this matter; they are hazarling the
future prospects Of an association of patriots
who have from the early days of our history
to the present, fostered our prosperity, and
are now the cement that Ginas the discordant
elements of the Union together. Kansas
and its people are not worth the sympathy
that is wasted upon them. Doubtless there
are a few decent and respectable citizens
among them; but if we believe the reports
and stories that both sides have published
concerning them, we cannot fail to set down
the great majority to be real scoundrels; or
if we disbeieve that, they are great liars -
Probably the safest plan, to prevent doing
an injustice, is to bestow upon them both of
these distinguishing appellatons, as the only
suitable reward for their very strenuous
efforts.
The general tone of the European news is
indicative of general muss brewing through
out Europe-to be commenced by declara-
tion of war 10y France against England
Louis Napoleon feels the necessity of some
excitement, to occupy the minds Of his peo-
pie, and divert their attention from his gov
ernment. He knows that the move would
Le popular, and that France, acting as unit
and directed by the will of one man, was
never so strong-nor Eng land, embarrassed
by foreign wars in India and China, ever SO
weak. His inclinations and necessities com
bine to force the movement, and it is notori-
Gus that his political and military advisers
are all strongly in favor of it. An excuse is
easily obtained, if desired, and the refusal
to enact stringent measures against French
political exies, will doubtless be considered
a sufficient good one.
Those of your readers who are particularly
down on Steamship Companies but at the
same time wish to 90 to the States, can take
a look at Cape Horn on the clipper ship
Fleet Wing, which is advertised to sail on
the 30th inst. without fail. She will be fit
ted up exclusively for passengers, and as the I
prices are not advertised will probably take
what they can get. More q Taylor, agents
advertise their intention to send off a ship on
the third Of each month, in future. ANY
one who does not get "sck nit the sea- can
have fine opportunity to enjoy the poetry
of nature, and the delightful sensations pro
duced by rapid sailing.
Last Sunday was quite an event to the
OakIanders. The opposition Ferry Boat had
commenced her trips on the previous week
and had proved herself superior in speed,
accommodation and lightness of draught, to
the old one, and in addition to all this,
the price which has long ruled at SO cents,
was reduced to % cents. This concurrence
of circumstances excited quite an interest,
and the day being perfectly magnificent an
immense crowd Of pleasure-seeking citizens
made the trip, and doubtless enjoyed a ram
Bile in the delightful shade of the broad and
spreading evergreen oaks, of which our as
piring and capital little neighbor is so justly
proud. Their numbers are variously esti-
mated at from two to three thousand; and
calculating their expenses at one dollar each
(moderate) should Judge the ferry and the
lager venders were not loosers by the move
ment. To give some idea of the size Of the