, 1859-04-29

losnespondencs Of tho Pre-. and Tzbsue1
PORTLAND March coth 1850.
After politics, which claims the first place in
all American communities, the principal topic
among US just now il the discovery Of gold in
the Yakima country, about eight milea north Of
tue Dnlles. The proof Of the existence Of tho
precious metal in that locality, in quantities to
tempt large mining emigration, is clear as the
fact TINT gold is found in California or the bnrs
of Frascr's River. As yet no immense discove-
ries have been made; hence, luckily, no one has
grown suddenly rich; but every man who has
prc*rectcd the ground, has been richly paid
for the labor expended in the act. Parties Of
miners are gathering now at various points,
resolved upon trial Of their luck in the new
placcrs; and within week many will be on
their way. If their success is equnl to their
present expectation, we think VIC may there
after set up for ourselves. The Colyille mines
are now vigorously worked, and the return IS
satisfactory to all concerned.
Except as the Development Of our gold fields
will give Us what We most nccd-au addition to
our neagre population-1 have no pleasure in
recording new discoveries. The minds Of our
people are constantly in q feverish and excited
state by the reports Of the mineral wealth OF
newly explored districts; aud the Young men-
in all countries fool-hardv and adventurous
do not settle quietly and earnestly into agricul-
tural or mechanical pursuits, as long rs the
chance Of immediate and immoderate gain is
clittering in their eyes. They are careless in
their attention to economical and industrial
ma1ims, as long as the hope Of making good
tl,elr excesscs is but weeks journey away.
This is so marked that production of our stu
ples-umber and grain-hare actually fallen
off; and though there are plenty who attribute
the hard times which have ovcrtaken US, to the
causes which have been at work throughout the
whole commercial world. they do not see as do
that We have the sources Of our own troubles at
home, and that we arc independent Of the
changes and rerulsions which affect you Of the
commercial States.
The news Of the admission Of Oregon into the
f4fniy Of States was not the occasion, as might
haze been supposed, Of any very tumultuous
r.joicings among us who nre, more than all the
world besides, interested in what has been done.
Since our Constitution was framed and sent for
ward, the very natural wish to see our star gilt
trring on the national banner, has been much
nodificd By close calculations of tho cost OF
what NC have desired; and not u few Of us who
appreciate the advantages and immunities Of the
Territorial life, fear that we have drawn the
elephant after ALL Our population is short OF
s1,m"], and though VIC boast immensely Of our
resources and wealth, VIC shall be very GENEROUSLY
taxed in consequence Of the change. Demo
cratic governments nowadays are not noted
fur their economy in the administration Of pub.
lie atfars; and as our rulers will be Of that or
tnodox stripe, we have no reason in particular
tu congratulate ourselves upon what has been
done. This however il gnined: Our people,
hopelesslv insensible to the demands Of justice
in their dealings with the Slavery question, can
be aroused when their local interests are touched.
With the Democratic material out Of which
officers are made, that Providence has vouch-
safed US, we shall not be long in gettiu. up q
State issue that will wrest the control Of Ore
gon out OF Democratic hands. In tile meantime,
the Senate at Washington will be graced By two
Senators who will be Enthusiastically 'Demo-
cratic whenever Freedom is to be oppressed
and Slavery extended.
We hare Ilnoisans enough in Oregon to
make Illinois affairs fan,iliar to our people
Hence you may suppose that the contest be-
tween OH ADE and DorGLAs was The occasion
Of no small degree Of feeling, The copies oi
e. +a1-a hx-c ri 4 n