The Nevada Democrat., 1859-02-16
Letter from Sacramento.


Tanins Mining Claims Dfst'c Judgss-Legi'la-
Gve-1ns Bulkhead Schemes, &c.
EDrroR DEMoCRAT.-Tsxing mining claims is
the favorte theory Of those members Of the
Legislature who represent agricultural coun-
ties, and therefore know nothing whatever OF
the necessities Of the mining counties. Mr..
Pixley. OF San Francisco, has introduced reso-
lutions memorializing Congress to order sur
vey Of the mineral lands of this State, so that
miners may preempt the same, and in that way
acquire permanent title. At first glance, the
proposition seems very plausible, but is replete
with sophistry and fallacy when subjected to a
slight investigation. 1t is plainly true that this
will be the opening wedge for systematic and
insidious effort to levy direct tax on the
claims of miners, and thus compel those sturdy
sons of toll to pay taxes on property which has
no real value. excepting the chances of making
. strike. The exploded idea that the COW
counties pay all the taxes is no longer flung in
our faces, but now these casusts ask that the
miners preempt for their own protection. Ac-
coIding to my idea, the miners know how to
take care Of their own business and will not
thank outsiders for their interference.
Considerable curiosity has been expressed to
know the successful applicant for the Judg-
chip of the Seventeenth Judicial District-one
Of the two newly created Districts. Gov. We'll
Ter has not rs yet signifed his choice. BY the
way, in connection with Judge Searls District,
there is q matter that requires explanation
from somebody. II is well known that Court
tax Of three dollars is levied on each case CON-
ing before District Courts. which tax is paid TO
the Judge ~ part Of his salary. and the de6-
cheney is made up from the State Treasury. In
the 18th Distrct, for instance, the Court taxes
for last year amounted to $4,000, 20 that the
balance Of the salary required to be paid by
the State, was only $500. But in Judge
Searls' District, BY report Of the Controller, ii
does not appear that any Court taxes whatever
have been paid, and that the Judge has receiv-
ed his entire salary from the State. Has the
law been enforced? II not, whose fault is it?
The business now before the Legislature is Of
O mixed character. The usual amount Of local
legislation is demanded for the several coun-
ties and the time Of the session is nearly all
consumed 10 this way. Yet there are several
general measures of great Importance pending.
Only recently, a committee was appointed to
consider the expediency Of reducing taxation;
. matter that certainly comes home to the
pockets Of every taxpayer. Then there is a
proposition to re-enact the anti-Sunday trading
law Of last session, with an amendment to OBJ
viate the objection Of the Supreme Court. An
other bill proposes to appropriate $25O,000 for
the redemption Of the State debt. A join. res
oution is also pending to memorialize Con-
gress to organize Territory, to be called Col
0rsdO, and include therein the southern coun-
oF. al 10 Tho hill In Ind (Ihinaan
from the mines is another very important mat
ter.
Another attempt is now in progress to pass
bill to construct Bulkhead for the port of
San Francisco. The multiplicity of ideas upon
this matter has led to one favorable result; il
has Informed gentlemen. even from the noun
tains, of the necessities and requirements for n
bukhead For three sessions past, several
bulkhead schemes have been urged, but all of
them liable to objection. Four bills on the
subject have been introduced this year, and up
on one of them the Senate committee has ia
vored US with lengthy report, in which they
take strong ground in favor OF granting the
franchise to the wharf companies. They seem
to offer the hest terms and can command the
capital quicker than any body else for it's con.
struction. According to The surveys, there is
danger that in two years there will not be a
berth at any of the present wharves of that
city for a first class vessel, and to extend the
piers would cost about half as much as bulk
head, and 70 it may as well be built now. The
wharf companies present the best bill, and If
on candid consideration it be deemed such.
there is urgent necessity it should pass this ses-
sion. ..
We have been blessed and cursed with all
sorts of weather during the past week, and the
streets are in terrible order. reminding one
81 ~ raft in than
capital city of the State. ANDES.