The Shasta courier., 1859-07-09
Removal OF the Head. of Navigation ON
the Sacramento.

tAc SdcromeRNOs
movement has been set on foot which will
certainly establish the town of Shasta as the
virtual head of steam navigation on the Sacra-
mento river. This result is inevitable, if it be
practicable That it is practicable there is no
room for doubling.
Last week we stated that the arrival of the
steamer Anna, off the mouth of Clear Greek, had
brought the fact fully before the eyes of our
people that, with the expenditure OF small
amount of money, the river might be rendered
navgable to point sufficiently near to Shasta
to establish it as the head of navigation-and
appealed to our business men and capitalists to
take action upon the matter. We are happy to
announce that that action has already been had
On Thursday morning petition was forward
ed to the California Steam Navigation Company,
signed by all the property holders and business
men of the town who had the opportunity,
pledging themselves to furnish the money requi-
site to removing all distractions in the river be-
tween the mouth of Clear Greek and the mouth
of Middle Creek, provided that Company would
agree to superintcnd the work, and hereafter
run their boats to the mouth of Middle Creek.
We have learned.that the Company built the
steamer 4nna for the sole purpose of running to
the projected town of Latona, at the mouth of
Clear Creek. Hence, we Think there is little
room to doubt but that the Company will
promptly accept the offer of the citizens of
Shasta Indeed, it is their interest to do so even
if clearing the river of distractions was at their
sole expense. 1t is low estimate to say that
their tonnage to Red Bluffs now, the year round,
averages 300 tons per week, or, we will say, A.
400 tons per year. At present. freight from Red
Bluffs to Shasta is $40 per ton If the Company
run boats to the mouth of Middle Creek, they
could afford to bring freight for $40 per ton. At
this rate on the tonnage for one year the Com
pany would realize the very handsome sum of
Sl44, 600, besides saving exactly that amount to
the consumers. This Sl44, 900 would pay the
Company at the rate of 2 per cent. per month
upon 100000 worth of stock-upon a sum suf-
ficient to build twenty such boats as are requir-
ed for the trade.
1t is asserted, by those who ought to know:
that from Middle Greek to the rapids immediate
ly this side of the mouth of Clear Creek the
river is wholly free from distractions to naviga-
ton, and deeper and much better river for
steamboat purposes that is that portion of the
river between Tehama and Colusa. With the
obstruction at the mouth of Clear Creek remov-
ed, then, We have excellent navigation to point
within two miles of Shasta
What then is to prevent Shasta being the vir-
tual permanent head of steamboat navigation on
the Sacramento river?
1t is fixed fact. Shasta is bound to be the
head of navigation 1t is inevitable. To make
the required Improvements ten thousand dollars
can be raised in few hours. 1t is believed that
half that sum will prove sufficient. Therefore
we say it is inevitable that Shasta will hereafter
become the head of navigation. To those who
doubt it, and the practicabilty of navigating the
river this side of Red Bluffs, we have but to
point to the facts that, in April 1854, the steam
er Belle, Capt. Gilman, reached point this side
of the dreaded Iron Canon that in May, 1857,
the steamer Ldtona, Caps. Weeks, reached the
same point and recently the 4Jma Capt. True
worthy, has accomplished fhe same feat. 1t
must not be forgotten that the Latona is the
largest stern-wheel boat running on the river
the largest stern-wheel boat, in fact ever built
in California. Hence when we Say that the
river will be made navigable to the mouth of
Mi1dlo Crock Sucb hOnfc
run to Red Bluffs.
In conclusion, we have to say that if the CAL
ifornia Steam Navigation Company respond to
the wishes of our citizens, the next thing to be
thought of is the building of the proper sort of
road between the town and the landing at the
mouth of Middle Greek. A Horse Railroad would
cost sum within the command of our people,
and we trust such road will be built. In fact
such road is indispensable to the establishing
of this town as the real head of navigation.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN WEAvERvILLE.-Ou Tues
house, in the lower part of the town, and in
very short time nearly half the town was con-
sumed. Every China merchant was burned out
The ST. Charles Hotel, and Comstock & Martins
stables were burnt. The total loss is estimated
at about $50, 900.
We are informed that already preparations are
being made to rebuild, in better style than be-
fore, the burnt district
In view of the recent fires at Tchama and
Weayervlle, it becomes our citizens to be- very
watchful, lest our turn come next.
AMERICANIzATIoS OF CUBA.--Hon. Thomas
Butler King says the number of Cuban children
now at school in the United States may be esti-
mated at from six to ten thousand. Added to
this, the number of visitors from Cuba to the
United States, in the year 1858, was between ff-
teen and twenty thousand. In view of these
facts, the Savannah Republican thinks Cuba will
soon become Americanized, and we had best not
be in hurry about the acquisition of the 'gem
of the Atlantic"
WM A NUNSALLY.-This gentleman, known
pretty much to every man, woman and child in
the county, has been in town during a week
past Although now resident of Trinity, Bill
Nunnally has ms many friends in Shasta county