Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-02-03

season, on account Of the great rush to
the mines. The wheat crop was rather
light, and the amount Of wheat sown
was not 80 large a. formerly. The apple
crop was most abundant, yet the prices
fell much below what they have hereto
fore been. These TWO are the staple
products Of the country and when they
tail, or their market il embarrassed in
any manner, our producers and dealers
generally, are robbed Of their chief re-
venue. But in the end, the present dull
times will rather be an advantage to the
country than otherwise. We need the
experience which they occasion, ard
may profit by the lessons they teach. In
the past, our people have been most pro-
digal Of their resources, never dreaming
that the time would come in Oregon
when they would be obliged to resort to
retrenchment and reform. But that time
has come already, taking many by sur
prise, and producing general consterna-
ton. And already We find from numer-
Gus indications, that the remedy is being
initiated throughout the State. Reform
is the watchword on all hands, and /
think vigorous effort to throw off the
financial embarrassment which seems 10
be settling upon US, will be speedily com
menced and prosecuted by our citizens.
Gu. farmers are taking greater and
more abiding interest in Agriculture
The holding Of State and County Fairs
has been inaugurated, and an interest
already attaches to them which promises
much good to the country. As an evid-
ence Of determination, many farmers and
business men in the Willamette Valley
have organized themselves into a Joint
Stock Company, and intend to place a
/ line Of steamers on the willamette river,
with the object Of reducing the price Of
freight and passenger transportation
The object is prosecuted with earnestness
and zeal, and We expect soon to see an
opposition line Of boats on our rivers -
The reduction Of prices of transporta-
ton will secure an advantage not hereto
fore enjoyed.
Considerable excitement is prevailing
Just now in consequence of rich gold dis
coveries in what IS termed the Northern
mines. These mines are on the Similka-
neon river, about three hundred miles
northeast from this place, and in the re-
gion Of Fort Colvile. Very rich dig
gings have been discovered, though but
little extent Of country has been prospect.
ed. The gold is coarse, much resembling
that Of California in quality. That re-
gion Of country for miles in extent ha.
been prospected somewhat, and it is be
ieved that when the mines there are
thoroughly explored, they will prove
equal to those of our sister State. A
Colville considerable gold has been taker
out, and the miners are still doing well
On the Wenachee river, in the Yakima
country, mines have been discovered, bu
owing to the hostility Of the Indians
they have never yet been successful y
worked. Oregon will yet astonish even
the people Of California in the develop
ment Of her mineral resources.
The San Juan Island difficulty ha
been set at rest for the present by thu
Withdrawal Of the company of y. S
Military under Capt. Pickett, and alsc
the removal OF the British men of war
Another question to be settled by diplo
macy.
A Dashaway Association, similar Il
that Of California, has been organize,
in this city. As usual in all new move
. ments, it is fourishing rapidly. 1t mum
beers already $50 members, made n
mostly from our worst drinkers.
Success to everything which curtail
the devastating effects of the liquor trat
, iic. Yours truly,
OCCIDEET.