, 1862-03-08
Improper use Of government Property.


We are credibly informed that pack train
consisting of some ffty-odd mules belonging to
this post is now on the road to Salmon, with
freight for private parties. There is little doubt
started out and was therefore very closely scru-
tinzed by our citizens. This train left here some
two weeks ago and is now nearly to Lewiston.
That it could leave on such an expedition with
out the knowledge of the commanding officer of
the post we cannot believe Indeed, we have
been shown a copy of letter addressed to him,
signed by some eight packers, informing him of
the fact and calling his attention to it. That
this fragrant violation of the rules of the mil
itary service there can be no question and that
it is injurious to the interests of large class of
our citizens, who are engaged in the business of
packing is quite apparent. We protest that men
who have their capital invested in legitimate bust
ness, and who have incurred such heavy expense
in wintering their pack trains, should not be ccm-
PEELED to compete with Uncle Sam in the bust
ness of packing freight to the mines. Such an
outrage Qor such the entire community regard it)
I would be bad enough at any time, but at this
Y time, when the Government is engaged in war
which taxes all its resources and demands all its
energies it becomes little less than treason, while
it lacks its manlness We fear that under pre-
tense of serving the Union cause too many have
sought place in the military service from motives
of personal aggrandizement rather than patriot
ISM That such has been the case on the other
side there is abundant evidence to show, and it
is presumed the service will not be exempt from
the same evil here We predict that if such un-
warrantable use is made of public property by
J those who temporarily have it in charge there
will not be much of it left in a short time for
outsiders will be very likely to help themselves to
portion of it, on the principle that one man
has as good a right to rob Uncle Sam another.
FROM FLORENCE Mr.. Henry Millard Of
Portland, who arrived in this city on Thursday
last, we learn that much snow has fallen lately on
the trail from Col. Craig's to the mouth of Slate
Creek, and also on the mountain and in the mines.
He states that they were unable TO bring their
horses across Camas Prairie, and were obliged to
leave them behind. A party of seven were lost
FIVE days on the prairie, and were obliged to live
q on pine bark. He gives it as his opinion that no
pack animals will be able to pass from Craig's to
Slate Creek during the present month. Provis-
t ions were becoming scarce in the mines; and
many mining implements were not to be had.
HIGH PRIcE-A COW and calf sold in this city
a few days ago for one hundred dollars. II there
4 are any people in the Willamette who have cows
or work oxen to dispose of they would Go well
= to drive them to this market
DEPARTURE Of THE MAILs.-The stage left
} here with the mails on Thursday morning last
Mr.. Blackmor informed us that he will probably
make the trip to the Dalles and back within two
e weeks
A MIsTAKE.-Some Of our subscribers seem tc
have the impression that our missing an issue cur
Il tails the number of papers they should receive to
: make up the year. They VIII see that this
e mistake by observing that we count by numbers
+ not by dates.
The NEws,-We are obliged this week to give
up our columns to the publication of the news, the
city charter, and other matters of interest.
FAvoRs.-We are indebted to Mr. l. T. Reese
eor hles Of Doners