, 1862-01-06
Especial Correspondence Of the Chicago Tribune
Sac FRANCISCO, Dec Il, 1851.

Especial Correspondence Of the Chicago T1ibunc.1
Sac FRANCISCO, Dec. II, 1851.
The opening Of, the telegraphic conlmunica-
ton between the Pacific and Atlantic States
has brought tic Eastern and Western portions
Of the continent into such neighborly contig-
uity that they can every day tell each other Of
passing events; consequently, q letter, which
must 60 by the q slow coach Of the overland
mail, cannot be the vehicle Of Important
news, but only interesting so far rs it may
contain matters in detail, and current gossip,
too unimpoHant to travel On the wings Of
the telegraph at the rate Of forty cents word.
The completion Of the overland telegraph,
connecting the extremes Of this mighty nation,
is IN event Of such vast Importance, both
commercially and politically, that in ordinary
| times it would have been cause of Joyous
| celebration throughout ha1f the world; but
| now the public mind is 80 engrossed by the
terrible scenes which are daily enacted upon
the theatre Of civil strife, that the completion
/ Of work Of such importance produces no
excitement or enthusiasm at either end Of the
route. The pen is now too busy in recording
the achievements Of arms to note the trinmphs
| OF peaceful life.
The FIVE regiments called for from this State
are nearly full, bnt it must be confessed that
the cnlistmcnts we're made very slowly. Vol
untccrs did not respond with the 2laerity that
| was expected Of a State that numbers SO many
lighting men. The principal excuse alleged,
is the fact that the California leyies will not
be called into active service, but will be re,
tanned to garrison the forts here, while the
| United States regulars are sent East. Meu
will not enlist to be cooped up here In the
forts, vithout any opportunity to engage tht
enemy.
It is said that II reqnisition is made OIL
this State for &C, 600 men, for actist serpiee il
would be speedily filed. Another reason
| why the five regiments hare recruited &
slowly is, that Gov. Downcy appoints all th
regimental officers, and he has improved til
- opportunity to make provision out Of tha
d patronage for al his used up and p1aycd ou
Democratic friends, some of whom are excel
lent officers, but many Of them are grossly in
IL experienced and incompetent, and Others no
l. free from suspicion Of disloyalty. This ha
the effect to dampen the ardor Of good neu
l. who. under proper auspices, would gladl
:, serve their country in her hour Of peril.
8. The books opened for subscriptions to th
:. Natiopal Loun, at the Office OF the Assistar
Treasurer, in this city, closed last Friday. Tt
ae amount subscribed was $3l0, 600. Booka we,
l. also opened at Sacramento. The tot
amount of subscriptions in til
s1a,e, will not reach half mi
;ion. of dollars; small sum, truly; abol
re the su,onpt that is expended, monthly on th
~ coast by the Generl Government.
i. California has need to be ashamed OF th
in small yield, after the loud protesta'ions
AZ patriotism she has made. This State has borl
III none of the burdens Of the war, but, on t
be cont,ary, has actually prohted BY it. Viii
.st business is stagnating 10 all the other citi
-, Of the Union, Ban Francisco Is bounding ahc
III. with uncxompled prosperity. There have be
r" !. 3 many buildings errcted here during t