The Nevada Democrat., 1862-02-13
British Calculations on California.


The LOndOn correspondent Of the Bulle-
tin, writing on the subject of war be-
tween America and England, furnishes the
following relative to the calculations of the
English. TOrys on California:
| have seen some hints in the British To-
ry press in regard to California, aud have
listened to more distinct speaking on the
part of leading men Of the party on the
same subject, notice of which may possi-
bly, interest and more probably will amuse
some of your readers. Specializing on the
course of events in case of hositilies, it is
said that San Francisco would be one of
the first places to be blockaded; and that
we could. from the nature of its harbor aud
with the forces at our command, most ef.
fectually seal up the port and stop pretty
we'll the whole trade of California. The nee
cessity for rigid closing of the great har-
bor OF the Pacific is urged not alone on ac-
count of its vast importance, but also on
account of the necessity that would exist
shutting out privateers from the only port
they could enter on your side for the dis
posal of prizes. But the curious part of
the subject lies 10 the calculation indulged
in as to the results of the blockade. The
utter stoppage of its trade would be, it is
said, simply intolerable to the inhabitants
of San Francisco, and would dispose them
to any step whereby the evil could be rem
edied. 1t is boldly anticipated, then, that
weeks blockade wonld lead to hauling
down of the stars and stripes, and hoist
ing of the British Jack, with declaration
OF adhesion to Britain.(D As reasons for
anticipating this result. il Is stated that the
American element is not so very large in
California society, and among the various
natiOnalities, adhesion to the Union is by
no means strong.O All that California has
ever gained by its connection with the Uni
ted States was the protection OF a powerful
nation. For that protection, say our Tory
scribes and speakers, California had to pay
q heavy price in bearing q tariff that en-
hanced the price of all its imports, and Grip.
pied, of course, it's exports at the same
time. Since disunion began, the States
ceased to be the powerful nation they were
and California is more defenGeless In con-
sequeece. But-and here you must admire
the dexterOus reasoning OfyOur British adj
mirers-shOuld California attach itself to
the fortunes of Britain, Il would gain the
| protection of power certainly not second
to that Of the States at their palmiest time
and ii would pay nothing for it. Britain
does not tax her colonies; and you could
have peafectly free trade, If you desired IL,
aud as much of 1t as you chose to do with
Britain or any other country. In cOnjunc-
tiOn with Oregon, British Columbia aud
Vancouver, the country is popnlOus and i'm
portant enough to have O constitution SINH
lar to Canada; in which case you would
have Government as republican and inde-
pendent as you have at the present moment;
and when, in the common course of events,
The great communities on the Pacific become
wealthy enough and large enough to be in
dependent of all protection, peaceful sep
aration from Britain would become desira-
BILE for both countries, and would be effected
without in the least impairing the amity that
national connection and mutual interests
would have established. What do you think
of the picture2 Mind, only give it as a
small matter of not very prominent specu-
lation. Nor must you suppose have over
cOlored It, for / have left out such light
touches as your command of John BULBS
long purse for the construction of yonr ov-
erland railway-your immediate elevation
into the great port for his transit trade with
bis eastern possessions and Japan, &c, &c.
l send it to you as q mere curiosity in Brit
sh "calculation;" if you "laugh consumed
ly" at it, there is no harm done.