The New York Herald Newspaper, February 19, 1854, Page 2

—_—_ PAPUA, OR NEW QUINEA: One of she Havi- Way Stations of the rae —Its | reductiony, Commerci« arpa and Advantages asa W ing and | Amorican Vessels seen i nem « tnatad at. tha,ferated by ‘Torres strait from the nortbera extremity of Anstra- lia—by the strait of Gallows from the small island of Balwabty, which lies further west, aud by Damplera strait from New Britain, which is to the east of it, It extends from 10 degrees south latitude nearly to the Equator. Cape Rodney, the most southern point, is in 10 deg. 3 min. south latitude, an@ the most northern point, Cape Good Hope, isin 0 deg. 19 min. south latitude. From weet to east it extends be tween 130 deg. and 51 deg. 11 min. east longitude, The most northern point, Cape Salu, on Gallows strait, is in 132 deg. 2 min. east longitude. The length from southeast to northwest is about 1,300 miles, and its width varies bet ween 500 and 18 miles. Between 135 deg. and 133 deg. east longitude, Geilwink, or Great Bay, penetrates two hundred miles southward into the body of the island, and is about two hundred miles wide at its entrance, in which some islands of censiderable extent are aitu- ated. The southern extremity of this bay is sepa- rated from the Molucca Sea by an isthmus of only eighteen miles width. That part of the island which is west of this isthmus is indented by several deep inlets, the largest of which is McCleures Bay, up wards of one hundred miles long. ‘Bho Arabs, in their early voyages, appear to have frequently visited Papua, and describe the natives: in the most frightful colora, as cannibals. They are mentioned by the Arab travellers Ibu Wahab and Thu Zaid, and_nesrly the same accounts seem to be repeated by Masoudi, Yakati, and Ibu el; Wardi. It was probably as well kaown to the Arab nsyi- gators of the tenth century as it is to the Enropeau traders of the present day. Papua offers a very iuteresting field for geogra- hical exploration asd commercial enterprise. It is Tohabited by two distiact races of people, the Pa puans and the Horogoros, who subsist upon the spontaneous productions of the earth and by fish ing. The interior has never beeo explored. The is qm extensive range of lofty mountains, covered wilt? primitive forests, visibie from the soutawest coast, called the Owen Stanley Range, the bigest . They wore besides, “ober oreaments. Lieut. ho hada sort of mantle, wing those of the brmiets, necklace, aa 4 bserved oDe Yule ol ‘of the natives of Australia, the custems Theie trary 10 these people Were eutirely naked. _ nope of ‘Most of the adalts fiad small calabashes, contain- ieg lince or chunam, which they chewed with some vegetable. He saw no iron or other metal whatever in their ‘ion, and the astonishment they mani- fested ing they saw about the Eaglish ports come proved their former ignoranes of the e ice of such @ people. Lieutenant Yule completed the survey of the north part of Torres strait. There is a good and clear pasege of about thirty miles broad, between the Eastern Fields and Papua, extending from longitude 148 to 144 east. From the Bramble Teef to the westward, the passage is more contracted, et still in some places five or six miles wide. At sennie Key, Wi we ent, boned a large quantity of guano; a vegetable resemblin; bps 7. may also be found here at par sons e year. ‘The passage near the Papuan coast will be a great advantage, copockally te'vesaale which have fallen to leeward of the sout! entrances of the ler reef, which semetimes happens when the wind is atrong’at south, as i causes @ great sot to the north along the reefs. Captain Blackwood, of H. B. M. ship Fly, and Lieut. Yule, bave erected a conspicuous sione oman outlying yock, inerder to mark the safe bat narrow chanve! through the Barrier, called Raine Island channel. Captain Owen Stanley, R. N., has reeently com- leted a hydrographical survey of Papua and the jade. From the recent surveys made by order of the British government, it appears that Endeavor's Strait is navigable for large vessels, and that Torres Strait, and the pawages along the cast coast of Australia are Pgs practieable and free from danger, while Barrier reefs of the eastern coast form a natural breakwater, between which and the land steamers may. pass in their eourse, not only in safety over a distanee of 1,200 miles, but in the enjoyment of some of the most magrificent scenery. Tais has opened up a new era r stzam pevigation; a line of steamers being about to by established by the British between Singapore ond Sydney, by the route of the Indian Resa te ‘Torres Strait, and the great Barrier reefs, with coal- ing depots at Batavia, Macassar, and Albany Island, adiacens to Cape York on that strait. he pericd is rapidly coming when the vast chain islands reachiog from New Caledonia to Papua, the Malaccas, Celebes, Java, Borneo, Sooloo, the Philipines, and China, will hereafter supply an im- mense commerce, of which Torres strait must inevi- peak of which is about 13,205 feet high. Te has several za GP afi nia the Taio igpble avs bee BY ERE iargest yet discovered is five miles i at its emboushure into the Pavulic, in latitude 8 45 south, and 143 35 east longitace. ‘Tre island abounds iv any valuable commercial ucts, among which are tie following: —Amber, ambergris, tripany, evibie b'ra’s mests, tortoise shel', | » pearl shell, mother o’ pearl, black loories, ge and red loories, arges pheasaxts, birds of para- dise, and many other kinds of birds, whieh the Pa- puans have a peculiar way of preparing; wild nat- megs, rose maloes, ebouy, icom wood, various odo: Iferous, medicine], aud aye#oods, camphor, sago, cocoanut, palm oil, gold dust, aod diamonds. One of the most impor'aut aracles of export is massey bark, which is taken by the Dutch traders to Java, where the powder made of itis ex’eusively used by the Javanese for rubb ng the body, and fetches $50 sad picul of 1334 pounds. Tne Dutch, Chines, jujis, and natives of the vcighboring islands of Ce ram, Goram, and the Arru group, are the priacipal traders with Papua. This comwerce is represented to be very extensive and profitable. The Chinesa have found the trade with Papua so Jucrative that they are doing all they can t monopolize it; ard with this view take every occasion to prejudice the natives against all otner foreigcers, which will ac- count for the hostility thay bare generally shown to tae English and Americans who have atlempted to @pen intercourse aud trade with them. One of the [es articles of commerce with Papua consists slaves, which are taken on board by the Chinese and sold at Borneo and the adjacent islands of the Indian Archipelago at a great profit. To obtain theee slaves the Cainese traders stimulate the Pa- ste tribes to war with each other, as is done for e same purpose ia Africa. As this traflic is repre- sented to be very considerable, the Western nations, and especially the United States, are as much bound to put down flavery in the Hast as in the West, and open up a legitimate trade with this immense, popu- lous, and fertile island. One of the principal objects of the Iara: u, Sooloo, and other piratical tribes, in their forays on the north- ern and sou tern coasts of Borneo is to procare slaves for sale at other perts, on which they realize @mormous Sree and until those tribes are subdaed or exterm! the commerce of the Archipelago must languish and be proportionably checked. No Euro) nation except the Dutch has any com- mercial intercourse with the island. In 1828, Capt. bese prey ie Soe rematch yeak gece com- panied by the ris, explored and took possession of the weet const which is estimated to contain a population of two millions. In about 4 deg. 30 min. south latitude they observed a majestis chain of lofty mountains, running from east to west, at a great dis- tance in the interior, several of the most elevated wammits of which were of dazzling whiteness, and appeared to be above the limits perpetual snow, ich in thoss latitudes would give them an elevation of trom 15,000 to 20 000 feet. They discovered and named Triton’s Bay, ia latitude 3 deg. 45 min. south, and longitade 134 deg. 15 min. east. It Is a very large bay, surrounded by lofty and pictaresque hills, the highest of which, Mount Lamautsjeri, is about 2,500 feet high. On the 24th August, 1828, Fort Du Bus, on Tri- ton’s Bay, was opened with much ceremony by Lieu- tenant Modera and the officers of the Triton, and saion taken, in the name of the King of the Qretteriands, of the entire west coast and part of the north and south coasts, in presence oi eoad native chiefs, who swore allegiance to the Dutc! government, The expedition remained in the bay tree months, and, after loeing twenty mea from the eftects of the climate, with sixty on the sick list, including Captain Steenboom, was compelled to return to Amboyna, where the captain shortly after died. They collected much valuable iuformation respect- ing the geography, ethnography, natnral history, and hydrography of that part of the island. Amon; the animals which they discovered and descri were various species of kangsroo, one of which lives on trees, the wild boar, and one hundred snd nine- teen kinds of birds. In consequence of the insalubrity of the climate the Dutch were eompelled to withiraw their troops from Fort Du Bus, in 1836, with the intention of peo a & fort on some healthier poict of the cons! The promontory of Cape Valsche, in 8 deg. 22 mia. south latitude, and longitude 137 deg. 40 min. east, was considered part of Papua till April, 1835, when Lieutenants ‘Kool and Baure, of the Datch Navy, discovered the strait separating it from the mainland, in about 6 deg. 30 min. south latitude, which they named Princess Marianne Strait, and the island Prince Frederick Heary. The island, about ity miles broad, is low, and covered with trees. strait is narrow, wish a strong curtent. The Dutch Sppeer to have an incontestable claim to that part of Papua which is situated between 111 * degrees east longitude on the southern coast, and thence westerly, northwesterly aod northerly as far as the Cape of Good Hope, situated on the nocthern coast, Since the first discovery of the island, they have asserted their sapremacy over the greater Verh of the northwest coast, as being subject to their vaseal, the 5 of Tidore, to whom the natives ac- knowledge tl allegiance and regularly pay tri- M. D'Urville, the celebrated French circumnayi- gator, explored this coast in 1839, avd in the account of his last voyage speaks of a great mountain, re- markable for its conical form, not far from Ca) Boro, in latitude 4 degrees south, and longitude 135 degrees east. He considers it an excellent point of reconnoissance for the entrance of a ebannel to the westward of this mountain promontory, and which be Le ige must communicate with the vast bay at Geilwink, on the opposite coast of the island, that has never been fully explored. Lieut. Yule, of her Britannic Majesty's surveyin: ship Bramble, landed April 6, 1846, 0n_ the sont! coast, near a cape which he called Cape Possession, in latitude eight deg. thirty-four min. and thirty- ht sec. south, and longitude 146 deg. 11 min. and 27 sec. east, where he hoisted the British flag, and took posseasion of the coast in the name of her Bri- tannio Majesty. The whole Cases Se thickly inhabited. Their villages consisted large and respectable looking huts, the land near them presenting a very agreeable and fertile appearance. The natives brought off cocoanut, sugar cane, sago, ® sort of arrow root, as well as spectmens their arts and manufactures, such as bows, arrows, spears, ornaments, &c., which they readily exchanged for such trifles as were offer- ed them. hey have single and double canoes, some the former being capable of carrying from fifty to of ye men, and the latter two or three han- The patives vary in complexion from black to & light copper color. They appeared well made and active. All of them were ornamented, but some of them much more so than othera, Their earrings were made of rings of tortoise shell, a number of them being fastened together and suspended from the lower parts of the ears, In which are holes stretched so large as to admit easily of a man's thumb being passed through them. Tho cartillage divi the nostrils is perforated in like manner, the ion being occupied by a piece of white ) enn to the sige and shape of a shilling, Moat of these people wore round their is neat Plated fillets, into which were woven feathers arent, tably be the channel. It appears that a constant Inetialy 1itervuurse cals bet ween the natives of the strait, of Prince of Wales Island and otmers adjacent, Endeavor Strait, Mount Adolphus Island, and those ofthe main land about Cay ‘ork, which last, from its central position, is much frequented, where a free communication takes place between the Papus aud Avstialian races, The presence of a settlement at Cape York would be of importance to the trading yeesela which would then frequent the northeast por- tion of Torres Strait. H. B. M. ship Herald, Captsin Danham, left Eng- land in May, 1452, ona mover of survey among the islands of the Pacific. He has been instrueted to form a chart for the best route from Panama to Syd- ney, to select & point for the establishment of a coal one and an isiand fora penal settlement, the Bri- tish government having decided the route to Sydney by the way of Panama, to be the best and least liable to interruption. ‘The following extracta from Capt Keppel’s visit to the Indian Archiselago in 1450, confirms the favor- able deseriptions that we have previously noticed:— The interior of this magniticent island (Papus) is less kwown than either of toe Iadian Archipelage; but yet it is supposed not only to abound in minerala, but to posers a fertity of #11, and, from tts tiers of hills risimg isto Cistant mountains, a variety of climate capable of pro- ducing every fruit or vege'adle that grows withia the ppics. For the naturalist I believe that no country in the world is equally rich im beantiful rare birds aud beasts, Tre little that the natives confirmed what we had heard - that 4 # finer rece than any of the islanders; nor do I believe that their ferecity and camntbal- jem are carried to the extent reported A few communi. tioe ling the coast may, from ‘ormer ill treatment by the more civilized pa'e fsced mau, have become suspicions ané treschercus; but I would fain hope that a country on which nature cufontetpe have been to boustifal, is not marred in its pring ture by possessing & race of in- habitants such as ‘hey need desoribede The country of New em offers an inviting and ox texded field to the philanthiopiat. The well dirasted eperations of a few high mioded capitalista—nay, of 020 individual of exactly the right stamp- might opea such a ma:ket for European produc:tove as would soon reture any preliminary outlay ‘‘ten-fo.d iato their bo- ” Guinea invites end arks fora just govern yetem of protection to the oppressed There =:@ materials to work upoo, but not every day are indivi. Gusls to be found willlag to sacrifice healta aad fortune or tbe beme Gis of atrargera and succeeding generations We ¢id not notice any cenoes off the New Gaines coast. ‘Thie may be scocunted jor by its opem and exposed posi tiow. Os the southern side, which is protected by a coral r @ vatives appear to live as mush on the water a ia the jungle. The smoke rising is varioun direetions j O» the big'er grounds was proofto us that the popala- tion extended some distance into the interior.’’—Vol. IL, pp .92-201, Same work, page 229-231, extracts from the Jour- nal of Capt. Owen Stanley, H. B, M. surveying ship Rattlespake:— Except the isiacd under the sbelter of which we had anchored, no bing rer could be seen bat masses of heavy clouds above, and volumes of rolling mist below, while, to make it more tantalizing, to seaward all was 2s clear as possible About an hour before sumet a charge came over the seere far more wagical, far more sadcen, than anything aitempted om the stage, whenthe dark green curtain is drawn up to arow the openiog so-ne of #»ms new. pacto- mime. All at oncs the clou.s began to lift, the mist dis- perved, and the coast of New Guinea ptood before us, Clearly defined sgainst the sky, tinged with the rays of the netting sun. The mountairs seemed piled one above another to an erormons height, axd were of a deeper blue than I have ever seex before, even ts of Megellan. They ges; and from the foot le tract of low and ap- beach weat ranges & consid !y alluvial soil reached To give an ides of thia scene by description would be utierly impossible. Toe intense bine of the mountatas con Tasted strauaely wish maeses of white fisecy clouds driven rajicly pact them by the gale—the bright glare of the setting sup on the rear ills, covered with moat Tnanuricus vegetation, from which most mysterious little jets of very white smoke from time te time burst out, ‘and the two su:weying ships quite ia the foregroand, sur- rounded by naive cacces, completed the picture, which we did not enj long, for in thoce latitades, as you very well know, theie is uo teidght; and in less thee an hour from the time the clouds began to rise all was dark; acd (houzh we +aw many of the praks again, we never had another chance of seeing the whole range so clearly, + * © From subsequent observations I fad that some of the hills mus} have been forty-eight miles off, and were at least as high aa the Peak of Teneriffe. If trom so great a Cirtanmce the effect would be so grand, what must it Lo amorgst those mountain? An American whaling station somewhere about the north end of Papua, or on one of the neighboring islands, would contribute very mueh to the interest of oortrade. A harbor where vessels could refit and refresh would be very aceeptable to the whalin; ships which frequent the adjacent seas, and whi:zh at present find but a cool reception in the Dutch outstations, such as Gernate and the Molueca Islands. At present those vessels, when they require re orstores, proceed to Hong Kong or ep yeh hd ich takes them a long way from the acene of their "ar tions, and must, of course, contribute materially te their disbursements. Sacha station would, no doubt, become the focus of a very flourishing trade, if made attractive ts the natives by being conducted on the same principles as at the free ports at Papua. The trade of Pspua alone would form a very important contribution to the resources of such a station. The articles which this island farnishes are of a very va- luable description, and while some are suited fur the Buropean and American markets, others are of pecu- lar value for the China trade. The Dutch cannot assert their exclusive right of property te countries which they do not choose or have not the means to cccupy, and the resources of which they have hither- to failed te develope to any extent by commercial intercourse. New Branswick Legislative Counell. The \egirlative couvetl of the Provisce of New Brans wick was opered at Frede-exton on the 9th inat, by the lieatensnt Geversor. We give below a few extracts from the speech whish the Lieut. Govera sr delivered om the ocorsion. He says:—New Brinewick hes been exem from the visitation of those diseness which have previ od elrewhere; and we may be thipk/al that the storm of war which seen impending ever Earope does not threat en our pesceful shores. I koow well, however, that if the Ln ted the — ¢ ountry should tnvolve ber in bos! yur loyalty to out Qaven aad your with our fellow gudjeets, would stir every de gen} arouse every feeliag im favor of the British flag, With regard to messarer of internal interest, I believe that the railroad from the Gulf of St. Lawrence ts St. Jobn, will advance in avcordance with your wishes. I have full confidence ie the honor and resources of those who have urdertakea ite construction. I feei it my daty to recommend you to pass some bill for securing and merchasdise sgainst wilfal careleranees or calpable neglect in the tion and ‘Yeamers. on tla se | Cur California Cors espondence. Ban Faaxctaco, sprees iformia Gossip—Latter from one of ame, Dalorna Selon Le Le ae sent State of Affare—Erection of Elegant Re- tidences—-Eatravagance of the Laties— Musical and Theatrical Chit-Chat—Log of a New Year's Cruvee, &c. ‘ We have been very dissipated here lately, though it msy seem strange % people at home that we should 0 soon have caught up the elegancies, fop- peries and frivolities of the “ best society” ia older cities. But you don’t know anything of San Frao- cisco; no, nor never will, until you come and see for yourself, mingle in its society, gaze upon its elegant buildings that lift themrelves 80 proudly to the skies —presto! whata chauge from its little tents and bute. The dress circles of our theatres are now no longer filled with long bearded men with slouched chapeaus and red and blue flannel shirts, with face and bands that never, since crossing the Isthmus, bad seen soap and water—no, air! I wish it distinctly understood that we are not now a dirty ora dowdy people. A number of our citizens are crowning our tops with perfect bijouz of cottages, suggestive warm hearths and warmer hearts, bables, kittens, well behaved cats; fine and substantial brick church: es are and have been built, which look as if they were ‘not for a day but for all time,” And how the old time comes o’er me as the bells ring out on the Sabbath'morn the call to _prayer—how it recalls the past. I know of nothing thet brings to my mind so vividly the days “ Jang syne,” aa the sound of the church bells on the Vey ‘Sunday mornings. ‘The dry goods stores are beginuirg to look very beautiful, and each tries hard to outshine the other. I never saw in the States, (and I have bad some ex- perience in the shopping live,) such magnificent gvods of every description as are bere displayed; you can obtain anythin heart can wish for mosey+-but it takes a great deal of it though. Dress is carried to an extent tbat would astonish sme of your sober, quiet readers, and at home would be cousidered in very bad taste. Calicoes aud all common stuffs are totally discarded from a lady’s wardrobe. 3 In our musical circies we have the Pasific Musical troupe, Madame Apna Thillon snd her ty, & French opera, Miss Julia Gould and Miss Pelby. We are told we are soon to have Anna Bisop, Kate Heyes, and Ole Bull. What are we to do with then all?” Wethall run music mad; it will be almost an impossibility to meet with s friend on the atrest that will not be Mcmantng? in most delightful falsetto, aud troly operatic style, aira from the most celebrated on Of tue day. I have siightly caught the infec ion myself, but ‘’Tis vain to tell thee all I feel.” Imegine my surprise avd astonishment, a few days since, when a gentleman of my acqusiatanve, not weighing lees than one hundred and ninety, walked up to me, and with the most fascinating manner in the world, presented me with anu immense ring of Ca ifornia gold, (it was a specimen, in regard to size, I do assure you,) and after the avproved style of the day, commences singing, in the most terrific bass, ‘Take now this rivg, tis thine, love.” I hadn't a word to say, but‘ yamosed”—tound myself at home— how I got there I havn’t tye remotest idea. To ap- preciate this you should have se*n the ring. The Pasific Musical troupe have suag wo very good houses, and at first were most en‘uusiasticaly re- ceived; but they have tired ns, aud we thinkit a bore to be obliged to listen. Miss Julia Palby and Miss Gould have won the public by their sweet ballad singing—the former particularty. from the fact that sbe appears often and to sone advantace in male attire, at leart all the gentlemen say 0, but {don’t tee what they fina attractive in 4 wonau’s wearing the —-—. Mrs. Sinclair tried them on the other night; some said they dido’t fit, oshers that vhey were particu/arly becoming her pevuliar style. 3 Mrs. Sinclair is doing all, the sentimental hero ines—the Ophelias, Desdemonas, Patines, and Mari- tanas. The public in geveral would orefer a yonn; and pretty actress in these chsracters, bat woul stay away rather than see them done by an indiffer- Fille ae Mrs. Sinclair is not so popular as at rst Madame Anna Chillon appears for the first time on Monday, when I suppose the same farce of bouquets and benefits will be en d, rings and diamond and things. Heads, hearts, and nats will be thea cy at the feet of the dear creature, who lisps mont de- | lightfal tial feo with such @ sweet acceat, and siugs beantiful French songs so charmingly. Weil viwe la bagatelle! vive la joré! James Kendali has made his sppearance in public ence, on the occasion of Mrs Judwh’s benefit. The pee was beartfelt, and the apolause waich fol- lowed his efforts immense. He is the leader of tue Union Band, and has become in the shoit time he has been here an immense favorite. “hae ee Day-—the first of January, a! pee ren a reat re, may say very great day—a Sead many people mee the Stars and stripes don Pred when every man carried home his own turkey, and a good fourteen pounder at that—when every female was in doors, and every he male out of doors. En elored is @ line left on my table daring the day :— The dey commensed with light ber. At 250 P 4 made mail; hor and hove short on the port got u-der weigh on the scarbvard tack, and took bearings of Port O-watal; saw several strange tail and stord off shore. At 4 bore abous acd at 440 @sat archor, with the colors fi off Fort Ridita; ex. obi salutes with the Fort, and cent the crew ashore om hberty. bore away again. Twelve, midnight, equally weather and dirty appearance to wia wari; saw * ¢ T have plenty of gossip for you—balls and parties, public ‘ao private; bat wilt let it lay over till py next, till when I trust you may have your fi share of Sensuous. Saw Francisvo, Jan. 16, 1854. Changes m San Francisco—The New Theatre— Mrs. Snclair—Anna Tiullon— Rush for the He- raid Here—Mr. Murdoch—Mrs. Woodward— Miss Julia Gowld—Succesd of Governor Purdy— Great Gold News, §c. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company's magnifi- cent steamer John L. Stephens leaves this port to- day for Pasama, and by it I send a few j ttings down from this wonderful city —for city indeed it is. Tents ard frame houses have long since departed, and street after street of elegant brick and stone bnild- ings greets the eye, while alt the lnxaries aad delica- cies of the season are bere to be had in as great a profasion as at home. The hotels are all crowded, the last steamer bringing over one thousand passen- gers. Theatricals are in a flourisbing condition. Mrs. Catharine N. Sinclair is the mauager of the new Me- tropolitan theatre, which, by the way, is a magnifi- cent structure, bailt by Mr. French, well known as an architect in New York. There are four tiers of boxes, and it will bold as many as the ey It is fitted up in the moet elegant maaner, and is nightly crowdea. Mr Murdoch has just completed a liant as ig ae his benefit yi ig over $3,000.3 Mrs. Sinclair has been performing with him, and I assure you is rapidly wdvancing in her profession, reaping a golden harvest Madame anna Thillon commences to-night. Every seat hes been taken for ‘® month past, and expectation is on the tip toe tosee and hear ber. Our gentlemanly Postmaster is universally esteem: ed-here; your correspondent bas t> thank him fer many civilities and for the earliest copy of the Hevaxp upon the arrival of every steemer. By the way, it ia curious to see the rush for thia pet journal here; fifty cents is eagerly paid for it, and the young urchins of news boys’ pocket their half dollar with as oe nonchalance as at home they take their two cen Mies Heron has taken the town fairly by storm; the American is cr >wded to suffocation on each night ot her performance, and her acting is really full of genius. She is miserably supported.—tndeed this is the greet dfawback here; there are nostock companies hough Mrs. Sinclair, who has dove more than any one else in this country for the drama, J understand bas sent to New York forthe pick of the market. “Macbeth” was lately produted at Mre.Sinclair's thea- tre. Mr. Murdoch was the her» of the night and pisyea it to the satisfaction at least of the audience. ly Macbeth wax performed by Mrs. Woodward, one of the best actresses on the stage. I clip below from a daily paper here, a well merited notics of this es le lady :— ‘We ovuld not bat admire the acting of this lady, on the occasion of the production of “Mach th.’ at the Metrops liten Macbeth is a part reqoiring no orciasry oa proity, either o: intellect or kiowinige of the basineas of the atage, to give it effect, force ans: vigor. le the soeue after the murcer, sbe was wonderfully in and memed tolnfase by her wusterly acting, nee ond reno'ntion to the Manbeth of the uignt. Her face is intel taal aad expressive, her enunciation ¢istinct aod jeer, ond she woold at this moment be an acquisition as e jesding actrees at any of the principal theatres ia the a, She is a favorite with a California audience, and has 8 fortans by her labor sud industry. John Brougham, we hear, is coming, and everbody here is anxious to greet him. Mire Jalia Gould is a it favorite here. She arrived here about « mer since, having lefs Wal- lnck’s theatre for a very tempting offer made by Mrs. Sinclair. She has made quite a hit here tn her ballads. Last week, ime The Ladder of Love,” sne intro- duced a very pretty sovg written for her by Stephes C. Masnett, called ‘Come, sing that song again, aud it was enthusiastically encored, a it is every Bs ht she sings it. Horace Waters is publishin, it lew York. yond description grest. Ihave for you som: xtra- The whalers’ success the last season has been be- ordi iting items, by whi the gold ia more abundant than oh it would tleman callin, {etson the Yabo into aoe Ce 3 be the “* time” a aah a prone fe thousands more. There is @ com; ther river, where te ayauey, Canes are $6.8 day. Thetr lai is feet lopg and one hundred wide. The com sists of seven members, eud this is the fifth season they have worked the cla'm, and $1,500 is the share of each man a week. Atauother baron Feather river there ts a com) members, an: week they di 95, amesg them, or $7 man, for ope week's work; they say Bis reuson has been the richest in the yield precious metal yet knewn. In of southern mines, one bank claim week four pounds of gold a 5 these chalees sae Ow by Lg verre their piles ne a Slates for thousand dollars and four thousand Fel eeeite manner —. ly figured white satin was in exquisite taste; the lively and vivacious Miss gag coy admired, and ere- Ses ee eae ign a a cay Toom was decorated. The hall, used belongs to Henry Meigs, Esq., once of the Musical Institute of New York. It was remarked many of the new comers from ir city, that it would be diff- cult inany ball rods see more female beaaty than was there assembled. There was the soft hazel eye, a look from whieh goes at once to the heart; lips that lay like roses resting upon each oiber; bairso.bright and soft that the richest silk would be coarse in comparison, though seun by the worms that fed on the mulberry trees of Eden. Ever and snon forms swam by me more gracefal than awaps, besatiful as silver clouds sailing side by side over the noiseless bine heaven. Here one eoquetted with her fan, there anotber playing with ker boaqust, a third sat with her tiny hand half baried amid a dark eluster of flowing ringlets, while a fourth beat her little foot to some well remembered tane. And when T escaped from this scene of enchantment I scarcely krew whetber I stood on my kead or my heels, se entangled were my sensee in rich dresses, bright 8, long ringlets, and a thousand other tempte- fons, from which I prayed earnestly to be delivered. The dancers kept it up “ till day light did i orl and all went merry os a marriage bell. By the steamer to-day many old Californians leave us for a homeward visit. Bamcra, Jan, 14, 1854. California Legi* iture—Capital of the State—The Proposition of Vallejo—Swindliing Transac- tions, 8c This place is the temporary seat of government of Califernia. Itis situated on Suisan bay, forty-three miles from San Francisco. It is actually a very small place, both as regards numbers as well as the characters of the residents. It is said that this is the pretticat season of the year here. Ifitis, God de liver me fromthe ordinary season. Now we have fogs that one can almost cut with a knife; water rune down the gutters of the houses as if it was rain- ing, and we have the moat changeable weather I ever saw anywhere—the four seasons ia the trenty- four hours. The town is situated on a promontory of the bay, open and exposed to evesy wind. A city could never be built here unless at an immense ont- lay in cutting down the hills and filling up the sloughs and frog ponds that intersect the place in every direction. We have bridges and esuseways to getfrom the steamboat landings to the capitol: but as one-half of the place is under water and but few the head ofa slough to a place yards distant. As m with the situation of affairs here, I will endeavor to give them a few items, though twenty writers, in ten years, could not expoee all the rascality and frauds ractised on the people of the Stase and United es by old broken down politiciaus from other States. . The capital of the State was formerly at San Jose, one of the fincst locations in the State, having a mild and temperate climate, whe- invalids, particu- larly those suffering from pulmonary diseases, floeked to, and in most instances obtained relief. The place an oes adeneinees withiany order tiwn inthe Diate, and seat of government would have remained there had it not been for reckless, penniless poll- ticians, who “took the desperate chance of mskiag a raise. Mariano G. Vallejo, pronounced Valyaho, an’ hon- est and unsophisticated old native Califernian, isa large land owuer in this, Solano county. A certain ren found they could use him,and they did so a ven; They sid off a large city on Vallejo’s Ind, six miles from this place, christened it Vallejo, went to San Jose, and in Vallejo’s name made the most ex- travagant offers to the State to remove the capital. Vallejo made donations to the State amounting to near $400,000, for Seate library, State college, State House, and other public buildings; but you must bear in mind that the above domations were only on Raper. Both houses were besieged and bribed, or brow- beaten, into voting for removal. Vallejo bound him- self to have the buildings ready by the assembling of the next session afrer she bill for rembval was passed. The archives and library of the State were removed @t an expenre of many thousands of do.lars, which accrued to the benefit of the favored ones. All kinds of means and appliances were used to make the ae Vallejo a place; merabera of the revious seseion were the principal property holders the town, but be! gro no money to tmprove, and mronied men could nat be got to take hold; conse- quently the money could not be raised to build a capital, and the whole affair fell through. The Legislature assembled at Vallejo, but had no lace to hide their heads in, and found themselvea eee on the charity of any town that would offer them hospitality. Sacramento offered them the town ball, which was accepted, and the archives removed at another outlay to the State. The Legislature remained during the session at Sacramento, but upon the representations of the Vatlejo perty, it was determined to assemble tee next session at Vallejo (which was 1853). Accordingly the mewbers met there in Januery 1853, and found nei- ther omnia or avy other accommodations; so the were adrift again untii Benicia offered them its town hall—so there was nother removal avd another item ofexpense. Vallejo & Ce. caved in, and applied to the rislature to them, which was grant. ed, wi idea of Vallejo being the seat of govern- ment abandoned. The Legislature assembled here on the 2d instant, but found the capitol building rather small, the accommodations in the way of ho- tels bad, no good liquor, and none of the accom- pauiments in the way of necessaries to be had; con- sequently there is a great deal of interest taken, all torte of “log rolling,” goimg onto get the Legisla ture to 1emove to Sacramento, which holds oat many inducements to go there. A committee has been ap- pointed from both houses, and they will make a re- port in a day ortwe. 1 have no doubt that it will be Temoved, 80 there will be another outlay. This State owes upwards of $3,000,000, and we have no public buildings of any Kiad. Tne money has been wasted and squandered among « few in- tripuers. The people are worse tax ridden than any other people in America, or,I might say, on earth. To give you some ides of the baretaced frands com: mitted I will cite one among many, viz.:—the con- tract for building a State prisen. A bill was intro duced and at the session of 1852, providing for the building of State prison; an amendment was attached to the bill, “ ided that the cost of tre same sbull not ex $100 000,” which was passed and became alsq; but,lo! when the com- Diissioners came to let out the eontract, no sach amendment was to be fouod in the bili, and they proceeded to let out the contract at $1,000,000, when they knew that the constitution of the State posi- tively forbids any outlay of more than $300 000 for any *pecified purpose. One million was not the lowest bid, as bids were made as low as one hundred thourand dollars; but the commissioners “learned that the lower bids were pu: in as feelers.” fhe whole transection was se barelaced that one or two of the members, at the next session, were compelled to notice it, and a committee was appointed Wo ex- amine into the matter. They made a report; bat pot one-halt of the facts of the case were arrived at. ‘The committee belonged to the same party, and a large of the witoesses, it is said, were inter- ested in the contrast. 80 you can perceive that the “vest showing was made” that could be. Caro. y two hundred iperior Court. Bot r+ Joc ge slowwm. WARNING TO THOSE WHO LEAVE TRAPDOORS OPEN. Fae 17 —Sakerie va Wolfe, Browne and Helms —Astion to reciver @amages for persecal injuries reseived from Jeoving a tray open st No. 17 tgruce street Wolfe owned the house, and om the 27th of November the other two defexdante, who were gaxficters wast into it t) poraeure it for gee pipes. While doing so the: opsmed « trepdocr om the first floor which led to the basement, and tee plaintiff while walking through the promises, fell threvgh the trapdoor aed broke his‘leg. (On the defence ® moticm wae made for & nonsait on the part of Wolfe, as the A whe left the trapd er open were not in his ronreunt Motion granted On behaif of ti ber tro detendaats it war eonten‘ed that the acai oe we, Plaintiff's megligence. Verdict for piain- of your readers may not be acquainted | Our Washington Tercitory Correspondence: Srmttaceom, Wasumeton ion} Gov. Stevens at Olympia—Partiewlars of his Recep tion—Abstract of his Speech to the People—Mis Report of the Expleration— Wis First Preclama- tion— Organization of the Territory—Mewspapers and Prade—Dissoveries on Vancouver's Island — ‘The Indians, $e. Gov. Isaac 8. Stevens arrived at Olympia on the 96th November, and was received with a national salute. He was welcomed to the Territory as our fature Governor by J. W. Wiley, Baq., whe delivered s short address adapted to the ocoasion. ‘The Governor then responded, and + ha an hour. I give you an abstract ef the — Fellow Citizens—I have been mingling freely with ‘aince my arrival here half an hour since, and can, reply to your warm expressions of weleome, do little else than repeat what I have stated in conver- sation. After a six months experience of $h¢ plains and the mountains, I/<2; that [ have now reached home—a home soon to be cheered by the presence of my wife and ohildren, and to be the scene of the It is my pleasant duty to lete suoceas ef the explo- ef the beautiful 6t. Mary’s val just weet ef the Rosky Mountains, and stretch- ing acress the whele breadth of the Territory; of the plain, fifty miles wide, bordering on the south bank Spokane river to Colville; of the valley ex- from the 8; river te Colville; of the ’Etiene of six hundred square miles, and the Wi Wallah valley. The Nez Perces country is said to be rich, as well as the country bor- bin, wy the Yakima river. F ‘Citizens— We have c' jeg to enceurage us to do our part in establishing tme solid foundation of the future prosperity of our Territory. Ours is the great roadstead, where the vessels eegaged in the commeree, and the protection ef the commerce of the world, can ride at ancher. This great roadstead is onthe route of Asiatic commerce, and with the known prasticability ot the railroad route thence to the St. Lawrence valley and the Upper Mississippi, it must become a great emporium of trade. T have come here, not as am official for mere sta- tion, but as a citizen, as well as your chief m: trate, to do my part towards the developement of the resources of this Territory and combining the ele- mente of national organization and strength on tae Western coast. A great fie'd opens to our view, ani we can labor with the eonviction that from our hands as the pioneers on the Northera Pacific, an imperial domain will deseend to our childreu, and an accession of power reault to our country, all, too, ia the cause of freedom and humanity. Judges Lander, Monroe, and otuers, addressed the audience at some length, and to their evident satia- faction. The meeting passed off in the most cordial manner. i On the 28th November Governor Stevens issued his proclamation directing that the election for mem- bers ef the Legisiature for the Territory, aad of the first delegate to Congress, shall be held on the 30th day of January 1°54, and that the members of the i Legislature shall assemble at Olympia on the 27th day of February, 1854 r Territory is at last organized, her rich resour- ll be developed, and her interests promoted; we have a mos! favorable report for a railroad | om the Atlantic Ssates to our magnificent Sound. bridges, one hasto travel a mile or two to get around | it is expected that Congress will deliberately and impartially weigh all the claims and advantages of the route Ziabodied in the report of Governor Stevens, and act according to the evidence before it im the remises. He The Columbian has died, and frem its ashes has arieen the Washington Pioneer, edited by J. W. “fora Mana a a woes and its aumber presents 8 q Banoo enc tole pri, end Sie coom continues to improve rapidly. Vancouver's 5 At Fort Rupert, situated in the extreme northern part of the ialand, coal has been discovered of s supe- rior quality. This fort is a tradisg post of the Hud- son Company, on a called Beaver Har bor. Ivis formed by a cluster of emall islands lying between the northern point of Vancouver's Isan and the main land. The entranee to the harbor is ever a bar, upon which there are five fathoms of water at low tide; the channel is narrow, the banks on either side are almost verpendicular, and the soand- ings 60 we that it is almost imposstble to reach the bottom with an ordioary cable. The establishment at Fort Rupert is under the charge of three efficers in the service of the Hudson roapeor, and about ten men. The post was establi for the Pe dome in furs with the Indians, abeut ive years aince, during which time it has been al- most entirely cut off fram all intercourse with the world, it never having been visited by more than two pak oy ays A ca is uation uibaion ain en company in making shingles, ging ar having logs, cad prodacis a pony ees ly of vegetables. Besides trapping, these are the only 00- eu The country is rocky and unproductive, | although abounding in gigantic trees. The vege- tables are raised upon the grouad from which the trees are cleared, there being no arable land in the vicinity. The coal makes a good article fuel, although in this section it does not abound ia great quantities. #4 The Indians are represented as being a very war like race, and the different tribes are engaged in incessant hostilities with each other. They kesp up regular military organizations, and their battles are waged with flercencas, and often wich very fatal re- sults. They regard the neighboring Indians of Queen Charlotte's Island as their natural enemies, and are constantly on the lookout for an invasion from that quarter. They ape the English io military matters, and take great pride ia being vigilaat aud soldier like. The only currency used among the natives is blankets. Money is of mo value, and of course uaknown. The value of a canoe is Cour blan- kets. For small change, shirts, handkerchiefs, and tobacco are used. Although generally willing to work, their chief delight is in war. The island contains a popniation of over six bun- dred white this number, or nearly #0, are servants of the Hudson Bay Com- pany. I cannot write more at. present, = a Curmoox Crrr, Washi Teritery,| e jan. 9, 1854. Daily Developement of the New Territory—Northern Rowte to the Pacifle- Post Office D:ficulties and Ddays—Loss of a Peruvian Bark—First Deme- eratic Congressional Nemination—Furst Term of @ Cowrt Held— Arrival of the U. 8. Mails. The new Territory of Washington is becoming an interesting portion of our country, not only to the Pacific coast, but, it seems, by intelligence from the Capitol side, also to every part of our country east ef the Rocky Mountains... The survey of Governor Stevens, some of the pre- limivary reports of which have probably seen, will show abaudantly that the best, atortest, cheup- est, ard most prac.icable route fora railroed from the Mississipi river to the Pacific ocean is the north- ern route, of which he has had charge of the survey, and which will strike the Pacific through Puget Sound. Governor Stevens has in this survey showed dis- tinguished ability and energy, and in the discharge of\the very important duty confided chert 16 government has done henor to himself and conferred ‘a benefit upon our country that will remain on the last pages of her history Captain McOlellea is now on his way toexamine‘one or more passes in the Caseade mountains, at abont the 49th lel, and to make surveys thenee to the Souad. [fa road ever should be bailt over this proposed nortnera route, it will probably cross the Cascades at or near that parallel, rather than down the Columbia river. In either event it will terminate at the Souad, avd thereby avoid the almost iasurmountable diffical- ties of the davgereus coast ia the region of she mouth of thatriver. Before the entire undertaking of Gor. Stevens shall be completed, and his full reports mede, which will mo: be earlier than the latter part of next summer, he will make @ survey from the southern point of Puget Sound iato and ap the Wil- Jamette Valley, which will conclusively prove that this will be the route over which the commerce from the Pacific of that part of Oregon will be car- ried. The country hetween these points is admira- bly adapted to the building 0’ a railroad, and its rich abundance will of itself always yield to it ample bu- sivese apd pe Immediately upon the arrival of the Governor he insued bis pros tion bg bes Lennar ey Meron 30, 1854, ofa ite to Congress, mem! of the Légialatare who are to assemble on the foarth Movday of February, efter which oar Territorial government will get under fail way; and, with LS i ii | H F E : q 5 E 2 F i i E i | : a! i ie i pol £4 eh et A i i. HF F : a zt HH f Brg “fF i Fe if fi af Ky | LE H wees ? z F Fr Ee a 5 F E Eg i Ei cy z & a : i i qf i ip i i E The democratic party, in their convention held on the 2d inat., nominated for our first delegate to Con ress the Hon. Columbia Laneaster, of Clarke county! adge L. is about fifty ‘heel of age, a gentleman fine capacities and great moral worth. He will, doubt, be elected. of their respestive offices, except Judge H whom we have heard nalitna mneent an If he is coming, why don’t he eome along. The firat term of court ig ha La A haa held ity, by the Hon. Victor Mo that would’ dq eredit to any bench in the Unit le con mences to hold the court at Chinook, opposite Asto ria, in Pacific county. soasy The mail steamer Columbia and the Peytona ha arrived, but breught no mail from the States, so are without advices for a month, Cc. Whe Celebes Islands in the Pacific. [From the Washi«gton Union.] Among the islaadsof the Indian Archipelag this one, by its astonishing , the abundanc of its natural productions, and as oer contain ing within its soil the richest rs of gold th world ever saw, is deserving of particular distinc tion. Celebes occupies the centre of the tropical zone ‘and lies in the Moiucca sea. Its length and breadty it 1s difficult to estimate, being composed of four pen insulas, with an area of about 3,573 miles. Its co Presents a great number of bays, gulfs, and capes 0; eccentric outline. Three deep arms of the ses pen pees it der ise! 1d one. and Sendesecd gigantl ngues , are an incon <n mass of land, give the Pits pecu abape. hough @ mountainous island, Celebes presents along the borders of the sea. wide plains cover with verdure, and beautiful valleys, some of whiol] enclose more or leas extensive. Nothing en| hances the of « landscape more than a lake; and those Celebes are distinguished by thet beauty. Magnificent basins of limpid water, d on a smooth plateau, encircled by a rim of low hills| tufted with palm groves, or overfaid with soft » ie under the sun of the east, and glow like ects of silver. Waterfowl of many species, s0 with crimson and inball it the lakea| aud birds construct nests on the floating fic of vegetation, similar to those floating islets on Lake Chalco, in Mexico. The the island b comes wilder 9s leave the sea. It wears a mo Americas pect than avy other island of the b pelage, low but beautifal streams intersect tl sloping pleivs, of aweet water tric between the rocks, wi are scattered, confu il eg arp or Liege of flowering pipes bam mavy Other ands of the Archipelego. I may be true that since the accession of the Dutch tq dominion over a portion of it it has declined from it original condition. It is composed of the ori; A , and of nomade or commercial Malays, p bably from their seat of empire in Sumatra, wh have in Celebes, as in other islands, established ves on sea border, and driven the old tenants of the soil ints the central wilderneas. and race. justi are rytalto eiete honda, but salam Weegee njut bed Heylyn, in his ‘ Cosmograpby,” as a tall, comel; arr brown color, rege to pimeoy, fo Lats ob Negeri not the most civilized, part Ud te They possess all the cou and few of the vices prevailing ‘among the Br and Malays. Some of these tribes are among th most siogular communities in orld. ‘Bhe it |g Ail toe and the of the ci man are united in them. have ceived the Koran, but not shane the practio of their ancient faith—the dark old idolatry ono universal in the Archipelago. Stones tre eir devotions with the is by them to women. They manifest a decided pi : ference to female rule. In the Sultanate of Bon! pecially, the female line always takes precedence 0 the male on the demise of a soterelga. The mild and pi ity attending the in of their Sultas Rajas had reudered the le of the Archipelago vorable to it. On one says Marsden, c borainate chiefs, who flourished better under & m Kin greater license to plunder ?) than a mist oppor the elevation of a princess to the thro vil war ensued ; two armies met—one the bi r of the patrician order, the the armed to assert their natural right their own) rulers. The belligerenta encamped on each bank of a river. The ion of the eontest is remarkable in Asiatic, or, indeed, in any history. ‘The nooles, the! the bie the Demangs, the Mantris, the Tamung-| gangs, an Hatubalangs saw the folly of resistance ; e people's wishes were granted, and it was passed into law that their governor should be a queen, on her accession to the throne to be a maiden, nos Lo jer than seventeen, nor older than twenty-five. autiful and chivalrous hoi to woman and virginity is concurred in by the bravest, most prde- perous, most independent, and most Caucasian races of the Archipelago. They have found the sex to be ete as well as gentle rulers, more spirited than their slavish sultans and rajahs, who so often sold their rights to the Euro, for a few gewgaws of ornameut. When the Ecglish sent an embassy from: Madras to Achin to solicit leave to erecta the Queen of that count: ly saying that if the Boglish led ces with wedges of 1d they should not build one cabin of brick within her dominions, as the country retina’ to this. day one of the few independeat Temi one Ww Btates of the Archi \ / The natural wealth of Celebss is diversified and ie oa of he Archipelago. pala of raion ge e re! » sof various Reet hogy Maina pew’. lye woods, areca, baw yan, and boos, otten forty feet high and three im diameter, are found ; with eago, as in the Molacoas, hich is in mavy provinces the chief food of the peo, per, the flavor of which was formerly it creased by that of ginger, which is a tavorite article of consumption with the natives ; wild nutmegs and cloves of a peculiar species ; the almond whence the uae ae en 5 a coffee ; rice of sree species ; maize, , tobacco, sugarcane; manioo from whence taploen: ‘is extracted ; palm-ou- gar, and cotton, are B Hy uava to the wild Sing op fn Celebee. At! a gear pd 2 ae kuown 5 an orn , ’ » io ail the history of mrntare 14 Gelebes Is til tle meee tans collection of fragmenta, But Celebes is Australia in its placets of gold. This precious metal Jaa been lately Found in tanate of Mevado. These flakes or sheets of pure ore —rome iting # surface of square, though not more than an tnick—have sg out ‘rom the fissuresof canic strata of rock. Here the m has cently been thrown up from the bowels of hy pluteni> action, and in ductile aheets and threads 1. ow lines the interstices of the masses Se eg «uartz that composes the Celebrean hills. sotaks from oceular evidence, and trusts at no lete day ‘to verify to bis fellow citizens the inarvels of hitherto hidden auriferous region 0 Celebes. '