News and Miscellany by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 22, 1875

News and Miscellany.

By Editor

EMIGRATION TO CALIFORNIA.

The tide of emigration to California seems to be increasing, rather than growing less. The recent cold winter East, and the cold snap of this spring, taken in contrast with the flattering reports of the mild climate of California, has doubtless much to do in inducing eastern people to leave their homes and settle in the newer country and milder climate of California. Reports of large wages and easily acquired fortunes doubtless influence many.

The S. F. Chronicle says: "From present indications it does not seem at all unreasonable to estimate that 150,000 persons will be added to the population of California before the close of the present year. Though it is yet early in the season, our numbers are being reinforced at the rate of 6,000 persons per month."

"The accommodation of the large increasing emigration is a matter of serious importance. Where to place them, and how best to provide for them, is worthy of consideration. Many of the new-comers are doubtless advised by persons who have visited the State as pioneers of the different localities from which they come, and have determined to what part of the State they will go; others will join relatives, friends or neighbors, with whom they have previously consulted; but there are large numbers who come without any definite idea as to where they will locate or in what occupation they will engage."

Many thus meet with great disappointment. The flattering reports of plenty of occupation with high wages for all who may choose to come to this coast, no matter what their calling or trade, or whether they have any at all, cause many to leave good opportunities and friends in the East, and without definite knowledge of the customs and opportunities of California, embark upon a venture, risking the consequences. Many are thus disappointed; and if they have money enough left will take the return train inside of a week. Numerous instances of this kind have fallen under our personal observation. Those who are obliged to earn money to pay their return fare, usually find employment and become contented, and when they have enough saved to return, have made up their minds to stay.

California, above many other sections of country, requires indomitable perseverance and a fixed purpose. More than this, persons seldom can jump into good positions without personal acquaintance, and a person-al knowledge, by the employer, of the capabilities of the employe, and his adaptability to the position to be filled. Every man is independent here, and stands or falls upon his own merits. California is a little world by itself, and a recommendation is usually as worthless as the paper upon which it is written.

To parties intending a removal to California, we would therefore recommend :—

1. That they have a fixed purpose, and an object in coming to this coast.

2. That they put themselves in communication with some friend here upon whose judgment they can rely, and have some prospect in view before coming.

3. If the mind is fully made up to come to California, come with a fixed determination to succeed, and expect discouragements at first. We know men of education who are now commanding good salaries, who had to commence work at the plow, and have worked up. Farmers must remember that seasons are altogether different here than in the East, and that they will have to learn their trade over again here. The planting season is in the winter, and the idle time comes between spring and harvest.

FLOODED RAILROAD.

The recent warm weather has so rapidly melted the snow on the mountains overlooking the Bitter Creek Valley, that the streams are swollen to enormous size. Ten miles of the Union Pacific Railroad is reported swept away, and the flood still rising. Dispatches to the S. F. Chronicle of April 17th, report: "The water in Butte Creek is still rising and is considerably higher to-day than yesterday. There are three bridges gone and large portions of track washed out in different places. From all we can hear to-day it would not appear probable that any train can pass over the road for a week yet, and even that will depend upon the weather. If the weather continues warm and the snow melts, the difficulty in this place will be increased, besides endangering the road at many other points. The wires are down east of Green River this morning. On account of the flood and the want of means of conveyance, it is difficult to get at the breaks which are at the washouts."

It is reported from Omaha that 2,000 delayed passengers are being fed at the expense of the Union Pacific Railroad Company.

COLD SNAP IN THE EAST AND SOUTH.

CHICAGO, April 17.—The extraordinary cold snap continues here, and reports from all parts of the West and Southeast show it to be general. The fruit crop has doubtless suffered very seriously, and in many localities it is reported entirely killed. The thermometer here last night marked zero, and to-day snow has been falling all day.

TORONTO, April 16.—Kingstown and Port Colborne harbors are again blocked with ice. Five inches of snow has fallen at Seaforth since last night, and it is still snowing and freezing.

MEMPHIS, April 17.—There was a heavy frost last night, killing vegetables and seriously damaging if not killing fruit.

NASHVILLE (Tenn.), April 17.—A heavy west and northwest wind has prevailed here the last 36 hours, extending as far south as Montgomery, Ala. This morning ice was an eighth of an inch thick at Corinth, Miss. All exposed vegetation was frozen here this morning. It is believed that all the fruit, cotton, and wheat in this and adjoining States are seriously injured, if not entirely killed.

THE WAR CLOUD IN EUROPE.

NEW YORK, April 12.—A special to the Herald by cable from Paris says that a war is again threatened, involving Russia, Italy, Austria, Germany, and France. Bismarck is the promoter of this war and the Papacy is the pretext. Many signs indicate that the illustrious Chancellor's intellect, long the wonder and admiration of the world, has become enfeebled, and in his fractiousness, he is even seeking battle with the gigantic shadows of a sick brain.

CONSTANTINOPLE, April 14.—A terrible slaughter of Christians has just been reported from Roumelia. The Turks in large numbers made an attack upon a portion of the town occupied by the Christians, and a desperate encounter resulted. Two hundred and seventy Christians, many of them women and children, were massacred. There is great excitement among the Europeans over the outrage.

THE INDIANS.

April 6, 2000 Indians revolted from the Cheyenne Agency, and are on the war path. They were pursued by 60 cavalry under Captain Rafferty, and three companies under General Neill. A meeting took place in which 16 of the troops were killed and wounded. The Indians escaped in the night.

CHICAGO, April 17.—Kansas City advices state that 800 Cheyenne warriors crossed the track of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Thursday night, fifteen miles east of Akin. They were going north, passing through the State of Kansas, and a company of troops was sent from Fort Dodge in pursuit. The Indian trail was followed about twenty miles, when it became evident that the Indians had separated and scattered over the prairies. They are undoubtedly on the war path, and bloody work may be expected.

FIRES.

NEW YORK, April 11.—A disastrous fire, involving the total loss of about $300,000, occurred in the building 57 and 59 Worth street to-day.

TITUSVILLE (Pa.), April 11.—A fire at Millerstown, Pa., this morning, broke out in Bluestone's confectionery store, which in two hours destroyed forty buildings. The losses will not be less than $100,000.

CARLIN, April 11.—The hotel in this place caught fire at three o'clock this afternoon and burned to the ground together with a small dwelling-house in the rear of the hotel. Loss $5000.