OREftOrV FREE PRESS.
Geo. L. Curry, Editor and Proprietor.
OREGON CITY, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 1848.
Appointment uv the Uovknok. S. M. HOLDKli.NKtsS iu Do
Secretary of State, vice, FRED'C PRIGG resigned.
6CP Notwithstanding the effects of the improvement-killing
'gold fever,' Milwaukie, we are
pleased to learn, is employing numerous hands
in pushing forward several worthy enterprises.
We understand that another saw-mill is being e
rected and will be in operation before next sea
son, and also that a schooner of from 80 to 100
tons burthen is in course of construction there,
intended expressly for the coasting trade. Suc
cess to Milwaukie!
gcj3 The Maine Street House, we perceive,
is being considerably enlarged, thereby not only
adding to its good looks, but also to its accom
modations. The proprietor of this establish
ment, Mr. S. IV Mos, sterns determined to mer
it the patronage of the public.
Weekly gossip. Capl. Stout, agent of the steam
ers, visited our city a few days ago. The first
steamer may be expected here during next Jan
uary. We do not learn as to whether Capt.
S. will be able to obtain coal of the desired
character in the country. We have several
coal beds in the territory. i?ut they have nev
er been opened nor thoroughly examined, as
to quality and quantity.
It is a mistake, we did not get any gold when
we went to Clear creek the other day, but we
got a "ducking" though.
The "gold fever" is raging again. It is said that
the "abominable stuff" has been found on I'uddin"
river, and in the vicinity of Fort Vancouver in 'big
chunks. Where is. our old friend "Nedgo" that lie
don't inform us as to the truth.
The II. B. Company's annual express from Canada,
is reported as just arrived at Vancouver.
Sickness in California. In relation to the sickness
at the mines in this country the "Californian" says
Within the past month many sick persons from the
mines have arrived at this place, and scarcely a
launch comes down the Sacramento without more or
less sick persons on board, while some die on the
river. The very natural inference drawn from this
iy those who have never been at the mines is that
they lie in a sickly section of country, and those at
work there are in daily expectation or being taken
sick. In our opinion, however, nothing can he far
ther from the truth. As far as our experience goes, it
is on the larger rivers only where desease prevails,
and in passing up or down npon them the persons not
in perfect health is almost invariably the one to he
come sick. We have observed hut few. very few
cases of sickness in the immediate neighborhood of
the mines but such as wo believe vould have oc-
oured under similar circumstances in any other cli
mate. Let the miner pass the Sacramento safely,
(and we would almost insure any person's doing
so that w as perfectly regular and temperate in all
his habits) let him not w hen he arrives at the mines,
work as though lie was privileged to operate for a
limited time only, hut, l'oco rcco, resting at proper
intervals; let him abstain from free use of intox
icating drinks, living upon wholesome food avoid
ing for instance, half baked hot bread; let him
sleep near the shelter of a tent, with warm bed
clothing, and if, after following our advice in all
these particulars, the gold hunter becomes sick, w iiy
we do not know any thing about Hie matter.
NOTHING IN PARTICULAR.
"Something for an Editorial." Really it is too bad
that in the midst of our "type-sticking" wc should be
oblii: d to rack our brain with the conception of an
editorial. For a '-green" hand like our self, the settin: of
these type on end is quite engaging enough for
the week, without the amusement of writing edi
torials'. However, our assistant Editor, Mr. Scissors,
grimbles a good dcalaboutour using him so much late
ly, and has actually grown so "dull" upon it. that it is
not without much effort that he operates at all. '1 here
fore, a benediction upon those gold junks, we are cha
sing up our stray thoughts, even into the remotest
crannies of our mind's lodgement, for the purpose
of puling them into "something for an editorial." It is
noi that lliere is not enough to write about, but it is
that we do not feel in the writing vein.
Our country has closed a brilliant two years war,
that-has increased the glory of her name abroad, and
exhibited her indomitable and magnificent power,
which will have its due effect. Ry the treaty of peace,
a large amount of valuable territory has been ac
quired, and the national indebtedness after all this is
hvd at 07 millions of dollars. Our country is at
peace, and, according to report, has at length turned
her attention to the wants of the remote and long
neglected people on the Pacific sea board. It is said
that "patient waiters arc no losers," we hope it may
prove true with respect to Oregon. Lucky California
has had an appropriation of ,5'-,o,o.o; Oregon ne ds but
one third of this sum to pay off her indebtedness, and
h id it not been for the Cayuse war S12000 would have
been sufficient for the purpose.
As it is we trust that justice will he done to Ore
gon in this matter also the debt her troops should
he nay, must he paid, and her citizens receive lib
eral grants of land, for they came here under such
assurance, and besides, they derserve this, having
made the country all that it is by their industry and
enterprise. Let us hope a little longer.
Oa A few days ago we received a letter, via mouth
of the Columbia river, from Mr. S. S. Ford of Lewis
county, dated September 3d, detailing the particulars
of the death of Levi L. Smith. They do not differ ma
terially from the account ive have already published
of this melancholy circumstance, which occurred on the