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CHRONICLE <fc SENTINEL. —— i BY WILLIAM S. JONES. OFFICE IN RAIL ROAD BANK BUILDING. DAILY, TRI-WEEKLY WEEKLY. TERMS— DaiIy Paper, to city subscribers, per annum, in advance $6 Daily Paper, mailed to the country 7 Tri- Weekly Paper, “ ..4 i Weekly (a mammoth si. eet) “ 11 •• 2 CASH SYSTEM.— In no case will an order .for the pape r be attended to, unless actompanied with the money, and in every instance when the time for which the subscription may be paid, expires before the receiot of funds to renew the same, the paper will be discontinued. Depreciated funds received at value in this city. From the Huntsville Star. Terrible Conflagration in Huntsville. Great loss of property, two whole squares and a half in ruins Market House, Caldwell House Democrat Office —Stores, Private-Dwellings Sfc, Consumed. The inhabitants of our usually quiet city were aroused at the hour of twelve, on the night of the 2nd, by the starting alarm of tire. Owing to the fact that the town bell, from some cause, could not be rung, lhealarm was not gen erally heard by our citizens before the fire had made considerable progress. Shortly, however, the whole town was arou sed and nearly all the inhabitants hurried to the scene. It was one which baffles description, one which we sincerely trust we may never witness again in Huntsville. The fire having originated in the work shop of Mr. George H. Warwick—in which all the articles were light and combustible —immediat- ly spread with inconceivable rapidity. A brisk south wind too increased its awful fury. The whole row upon that square soon became one blazing sheet of flame —carrying swift destruc tion in its progress. The engines were early upon the ground and our citizens strenuously endeavored to use them to the best advantage. But it availed little against the overwhelming rapidity of the fire assisted by the strong south wind. The flames soon reached the dwelling and silver smith shop of Mr. Thomas Cain. These being of wood were consumed in a few moments. The family scarcely had lime to make their escape and effect the removal of some articles. The flames soon reached the saddier shop of Mr. J. D. Cross, speedily de stroyed it, and from thence to the Caldwell House, one ofthe largest buildings in the city. Meanwhile, upon the right, the fire was con suming the two story brick house occupied by J M. Caldwell, also the frame store adjoining. The engines meanwhile were strenuously work ed by our firemen—endeavors were made to prevent the fire from reaching adjacent buil dings. At this time the greatest confusion prevailed, all seemed horror struck, and overwhelmed by the terrific strength of the fierce flames. In vain they endeavored to save house after house each successive moment, the fire reached dif ferent buildings enveloping them in one living mass of flames. J. Johnson’s grocery-store, Parker and McKenzie’s dry good store. Dr. Wilkinson’s Dentist Shop, the Democrat Of fice and other adjacent buildings were wrap ped in fire during the same moment. The wind changing slightly the Bell Tavern became in the most imminent danger. Time after time, again and again, it seemed inevitably lost —then again hope revived. Here our firemen and citizens nobly did their work, battling and struggling against the opposing flames. Often it appeared as if no human arm could prevail—no human strength successfully op pose the raging elements. While these efforts were thus being made to preserve the Bel) the fire rushed onward in its devastating march in other quarters. Prevented from crossing over to the Bell—it poured its fiery flames on and on down Jefferson, Washington and Holmes streets —and the cross street leading from Washington to Jefferson. Upon these streets the loss was very great, as but little time was allowed for the preservation of propertv. Building alter building caught fire and was consumed —amid the vain regret and hopes of the beholders. As we have said, the Bell Tav ern was the scene of the greatest trial—at least after great efforts and many trials it was saved. Upon the east of Meridian street the buildings were frequently on fire and saved with much difficulty. Subjoined is as correct a list of the buildings ost as we can at present make out. On the square—The three story brick block comprising Parker & McKinzie’s dry goods store—Terrel and Robinson’s Barber shop. J. Johnson’s grocery store and Dr. Wilkinson’s dentist office. The Caldwell House—The Democrat Office—J. D jCross and L G. Figg’s saddler and silversmith shop. Thos. Cain’s shop and dwelling—Geo. H. Harwick’s furni ture ware house, and J. M. Caldwell’s auction and commission house. Washington Street— J. Gastons’ dwelling—Geo. H. Warwick’s V Small Grocery store, Market House, engine house—Brown & Pickard’s livery stable, D. M. Bradford’s brick dwelling house—A B. James occupant, Mr. Reuben’s dwelling, also Mr. Charles Jones B. Fergurson’s and Robert Graham’s. Jefferson Street.—J. A. Slaughter’s grocery Mr. Schaudie’s shoe shop, R. Ferrel’s barber shop and Bath Establishment. Mr. Callaghan’s dwelling, carriage shop,&c, the Livery sta ble on the corner. Dr. P. B. Robinsons’s dwelling, also Dr. Newman’s and J. B. Trott man’s. Holmes’ street. — Brittain Franks’ dwelling and Thos. H.Eans, also the elegant house of Mrs. Moores, with nearly allofits appurtenan ces. Cross street —G. W. White’s large livery stable and a small frame building—D. M. Brad ford owner, also a small frame dwe'ling on the corner below the Bell Tavern. Such is a feeble account of the immense dis tress sustained by the people of Huntsville by this terrible fire. A general gloom and darkness seem to pervade ail classes of the community— the countenances of all bear tokens of sorrow and sympathy. God forbid that our beloved town should ever again be thus marred and mutilated, God forbid that we as editors, should ever again be compelled to recount so great a calamity. The greatest suffering is the lot of many of our worthy mechanics—men who for long years have toiled and labored and wrest led well with poverty. Now the toil of these years is of no avail—the strong blows of labor have become as naught—in a few short hours the fiery element has swept away the fruits of their honest exertions. Occupation, house, home all gone, and they are left destitute. ' Letour deepeetsympathy flow out in their behalf | let us endeavor to assist them in their great calamity. . Did space and time permit, instan- I ces of individual distresss could be mentioned I which ought to cause tears, honest tears of sympathy to moisten the cheeks of all. 3|During the scene many acts of noble daring and courage were performed—which reflect great honor upon the performers. Men ex posed their persons, insome cases periled their lives in endeavoring to save property. One instance, in particular, we cannot forbear in troducing During the time the Bell Tavern I was in such imminent danger a servant, (Sam) connected with the es'ablishment displayed the greatest fortitude and boldness. He stood calm and collected upon the blazing roof, giv ing directions to those battling against the flame with noble energy. AU who saw him ad mired and praised. Such deeds, no matter by whom performed, should be recollected and treasured up, as examples of true courage and heroism. Many others—many of our citizens—deservs the gratitude and affection ofthe sufferers and the public generally, for their praiseworthy es- 1 forts. Even the ladies, naturally delicate and timid, were rendered strong and bold by the terrible scene. One in particular—a lady well I known in this community —with her delicate hands opposed the flames, and rescued much of her husband’s property. These and other scenes speak well for our town. The loss sustained by this great fire has not been exactly ascertained. $150,000, however, seems to be the amount generally believed lost. The amount of insurance we cannot ex actly ascertain. Next week we will give full and definite particulars. Large Meeting at the Court-House.—ln view of the great distress we nave mentioned above, the citizens met in the Court-Room on Friday, May 3d, in the afternoon. The anxie ty and sorrow depicted in the countenances of all. was painful to behold. On motion of Win. Acklen—Gov. Chapman, was made Chairman, B. Figures, Sec’y. C. C. Slay, jr., then of fered the following resolutions —prefacing them with appropriate remarks. Whereas, the dwellings, business houses, and the greater part of the household furni ture, utensils and materials of trade of many of our worthy citizens, have been destroyed, and they have been suddenly bereft of their homes, their property, and their means of sub sistence, and are now dependent upon the kind offices and charities of their fellow-men for shelter, food and raiment, for themselves, their wives, and their children : And whereas to sympathize with the unfor tunate and the poverty stricken, to relieve their wantsand to assist in retrieving their fortunes, is a sacred duty of all men, enjoined upon them by the precepts of Christianity, Philan thropy, and of Humanity. Therefore, Resolved, Ist, That a committee of six persons be appointed by the Chairman to ascertain, and report to an adjourned meet ing to be held at this place on Monday next at 11 o’clock, the names of those who have lost their property by the late fire, the amount and nature of their losses, and which of them stand in need of the pecuniary aid of their fellow men. Resolved, 2nd. That a committee consisting of two persons in each ward of the town of Huntsville and of two persons in each justice’s beat, without the corporate limits of said town, and within the county of Madison, be appoint ed by the Chairman to procure subscriptions, to be collected and appropriated by said com mittee of six persons above named, as they may deem expedient and proper in aid of those whose property has been destroyed by the late fire. Resolved 3rdly. That a committee of five persons be appointed by the chairman to cor respond with the proper authorities of such cities and towns of this and other States of the Union as they may think best, inviting their co-operation in behalf of those who need the assistance of others in consequence of the ravages of the late fire. Resolved 4thly. That all who are uow pres ent be invited to come forward and subscribe the sum they feel able and willing to pay to said committee, appointed under the first reso lution, in succoring the misfortunes of those who may be reported by said committee in need of public assistance. The above resolutions were unanimously adopted. The (chairman requested time for the appointing of committees. The citizens were then called up to subscribe for the bene fit of the sufferers. Much sympathy was mani fested for the unfortunate, and many liberal donations were made. The amount subserb ed, however, though showing the liberality of our town, is not yet sufficient to alleviate the great distress occasioned by the fire. We trust, our citizens at the meeting on Monday will display that magnanimous and sympathi sing generosity which may enable the unfortu nate to place themselves once more in comfor table circumstances. Let the meeting be well attended—and let it sustain the well-known character of our town for liberality. We trust also that neighboring towns and cities will dis play the same generous feelings, which Hunts ville has on previous occasions, exhibited in behalf of other places. Great Freshet —Loss of Property. On Sunday night, 21st inst., fell one of the heaviest rains ever witnessed by the citizens of Warren ccunty. The cloud’passed across the Northern portion of the county, literally deluging the country over which it passed with the torrents which it poured from its angry bosom. We are told by those who witnessed this ruinous storm, that “it did’nt rain the common way’’—“the water just poured down” in one continued sluice as if some great reser voir had suddenly given way and emptied its contents upon the earth As is usually the case when such volumes of water are set free by the atmosphere, the storm was attended with rapidly succeeding and jarring peals of thunder and angry lightnings—at times appa rently lighting up the whole lace of the warring elements, with one continued blaze, and ren dering the scene terrific and appalling in the extreme. The violence of the storm lasted some four or five hours, continually pouring out such torrents of water as to flood the country converting every little branch into a cre’ek, and forming branches and creeks where none had previously existed, sufficiently large to sweep off fencing, fallen timber and whatever came in their course. Charlie’s and Moun tain creeks in our county, Clearfork in De- Kalb. and Stone’s river in Cannon, were in a few hoursswollen out of their banks; sweep ing away dwellings, mills, stables, fences—in fact every thing before their desolating torrents. Upon Mountain creek was carried away entirely the excellent mills of R. P. Wamack, Messrs. Waldens and B. Rolin—leaving not a single mill standing on the creek. The same stream carried away the valuable and well furnished dwelling of Mr. Walden, with its entire contents, among which was S2OO in cash: together with his srnoke-house, kitchen, crib and every out-house. Also the kitchen, smoke-house and crib of R. P. Wamack. Many others lost their corn cribs and stables aud vast amounts of stock of every descrip tion—all the fencing on the creek is gone and the farms covered with gravel bars, drift logs, &c. By Charlies creek was washed off the mills of Mr. Keel (known as Coon’s mills)—the mill-dam of Maj. L. D. Mercer, and the Carding Machine of Asa Falkner, Esq , con taining a considerable amount of wool. Leav ing only one mill on the creek, and that one much damaged. Central Factory on the same stream was so much injured that it is yet unfit for business. The freshet in the streams far surpassed any thing ever before seen in this county, and notwithstanding the loss of so many houses, mills, stock and every other kind of property, thanks to an overruling Providence, none of our citizens lost their lives in this county. McMinnville flenn.) Clipper. From the National Intelligencer. Attorney General Johnson.—We do not remember that the career of any Attorney General ofthe United States has been more brilliant, or redounded more to the solid advan tage of his country, than that of Mr. Johnson during the period he has|been in office. This remark was made to us by a friend, after the derision of the Supreme Court of the United States in a case which was argued on the part of the Government by Mr. Johnson, with emi nent ability, during the present term of the Court. It was a case to test the validity ofti l es to an immense number of acres of land in 1 ® late ol Louisiana, claimed under the old Spanish grants. The decision by the courts below had been against the United States, and his powerful argument was follow- I ed by a reversal of that decision. In this case, our friend observes to us that the Government had been saved at least three millions of dol lars. But Mr. Johnson’s greatest professional tri umph during the term came off yesterday, in the unanimous decision by the Supreme Court I in the celebrated case of Fleming & Marshall vs. Page, Collector of the United States. This case involved the great question of the legality of the collection of duties in Mexico before the treaty of peace, and the sum depending on it is said te have amounted to about seven mil lions of dollars. This case originated in Penn sylvania, and during the last summer, when a decision involving such momentous conse quences to the United States had been made against the Government by the court below, where it had been tried by the former District Attorney, Mr. Johnson was directed by the President to proceed to Philadelphia and move the court for a new trial, with a view to bring the great questions before the Supreme Court ofthe United States. Mr Johnson proceeded in obedience to the direction, and the public may remember the success of his admirable effort in that city to bring the case under review. The Court be low had been unanimous against the Govern ment. During the present term the case was argued before all the Judges of the Supreme Court by Messrs McCall and Webster for the claimants, and by Mr. Johnson for the Govern ment. The unanimous opinion of the Court was yesterday given by Chief Justice Taney, in favor of the United States, reversing the judgment below. A friend who heard Mr. Johnson’s argument for the Government de scribes it as having been unsurpassed for ability, and that Mr. Justice Grier, who delivered the judgment below, declared that he himself had been convinced, and now concurred in the opinion of the Court The Attorney General, having in these two cases secured some ten million of dollars to the country, has, we un derstand, not received one dollar beyond his regular salary of $4,500, for all the expense he has incurred and for all the labor and distin guished talent he has exhibited. Indeed, we have good reason to know that before he left Washington to attend the trial in Philadelphia, it was proposed to him that although the Gov ernmentcould not pay him such a fee as his services might deserve were he not an officer ofthe Government, yet the usage had been in several instances to allow the Attorney Gene ral his expenses and some reasonable compen sation for extraordinary labor and responsibility incurred. Mr. Johnson respectfully declined the proposition, saying that while he had the honor to hold the commission ofthe President be would perform the whole duty without any additional compensation beyond the salary, however inadequate that might be. Let our readers imagine what would proba bly have been his compensation for such ser vices, attended by such results, had he been on ly a private citizen. We have indulged in this strain of reflection the more, because this is the very officer ofthe Government who has been charged, by the spirit of faction, with having allowed interest on a few claims against the Government in some three or four cases where hie opinion was demanded. Let that public officer who has saved as much to the public treasury as the Attorney General hereafter throw the first stone. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS Correspondence ofthe Baltimore American. In Senate May. 7. The bill to establish the board of accounts was again taken up, and Mr. Bradbury’s amendments were discussed. The tenure and the salaries of the commissioners were discuss ed. Mr. Bell moved to amend so as to provide that the commissioners shall not be removed from Office by the President without the con sent ofthe Senate. The amendment was discussed by Messrs. Foote, Bell. Hale, Whitcomb, and others, mainly upon political grounds, and not directly to the question. Mr. Turney, in conclusion, after explaining that he was not present a few days since, who u Mr. Bell delivered his speech in reference to removals from office, took up the argumenta tive portion of these remarks and responded thereto. The debate was continued until a late hour. House* The House met at 12 o’clock. The journal of yesterday was read and approved. The Speaker announced the following gen tieman to constitute the committee authorized by the resolution of Mr. Stanly, adopted yes terday, in regard to the letter writers under the late administration, viz: Stanly, Inge, Schenck, R. W. Stanton, Haymond. Hubbard, Briggs, Williams and Fitch. Mr. Disney asked the unanimous consent of the House, to introduce a resolution to instruct the committee of investigation, appointed un der Mr. Richardson’s resolution, to investigate the conduct of Mr. Ewing, also to inquire whether the said Secretary has not re-opened accounts when the unexpended balances of appropriations had been carried to the surplus fund, and expended the said balances, without re-appropriation by law, for objects not con templated by the original appropriation. Mr. Vinton objected to the resolution. Mr. Disney said he was satisfied that what he charged in the resolution was true, and that the responsibility must rest with his colleague (Mr Vinton for stifling the proposed investi gation. On motion of Mr. Thompson, of Pa., the rules were suspended, and the House resolv ed itselfintocommitt.ee of the whole on the state of the Union, (Mr. Thompson, of Miss , in the chair,) and resumed the consideration of the census bill. The question immediately pending was the a mendment ofMr. Vintou containing the present census act in force until altered or amended; and that if no other law be passed providing for the making of any subsequent census, on or before the first day of Jannary of any year, when, by the constitution of the U. States, any future enumeration of the inhabitants thereof is required to be taken, such census shall, in all things, be taken and completed to the provi sions of this act. Messrs Vinton, and Thompson, of Pa ad vocated the just propriety, as a precautionary measure, of the adoption of the amendment. The question was put on the amendment, and it was agreed to. Mr. Vinton then offered his amendment fixing as the permanent organization of the House of Representatives, from and after the 3d March, 1853, 200 representatives to be apportioned among the several States accord ing to the provisions of this bill, by the Secre tary of the Interior; and also making it the duty of said Secretary after making the ap portionment, under each census which may hereafter be taken, to make out and transmit, under the seal of his office, to the House of Representatives a certificate of the number of members apportioned to each State, and also certify to the Executive of each State the num ber apportioned to each State. Mr. Vinton advocated the amendment, and Mr. Thompson, of Pa., expressed himself in favor of it, but advised, that as it was a pro position of so much importance, it should be made a separate bill, and have the action of the Judiciary Committee thereon, before final ac tion of the House. Propositions were made to strike out2oo and insert, various numbers Mr. Bowie submitted a proposition, and advocated it as a substitute, providing that there shall be hereafter one representative for every 100,000 population, until otherwise pro vided by law. The proposition was voted down. Mr. Clark, of N. Y., advocated a large re presentation as essential to represent the varied and various interests of the country. Mr. Meacham advocated a larger represen tation than the present even as necessary in consequence of the increase of territory and population. Messrs Thompson, ofKy., Kaufman, Vena ble and Toombs advocated a less representa tive body that the present; Messrs. Gentry, L. A. King, of N. York, and Durkee, advo- ( cated the largest practicable representative . body; and Messrs Littlefield, McMullen and Green, opposed the entire provison. The amendment of Mr. Vinton was adopted by a vote of 72 in the affirmative and 63 in the negative. Mr. Jones of ’Penn., submitted a proposi tion providing that the election for members of Congress shall beheld in all the States of the Union, on the first Thursday in May in the year of such elections. This, after a modification as to the time, was voted down. Phe substitute of Mr. Miller, from the mi nority of the Judiciary Committee, for the entire bill, which provides for taking an enu meration merely of the inhabitants of the United States, was considered, and rejected— by a vole of 50 in the affirmative, and 92 in the negative. The Committee then rose aud reported the bill to the House. Mr. Thompson, of Pa., moved to amend the amendment of the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, so as to substitute 233 as the number of representatives instead ol 200. He then moved the previous ques tion on the bill. The main question was or dered. All the amendments of the Committee of the Whole to the bill, to which there was no exception, wereconcured in. The House then adjoured. Chronicle unit Sentinel. AUGUSTA, GA:~ SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 11, 1850« Chattanooga—Cotton and Produce. Some idea may begin to be formed ofthe immense business and trade which the railroad connexion with the Valley of the Tennessee river is likely to bring to Georgia markets, by the following extract which we take from the Steamboat register of the Chattanooga Advertiser for the week ending the Bth inst. When the reader reflects that this is only the commencement, ere the business and produce of that fertile valley has taken a general direc tion to the Atlantic coast, this report is well calculated to excite the most lively anticipa tions for the future. ARRIVALS. May I—James Jackson, from Decatur. •* I—Ellen1 —Ellen White, from Decatur. “ I—Union, from Elk River. “ 1— Nicholson, from Knoxville. “ 3—Cassandra, from Decatur. <! s—Pickaway, from Decatur. “ 6 —Ellen White, from Kmxville. “ 7—James Jackson, from Decatur. “ 7—Union, from Elk Rivar. “ 7 —Cassandra, from Knoxville. DEPARTURE. May I—Ellen NN hite, for Knoxville. “ I—Union, for Elk River. *• 2 —James Jackson, for Decatur. “ 3—Cassandra, for Knoxville. s—Nicholson, fr Decatur. ‘‘ 7—Pickaway, for Knoxville. “ 7—Ellen White, for Decatur. “ B—Cassandra for Decatur. There have been brought up einco our last 1,045 Bales of Cotton, as follows ; James Jackson, -535 Union, Pickaway,.- - IQO Total number of bales,. 1,045 The Pickaway also had on board 80 bales for Knoxville. —The Union brought up 330 Sacks of Corn from Elk River, purchased to fill an order from Georgia. The Cassandra brought down 2,000 bushels of Corn. There have been no arrivals of Produce Boats since our last. Scarlet Fever.—We learn from the Augusta (Ga.) papers, as well as from private sources, that the scarlet fever is very prevalent in that city, and in several instances has proved fatal, even among adults. Persons are advised not to take their chil dren within the sphere of its influence. The disease also prevails to some extent in Lincoln county. — Great care should be taken by parents to keep their children aloof from places where it exists, as it is extremely fatal among children.” —Athens Banner. With a view to correct the impression which this paragraph is calculated to make on the public mind, we append the report of the City Sexton, showing the interments made during the past week, ending this (Friday) evening, and the diseases of the patients. We have also, made it our business to inquire of a number of physicians, whose practice would render them familiar with new cases, if any had occured,and are gratified to learn that the disease has almost entirely disappeared. A«B ~ date. Sex. ye-m-ds. Disease Nativity. WHITES. May 7. Male. 212 Thrash Augusta. “ 7. “ 9 Cong’ve fe’r Ireland. “ 10. Female. 13 Scarlet fever Tennessee Whites, 3 BLACKS. 11 8. Female. 75 Dropsy “ 9. Male. 65 Pneumonia. “ 9. Male. 1 Pneumonia. Biacks 3 A Religious Revival has been progressing for some time in Eufaula, Ala. The Shield of the 4th inst. says: About seventy persons have been added to the Methodist Church since the meeting first begun. When it will end we know not —may it continue to progress until the whole town is converted to God. Frost in May.—There was a slight frost in Athens, Geo., on Tuesday morning the 7th inst. No damage was done to vegetation. Wheat Crop —The Hamburg Republican says: “We have just conversed with an in telligent gentleman that has recently been in Newberry, Laurens, Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Abbeville, who informs us that the Wheat Crop of those Districts were never more promising. The cold wet spring has caused it to be generally backward, but unless some unforseen disaster befals it the yield promises to be much beyond the usual crop.” Antique Gold Mask.—At a late meeting of the Asiatic Society, London, the Director ex hibited a golden mask which has been entrust ed to him by the Court of Directors of the East India Company. The mask was found in an ancient Coffin on the banks of the Eu phrates, by Captain Lynch, one of the officers engaged in the Expedition which surveyed that river some years ago. It is formed of a thin sheet of pure gold is of little size, and was apparently moulded from the face of the de ceased occupant of the coffin in which it was found. The grave appeared to have been rifled at some former period ; but the fear of pollution, and perhaps a superstitious respect for the dead body, had prevented the discovery of this curious relic, which was in close con tact with it. The character of the face bears a considerable resemblance to that of the Assy rian portraits which are sculptured on the Ninevite monuments recently discovered; and the very few details we could gather respect ing the accompaniments of the coffin, would seem to favor the belief that the mask is really the portrait of an illustrious Assyrian, buried more than twenty-six centuries ago. From the N. Y. Commercial Advertizer 7th inst. 1 From California. BY THE EMPIRE «ITY AND GEORGIA. ONE MONTH LATER. The steamship Empire City, Capt. Wilson. I from Chagres via Jamaica, arrived at her dock this morning at about half past ten o’clock She left New York on the 15th of April at 3 q clock, P. M., and arrived off Chagres early in the morning of the 24th, having made the passage in eight days and a half from this city. She left Chagres at 10 o'clock, P. M., of the 27th, arrived off Port Royal, Jamaica, at 12 o’clock night of the 29th, and left for New York at 5 o’clock, P. M., on the 30th of April. The Empire City on her passage from Cha gres, met with an accident to her machinery by which it became necessary to dispense with the use of one paddle wheel. Iler arrival has been seriously delayed by this accident. We have San Francisco papers to the Ist, Panama to the 19th, aud Kingston, Ja., to the 29th April. BY THE CKOKGIA. Shortly after the arrival of the Empire Citv, the steamer Georgia, Lieut. Porter, U. S. N., hove in sight, and arrived at her wharf a little after noon. The Georgia in nine days from Chagres, via Havana, and brings one hundred and forty-six passengers and the Pacific mails, and $874,760 in gold. The steam ship California arrived at Panama on the 23d of April, with 223 passengers, and two millions and a half in gold dust. Ihe ,Georgia left at Chagres, in addition to those mentioned under head of the Empire City, the steamers Alabama and Great West ern. All the Southern passengers took pas sage in the Alabama. The Georgia brings all the passengers who had not through tickets, with the exception of a few who did not get down in time. The steamship Sarah Sands and the pro pellor Carolina had left Panama full ofpassen gers, and about three thousand still remained upon the Isthmus, waiting their chances. The rainy season had not yet set in, and Chagres and Panama were stfll healthy. Many robberies were daily taking place at Panama and on the Isthmus. Ihe Georgia has had a very quick passage. She sailed from Chagres on the 27th, a. d run to Havana tn three days and twelve hours. Left Havana on the 3d and run to New York in 3 days 20 hours, whole running time from Chagres 7 days 8 hours. California Items.— There had been a con tinuation ol fine weather, which was beginning to produce an effect upon the market, which had been in rather a torpid state. Although thre have been no transactions of any note, s.ill there is a disposition of evidently more ex tended operations, which it is thought will be more apparent after the sailing of the steamer. Another matter of great importance to the trade is the decline of rates of interest, the high rates heretofore maintained having been one of the greatest obstacles iu the way of opera tion. Passengers by the Georgia report that gold is more plen iful than ever, and that property has somewhat fallen in prices. Provisionsand even luxuries are very abundant in San Fran cisco The Legislature.— The day previous to the sailing of the California, the collector of the customs in San Francisco was notified that the money collected for duties must be paid over to the State Government in accordance with a resolution passed by the Legislature, steps are being taken to form and independent Government. Commodore Jones it is said is about to take active measures to prevent it. A law has passed the legislature imposing a tax of 2a dollars a month on every foreigner who works in the mines. A bill has been introduced in the Assem bly to provide for the inspection of steam boats at San Francisco. Also, a bill to sup press gambling. Miscellaneous — 'l he San Francisco Jour nal of Commerce notices the arrival there of the schooner California, from an exploring ex pedition to Trinity Bay. The bay was found in latitude 41 4, and Trinity river emptying into it. The party landed among the Indians, and surveyed the country around the mouth of the river. There was no entrance for any vessel of size ; a boat could only enter at high wster. The following incident of the voyage is recorded: The California was boarded on the 26th of Ma-ch by nine men, who left the brig Cameo on the 16th fifteen miles from land for the purpose of finding the river, the captain of the brig promising to coine the next day and take them off. They were almost in a state of starvation, having just bought a jackass, (with their blankets and everything else they could dispose of) and had but slaughtered him when the California hove in sight Before seeing the schooner they cruised the coast for sixty miles, but could not find even a boat harbor The Cameo’s boat is now on board. The election for county officers of San Francisco, was taking place when the steam ship California left on the first of April, Henri Herz, the pianist, was in San Fran cisco, and advertised one of his concerts at the National Theatre on the 2d of April.— Tickets six dollars for the boxes and two dol lars for the pit. The William and Elizabeth, Capt. Burwell, which sailed from New Orleans on the 7th of February 1849 had not arrived at San Fran cisco on the Ist of April last. The San Francisco Journal announces the discovery near that place of what has the ap pearance of a rich mine of coal, which prom ises an ample supply of that most important material of fuel, both for domestic purposes, and those especially of steam navigation Stockton is growing rapidly, and business very brisk. The new city of San Joaquin is increasing with magical speed, and will become, during the season, a town of great importance and extensive trade. A resolution was adopted, instructing theju diciary committee to prepare and report at as early a day as possible, a bill to prevent the im migration of all persons not citizens of the United States from any of the penal settlements of Europe. A bill of that description was re ported on the 29th of March. Election of Judges. — The following gentle men have been elected judges of the several judicial districts: —1 O. S Wetherby; 2. H. A Tifft ; 3. John Watson; 4. Levi Parsons; 5. Charles M. Creamer; 6. James S. Thomas; 7. Robert Hopkins; 8 W. R. Tarner; 9. W. Scott Sherwood The salary of the office has been fixed by the Legislature at $7,500 per annum. From, the Gold Regions.— The Pacific News of the 26th of March has the following infor mation relative to alleged discoveries of gold on the Eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada: The existence of gold on the Eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, although not seriously questioned since its discovery on the numerous streams heading on the Western side of the chain, has never been authenticated in a form to leave the matter free from doubt. A gen tieman who has just arrived in this city from the East byway of the Great Salt Lake and Los Angelos, informs us that the question is settled. In what quantities the gold exists he is una ble to say, as a want of provisions precluded his party from halting long enough to test the richness of the discovery. The metal was found on the surface of rotten granite, and to a certain depth intermingled with it, forming the bed of a stream then dry. Its locality is about two hundred miles from Los Angelos, on the old Spanish trail between that place and Santa Fe, in the neighborhood of the Little Salt Lake. A party has left Los Angelos for the spot, prepared to test the availabi’ity of the new placer. The Pacific News of March 30 says that the travel toward the Southern mines is increasing daily, and the prospects in that region, the com- ing season, are more flattering than New placers are discovered as exnlnr are made, and new towns laid out as th*. al, ° ns lation increases. Stock is said to be rapidly, and business becoming brisk afo* roads to the mines become passable. ' 116 I rom the Isthmus.— Our Panama .. to the 19th of April, but they of interest. 1,1 ,e! * items Ihe Star ofthe date named says that i ■ng the previous week twenty-seven i, ‘ . d " r ’ and ninety-nine letters were maile/f Atlantic Stale, at the u. 8 . cZitaJ" lh « most of them written by Arnone,,,, °®" way to California. The mail which w heir leave the next day was by f ar the b had ever been sent from Panama. * 1 hat W. G. Wood, Esq., bearer <>r from the State Department, was to leT' o !®’ nama for San Francisco on the Ist nfu • ’ the steamship Oregon. From Jamaica —By the Crescent Citv have files of Jamaica journals to the 29ik W r Aprtl, ten days later than our previous a d VlCe °, f Ihe inhabitants of Demerara are auitstin ’ movement in favor of a change from the sent legislative system to a constitution simi?' to those existing in the chartered colonies « posed of a House of Assembly and a councTi The Governor, however, had thrown CI J water upon the project He is reported I have said that he did not consider the nr ’ as a fitting time for the change, thoLh’T looked forward for a day when such « ' e would be both practicable aud judicious A bill to prohibit the use of acetate of | ead in the manufacture of sugar had passed the Legislature of Antigua. ne From Havana.-We have received Do D , pers as yet from Havana.-We have verbi reports that sickness was prevailing to a «r P9 extent there, and that there wat no communi cation from the vessel to the shore. As io whether the disease was cholera of which some manifestations were previously reported, we have no certain information. ? Arrival ofthe Cherokee. The steamer Cherokee hos also arrived here.—She left Chagres at the same time of the Empire City and Georgia. The Cherokee has about one hundred pas. sengers and in the neighborhood of two mil lions worth of gold dust. The Georgia has all the mails, mad agents and express agents on board. There continues quite a depression in busi ness affairs, and matters are looking down. The miners are commencing their summer operations. It is estimated that about one handred thousand persons are now either on their way to, or engaged in the mines. This immense number of diggers will, it is believed, soon send a current of gold to San Francisco, in view of which, business affairs are already assuming more life. Although gold is so plenty, money continues to be the scarcest ar iicle and most difficult to obtain. Ten per cent, a month is readily paid for loans. Rents are still up. Two hundred dollars per month is being paid in some instances for a room ten feet by twenty. Great quantities of lumber are arriving from all quarters, and the market is much depressed American furniture of all kinds is very high. This is said to be in consequence ofthe more numerous arrivals of ladies, who will have the comforts, and even luxuries of life, no matter where located. Many families have been sent for. This more abundant introduction offe males is beginning already to give a new, im proved and much more refined toneto society. Numerous mercantile houses have failed, among which is the house of Messrs. Frank Ward & Co*, one of the largest and most ex tensive firms in San Francisco. The Alta Californian says the immigration of foreigners to the shores of California has continued throughout the winter and opening Spring. Under the head of advancement it says the condition of San Francisco is as pro gressive as a locomotive engine, under a full head of steam. Every thing isge-ahead. We have now two theatres open nightly for the amusement of the public, and they are largely attended.— Concerts, balls, dinner parties and splendid military suppers are all the rage. The shops and windows in our streets exhibit all the ele gancies that could be desired for civilization Nothing that art has producedin any quarter of the globe for comfort and decoration need be wanting, if there be a disposition and meant to obtain th m. They are all here. As Spring now approaches the Southern towns begin to be deserted. The population seems to be flocking in masses to the mine?. The roads are fast becoming passable in the North and the South. The Southern por tion of the country has been uniformly quiet. The past winter has been a very severe one throughout all California—more so than has been known for fifteen years. The information from the Southern mines generally is very encouraging. From Oregon, Portland, Oregon, March 18,1850. To the Editor of the Tribune:— l take advan tage ofthe sailing of the schooner G. H. Mon tague, Capt. Montague, which leaves here to day. to drop you a line about things in this territory. The greatest excitement prevails throughout the country in regard to the dis covery of new gold mines on Rogner River and Trinidad Bay. All the people who can get away, are looking to that region; so great is the rush, that Capt. M. tells me he hasfonnd it impossible to procure a full freight of any kind, so that he will be obliged to leave with half a cargo. Produce of all kinds has greatly advanced, and is scarce at any price; for example, po tatoes bring $8 a bushel; cheese $1 per lb. butter $1,50; eggs $1,50 a $2 per dozen; poultry not to be had at any price. Those of us who stay here run the risk of starving, all the farmers having left for the mines. Among the other emigrants to Eldorado are 75soldiers, who openly deserted for that purpose.—Sixty of them left one day, marching through the streets in a body, and fifteen more departed a few days after. There is not so much as a corporal’s guard to look after our military welfare. I send you what ship news we have here. Yours, B- Public Buildings in Washington.—From an official report relative to the public build ings, it appears that the length of the Capitol is 352 feet, breadth in centre 221 feet, at wings 121 feet, height to top of ballustrade, 70 feet; grounds enclosed and improved, 30 acres; to tal height to the top of the great dome 140 feet; House of Representa'iyes 9i) feet long, 62 feet wide, 60 feet high ; Senate Chamber. 75 fed long, 45 feet wide, and 45 feet high; Rotunda, 96 feet diameter, and 96 feet high; total cost of buildings and grounds. $2 690 459. The length of the President’s house is 180 feet, and the breadtn in the centre, 120 feet; height to the top of ballustrades, 50feet. The East Room is 79 feet by 48 and 22 feet high- The length of the Treasury Building is 330 feet, and when completed will be 500 The breadth at centre is 190 feet. The colonnade is 336 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 65 feet high to the top of the ballustrade. The length of the General Post Office Build* ding is 204 feet, breadth at wings 204 feet, at centre 60 feet, height 63 feet. The James Dix Burned. —This boat lying at the lower landing of our city, was discover ed to be on fire yesterday between 3 an I o’clock A. M., and before any thing could be done, the flames had made such progress as o defy all attempts even to save the property on her. The fire originated in the ladies’cabm- The freight destroyed, so far as we could ascer tain consisted of 180 bales cotton, 130 a B corn, 25 hogsheads to-bacco, which was a id sured in New Orleans. Some bacon and otner freight, value not known, were lost, lhe boa was insured for $7,500 in Louisville.