December 15, 1858 (4 pages)

nserabawatst can tee i ROR Fe ee momen NEVADA DEMOCRAT. = . is our reagrrer oo wetland 3 Ww ver ? city. He : ; & ; thorized to receive subscriptions, ond collect and recefpt for the same, Octavian Hoogs is our Agent for San Francisco. He is authorised to reveive advertisements, and collect and receipt for the same. rrité & 105 78 Agents for Sacraménto, to récéive gollect for the same. NEVADA, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15, 1858. . . Affairs of the County Treasury. Great excitement has been occasioned in this community in consequence of reports which have been circulated for a week past, in regard to the manner in which the County Treasurer has conducted the business of his office. Several hundred business men from different parts of the county had been summoned to appear and testify before the Grand Jury which met fast Thursday, and to bring with them all the licenses received from the Treasurer. As will naturally be supposed, the facts soon became known, and even before the Grand Jury was empanneled, were onevery body’s tongue The Jary were engaged from Thursday morning wotil yesterday noon in investigating this matter-having examined over a hundred and fifty witnesses—and the facts elicited, in an au. thoritative form, will be found in their report in. another column, and which it is unnecessary for us to recapitulate. ‘As the matter now looks, it is the most gross and unaccountable ease of mal-feasance in office which ever occurred in this county. How & man of common sense supposed he could conduet the business of a public office, in the mannerin which the Treasurer has, and not be caught, isa mystery to us. We have no desire to say any thing to create an nndue prejudice against the Treasurer, as the matter will be investigated before the proper tribunal; and in fact the late hour at which we received the report of the Jury precludes any further remarks. It only remains to be told that the Grand Jury have presented the Treasurer on three different eounts, the nature of which we are not advised, and we presume proper steps will be taken to have him removed from office, . dre our authorised vertisements and mentees a Taxing Mining €laims. We learn that about four thousand dollars has been paid into the Sheriff’s office, for taxes on money invested in mining claims. The money is paid under protest, and will be held by the Sheriff until the case now pending before the Supreme Court, to test the right of taxing such investments, is decided. It is desirable that the ease should be decided as soon as possible, one way or the other, so that those interested may know what they have to depend on. In the District Court of this county, the case was decided against the miners, by consent of parties ; the object being to have the question settled by the highest jadicial tribunal, before the time set for selling property for taxes. But as the matter is still! undecided, the Sheriff has no alternative but to goahead according to law and sell all the property on which the taxes are unpaid. The revenue law of the State expressly exempts miving claims from taxation, but under another clause in the same law, if construed literally, money invested in mining claims is Mable to be taxed, the same as though it was invested in any other property. There isa discrepancy in the law, which the Supreme Court will have to reconcile. The . law as now construed by the assessors of many of the mining counties, is unequal and unjust. If two men take up and spen'a mining claim, they are not liable to be taxed for its value. But if one of them should sell to a third person the latter is taxed for the amount of money paid for his interest in the diggings, while the other interest is still untaxed. Wedo not believe the revenue Jaw will admit of a construction so manifestly absurd and unjust. The question was decided by the District Court, under the expectation that the Supreme Court would determine the matter before the time appointed by law for the collection of taxes. But as it has not yet been settled, the officers of this county have tobe governed by the ruling of District Court. _ Tax Comer.—On our first page will be found an article from the London JZimes, in relation to the comet which lately made its appearance in the heavens. From tbis article it seems that the European astronomers have demonstrated that the time occupied in its revolution round the sun is not less than 2,000 years, and does not exceed 2,495 years, It is somewhat surprising that the American astronomers have not before this arrived at some conclusion in regard to the periodical revolution of this comet, but as far as we have seen, no allusion bas been made to it in any of tho Eastern papers from any authoritative source. Itis not presumable that astronomers would allow such a body to pass through the heavens, without exhausting their scientific knowledge to ascertain its elements, and we must therefore conclude that the astronomers of this continent are still engaged in making their calculations, which will'in time be given to the public, The artiele*on our first page, though not satisfactory, is interesting, and will repay a perusal. It seems the comet passed within nine millions of miles of Venus, without producing any appreciable effect upon that planet. It approached within about fifty millions of miles of the earth,”which is about half the distance of the earth from the sun. To the inhabitants of the planet Veaus— provided it has any inhabitants—the comet must have presented a brilliant appearance. CommutTep.—The Mexican who murdered his wife in Merced county last summer, and was sentenced to be hung on the 12th ult., has been pronounced insane by a jury of inquisition. The Governor bas commuted his sentence to imprisonment for life. Execurep.—Henry F. W. Mewes was executed last Friday, at San Francisco, for the murder of Peter Becker, committed in June last. The execution was private—a few persons only being present. Svrciwx.—J. J. O’Dowd, a druggist of San Francisco, who gave an overdose of laudanum and morphine to John J. Bradley, from the effects of which he died. committed suicide last Saturday evening, by taking a quantity of prussic acid, soon after he heard of the death of Bradly. We are indebted to Geo. W. Welch, of the Pioneer Book Store, Main street, for San Francisco and Marysville papers. OCRAT. We see beoedion now very generally discussed, and more for the purpose of being in the fashion than from accomplishing any good, weoffer a few smggestions. The increasing importance of our quartz mining, and the numerous discoveries making in this fleld, furnish the facilities, and call for a thorough and scientific geologieal survey. Our miming interests are the real wealth of the State, and any source from which additional light can be thrown upon this pursuit should be offered to the public. But if the State is to incur the expense and disgrace of such geological surveys and reports as have heretofore been made, we ask to be counted out. The idea of appointing a salaried professor to publish statistics of the depth of shafts, the amount of pay, or the mode of working gravel diggings, is simply absurd. Equally useless is it to publish to the world the character or position of bed rock upon which the gold deposits are found. It is from the attrition of gold-bearing quartz that the gravel deposits were formed, and if a sugar trough had been the lowest point in the vicinity of such decaying ledge, the gold would have been found in it, These alluvial deposits have never been considered as fairly part of geological science. The most of them belong to our era, and the gold formation was long anterior to their creation, Of as little importance, geologically, is it whether quartz is raised from a shaft with a windlass or an engine, or how it is worked when raised. These matters depend entirely upon the caprice of the mechanic, and throw no more light upon the gold formation than does the mint process of stamping double eagles. But of such stuff as this, our geological reports have thus far been composed. If we are to have a survey, let it be done by a scientific man; one who would regard the salary as only the means of accomplishing an honorable enterprise, and not asthe end of a few beggarly statistics, Such a geologist would find in every mining camp of this State, men of scientific intelligence, entirely competent, and perfectly willing to aid his investigations, He would find throughout the breadth of the land, as the alphabet to his researches, the shaft of the miner, the footsteps of enterprise in the domain of the old, the primal world. Thus he could contrast, compare, and consider; he could show the peculiar geological conditions under which each quartz ledge became the matrix of gold; he could show the effect of changes in the surrounding rock upon this condition ; and by thus contrasting the result, and the accompanying condition throughout the State, he might find himself, or furnish to others the clue, the index, by which to bring order from this chaos, and establish a law for the mystery of this gold formation, where now all seems chance. Could such a survey and report be had, it would well reward the State for the expenditure, With the knowledge that certain peculiarities attended auriferous rock elsewhere, the miner would be guided by such conditions, to the hidden mine. And in the spirit of investigation it would foster, the mystery of the mineral formation might be solved, and leaf by leaf of the stone-book read, until the miner would search for the ore, not by blind chance, but by his knowledge of the law which created it. That such a survey can be made, we have but little hope. An appropriation for it, would bring to the Capital a swarm of greedy ignoramuses, who could not give the geologicalera ofa cheese. Some one of this class would get the appropriation and a clerk to collect statistics; and again we should be told how far it was in such a shaft to the bed rock, and that John Smith raised his dirt with a whim worked by a horse, and Bob White with one worked by a mule. For the credit of the State we hope we have seen the last of such reports. Speech of W. H. Seward—Republican Manifesto for 1860, The speech delivered by Senator Seward at Rochester, N. Y., just previous to the late eleetion in that State, is regarded as the basis of the Republican platform of 1860, and therefore possesses more than ordinary interest. He advocates the doctrine that all the slave States must eventually become free, or the free States become slave ; that the antagonism between free and slave labor was so great that the elavery agitation would be kept up until one or the other of the above results was attained. This doctrine is more sectional than any heretofore advocated by the Republican party, and differs but little from that of the Abolitionists. He expects that slavery will be abolished, through the action of the several States co-operating with the Federal Government, and all acting in conformity with their several constitutions, but suggests no practical plan by which this result is to be accomplished. While he talks with affected horror of the efforts of sectional men of the South to extend slavery into the North, where the people do not want it, which ean only be done by violating the Federal compact, he seems to be oblivious of the fact that he, and those acting with him are likewise endeavoring to violate the constitution by making it an instrument to abolish slavery where it exists. The doctrine advocated by Seward had previously been advanced by Lincoln of Illinois; in fact, the speech of the former is nothing but a revised edition of those of the latter. The Republican party can boast of no men more talented than Seward and Lincoln, but it isa matter of some doubt whether the masses of the party will sustain their doctrines, Should Douglas be the Democratic nominee for President, their only hope of success would be in taking a less sectional position, and in that case they may find it necessary to neminate some euch man as Cameron of Pennsylvania, who is not so ultra as Seward. It is only to be hoped that the politicians will not compel the people to decide between the sectional and antiDemocratic policy of the Administration, and the ultra sectionalism of Seward and Lincoln. Curtnese Peonace.—A chinese woman was arrested recently in Mariposa county, on the complaint of one of her countrymen, charged with larceny. The charge turned out to bea cover on the partof the complainant to get possession of the woman. It seems that about three years ago the woman borrowed from the man who had her arrested, a sum of money at an exorbitant rate of interest, (20 per cent. per month,) which has swelled the total debt to about $600. The creditor, concluding at length to force the payment of the debt, and in order to obtain control of the person of the womap, accused her of theft. ike New Almaden Mine. The San Francisco National informs us that it speaks knowingly, when it asserts that the mine, ws well as the land, is the bone for which the government is contending. This knowing journal also assures us that none but an unmitigated muggins could fail to see the difference between this case and any other that may arise. With sorrow we confess it, we are that muggins. If the United States recovers in this suit, and establishes her right to this mine, she will occupy preeisely the position she does with us of the mountains, who have always conceded her the title, With these “forged grants’’ judicially wiped out, this property will only be added to the present mining domain. Under the government who then will own it? from every quartz Jead and gravel claim. Custom, the law of the miner, answers the first locator; this is the right and the only title by which our mountain miners hold their claims. They have no deeds, forged or genuine; they admit the right of the government to dispossess them had she the disposition soto do, and they cannot understand how the Almaden defendants, their deeds discredited and their grant proven a forgery, have not the same rights with those who concede all that in this case, the government claims, and rely upon the single fact of prior possession and location. Nor can the Nationa! make them see the difference between a worked mine, clouded by a bogus grant, anda mine worked in the face of a conceded title. This county is full of such mugginses, But are we to understand that when this mine is established as part of the public land, that the first bona fide miner, who, ignoring all Mexican titles, shall seize, can hold this as we of the mountains do Uncle Sam's other mineral territory? Oh no, says Mr. National! When this shall become by judicial decision part of the national domain, it will be separated from the balance, and Congress will make some disposition of it; that is, government will dispossess certain parties, whose paper titles to a mine are worthless, but who hold and exercise (independent of parchment) precisely the same ownership as all other miners throughout the State, and will then legislate specially for this case. Had some of our miners from the mountains have believed with the National, that the defendant’s grant was fraudulent, their gains enormous, and their birth foreign, had such miners jamped this claim, or should they do it now, would these proceedings, or those of a kindred nature evict them. We opine they would; and yet our jumpers would be applying to Uncle Sam’s Almaden mine precisely the same rules they apply to his mines here. Had the defendants in this suit admitted at the start the title of the government, they would have stood in precisely our situation. The rule that would have then evicted them, would (if applied) oust our entire mining community. If government design establishing any new rule or tenure Ly which mines must be held, let it be known to those who are spending their best days in discovering and developing these resources; nor leave them and the results of their toil and enterprise at the mercy of the political gamblers who haunt our National capital. Again we say, that if the single fact of first appropriation and possession, is not a defense for the Almaden defendants, that the single and only claim by which our quartz and gravel mines are held is worthless, and their value has only to tempt the cupidity of some government favorite to have the Almaden experiment rehearsed, and the fruits of our toil reward some corrupt act of political partisanship. Attempted Murder and Suicide—A State Official In a Serape. From the Sacramento papers we learn the particulars of a tragio affair which occurred in that city last Thursday morning. Mr. David Wand, adry goods dealer, residing on Fifth street, near N, sometime since received into his house as a boarder, A. R. Meloney, State Controller, For some time, Wand had been suspicious that Meloney was corrupting his wife, and on Wednesday night satisfied himself beyond a doubt that a eriminal intimacy existed between them. Wand paced the floor all night, and in the morning he procured a revolver, entered the kitchen where his wife was superintending the preparation for breakfast, and discharged at her the pistol, She screamed and fell, though she was not hurt, the ball having passed through her hooped skirts, just below the hip. Wand immediateiy put the muzzle of the pistol to hisown mouth, saying “good bye,”’ and discharged another barrel. The ball ploughed his tongue for a short distance, entered the roof of the mouth, and lodged in the back part of the neck. He immediately fell to the floor, and was taken care of by his friends who soon filled the house. Mrs. Wand left the house immediately after the shooting, but returned about ten o’clock, and has since been very attentive in ministering to the wants of her husband. Wand was not able to speak, but retained his senses, and communicated with his friends in writing. He at first stated that he wished to die, but afterwards expressed a desire to live that he might provide and care for his little girl. His friends entertain hopes that he will recover, Meloney is about fifty years of age, and has a wife and family in this State. Mrs. Wand is young and quite good looking, fond of frivolities and dress, and as Meloney is old enough to be her father, and not particularly fascinating in person, it is presumable that she had taken up with him in order to procure the means to gratify her vanity. The Sacramento papers have spoken in terms of just condemnation of the conduct of Meloney. A man of hisage and position, to be engaged in such a disreputable transaction, is without excuse, and as he is too old to reform, society has but to place the brand of infamy upen his conduct and treat’ him according to his deserts. As for the weakminded woman, it is unnecessary to say any thing, as she will soon enough find her level. THE most noted piece of political news by the Overland Mail is that the New York Times has announced Itself in favor of Douglas for President. The Times wields a commanding influence; it stands second to few, if any, of the New York papers. The Herald recommends Gen. Scott tothe Opposition, but intimates that Buchanan will be the man for the Democrats. The Courier and Enquirer puts forward Seward; the Tribune indicates no preference. The union of the Washington States and the Richmond South, it is said, indicates a movement in favor of Senator R. .M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, for President, Union. REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY. To the Court of Sessions, Nevada County: The Grand Jury of the county of Nevada respectfully submit the following report: During their late sitting the Grand Jury has been principally engaged in examining into the affairs of the Treasurer of Nevada county. They have heard iu conneetion therewith, all the evidence which was aecessible te them, and have carefully examined and duly considered it. They can but feel it their duty to their fellow citizens of Nevada county to say that the office of Treasurer of the county bas been managed with gross neglect, or direct dishonesty. While the books of the office have been kept with great skill and accuracy ; thereby displaying on the part of the Treasurer a general knowledge of . business under the law, from testimony outside of tbe books, and in matters notof record, the Treasurer has violated the plain provisions . of the statutes, and thus laid the foundation of ! a charge of being criminally ignorant, or actually dishonest in the discharge of his official duties. The Grand Jury respectfully report the following as facts, which have been called to their attention, and which various witnesses have, under oatb, substantiated : Ist. The County Licenses of the 9th and 10th classes, (the only classes paidin the county) which are isened by the Auditor, and on their) face are to run for one quarter, the Treasurer has collected only once in six months, instead of every three months, 2nd. The Treasurer in collecting the license aforesaid, has. by the testimony of some one hundred and fifty witnesses, received pay in some one hundred and fifty instances, for six months, or two quarters—while he issued one quarter, or three month's licenses to each individual so paying for six months, thus receiving Pay for two quarters license, while he is ehargable with only one quarter’s license by the Auditor. In some instances, the Treasurer las collected for three quarters—nine months— while he has issued only on: reeeipt and license for the three months, thus depriving, (except at his own option, and unlawfully) the . County of a great portion of its revenues. The amount cullected, as is shown by the witnesses examined before the Grand Jury, is about twenty-four hundred and fifty dollars—and the amount receipted for, and settled by the Treasurer with the Auditor, is about one thousand dollars; leaving a balance due to the county of fourteen hundred and fifty dollars—and of which, by reason of the mal-administration of the Treasurer as before poicted out, the Auditor has no account. 3rd. The Treasurer in some instances, according to the testimony before the Grand Jury, has received payment for one quarter’s license, and refused to issue to the person so paying, avy license or receipt until sueh time es he could collect for the advanced quarter, or quarters then about to commence. 4th. The Treasurer bas in several instances, collected money for licenses, and has given therefore, receipts sigued by himself—said receipts being in his writing, or his depnty’s, and did not issue to the parties so paying bim, any licenses prepared by the Auditor, as he is required by law. 5th. The Treasurer has issued licenses to, and collected monies from parties in Grass Valley, and issued again, the same license to, and collected money ou the same license from par. ties in Nevada, . 6th. The Treasurer bas neglected to eollect . the license monies due the county from many prominent business men, liable to pay the same. . The Treasurer has placed in the possession of the Grand Jury about one hundred and fifty licenses which purport to be licenses made out for back quarters and not called for, which the Grand Jury recommend to be placed in the hands of the County Auditor for safe keeping. The attention of the Board of Supervieors is called to the fact that the County Treasurer bas . {hend serious embarrassment from Walker’s heretofore received five per cent of the amounts disbursed by him, while the law entitles him to receive only three per cent for such disbursements. We further respectfully call attention of the Board of Supervisors-to the insufficiency of the Treasurer’s bonds in securing the State and county against all mistakes or dishonesty in the administration of that office. The amount of the Treasurer’s bond is thirty-five thousand dollars, and of the sureties thereon, three are out of the State, two of whom are out of the United States, and all of the said sureties . (saving and accepting those on the bond given in addition to the original one,; not being assessed in the aggregate on property exceeding seven thousand dollars in value. The Grand Jury find the Auditor’s books kept in a plain and intelligible manner. We have also examined the County Jail and find the partition walls between the cells entirely insufficient, as well as the locks which are now used on the Jail. They beg to present it to the Board of Supervisors as requiring their immediate attention. The County Hospital was examined and. found to be in good order and condition, and the patients therein provided with every attention necessary for their comfort. We have carefully investigated all the busi. ness brought before us, and have found two! bills of indictment, and dismissed three com. plaints. C. Conaway, Foreman, Wm. Butterfield, C. K, Hotailing, David Bryden, Jobn Williams, A. B. Gregery, G. W. Moulder, S. D. Bosworth, J. E. Hamlin, A. Mattison, G. Crandall, D. Baker, J. H. Lee, J. Blackford, Wm. Spurr, L. A. Slack, H,. Thomas. Murver.—We learn from Coroner Bazely that a man named McGuire, was found, on Tuesday morning last, near his residence, on Bear . river, near Illinois Town, but in this county. . McGuire, it appears, sold some dust in Grass Valley, Saturday last, and went bome. On Sunday morning he left his house about daylight to look for a cow which had strayed, and was not heard of until Tuesday morning, when he was found near a trail, his body pierced with six revolver balls, and his head frightfully cut. The body was nearly covered with snow. McGuire formerly resided at Nevada. He leaves a wife to mourn his untimely loss. As yet, no suspicion is attached to any one as the murFort Yuma. derer, but the fact that no robbery was intended, gives rise to the supposition that the murder was on account of an old grudge, and with deep seated malice.—G. V. National. Parpons, &c.—From the files in the office of the Secretary of State, the Union has gathered . the following particulars of the pardons, restorations to citizenship and commutations, grant. ed by the Executive Department sinc e the organization of the State Government: Pardoned by Governor Burnett, 1; by Gov. McDougal, 16; by Governor Bigler, first term, 25; second term, 53; by Governor Jobnson, 59; by Governor Weller, 22; restored to citizeaship, having served out their terms of imprisonment: By Governor Bigler, first term, 1; second term, 9; by Governor Johnson, 9; by Gevernor Weller 46. Commutations: By Governor McDougal, 1; by Governor Bigler, first term, 5; second term, 10; by Governor Johnson, 4; by Governor Weller, 1. Buastine Accipent.—The San Andreas Jndependent, of Dec. 11th, says: ; Near Mountain Ranch, on Tuesday last, whilst Mr. Holmes was engaged putting in a blast, in driving down the tamping, a premature explosion took place, driving the rod through his hand with such force as to carry away the index and middle fingere of the left hand—the powder also burning the left arm in a shocking manner. It wes necessary, in amputating, to take out the metacarpal bone of the middle finger—a very nice piece of surgery— which, however, was so skillfully performed by . the attendant physician, as to insure the least . possible permanent injury to the patient. Arrival of the Overland Mail. The overland mail arrived at San Francisco . last Friday, with dates from St. Louis to Nov. 15th and from New York and other Eastern citjes to the 11th. From WasHrIncton.---The Washington correspondent of the N. Y. Zribune, in his dispatch of Nov. 9th, says: A crowd of filibusters have flocked here since the arrival of William Walker, who is busily . distributing commissions among themof all grades, from Lieutenant up to Colonel. The Administration is under great apprehension lest . Walker and his emigrants sbould slip through . the hands of our naval commanders on the coast of Nicaragua, and fall into those of the British, in which case the Administration will have to encounter the dilemma of a serious difficulty with England, or of a violent indignation in the South. Instructions received by Sir Wm. Gore Ouseley, just before he left here, modified somewhat the position previously taken by Lord Napier; but there is still reason to appremovement. A captured slaver, the Ketch Brothers, which was taken on the South coast of Africa, was brought into the port of Charleston, Nov. 11th, in charge of Lieut. Stone, of U. S. sloop-of-war Marion. The Ketch was formerly owned by Messrs. Strat & Brothers, of Charleston, and was sold to parties in Havana. She was provided witha slaver’s outfit, bat she bad no slaves on board. Eighty-seven hundred dollars in gold were found on her. The Governor of Pennsylvania has issued a writ for holding an extra election in Berks co., Eighth Congressional District. on the 30th of . © Nov., to supply the vacancy in Congress occasioned by the resignation of'J. Glancy Jones, The official majority for John B. Haskin, in the Ninth Congressional District, N. Y., as de. clared by the Board of Canvassers. is thirteen. Tue Govtpy TraGepy.—Mr. Gouldy is re. ported to be gradually siuking under the effects of his wounds, Mrs. Gouldy will recover, as will one of the boys. There is little hope of . the recovery of the other boy aud the two ser. vant girls. Gov. J. W. Denver having resigned the Executive office of Kansas, bas resumed his posi. tion as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Mr. . Mix yielding that office and reverting to his original post as Chief Clerk of the Bureau. A letter dated Paris, October 21, written by . Mr. Gaillardet to the Courier des Etats Unis, suys: As to Mr. Morphy, the chess giant, he has recommenced a match with Herr Harrwitz, who has already lost two games out of three with him. But another German, Herr Anderson, the vietor in the chess tournament in London, is to come from Breslau to spend the Christmas holidays, to avenge, if he can, the defeats that Old Europe has suffered from this prodigious child of the New World. Gop Everywher“e.—The Alta of Dee. 10th, states that Joha J, Fulton, a resident of that city, not long since discovered a rich vein of gold bearing quar!z on the Potrero, which is southward on the Bay, and about three miles . from the city. Specimens of the quartz exhib. ited are rich, The particles of gold are nume. rous, and are plainly visible by gas light. The . rock, taken promiscuously from the surface of . the vein, it is said, assays $500 to the ton, and appears to grow richer as it leaves the surface. . The Alia says: . Six veins, varying from four to six . inches in width, bave been discovered, within an area of twenty feet, injected in a dark gray rock. Per. sons living in the vicinity noticed this quartz five years ago, but did not examine it, because they supposed that if it had any value, it would have been taken up long since. The quartz bas a great deal of iron in it, and bears a close resemblance to the quartz found in some of the Mariposa mines. The statement of Mr. Fulton dogs not appear . in the least improbable. It is a fact well known . to the residents of this city, that the rock be. neath us has namerous little seams of aurifer. ous quartz init. Such have been discovered . in many places. Gold has been found ina number of wells—for instance, in the County . Jail yard, and on Rincon Point, and in the cen. tre of the block bounded by Sacramento, CaliThere is, then no improbabiliy in supposing that other veins exist near the city. Tux Gita Mines.—The Los Angeles Star, of . Dec. 14th, contains some highly colored ac. counts of the Gila mines, obtained from Mr. . Jobn Senter. of San Francisco. The aniferous . deposits are found about fifteen miles above . The Gila is a slow, sluggish . stream, the banks being about fifteen feet above . it the level of the water. From the river, a flat . extends to bluffs about half or three-quarters of . a mile distant, and on this flat the guld is found. . It is apparent, therefore, that the great waut! of the locality is water. Yet with the disad. vantages under which the miners labor, they are said to be doing well. The dirt is packed . to the stream in sacks and washed. Provisions . aud mining tools are scarce. About. two hundred persons are now at work in the mines. “There are two ways of bringing water on . the mining ground. By lifting it up with steam . pumps and throwing it directly on the claims, . or by cutting a ditch and bringing it along the side of the bluffs. The formation of the land the flat low bed of the river, render the latter project difficult of accomplishment, and very expensive, whilst the former is cheap and expeditious. Until either plan is adopted, and the water brought upon the mining ground, but little can be realized from the present mode of . working, the dirt being carried so far to water. The extent of the mining ground is not known. There is reason to suppose that it extends for hundreds of miles. From an exploration made by some varties there, gold, silver, and copper have been found on the banks of the Gila, 300 jt miles from the mining ground, the valley presenting no change in formation, the whole way up.” Fire anp Loss or Lirg.—We find the following in the Amador Ledger, of Dec. 11th: A fire, occasioning a loss of life, occurred on Thursday night of last week, after mid-night. The premises burned were occupied by Mr. Williams and his family. He was from bome, and the family were awakened by the fire which already enveloped the kitchen. “Some of them who were sleeping up stairs snatched some of their clothing and ran down stairs, leaving a boy in bed. He was burned to death. One of the girls leaped froma window leaving another little brother in bed, but she immediately climbed back and saved him. The family only saved what articles they snatched as tbey ran from the house. The family are in great distress at the loss of their littie son and brother. The fire probably originated by the kitehen chimney taking fire. The occurrence took place near Fiddletown, Prices Reduced!! Gee KOHLMAN, has reduced his price in every article in his line, HEAVY CLOTHING, HATS, And Gent’s Furnishing Goods, &c. &c., . will do well to examine his stock before purchasing elsewhere. SOL KOHLMAN’S, Corner of Broad and Pine sts., Nevada. HAxWARos Bes INDIA RUBBER Boots, Single and Double Soles, For Sale at the Lowest Market Prices, at SOL. KOHLMAN’S Corner of Broad and Pine sts., Nevada. OODYEAR’S BEST INDIA RUBBER COATS—For Sale at the Lowest Market Prices, at SOL. KOHLMAN’S, Corner of Broad and Pine sts., Nevada, li-if ‘ ) MaRRIED. At the Central House, on the 1 i Dryden, Mr. R. W. Latta to Miss visa) Rey, of Washington, Nevada County. ~ VARLING, both, At Marysville, Dec. 9th, Bev E.D JamEson, of Sacramento, to Philadelphia. \ISSOLUTION.—The Co-Partne,. tofore existing between the 7. 8 Wal Rte Ree and N. F. Scott, under the nam: € 0O., in dinolved tiie Dee ors had fre: wane chasing the Stock in Trade of the late { er is authorized to. collect and. receipt for ang 28% Party the concern of J, 8. Wall & Co. 7 MONETE due Those indebted, are most earnestly. . requested to make immediate payment, J.3. Ww Toe tl ees N.F, Scorr. DEALER IN # GROCERIES AND PROVisi9 Miner’s Supplies, Preserved Fruits, Liqu f] ors, &e, No. 55 Broad Street, Nevada, AVING PURCHASED the entire stock in late firm of J. S. WALL & CO,, T haye now of ‘the the Largest Stock of Goods ever brought to Mag Having plenty ofroom, and being secure is is my intention to keep on hand at aj] times sortment of articles to be found in similay estaba fell aswhich will be sold to hments, Miners and F On the most Reasonable Terms om, My Stock consists in part of the follow: Family Groceries, &c. ing Asssortment of Nevada Dee. 14, 1858.—11-4¢ 500 Qr. Sacks Flour; 3,000 Lha. 8. ©. 10,000 Lbs. Potatoes; 100 Blbs. Flour 8,000 Lbs. Hams; 5,000 Lbs. Side Bac $,000 Lbs Goshen butter 1,000 Lbs, Lang ; With a complete stock of SUGAR, COFFEE, Tra, nic, TOBACCO, FRESH FRUITS, HARDWARE, QUEENSWape ’ ke, &e. gage GOODS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE -Gy We invite the attention of Country Dealers to stock of Goods, As we have unusual thefifiies for ar ane ing, we are confident that we can sell on such terms as wit make it to their advantage to trade with us instend of going below for their supplies. J. 8. WALL, December, 14, 1858.—11.tf 55 Broad Street, Nevada, SE Se ge no, Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s Ling FOR. PANAMA P y Connecting vie PANAMA RAILROAD, With the Steamers of the U. S. Mail Steamship Company, at Aspinwalt, FOR NEW YORK & NEW ORLEANS DIRECT. Departure from Fulsom Street Whart THE MAGNIFICENT STEAMSHIP J.L. STEPHENS, Will leave Fulsom street Wharf for Panama, wth U, §, Mails, Passengers, and Treasure. Monday, Dec. 20th, at 9 o’clock a. m,, Punctually. Bap Passengers by the P. M. 8. Co’s Lime are Innded on their arrivals at Panama upon the wharf atthe railroad terminus, by the Company’s steam ferry boat, and pro. ceed immediately by Railroad Across the Isthmus, To Aspinwall, where the stcamers of the U. 8, Mail S, 8, Co. are always in readiness to convey them to New York or New Orleans. Passengers for New Orleans proceed by direct steamer from Aspinwall. Through tickets are furnished, including the transit of the Isthmus. Passengers are notified that all tickets for the steamers of the U. 8. Mail 8. 8. Co, must be presented to their agent at Aspinwall for registry and exchange, as they will not otherwise be available. aay ‘Treasure for shipment will be received on board the steamer until 12 0’clock midnight. Dec. 19th. No merchandise cr freight will be received on board afer 3 P. M, on the 19th, and a written order must be procured at the Company’s office for its shipment. F or Freight or passage apply to FORBES & BABCOCK, Agents. Cor. Sacramento and Leidesdorff sta, A choice of berths on the Atlantic steamers is secured by the early purchase of tickets in San Francisco, CAUTION TO THE PUBLIC. ALL PERSONS ARE HEREBY CAUtioned against negotiating or purchasing THREE PROMISSORY NOTES, dated at Mount Zion, Nevada County, November 15th, 1858, for two hundred ($200) dollars each, payable twelve months from date, in favor of PER. RY WOODWORTH, or Order, and drawn by the under. signed. Said notes were procured by misrepresentation, and no value bas been received for them. ORANGE HOWARD. December 11th 1858.—11-3w* NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT! will apply to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada County . * . on the 17th day of January next, or ax soon thereafter os . fornia, Montgomery, and Kearny streets,— . a hearing can be had, for a regranting of license to keeps TOLL-BRIDGE across the South Yuba River, at a place heretofore known as the Bridge of M. F. Hoit & Co, MOSES F. HOIT. December 11th, 1858.—11-td — ALL PERSONS ARE HEREBY CAUtioned against purchasing a NOTE given by the under signed to J. F. BLIVEN, or Order, for four hundred ($400) dollars. payable when taken ont of Mount Zion Co’s. Miaing Claims, (in Nevada County) above the expense of working the same, and dated at Pet Hill March 12th 1881. Said Note was fraudulently obtained and I shall not pay it. ALMOND HYATT. December 13th, 1858.—11-4w* TOLL-ROAD AND BRIDGE NOTICE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT the undersighed will make application to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada County, on the 17th day of January next, or as soon thereafter as a hearing can be bad, fors renewal of license to collect toll on the Road and Bridge leading from Nevada to Montezuma Hill, and known as Robinson’s Crossing. + oieuhat bon Nevada, Dee. 18th 1858.—11-4w TATE OF CALIFORNIA, County of Ne yada, In Distritt Court of the 14th Judicial District. In the matter of the petition of AUGUSTUS J. BUHLER, an insolvent debtor. Pursuant tn an order ofthe Hon. Niles Searls Judge of the said District Court, notice is hereby given to all the creditors of the sain insolvent, Augustus J. Buhler to be and appear before the Hon, Niles Searls Judge aforesaid, in open Court, at the Court room of said Court, in the city and county of Nevada, on the 20th day of January A. D, 1858, at 10 o’clock A. M,, of that day, then and there to show cause, ifany they can, why the prayer of said insolvent should not be granted, and an assignment of his estate be mape, and he be discharged frow his debts and liabilities, in pursuance of the Statute in suck case and provided; and in the meantime all proceedings against said insolyed be stayed : —— Witness my handand the Seal of said Court, seal. this 14th day of December A. D. 1858. ~~ RUFUS SHOEMAKER. Clerk. By Wa. Sim, Deputy. C. Wilson Hill, Att’y for Petitioner. Spe aS TATE OF CALIFORNIA, County of conegl da, ss. District Court of the 14th Judicial Listriet said State. The People of the State of California to JOSEPH CHAYBERS and BISHOP GOODRICH Greeting: the You are hereby summoned to appear aad answer be complaint of MILES CREAMER, filed against you, Step Venard, Samuel Connel, Christopher Schell, David — Edward Kent, Epsley, Chas. Robinson and W aldo M. composing the re a A known as the Empire pom I a within ten days trom the service of this writ, if ser you in this county, within twenty days if served ay 4 in this District, and out of this county, and bhiy—robe days if servd on you in the State and out of this [ res " in ‘an action commenced onthe 13th day of Decem 4 D. 1858; in said Court nine hundred dollars, due the plaintiff by the said defendants, upon two certatn 1386, cory notes bearing date tho 6th day of Soptemots a 3 made and executed by said defendants to said plaint set forth in plaintiff's original complaint on file in 4 Clerk’s office of said District Court, a certified copy which accompanies this summons. f And you are hereby notified that if you fail to i, wy said complaint as herein directed, plaintiff will pet ment against you by default, together with # Sel 8 suit, and also demand of the Court such other re prayed for in his said complaint. z " In testimony whereof I, Rufus Shoemaker Cierk of the 7 District Court atoresaid, do herew seal. my hand and impress the seal of r — at office, in the City of Nevada, day of December, A. D. 1858. Clerk: RUFUS SHOEMAKER, By Wa, Sara, Deputy Clerk. ovada dounty jafaction It appearing to my satin abo that the plaintiffs herein, Joseph Chambers parted frost Goodrich, have absented themselves and de + parti this State, and that they are necessary and proper . to the action, and their residence is uoknere. ants, 0 order that the Summons herein to said publish: publisbed in the Nevada Democrat, @ nowspene' rot less ed in Nevada county, once a week for a perio than three months. per, 4? i is 13th day of Decem une under my eh SEARLS. District Judge I horeby certify the —— » me LO ee copy e the minutes of sarorder entered divest RUFUS SHOEMAKER, Clerk » Wor. Surrn, Deputy. pot By! Wilson Hill. Att’y for Plaintiff. Miles Creamer, \ In District Court—N vs 8. Venard, et als.

nserabawatst can tee i ROR Fe ee momen NEVADA DEMOCRAT. = . is our reagrrer oo wetland 3 Ww ver ? city. He : ; & ; thorized to receive subscriptions, ond collect and recefpt for the same, Octavian Hoogs is our Agent for San Francisco. He is authorised to reveive advertisements, and collect and receipt for the same. rrité & 105 78 Agents for Sacraménto, to récéive gollect for the same. NEVADA, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15, 1858. . . Affairs of the County Treasury. Great excitement has been occasioned in this community in consequence of reports which have been circulated for a week past, in regard to the manner in which the County Treasurer has conducted the business of his office. Several hundred business men from different parts of the county had been summoned to appear and testify before the Grand Jury which met fast Thursday, and to bring with them all the licenses received from the Treasurer. As will naturally be supposed, the facts soon became known, and even before the Grand Jury was empanneled, were onevery body’s tongue The Jary were engaged from Thursday morning wotil yesterday noon in investigating this matter-having examined over a hundred and fifty witnesses—and the facts elicited, in an au. thoritative form, will be found in their report in. another column, and which it is unnecessary for us to recapitulate. ‘As the matter now looks, it is the most gross and unaccountable ease of mal-feasance in office which ever occurred in this county. How & man of common sense supposed he could conduet the business of a public office, in the mannerin which the Treasurer has, and not be caught, isa mystery to us. We have no desire to say any thing to create an nndue prejudice against the Treasurer, as the matter will be investigated before the proper tribunal; and in fact the late hour at which we received the report of the Jury precludes any further remarks. It only remains to be told that the Grand Jury have presented the Treasurer on three different eounts, the nature of which we are not advised, and we presume proper steps will be taken to have him removed from office, . dre our authorised vertisements and mentees a Taxing Mining €laims. We learn that about four thousand dollars has been paid into the Sheriff’s office, for taxes on money invested in mining claims. The money is paid under protest, and will be held by the Sheriff until the case now pending before the Supreme Court, to test the right of taxing such investments, is decided. It is desirable that the ease should be decided as soon as possible, one way or the other, so that those interested may know what they have to depend on. In the District Court of this county, the case was decided against the miners, by consent of parties ; the object being to have the question settled by the highest jadicial tribunal, before the time set for selling property for taxes. But as the matter is still! undecided, the Sheriff has no alternative but to goahead according to law and sell all the property on which the taxes are unpaid. The revenue law of the State expressly exempts miving claims from taxation, but under another clause in the same law, if construed literally, money invested in mining claims is Mable to be taxed, the same as though it was invested in any other property. There isa discrepancy in the law, which the Supreme Court will have to reconcile. The . law as now construed by the assessors of many of the mining counties, is unequal and unjust. If two men take up and spen'a mining claim, they are not liable to be taxed for its value. But if one of them should sell to a third person the latter is taxed for the amount of money paid for his interest in the diggings, while the other interest is still untaxed. Wedo not believe the revenue Jaw will admit of a construction so manifestly absurd and unjust. The question was decided by the District Court, under the expectation that the Supreme Court would determine the matter before the time appointed by law for the collection of taxes. But as it has not yet been settled, the officers of this county have tobe governed by the ruling of District Court. _ Tax Comer.—On our first page will be found an article from the London JZimes, in relation to the comet which lately made its appearance in the heavens. From tbis article it seems that the European astronomers have demonstrated that the time occupied in its revolution round the sun is not less than 2,000 years, and does not exceed 2,495 years, It is somewhat surprising that the American astronomers have not before this arrived at some conclusion in regard to the periodical revolution of this comet, but as far as we have seen, no allusion bas been made to it in any of tho Eastern papers from any authoritative source. Itis not presumable that astronomers would allow such a body to pass through the heavens, without exhausting their scientific knowledge to ascertain its elements, and we must therefore conclude that the astronomers of this continent are still engaged in making their calculations, which will'in time be given to the public, The artiele*on our first page, though not satisfactory, is interesting, and will repay a perusal. It seems the comet passed within nine millions of miles of Venus, without producing any appreciable effect upon that planet. It approached within about fifty millions of miles of the earth,”which is about half the distance of the earth from the sun. To the inhabitants of the planet Veaus— provided it has any inhabitants—the comet must have presented a brilliant appearance. CommutTep.—The Mexican who murdered his wife in Merced county last summer, and was sentenced to be hung on the 12th ult., has been pronounced insane by a jury of inquisition. The Governor bas commuted his sentence to imprisonment for life. Execurep.—Henry F. W. Mewes was executed last Friday, at San Francisco, for the murder of Peter Becker, committed in June last. The execution was private—a few persons only being present. Svrciwx.—J. J. O’Dowd, a druggist of San Francisco, who gave an overdose of laudanum and morphine to John J. Bradley, from the effects of which he died. committed suicide last Saturday evening, by taking a quantity of prussic acid, soon after he heard of the death of Bradly. We are indebted to Geo. W. Welch, of the Pioneer Book Store, Main street, for San Francisco and Marysville papers. OCRAT. We see beoedion now very generally discussed, and more for the purpose of being in the fashion than from accomplishing any good, weoffer a few smggestions. The increasing importance of our quartz mining, and the numerous discoveries making in this fleld, furnish the facilities, and call for a thorough and scientific geologieal survey. Our miming interests are the real wealth of the State, and any source from which additional light can be thrown upon this pursuit should be offered to the public. But if the State is to incur the expense and disgrace of such geological surveys and reports as have heretofore been made, we ask to be counted out. The idea of appointing a salaried professor to publish statistics of the depth of shafts, the amount of pay, or the mode of working gravel diggings, is simply absurd. Equally useless is it to publish to the world the character or position of bed rock upon which the gold deposits are found. It is from the attrition of gold-bearing quartz that the gravel deposits were formed, and if a sugar trough had been the lowest point in the vicinity of such decaying ledge, the gold would have been found in it, These alluvial deposits have never been considered as fairly part of geological science. The most of them belong to our era, and the gold formation was long anterior to their creation, Of as little importance, geologically, is it whether quartz is raised from a shaft with a windlass or an engine, or how it is worked when raised. These matters depend entirely upon the caprice of the mechanic, and throw no more light upon the gold formation than does the mint process of stamping double eagles. But of such stuff as this, our geological reports have thus far been composed. If we are to have a survey, let it be done by a scientific man; one who would regard the salary as only the means of accomplishing an honorable enterprise, and not asthe end of a few beggarly statistics, Such a geologist would find in every mining camp of this State, men of scientific intelligence, entirely competent, and perfectly willing to aid his investigations, He would find throughout the breadth of the land, as the alphabet to his researches, the shaft of the miner, the footsteps of enterprise in the domain of the old, the primal world. Thus he could contrast, compare, and consider; he could show the peculiar geological conditions under which each quartz ledge became the matrix of gold; he could show the effect of changes in the surrounding rock upon this condition ; and by thus contrasting the result, and the accompanying condition throughout the State, he might find himself, or furnish to others the clue, the index, by which to bring order from this chaos, and establish a law for the mystery of this gold formation, where now all seems chance. Could such a survey and report be had, it would well reward the State for the expenditure, With the knowledge that certain peculiarities attended auriferous rock elsewhere, the miner would be guided by such conditions, to the hidden mine. And in the spirit of investigation it would foster, the mystery of the mineral formation might be solved, and leaf by leaf of the stone-book read, until the miner would search for the ore, not by blind chance, but by his knowledge of the law which created it. That such a survey can be made, we have but little hope. An appropriation for it, would bring to the Capital a swarm of greedy ignoramuses, who could not give the geologicalera ofa cheese. Some one of this class would get the appropriation and a clerk to collect statistics; and again we should be told how far it was in such a shaft to the bed rock, and that John Smith raised his dirt with a whim worked by a horse, and Bob White with one worked by a mule. For the credit of the State we hope we have seen the last of such reports. Speech of W. H. Seward—Republican Manifesto for 1860, The speech delivered by Senator Seward at Rochester, N. Y., just previous to the late eleetion in that State, is regarded as the basis of the Republican platform of 1860, and therefore possesses more than ordinary interest. He advocates the doctrine that all the slave States must eventually become free, or the free States become slave ; that the antagonism between free and slave labor was so great that the elavery agitation would be kept up until one or the other of the above results was attained. This doctrine is more sectional than any heretofore advocated by the Republican party, and differs but little from that of the Abolitionists. He expects that slavery will be abolished, through the action of the several States co-operating with the Federal Government, and all acting in conformity with their several constitutions, but suggests no practical plan by which this result is to be accomplished. While he talks with affected horror of the efforts of sectional men of the South to extend slavery into the North, where the people do not want it, which ean only be done by violating the Federal compact, he seems to be oblivious of the fact that he, and those acting with him are likewise endeavoring to violate the constitution by making it an instrument to abolish slavery where it exists. The doctrine advocated by Seward had previously been advanced by Lincoln of Illinois; in fact, the speech of the former is nothing but a revised edition of those of the latter. The Republican party can boast of no men more talented than Seward and Lincoln, but it isa matter of some doubt whether the masses of the party will sustain their doctrines, Should Douglas be the Democratic nominee for President, their only hope of success would be in taking a less sectional position, and in that case they may find it necessary to neminate some euch man as Cameron of Pennsylvania, who is not so ultra as Seward. It is only to be hoped that the politicians will not compel the people to decide between the sectional and antiDemocratic policy of the Administration, and the ultra sectionalism of Seward and Lincoln. Curtnese Peonace.—A chinese woman was arrested recently in Mariposa county, on the complaint of one of her countrymen, charged with larceny. The charge turned out to bea cover on the partof the complainant to get possession of the woman. It seems that about three years ago the woman borrowed from the man who had her arrested, a sum of money at an exorbitant rate of interest, (20 per cent. per month,) which has swelled the total debt to about $600. The creditor, concluding at length to force the payment of the debt, and in order to obtain control of the person of the womap, accused her of theft. ike New Almaden Mine. The San Francisco National informs us that it speaks knowingly, when it asserts that the mine, ws well as the land, is the bone for which the government is contending. This knowing journal also assures us that none but an unmitigated muggins could fail to see the difference between this case and any other that may arise. With sorrow we confess it, we are that muggins. If the United States recovers in this suit, and establishes her right to this mine, she will occupy preeisely the position she does with us of the mountains, who have always conceded her the title, With these “forged grants’’ judicially wiped out, this property will only be added to the present mining domain. Under the government who then will own it? from every quartz Jead and gravel claim. Custom, the law of the miner, answers the first locator; this is the right and the only title by which our mountain miners hold their claims. They have no deeds, forged or genuine; they admit the right of the government to dispossess them had she the disposition soto do, and they cannot understand how the Almaden defendants, their deeds discredited and their grant proven a forgery, have not the same rights with those who concede all that in this case, the government claims, and rely upon the single fact of prior possession and location. Nor can the Nationa! make them see the difference between a worked mine, clouded by a bogus grant, anda mine worked in the face of a conceded title. This county is full of such mugginses, But are we to understand that when this mine is established as part of the public land, that the first bona fide miner, who, ignoring all Mexican titles, shall seize, can hold this as we of the mountains do Uncle Sam's other mineral territory? Oh no, says Mr. National! When this shall become by judicial decision part of the national domain, it will be separated from the balance, and Congress will make some disposition of it; that is, government will dispossess certain parties, whose paper titles to a mine are worthless, but who hold and exercise (independent of parchment) precisely the same ownership as all other miners throughout the State, and will then legislate specially for this case. Had some of our miners from the mountains have believed with the National, that the defendant’s grant was fraudulent, their gains enormous, and their birth foreign, had such miners jamped this claim, or should they do it now, would these proceedings, or those of a kindred nature evict them. We opine they would; and yet our jumpers would be applying to Uncle Sam’s Almaden mine precisely the same rules they apply to his mines here. Had the defendants in this suit admitted at the start the title of the government, they would have stood in precisely our situation. The rule that would have then evicted them, would (if applied) oust our entire mining community. If government design establishing any new rule or tenure Ly which mines must be held, let it be known to those who are spending their best days in discovering and developing these resources; nor leave them and the results of their toil and enterprise at the mercy of the political gamblers who haunt our National capital. Again we say, that if the single fact of first appropriation and possession, is not a defense for the Almaden defendants, that the single and only claim by which our quartz and gravel mines are held is worthless, and their value has only to tempt the cupidity of some government favorite to have the Almaden experiment rehearsed, and the fruits of our toil reward some corrupt act of political partisanship. Attempted Murder and Suicide—A State Official In a Serape. From the Sacramento papers we learn the particulars of a tragio affair which occurred in that city last Thursday morning. Mr. David Wand, adry goods dealer, residing on Fifth street, near N, sometime since received into his house as a boarder, A. R. Meloney, State Controller, For some time, Wand had been suspicious that Meloney was corrupting his wife, and on Wednesday night satisfied himself beyond a doubt that a eriminal intimacy existed between them. Wand paced the floor all night, and in the morning he procured a revolver, entered the kitchen where his wife was superintending the preparation for breakfast, and discharged at her the pistol, She screamed and fell, though she was not hurt, the ball having passed through her hooped skirts, just below the hip. Wand immediateiy put the muzzle of the pistol to hisown mouth, saying “good bye,”’ and discharged another barrel. The ball ploughed his tongue for a short distance, entered the roof of the mouth, and lodged in the back part of the neck. He immediately fell to the floor, and was taken care of by his friends who soon filled the house. Mrs. Wand left the house immediately after the shooting, but returned about ten o’clock, and has since been very attentive in ministering to the wants of her husband. Wand was not able to speak, but retained his senses, and communicated with his friends in writing. He at first stated that he wished to die, but afterwards expressed a desire to live that he might provide and care for his little girl. His friends entertain hopes that he will recover, Meloney is about fifty years of age, and has a wife and family in this State. Mrs. Wand is young and quite good looking, fond of frivolities and dress, and as Meloney is old enough to be her father, and not particularly fascinating in person, it is presumable that she had taken up with him in order to procure the means to gratify her vanity. The Sacramento papers have spoken in terms of just condemnation of the conduct of Meloney. A man of hisage and position, to be engaged in such a disreputable transaction, is without excuse, and as he is too old to reform, society has but to place the brand of infamy upen his conduct and treat’ him according to his deserts. As for the weakminded woman, it is unnecessary to say any thing, as she will soon enough find her level. THE most noted piece of political news by the Overland Mail is that the New York Times has announced Itself in favor of Douglas for President. The Times wields a commanding influence; it stands second to few, if any, of the New York papers. The Herald recommends Gen. Scott tothe Opposition, but intimates that Buchanan will be the man for the Democrats. The Courier and Enquirer puts forward Seward; the Tribune indicates no preference. The union of the Washington States and the Richmond South, it is said, indicates a movement in favor of Senator R. .M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, for President, Union. REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY. To the Court of Sessions, Nevada County: The Grand Jury of the county of Nevada respectfully submit the following report: During their late sitting the Grand Jury has been principally engaged in examining into the affairs of the Treasurer of Nevada county. They have heard iu conneetion therewith, all the evidence which was aecessible te them, and have carefully examined and duly considered it. They can but feel it their duty to their fellow citizens of Nevada county to say that the office of Treasurer of the county bas been managed with gross neglect, or direct dishonesty. While the books of the office have been kept with great skill and accuracy ; thereby displaying on the part of the Treasurer a general knowledge of . business under the law, from testimony outside of tbe books, and in matters notof record, the Treasurer has violated the plain provisions . of the statutes, and thus laid the foundation of ! a charge of being criminally ignorant, or actually dishonest in the discharge of his official duties. The Grand Jury respectfully report the following as facts, which have been called to their attention, and which various witnesses have, under oatb, substantiated : Ist. The County Licenses of the 9th and 10th classes, (the only classes paidin the county) which are isened by the Auditor, and on their) face are to run for one quarter, the Treasurer has collected only once in six months, instead of every three months, 2nd. The Treasurer in collecting the license aforesaid, has. by the testimony of some one hundred and fifty witnesses, received pay in some one hundred and fifty instances, for six months, or two quarters—while he issued one quarter, or three month's licenses to each individual so paying for six months, thus receiving Pay for two quarters license, while he is ehargable with only one quarter’s license by the Auditor. In some instances, the Treasurer las collected for three quarters—nine months— while he has issued only on: reeeipt and license for the three months, thus depriving, (except at his own option, and unlawfully) the . County of a great portion of its revenues. The amount cullected, as is shown by the witnesses examined before the Grand Jury, is about twenty-four hundred and fifty dollars—and the amount receipted for, and settled by the Treasurer with the Auditor, is about one thousand dollars; leaving a balance due to the county of fourteen hundred and fifty dollars—and of which, by reason of the mal-administration of the Treasurer as before poicted out, the Auditor has no account. 3rd. The Treasurer in some instances, according to the testimony before the Grand Jury, has received payment for one quarter’s license, and refused to issue to the person so paying, avy license or receipt until sueh time es he could collect for the advanced quarter, or quarters then about to commence. 4th. The Treasurer bas in several instances, collected money for licenses, and has given therefore, receipts sigued by himself—said receipts being in his writing, or his depnty’s, and did not issue to the parties so paying bim, any licenses prepared by the Auditor, as he is required by law. 5th. The Treasurer has issued licenses to, and collected monies from parties in Grass Valley, and issued again, the same license to, and collected money ou the same license from par. ties in Nevada, . 6th. The Treasurer bas neglected to eollect . the license monies due the county from many prominent business men, liable to pay the same. . The Treasurer has placed in the possession of the Grand Jury about one hundred and fifty licenses which purport to be licenses made out for back quarters and not called for, which the Grand Jury recommend to be placed in the hands of the County Auditor for safe keeping. The attention of the Board of Supervieors is

called to the fact that the County Treasurer bas . {hend serious embarrassment from Walker’s heretofore received five per cent of the amounts disbursed by him, while the law entitles him to receive only three per cent for such disbursements. We further respectfully call attention of the Board of Supervisors-to the insufficiency of the Treasurer’s bonds in securing the State and county against all mistakes or dishonesty in the administration of that office. The amount of the Treasurer’s bond is thirty-five thousand dollars, and of the sureties thereon, three are out of the State, two of whom are out of the United States, and all of the said sureties . (saving and accepting those on the bond given in addition to the original one,; not being assessed in the aggregate on property exceeding seven thousand dollars in value. The Grand Jury find the Auditor’s books kept in a plain and intelligible manner. We have also examined the County Jail and find the partition walls between the cells entirely insufficient, as well as the locks which are now used on the Jail. They beg to present it to the Board of Supervisors as requiring their immediate attention. The County Hospital was examined and. found to be in good order and condition, and the patients therein provided with every attention necessary for their comfort. We have carefully investigated all the busi. ness brought before us, and have found two! bills of indictment, and dismissed three com. plaints. C. Conaway, Foreman, Wm. Butterfield, C. K, Hotailing, David Bryden, Jobn Williams, A. B. Gregery, G. W. Moulder, S. D. Bosworth, J. E. Hamlin, A. Mattison, G. Crandall, D. Baker, J. H. Lee, J. Blackford, Wm. Spurr, L. A. Slack, H,. Thomas. Murver.—We learn from Coroner Bazely that a man named McGuire, was found, on Tuesday morning last, near his residence, on Bear . river, near Illinois Town, but in this county. . McGuire, it appears, sold some dust in Grass Valley, Saturday last, and went bome. On Sunday morning he left his house about daylight to look for a cow which had strayed, and was not heard of until Tuesday morning, when he was found near a trail, his body pierced with six revolver balls, and his head frightfully cut. The body was nearly covered with snow. McGuire formerly resided at Nevada. He leaves a wife to mourn his untimely loss. As yet, no suspicion is attached to any one as the murFort Yuma. derer, but the fact that no robbery was intended, gives rise to the supposition that the murder was on account of an old grudge, and with deep seated malice.—G. V. National. Parpons, &c.—From the files in the office of the Secretary of State, the Union has gathered . the following particulars of the pardons, restorations to citizenship and commutations, grant. ed by the Executive Department sinc e the organization of the State Government: Pardoned by Governor Burnett, 1; by Gov. McDougal, 16; by Governor Bigler, first term, 25; second term, 53; by Governor Jobnson, 59; by Governor Weller, 22; restored to citizeaship, having served out their terms of imprisonment: By Governor Bigler, first term, 1; second term, 9; by Governor Johnson, 9; by Gevernor Weller 46. Commutations: By Governor McDougal, 1; by Governor Bigler, first term, 5; second term, 10; by Governor Johnson, 4; by Governor Weller, 1. Buastine Accipent.—The San Andreas Jndependent, of Dec. 11th, says: ; Near Mountain Ranch, on Tuesday last, whilst Mr. Holmes was engaged putting in a blast, in driving down the tamping, a premature explosion took place, driving the rod through his hand with such force as to carry away the index and middle fingere of the left hand—the powder also burning the left arm in a shocking manner. It wes necessary, in amputating, to take out the metacarpal bone of the middle finger—a very nice piece of surgery— which, however, was so skillfully performed by . the attendant physician, as to insure the least . possible permanent injury to the patient. Arrival of the Overland Mail. The overland mail arrived at San Francisco . last Friday, with dates from St. Louis to Nov. 15th and from New York and other Eastern citjes to the 11th. From WasHrIncton.---The Washington correspondent of the N. Y. Zribune, in his dispatch of Nov. 9th, says: A crowd of filibusters have flocked here since the arrival of William Walker, who is busily . distributing commissions among themof all grades, from Lieutenant up to Colonel. The Administration is under great apprehension lest . Walker and his emigrants sbould slip through . the hands of our naval commanders on the coast of Nicaragua, and fall into those of the British, in which case the Administration will have to encounter the dilemma of a serious difficulty with England, or of a violent indignation in the South. Instructions received by Sir Wm. Gore Ouseley, just before he left here, modified somewhat the position previously taken by Lord Napier; but there is still reason to appremovement. A captured slaver, the Ketch Brothers, which was taken on the South coast of Africa, was brought into the port of Charleston, Nov. 11th, in charge of Lieut. Stone, of U. S. sloop-of-war Marion. The Ketch was formerly owned by Messrs. Strat & Brothers, of Charleston, and was sold to parties in Havana. She was provided witha slaver’s outfit, bat she bad no slaves on board. Eighty-seven hundred dollars in gold were found on her. The Governor of Pennsylvania has issued a writ for holding an extra election in Berks co., Eighth Congressional District. on the 30th of . © Nov., to supply the vacancy in Congress occasioned by the resignation of'J. Glancy Jones, The official majority for John B. Haskin, in the Ninth Congressional District, N. Y., as de. clared by the Board of Canvassers. is thirteen. Tue Govtpy TraGepy.—Mr. Gouldy is re. ported to be gradually siuking under the effects of his wounds, Mrs. Gouldy will recover, as will one of the boys. There is little hope of . the recovery of the other boy aud the two ser. vant girls. Gov. J. W. Denver having resigned the Executive office of Kansas, bas resumed his posi. tion as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Mr. . Mix yielding that office and reverting to his original post as Chief Clerk of the Bureau. A letter dated Paris, October 21, written by . Mr. Gaillardet to the Courier des Etats Unis, suys: As to Mr. Morphy, the chess giant, he has recommenced a match with Herr Harrwitz, who has already lost two games out of three with him. But another German, Herr Anderson, the vietor in the chess tournament in London, is to come from Breslau to spend the Christmas holidays, to avenge, if he can, the defeats that Old Europe has suffered from this prodigious child of the New World. Gop Everywher“e.—The Alta of Dee. 10th, states that Joha J, Fulton, a resident of that city, not long since discovered a rich vein of gold bearing quar!z on the Potrero, which is southward on the Bay, and about three miles . from the city. Specimens of the quartz exhib. ited are rich, The particles of gold are nume. rous, and are plainly visible by gas light. The . rock, taken promiscuously from the surface of . the vein, it is said, assays $500 to the ton, and appears to grow richer as it leaves the surface. . The Alia says: . Six veins, varying from four to six . inches in width, bave been discovered, within an area of twenty feet, injected in a dark gray rock. Per. sons living in the vicinity noticed this quartz five years ago, but did not examine it, because they supposed that if it had any value, it would have been taken up long since. The quartz bas a great deal of iron in it, and bears a close resemblance to the quartz found in some of the Mariposa mines. The statement of Mr. Fulton dogs not appear . in the least improbable. It is a fact well known . to the residents of this city, that the rock be. neath us has namerous little seams of aurifer. ous quartz init. Such have been discovered . in many places. Gold has been found ina number of wells—for instance, in the County . Jail yard, and on Rincon Point, and in the cen. tre of the block bounded by Sacramento, CaliThere is, then no improbabiliy in supposing that other veins exist near the city. Tux Gita Mines.—The Los Angeles Star, of . Dec. 14th, contains some highly colored ac. counts of the Gila mines, obtained from Mr. . Jobn Senter. of San Francisco. The aniferous . deposits are found about fifteen miles above . The Gila is a slow, sluggish . stream, the banks being about fifteen feet above . it the level of the water. From the river, a flat . extends to bluffs about half or three-quarters of . a mile distant, and on this flat the guld is found. . It is apparent, therefore, that the great waut! of the locality is water. Yet with the disad. vantages under which the miners labor, they are said to be doing well. The dirt is packed . to the stream in sacks and washed. Provisions . aud mining tools are scarce. About. two hundred persons are now at work in the mines. “There are two ways of bringing water on . the mining ground. By lifting it up with steam . pumps and throwing it directly on the claims, . or by cutting a ditch and bringing it along the side of the bluffs. The formation of the land the flat low bed of the river, render the latter project difficult of accomplishment, and very expensive, whilst the former is cheap and expeditious. Until either plan is adopted, and the water brought upon the mining ground, but little can be realized from the present mode of . working, the dirt being carried so far to water. The extent of the mining ground is not known. There is reason to suppose that it extends for hundreds of miles. From an exploration made by some varties there, gold, silver, and copper have been found on the banks of the Gila, 300 jt miles from the mining ground, the valley presenting no change in formation, the whole way up.” Fire anp Loss or Lirg.—We find the following in the Amador Ledger, of Dec. 11th: A fire, occasioning a loss of life, occurred on Thursday night of last week, after mid-night. The premises burned were occupied by Mr. Williams and his family. He was from bome, and the family were awakened by the fire which already enveloped the kitchen. “Some of them who were sleeping up stairs snatched some of their clothing and ran down stairs, leaving a boy in bed. He was burned to death. One of the girls leaped froma window leaving another little brother in bed, but she immediately climbed back and saved him. The family only saved what articles they snatched as tbey ran from the house. The family are in great distress at the loss of their littie son and brother. The fire probably originated by the kitehen chimney taking fire. The occurrence took place near Fiddletown, Prices Reduced!! Gee KOHLMAN, has reduced his price in every article in his line, HEAVY CLOTHING, HATS, And Gent’s Furnishing Goods, &c. &c., . will do well to examine his stock before purchasing elsewhere. SOL KOHLMAN’S, Corner of Broad and Pine sts., Nevada. HAxWARos Bes INDIA RUBBER Boots, Single and Double Soles, For Sale at the Lowest Market Prices, at SOL. KOHLMAN’S Corner of Broad and Pine sts., Nevada. OODYEAR’S BEST INDIA RUBBER COATS—For Sale at the Lowest Market Prices, at SOL. KOHLMAN’S, Corner of Broad and Pine sts., Nevada, li-if ‘ ) MaRRIED. At the Central House, on the 1 i Dryden, Mr. R. W. Latta to Miss visa) Rey, of Washington, Nevada County. ~ VARLING, both, At Marysville, Dec. 9th, Bev E.D JamEson, of Sacramento, to Philadelphia. \ISSOLUTION.—The Co-Partne,. tofore existing between the 7. 8 Wal Rte Ree and N. F. Scott, under the nam: € 0O., in dinolved tiie Dee ors had fre: wane chasing the Stock in Trade of the late { er is authorized to. collect and. receipt for ang 28% Party the concern of J, 8. Wall & Co. 7 MONETE due Those indebted, are most earnestly. . requested to make immediate payment, J.3. Ww Toe tl ees N.F, Scorr. DEALER IN # GROCERIES AND PROVisi9 Miner’s Supplies, Preserved Fruits, Liqu f] ors, &e, No. 55 Broad Street, Nevada, AVING PURCHASED the entire stock in late firm of J. S. WALL & CO,, T haye now of ‘the the Largest Stock of Goods ever brought to Mag Having plenty ofroom, and being secure is is my intention to keep on hand at aj] times sortment of articles to be found in similay estaba fell aswhich will be sold to hments, Miners and F On the most Reasonable Terms om, My Stock consists in part of the follow: Family Groceries, &c. ing Asssortment of Nevada Dee. 14, 1858.—11-4¢ 500 Qr. Sacks Flour; 3,000 Lha. 8. ©. 10,000 Lbs. Potatoes; 100 Blbs. Flour 8,000 Lbs. Hams; 5,000 Lbs. Side Bac $,000 Lbs Goshen butter 1,000 Lbs, Lang ; With a complete stock of SUGAR, COFFEE, Tra, nic, TOBACCO, FRESH FRUITS, HARDWARE, QUEENSWape ’ ke, &e. gage GOODS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE -Gy We invite the attention of Country Dealers to stock of Goods, As we have unusual thefifiies for ar ane ing, we are confident that we can sell on such terms as wit make it to their advantage to trade with us instend of going below for their supplies. J. 8. WALL, December, 14, 1858.—11.tf 55 Broad Street, Nevada, SE Se ge no, Pacific Mail Steamship Company’s Ling FOR. PANAMA P y Connecting vie PANAMA RAILROAD, With the Steamers of the U. S. Mail Steamship Company, at Aspinwalt, FOR NEW YORK & NEW ORLEANS DIRECT. Departure from Fulsom Street Whart THE MAGNIFICENT STEAMSHIP J.L. STEPHENS, Will leave Fulsom street Wharf for Panama, wth U, §, Mails, Passengers, and Treasure. Monday, Dec. 20th, at 9 o’clock a. m,, Punctually. Bap Passengers by the P. M. 8. Co’s Lime are Innded on their arrivals at Panama upon the wharf atthe railroad terminus, by the Company’s steam ferry boat, and pro. ceed immediately by Railroad Across the Isthmus, To Aspinwall, where the stcamers of the U. 8, Mail S, 8, Co. are always in readiness to convey them to New York or New Orleans. Passengers for New Orleans proceed by direct steamer from Aspinwall. Through tickets are furnished, including the transit of the Isthmus. Passengers are notified that all tickets for the steamers of the U. 8. Mail 8. 8. Co, must be presented to their agent at Aspinwall for registry and exchange, as they will not otherwise be available. aay ‘Treasure for shipment will be received on board the steamer until 12 0’clock midnight. Dec. 19th. No merchandise cr freight will be received on board afer 3 P. M, on the 19th, and a written order must be procured at the Company’s office for its shipment. F or Freight or passage apply to FORBES & BABCOCK, Agents. Cor. Sacramento and Leidesdorff sta, A choice of berths on the Atlantic steamers is secured by the early purchase of tickets in San Francisco, CAUTION TO THE PUBLIC. ALL PERSONS ARE HEREBY CAUtioned against negotiating or purchasing THREE PROMISSORY NOTES, dated at Mount Zion, Nevada County, November 15th, 1858, for two hundred ($200) dollars each, payable twelve months from date, in favor of PER. RY WOODWORTH, or Order, and drawn by the under. signed. Said notes were procured by misrepresentation, and no value bas been received for them. ORANGE HOWARD. December 11th 1858.—11-3w* NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT! will apply to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada County . * . on the 17th day of January next, or ax soon thereafter os . fornia, Montgomery, and Kearny streets,— . a hearing can be had, for a regranting of license to keeps TOLL-BRIDGE across the South Yuba River, at a place heretofore known as the Bridge of M. F. Hoit & Co, MOSES F. HOIT. December 11th, 1858.—11-td — ALL PERSONS ARE HEREBY CAUtioned against purchasing a NOTE given by the under signed to J. F. BLIVEN, or Order, for four hundred ($400) dollars. payable when taken ont of Mount Zion Co’s. Miaing Claims, (in Nevada County) above the expense of working the same, and dated at Pet Hill March 12th 1881. Said Note was fraudulently obtained and I shall not pay it. ALMOND HYATT. December 13th, 1858.—11-4w* TOLL-ROAD AND BRIDGE NOTICE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT the undersighed will make application to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada County, on the 17th day of January next, or as soon thereafter as a hearing can be bad, fors renewal of license to collect toll on the Road and Bridge leading from Nevada to Montezuma Hill, and known as Robinson’s Crossing. + oieuhat bon Nevada, Dee. 18th 1858.—11-4w TATE OF CALIFORNIA, County of Ne yada, In Distritt Court of the 14th Judicial District. In the matter of the petition of AUGUSTUS J. BUHLER, an insolvent debtor. Pursuant tn an order ofthe Hon. Niles Searls Judge of the said District Court, notice is hereby given to all the creditors of the sain insolvent, Augustus J. Buhler to be and appear before the Hon, Niles Searls Judge aforesaid, in open Court, at the Court room of said Court, in the city and county of Nevada, on the 20th day of January A. D, 1858, at 10 o’clock A. M,, of that day, then and there to show cause, ifany they can, why the prayer of said insolvent should not be granted, and an assignment of his estate be mape, and he be discharged frow his debts and liabilities, in pursuance of the Statute in suck case and provided; and in the meantime all proceedings against said insolyed be stayed : —— Witness my handand the Seal of said Court, seal. this 14th day of December A. D. 1858. ~~ RUFUS SHOEMAKER. Clerk. By Wa. Sim, Deputy. C. Wilson Hill, Att’y for Petitioner. Spe aS TATE OF CALIFORNIA, County of conegl da, ss. District Court of the 14th Judicial Listriet said State. The People of the State of California to JOSEPH CHAYBERS and BISHOP GOODRICH Greeting: the You are hereby summoned to appear aad answer be complaint of MILES CREAMER, filed against you, Step Venard, Samuel Connel, Christopher Schell, David — Edward Kent, Epsley, Chas. Robinson and W aldo M. composing the re a A known as the Empire pom I a within ten days trom the service of this writ, if ser you in this county, within twenty days if served ay 4 in this District, and out of this county, and bhiy—robe days if servd on you in the State and out of this [ res " in ‘an action commenced onthe 13th day of Decem 4 D. 1858; in said Court nine hundred dollars, due the plaintiff by the said defendants, upon two certatn 1386, cory notes bearing date tho 6th day of Soptemots a 3 made and executed by said defendants to said plaint set forth in plaintiff's original complaint on file in 4 Clerk’s office of said District Court, a certified copy which accompanies this summons. f And you are hereby notified that if you fail to i, wy said complaint as herein directed, plaintiff will pet ment against you by default, together with # Sel 8 suit, and also demand of the Court such other re prayed for in his said complaint. z " In testimony whereof I, Rufus Shoemaker Cierk of the 7 District Court atoresaid, do herew seal. my hand and impress the seal of r — at office, in the City of Nevada, day of December, A. D. 1858. Clerk: RUFUS SHOEMAKER, By Wa, Sara, Deputy Clerk. ovada dounty jafaction It appearing to my satin abo that the plaintiffs herein, Joseph Chambers parted frost Goodrich, have absented themselves and de + parti this State, and that they are necessary and proper . to the action, and their residence is uoknere. ants, 0 order that the Summons herein to said publish: publisbed in the Nevada Democrat, @ nowspene' rot less ed in Nevada county, once a week for a perio than three months. per, 4? i is 13th day of Decem une under my eh SEARLS. District Judge I horeby certify the —— » me LO ee copy e the minutes of sarorder entered divest RUFUS SHOEMAKER, Clerk » Wor. Surrn, Deputy. pot By! Wilson Hill. Att’y for Plaintiff. Miles Creamer, \ In District Court—N vs 8. Venard, et als.