Semi Weekly North Carolina Standard

NEWS OF THE FORTNIGHT.

[From the San Francisco Papers of January 1.]

The present winter is conceded to be the most severe experienced in this country since it has been populated by Americans. During the last fortnight it has been raining and snowing continually in the mountains and valleys, and we are daily in receipt of accounts of disasters and suffering in all parts of the State. Communication through the mining region is almost entirely cut off, either by snow or overflowed streams.

The whole country between Tehama and Sacramento City was entirely under water, whilst Marysville was partly inundated, and though Sacramento City was well protected by a levee, the lower portions were submerged. The waters at the present time have subsided, although the rains still continue.

On the mountain streams, the loss of mining implements has been great, and all work for the present suspended, and some few lives lost. The southern portion of the mining district has suffered equally with the northern. Stockton has been inundated partially. The flood has been universal, and the waters higher than in the memorable winter of 1849.

Many miners subsist entirely on beef and potatoes, whilst in other portions of the mines there are hundreds who have nothing at all but barley and potatoes. In portions of Yuba and Sierra counties, the snow was already ten feet deep and still falling and the miners actually reduced to absolute want.

In one place they held a meeting and forced a trader to sell what flour he had on hand at 45 cents per pound, and all who were able to leave did so, thus leaving the provisions for those who were unable to find their way through the snows to the valleys. The accounts received may be greatly exaggerated—nevertheless, there is much suffering and distress, and it is not improbable that some may perish by starvation.

Several important decisions have been rendered in our courts, among which is the decision of the State Supreme Court, recognizing the right of native claimants of land to the summary remedy of ejectment where they are disturbed by squatters.

The Land Commission are making considerable progress in the adjudication of claims. The Commission recognises Col. Fremont's claim to the land in the Mariposa estate, but does not undertake to decide upon his title to the mineral wealth, which, as is well known, is embraced within the limits of the grant.

The landing of the Pilgrims was celebrated in due form on the 22d December.

The timely arrival of cargoes of flour, from Chili and elsewhere have caused a decline, and the excitement on the subject has consequently in a measure abated.

The State Legislature meets early next month, (4th January,) at Vallejo, the constitutional capital, and it is not improbable will hold its session there without attempting again a removal of the archives.