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New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 373, 28 February 1849, Page 3

[From the Southern Cross, Feb. 10.] We have hitherto said but little respecting the extraordinary mineral discoveries that have lately been made in California, and the increase and spread of the gold digging fever. To affect indifference, however, on such a subject, would be absurd, for no man, be his ruling passion what it may, if he has any of the common sympathies of human nature, can contemplate the subject, and imagine the scenes in California without feeling deeply interested in the ultimate result of these startling discoveries. The acquisition of wealth is without doubt the ostensible object of almost every man who leaves his native land for the colonies, and this desire, so fat from being culpable, is, if kept within due bounds, and acted upon by the adoption of open and honourable means, only highly laudable. All men are more or less susceptible of this desire of self-aggrandizement, but there are some to whom such a prospect as that which is presented by the published accounts of California must prove irresistibly seductive. We are not, therefore, surprised that some of our townsmen are entertaining the idea of proceeding to the attractive spot. We have heard a rumour that a vessel is to be laid on for California, and have no doubt but that many will avail themselves of the opportunity. Now, although we should be very unwilling to throw a damp upon anj:enterprize that is just and honorable, -*ye.t We, are persuaded that many persons of enthusiastic temperament, who may be allured to th§> spot where Plutns is said to lavish all IS% stores, would do well to pause and reflect upon the contingencies of the step they think of taking. Gold may be acquired at too dear a rate. Wealth is only valuable when it is acquired without the sacrifice of self-respect, and when it can be enjoyed without remorse. The moral atmosphere of California must be such at present as will render it highly necessary for those who value their characters and peace of mind, to remember the many new and powerful temptations to which they will be exposed in this land of comparative anarchy, and to estimate the strength'of their own principles before they plunge into the exciting vortex. As public Journalists we should shrink from the responsibility of even appearing, to hold out encouragement to adventurous and ardent spirits, who- require no external prompting to urge them on to any enterprise that affords the hope of gain, because our sober judgment tells us that the moral dangers which must environ the sojouruer at California, are sufficiently great to counterbalance to a great extent the probable advantages of a visit to that land of gold. We would "therefore advise those w-ho really think of proceeding to California to ponder well the difficulties before them. They must be prepared to give up all social comforts and every domestic advantage. They must even take, into their account the possibility of being without house, home, or shelter. They may, and doubtless ~

wHlh»vsto procure food and. clothing at'exorbitant rates. Sicikness may orertake them, and neither medical aid nor medicine may be proctnrablk AH this, in addition to the debasing and hardening influence of the vice and moral pravity that will be exhibited on every side, should be weighed against the prospect of gaining gold.