Daily Alta California, Volume 1, Number 9, 28 December 1849 — LOCAL MATTERS. [ARTICLE]

LOCAL MATTERS.

Independent Unpaid Axe Company.— This is the title of a body of our citizens, raised principally through the exertions of Mr. E. Otis, in view of the late disastrous fire. They are to be supplied with axes, hooks, ladders, ropes and a wagon by the town. For this purpose the Ayuntamiento made an oppropriation [appropriation] at their last meeting of the sum of $500 for the purchase of the necessary articles, the money to be expended under the direction of the Alcalde.

Claims on the Town.—The claim of E. Dunbar & Co. for remuneration of loss sustained at the late fire by the blowing up of their building under order of the Alcalde, was referred to the corporation attorney with instructions to report in writing his opinion with regard to the liability of the town in that case and all similar ones. ▫︎ Sudden Death.—Mr. Henry F. Johnson late of New Orleans, died suddenly on Wednesday night under most peculiar circumstance. He had eaten a hearty supper during the evening and partaking among other things of some mushrooms. When he returned home he informed his wife that he had eaten mushrooms, which had on a previous occasion disagreed with him, and expressed a fear that they might make him sick. He laid down upon the bed and in a very short space of time was a corpse. ▫︎ Resigned.—Mr. Henry A. Harrison of the firm of De Witt and Harrison, one of the most active and efficient members of the Ayuntamiento, resigned his seat in that body on Wednesday evening. A contemplated absence of a few months compelled him to adopt this course. We can but regret the necessity which compels Mr. H. to withdraw from the town council.

The Graham House.—This splendid establishment is now opened for the accommodation of the public, although not entirely finished. The table d'hote is kept by Messrs. Moore and Field, and if their board is as bounteously spread hereafter as it was yesterday, their boarders will all be converted into bon vivants and Falstaffs before the winter is over. We had intended to give a description of Col. Graham's new domicil in this morning's paper, but our columns are too crowded to admit it. ▫︎ Tri-weekly Mail to San Jose.—We are glad to learn that Mr. G. R. Morris, mail contractor of the U. S. for this coast, who has been petitioned for the establishment of a tri-weekly mail between this place and San Jose, intends adding to the route extra horses and riders with a view of securing this desideratum. Much praise will be due Mr. M. if successful, for, as it is perhaps known, the extra expense necessary is incurred with only a hope that at some distant day the debt will be allowed by our government. ▫︎ Narrow Escape.—As two men were walking down the street, nearly in front of our office, on Wednesday, two mules attached to a cart came running down. Before the men could get out of the way they were knocked down and trampled under foot. When the cart had passed over them they both scrambled to their feet, apparently unhurt, shook hands with each other, exchanged congratulations at their narrow escape and went on their way rejoicing. ▫︎ Additional Losses by the Fire.—P. R. Nigrite, Washington street, $3000; C. W. Curtney, Chinese Ware Room, Washington st., $8000; Beck and Woodworth, occupants of the El Dorado, $3100; J. H. Levein, Washington street, $5000; J. Truebody, Washington street, $20,000; J. M. White, Washington Arcade, $1500; L. Dressand, Baltimore Restaurant, $1500; P. Paris and wife (musicians El Dorado, $2200; Cueto, Brothers, $20,000; Messrs. Soruco, $50,000; Chambers and McCabe, Our House, $33,000; Tacy and Liness, Washington st, $5000.

We make the following corrections from our last paper:—J. Moore & co., $6000; Moore, Hart & Galland, $5,500; Guichard and Van Buren, $4,000; Baker, Curtis & Battelle, $50,000; Burgess and Ames, U. S. Restaurant, $37,000.