The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-28
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF the Press.


The duty of the United States towards California
and the necessity Of the prompt and vigorous discharge
Of that duty-do not seem to command, as In our
judgment they should the present attention of Con-
By our acts California is without government or
laws of any sort. This 10 not said in spirit Of
proach but as annou ncipg fact aud in order to de-
duce from the fact eur paramount obligation to pro-
vide forthwith substitute for that we have over
thrown.
The fatal dowry of gold which that new territory
has brought to the Union, Is already producing its
cupations of industry, all the ordinary pursuit, of
life abandoned, in the insane and insstiate thirst
for treasure Farms, with their luxuriant crops just
ripe ming for the sickle, deserted the mechanic
arts light their fires no more the gives up its
sailors the bar It's jurists even religon-n may
place reliance the accounts received
whole villages are deropulated-and all rush to the
fearful pursuit Of gold hunting. Gold gold in
whatever mode gold-s the one cry, the feeling
of California. And well might 1t be- at least q
mitgated evil-if that cry and that feeling
fined to California But already We see and suffer by
turned by Visions of wealth rapidly accumulated and
dull and hankless the ordinary routine steady
industry, with its slow and modest but sure ward
Many @ parents heart Is saddened-many a mothers
Christmas joy has been clouded by the parting bene.
dcton to- and fearful tensions for the fate of
some beloved son. carried away by the madnes, Of the
hour ,
What forbids that, for the time being, a military
government be authorized there and that the rule Of
martial law be declared and enforced! The Governor
chosen rule over that territory is the yery man To
sible power OF administering and enforcing martial
law. Gen. Persfer r. Smith Of whom his great com
the army had no better soldier the country bet
ter ctzen''is at his post but he will be power
less there for he has No troops no laws and no func-
tonsries Of government, to second his zeal. What,
under such circumstances, man can do, he will, we
quite sure accomplish but moral force and adm-
rable psreonal example can effect little upon such
population as that now in California. That populs
ton is made up for the most part may presume OF
gold dggers and gold-robbers in natural enmity with
oHCh 10 hare m nh otofa nFo 49,
hostility asto asfy In the absence of other
the application Of martial law Moreover, the region
invaded by this population is tho public domain be-
longing to ell the people OF the United States, and
therefore, to be rescued by the military power Of the
United Sate. from the Unlawful grasp of Adventures
from all parts Of the world Under such
Congress- which supreme may rghsfully az 1t seems
to us, and wisely in the present. aspect Of affairs de-
csre marital law. and authorize the ployment OF a
force adequate TO sustain it.
Here, however arises another aud most important
combination How Ia the service of such n force
once transported into the region of temptation to be
secured NO pay hitherto allowed to the officers and
soldiers Of the United States army, would at all suffice
for such services aimee we that all price, OF labor
and sub.istence had run to figure far beyond the
reach Of their pay As all the Of this
state OF things are anomalous and exceptonal-so
must b. the legislation applicable Therefor and nece.
safily OF character that will not permit it to become
matter of precedent-the great danger Of all extraor-
dinary legislation.
Starting then upon this ground Of the extraordna.
~ condition Of thiogs in CALIFORNIA; It us
that Congress may safely adapt their to such
q STATE OF fairs.
First that martial law being authorized, sufficient
force must be despatched to that country with pro-
vision as to compen sation, bounties aud enou It's
such asw secure the fidelity Of the troops and com
pensate that of the officers All grades Of officers nd
SCENTS must be paid at rates far beyond those known
to eur Atlantic region; and here apprehe nd will be
the real piRch in obtaining from Congress the requ
site legislation. 10 will be very difficult bring up the
small political mousers whore popularity dope upon
their saying no to all money appropriations to the
ctssites Of the actual state Of affairs in California
Yet only in meeting this case with liberal and prov-
dent hand can safety or efficiency consist And any
uch legislation should be retrospective for the faith
full In other words those who have adhered 70 their
fsg under the extraordinary temptations which sur
round them should be rewarded for such ddeity and
those who hereafter to be exposed to these tempta
tone should be assured in advance, that their coun
try will duly scknowledge and compensate their de-
votion to duty.
As to the precise shape in which this extra compen-
ration shoud be put, Congress will have the best
means OF obtaining good counsel and forming sound
opinions One thing seems clear-that the chief in
mt should be prospective, aud with some msde
rate addition the monthly pay there should be held
out receivable, a. the close OF the term Of service
roundt in money or In land "a iai to tue ,sn
cy. 10 this way the temptation To DISCRETION may be
more enecrually chcked or the soiier In dejestins