The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-02-15
The Question.


dispatches from Commodore Jones which laid be-
fore our readers yesterday and the extracts make
to-day from the "Star and Californian" of the 23d
of December, issued San Francisco, show that the
reign of violence and outrage which has been so often
predicted has actually commenced in California. How
could it be otherwise, indeed. in country which is
without effective government, and without adequate law,
peopled in part by adventures, of whom have left
behind them those social checks which restrain the
passions of men The emigrants to California consist
OF natives of every quarter of the globe Their different
languages manners, and customs must be fruitful source
of contention Strife has already commenced The
burning thirst for gold (at fumes has already
begun its work. The rich that has been accuhu-
lated by the intelligent and industrious laborer gtters
before the eyes of the brutal and idle adventurer A
single blow is all that is required; and that blow mzy be
given with IMMUNITY, for there is to punish it..
Under these circumstances violence will be used without
hesitation, and almost with impuny. One act of law
essness leads on TO another; for crime is prolific of
crime
In view OF these gloomy consequences have urged
and most respectfully repeat our appeal to Congress to
do something for people in California before the close
of the present session The honor of country the
good name and fame OF institutions, well the
safety OF citizens. demand that effective govern
ment should be established without delay for newly
acquired territories Even the citizens of Caliior-
MIA taking the matter into their banda Already
they have found it necessary to inict summary pun
shment upon those who have been guilty of crimes and
even they taking the initatory steps TO form
government for themselves The present and pressing
necessity of the urges them to this course, and the
neglect of our government must plead some apology
for their conduct Civilized cannot live with
out laws for their guidance and protection. We have
no right to be astonished if California, outraged
by neglect and delay, and about TO suffer and
more every day from centious and lawless violence,
should say to our government ''You have been untrue
your trust you have left naked and deeneeless,
and necessity demands that this state OF things shall
longer continue. You have abandoned us on the brink
of a volcano what shall we do ?" No rejecting man
can doubt that this will be her position, the present
Congress adourns without taking action in their behalf
We may not lose this country whose untold wealth is
now exciting the capidity of the inhabitants of every
quarter OF the globe. It's people may still remain faith
ful to government which has proved unfahful to
them But of this degree of moderation we have no
absolute surety They are not all American citizens
Every other nation of the earth is represented there
well as our own. Now the American race prepon-
deraes; but how long it will preserve this ascend
ency no man can predict And this is not all. There
are some among us, even few in the halls OF Con-
gress who may inconsiderately desire, for mere par
y purposes 10 cast this country with all its teemng
riches, away from us. They have gone so far as TO
seize upon most miserable preext TO contend that the
treaty of Guadalupe is but much blank paper; that
New Mexico and California do not rghtfuy belong 10
the United States and that il must be given back TO the
republic of Mexico
Before the end of summer there is every probability
that there will be in California population exceeding
one hundred thousand souls; and would not be
prised if it should reach double that number Among
them will be many OF our most worthy citizens-men OF
good character, of talents, and Of energy But among
them there will be adventures, and men of despe
rate fortunes Murder, arson, and every offence in the
catalogue of crime, will be perpetrated with mpunity
He that may be most fortunate in collecting gold will be
the most likely to be murdered Is it possible then, that
the members of Congress sleep upon their posts
wasting their time in mere party debate, and permit so
horrible state of things TO exist Is there single
member of Congress of either House who has not from
his district State many enterpsing and worthy
who have emgraed California; Is there single con-
gresson district the Union, from which organized
Citations and companies of highly reputable men have not
gone or are preparing go California These emigrants
leave behind them in every congressional district, in
every county and city, and in almost every neghbor-
hood and school district their fathers mothers brothers,
sisters and other friends, who attached TO them by
the strongest ties. How any member of Congress
the relatives and friends of the emgrans when
they return their constituents, for their criminal neglect
to extend to them the opportunity of forming gov
ment by which they may find protection under our con-
stituton and laws Will the wicked agitation OF the
Wilmot Provso afford any protection to the of
the people. either from the North from the South
When the dagger of the highway robber has consigned
husband or br other to unmely grave will il be any
justification for member of Congress to plead the Will
mot Proviso, defence for his criminal neglect
1t has been ascertained, without doubt that no form Of
territorial government under the authority of Congress-
can pass the House Of Representatives without being
rammeed with the Wilmot Provso or slavery restrc-
ton 10 equally certain that no bill with this restriction