The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-29
[coPy.]
Proclamation.
10 Doe People Of Upper calaernia.

10 toe People Of Upper California.
| The undersigned has the pleasure to announce
the ratification OF treaty of peace and friendship
between the United States of America and the Mex
lean Republic, by which Upper California is ceded
to the United States.
The boundary separating this country from
Lower California Consists of straight line drawn
from the middle Of the Rio Gila, where it unites
with the Colorado, 10 point the east of the Pa
cihc ocean, distant one marine league due south
Of the souhernmost point Of the port of San Diego"
By the conditions of this treaty those residing
within the limits Of this Territory thus cedcd, who
may wish TO become citizens of the United States,
are absolvcd from all further allegiance to the Mex
lean Republic, and will, at the proper time, Ito be
judged Of by the Congress Of the United Sates) be
incorporated into the Union, and admitted TO the
joyment Of all the rights and privileges granted by
the Constitution TO American citizens. Those who
wish to retain the character of Mexicans will be at
liberty to do 80; and also to retain their property in
this Territory, to dispose Of it, and remove the
proceeds thereof wherever they please; but they
must make their election within year from the
30th day Of May last, and thosc who remain after
the expiration Of that year. without declaring their
intentions to retain such character will be consid-
cred to have elected to become citizens of the Uni
ted States. In the mean time they will be protected
in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property,
and secured in the free exercise of their religion
They, however, reminded that, as war no
longer exists, and Upper California now belongs
10 the United States they a strict obedience 10
the American authorities, and any attempt on their
part 10 disturb the peace and tranquility of the
try will subject them to the severcst penalties.
The undersigned has received instructions from
Washington TO take proper measures for the per-
manent occupation Of the newly acquired territory
The Congress Of the United States Ito whom alone
this power belongs) will confer upon the peo-
pie Of this country the constitutional rights of ct-
zens Of the United States; and no doubt, in a few
short months, we shall have a regularly organized
territorial government; indeed there is every rca
TO believe that Congress has already passed the
act, and that civil government is now it's way
to this country, to replace that which has been or
gained under the rights of conquest. Such terri
torial government will establish all local claims and
regulations which, within the scope Of its legitimate
powers, Il may deem necessary for the public well
fare. In the time the present civil officers Of
the country win continue in the exercise Of their
functions heretofore and where vacancies exist,
or may occur, they will be filed by regular clec-
tons held by the people Of the several towns and
districts, due notice Of such elections being pre-
will necessarily continue in force ill others are
made TO supply their place.
From this new order OF things, there will result
TO California new destiny; instead Of revolutions
and Instructions, there will be internal tran
qullity; instead Of tickle and vacillating policy
there will be firm and stable government, admin
istering justice with impartiality, and furnishing
crime with the strong Of power. The arts and
sciences will flourish, and the labor Of the agricu-
turist, guided by the lamp Of learning, will stmu
late the earth 10 the most bountifuI production
Commerce, freed from the absurd restrictions for
mcrly imposed, win be greatly extended; the
chokcd-up channels Of trade will be opened and
the poisoned fountains Of domestic faction forever
dried up. Americans and Californians will now be
ono and the people, subject to the same laws,
and enjoying the same rights and privileges They
should, therefore, become band Of brothers. emu
atng each other in their cxcrtions developc the
wealth and resources, and secure tho peace hap
piness, and permanent prosperity Of their common
country.
Done at Monterey, California, this 7th day OF
August, lS4S.
(signcd) r. b. MASON,
Col. First Dragons and Gov'r Of California