The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-02-23
Governor Isurnet,s Inamgnral Address.


Geatlemaia Of the Scaofe and Assembly:
! have been chosen BY a majority ofmy fellow
citizens of the State of California to be her first Ex-
eeutire From this proof of their partality and
confidence shall ever retain most grateful sense,
To he chosen Chief Magistrate Of California at this
period OF her history, when the eyes of the whole
world are turned towards her, is high and distin-
guished honor and shall do all in nv power to
merit the distinction, by al ardent sincere and
energetic discharge of the weigty and responsible
duties incident to the position | occupy.
Nature, in her kindness and bcneticence has dis
tingushcd California by great and decided natural
advantages; and these great natural resources will
make her either very great very sordid and
petty State. She take middle course
She will either be distinguished among her sister
States, of the leading stars of the Union,
she " i'll sink into comparative insisuiticance. She
has many dangers to encountcr-many perils to
meet -
In all those countries where rich and extensive
mines of the precious metals have been heretofore
discovered, the peopls have become in;olent,
less and stupid This enerratiut iniacncc opera
ties silently, steadily and continually, and requires
cuuntervang causes, great and continued en-
ergy of character in people to successfully resist
it. How far these influences may mould the charac-
ter of the future population of Californian time
| lone can determine. If she should withstand and
overcome this great peril, she will constitute a
bright exception the late that has attended 9TH
er States similarly situated.
But anticipated. for her proud and happy de-
stiny. If she had only her gold mines the danger
would b. imminent, but she has still greater and
more commanding interest than this-interestS
that seldom or never enrrtate or stud-fy people,
but, the contrary, ten, in their very nature, to
excite and noursh industry, enterprise and virtue
| mean her agricultural and commercial advan-
tages, While our mines will supply us with ample
capital aud fine agricultural lands will furnish
us with provisons-ouF great and decided COM
mercial facilities and position will give full and
active employment to the energies and enterprise
of our people, and will prevent them from sinking
into that state of apathy and indifference which
cannot exist in Il commercial and active communi-
ty.
Our new State will soon take her equal among
the other States of the Union. When admitted
a member of that great sisterhood she will occupy
an important position, imposing upon her new and
great responsibilities. She can never forget what
is due to herself; much less she forget what is
due to the whole Union. Her destiny will be uni
ted with that of her sister States. And she will
then form of the links of that bright chain that
binds together the happy millions of the American
people.
How wide and cxtented is our expanding coun-
uy w ltn only thirteen states ana three mlHonS Oh
inhabitants originally, we have grown, in the short
space of three quarters of IA century, to be OF
the greatest nations of the earth. With Federal
Government to manage and control our external
relations with the world at large AM State Govern
ments TO manage our internal and business rcla-
tons with each other, system is peculiarly
adapted for extension over wide field, without be-
coming unwirldy and impractcable. We have now
more than 20 millions of inhabitants and 80 States
with others knocking at the door of the Union for
admittance. Our States and cities line the eastern
coast of North America facing Europe and our
country extends the entire continent to the
shores of the Pacific, facing the millions of Asia
We have commanding military and comercial posi-
ton on both oceans, and nothing can retard us in
onward march to greatness but our own errors and
our own follies,
California has her part to act in this great march
of imprOvement,and whether she acts well her part
or not depends much upon her early legislation
With the most ardent desire to do my duty to-
wards our new and rising State, | pledge you my
most cordial co-operltion in your efforts to promote
the business of California and the Union For the
principle that will govern me in my adminstera-
ton of the executive department of the state, beg
leave to referyou to my forthcoming message.