The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-08-07
SLAVERY IN CALIFORNIA.

We have for some time past been aware of the
existence Of AN organization, got up by the leaders
of the Democratic party ia this city and elsewhere
the object Of which is TO divide the State with the
view TO the introduction of slavery in the southern
portion Of the present Commonwealth. Until the
last ten or fifteen days, we looked upon the move
ment as the offspring Of a diseased Imagination on
the part Of few restless, ambitious, ultra South
ern Disunionists, that would result in nothing
but ridiculous farce, and draw upon its project
ors the contempt of the people When the
scheme was first concocted the character Of the
men who headed il warranted the belief that il
could never disturb the peace or endanger the
welfare Of the State. But since it has been es-
poused by many of the most enlightened and re-
sponsible men in the Democratic party-men who
are the acknowledged opponents of the principles
and policy Of that party-it has assumed a more
serious aspect and invites the scrutiny and ear
nest attention Of every man who has interest in
the honor and prosperity of the State The plan
was conceived iu the first place by few restless
spirits, who cannot exist except in strife, convul
sion, and revoution-men TO whom excitement
and notoriety is the breath Of life They have
since been joined by the emissaries Of Disunion-
lists in South Carolina, Alabama and Texas, who
have been sent here to create discord division and
foothold for slaVery.-Saa FRANCISCO Picayune
June lObi.
The above indicates that the fruit is ripening.
and will soon be ready to be pluCked. The sooth-
ing lullaby of Non interyentionn has been sung
TO the North 10 some purpose. Both Wings and
Democrats appear to be lulled to sleep. Mean
while, the Southern conspirators are active and
sleepless Their efforts TO extend slavery are I'M
ceasing. The above extract shows that the move
ment is directed by the Democratic politicians in
California. Some of the ambitious leaders have
left the Atlantic States to control matters In the
Pacific, among whom we may mention Hon. r. M
McLANE, Of Maryland, and Ex-Gov WV. SMITH,
sometimes known as Extra Billy" Of Virginia.
The latter is the gentleman who, while Governor,
made the inbuman proposition that all the free
negroes should be banished from the State or be
consigned TO perpetual slavery. lie presided over
the recent Democratic (lIunker) Convention in
California, and made himself quite conspicuous
in shaping matters to suit contingencies. The
Union, few days since, contained some extra
fourishes about his doings on the occasion, set
of by an arrsy of big adjectives to make the puff
more imposing These are among the men who
have gone to California to prepare the ground
and SOW the seed for the extension OF the area Of
slavery. We may add that We see 1t stated that
Gov. McDOugal, of California, has appointed
Judge Heydenfelt, who is understood to be in
favor of the introduction of slavery into Lower
California, as 4" United States Senator" for the
term Of ak years. All this, we presume, is to be
regarded as Non-interventionl We say to the
North now, as We said before, BE not deceived
The words NOn-intervention and Compromise
were intended to lull your apprehensions until
the plans Of the Slavery prOPagsndists should be-