Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-08


EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,}
Vallejo, July 2lst 1851.
| To THE PEOPLE OF the STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
1t has been represented to me that organizations of
citizens, styling themselves vigilance Committees
have been formed in various portions of the state and
assume powers inconsistent with the existing laws and
serious apprehenalons are entertained OF collisions be-
tween the constituted authorities and the citizens thus
organized; and becomes my duty TO take some sled
by which so great calamity may be aveted 1t is
earnestly hoped that few simple and pfae!ca suggf s.
| tons may serve 10 secure this desirable end
No security OF life property can be guaranteedex
cept the constitution and laws are observed Let these
be forciby dispeued with, their sacredness violated,
and submission to their authority refused, and we are
reduced to state oil anarchy more dangerous in its
tendencies and probable results than the worst laws,
under our system possibly be, no matter how cor
| rupty administered. We are Just entering upon our
career; character is yet iormed people from all
clinea and all countries are hoCkng shores; it
then becomes to take no unadvised step which
shall reard oui progress now, prejudice claims
| 10 a high ant commanding stand hereafter.
But Lore than tins, We owe to ourselves to i'm
press upon the strangers who have settled amongst US,
unacquainted with, and perhaps entertaining prejudces
nnfayorabe to the practical operation oil our peculiar
Institutions that our governments government OF
laws, and that though they may sometimes prove in
adequate, sometimes operate oppressvely, be ad-
muisered corrupy the remedy Is not In destruction
oil The entire system, but is to be secured by peaceful
resort to those constitutional means which wisely
afforded to reform whatever abuse may exist and correct
| whatever errors may have been committed.
The occurrences Of the past three four weeks the
apprehension OF individuals within the Jurisdiction OF
legally constituted tribunals, their trial, sentence and
execution without authority OF law, ty voluntary
ISOLATION OF citizens, who thus virtually place them
selves above and beyond all law except that prescribed
by and for themselves will prove sufficiently prejudi-
cia to interests abroad commercial and otherwise,
if such organizations assuming such unquestiona0ly
dangerous powers dissolved, but if continued
there is calculating the extent OF the injury which
may result to a state.
The dangerous tendencies, in other respects OF or
CARNATIONS OF the character under consideration the
excitement produced IN the public mind, consequent
upon their action resistance to the constituted author
ties which must almost inevitably result and threaten
ed collisions between themselves and officers Of the
law in the execution OF their duties cannot but be ap
precated and deprecated by every right thinking and
patriotic citizen OF the state, and need therefore be
| dwell upon here. Whatever may have been the ext
gency heretofore existing, requiring supposed to re-
quire the adoption OF extraordinary measures on the
part OF the citizen, il has now happily in great de-
gree passed. and such measures should, this account
| II on other, be at abandoned
Another Criminal code, with efficient provs-
ions attaching adequate penalties TO the commission
OF offences, and directing more prompt and effective
administration OF Justice, has gone into operation-
Courts enabled to try, sentence and execute
the offence deserves safe and prison houses
being provided, and the officers there is reason to
believe ready and anxious to discharge the high
| duty imposed upon them by the people.
Icanno Go less, therefore, than earnestly recommend
to my fellow citizens every where throughout the state
to aid in sustaining the law, for in this is our ony real
and permanent security Associations may be organ
ling, but they should be formed with view to aid and
assist the officers of the law in the execution of thei
duties and act in concert with the civil authorities to
detect, arrest and punish criminals By pursuing this
good may and undoubtedly will be accom-.
| pished, and all the dangers which threaten unawtu
assumptions OF power thus averted. Inefficiency will
not then IMMUNITY to crimes, nor dangerous
criminals be permitted 10 go unwhpt of Just CO. 1t is
my sworn duty to see that the laws executed ana
ee assured that all good citizens will cordially CO
| operate with me in its discharge
JOHN MCDoUGAL, Governor