The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-09-05

PROCLAMATION
EXECUTIVE DErAsraENr,
VALLEJO July Il, 1851. J
To rHE ProrIF THE SrATE OF CAlIFoRSI,
II has been represented 10 me that organizations Of
citizens styling themselves Vigilance Committees,
have been formed IN various portions OF tie State. and
powers inconsistent with the existing laws and
serious approximations entertained Of collision be-
the constituted authorities and the ci5izens thus
organized; and becomes my duty TO take steps
by which so great calamity may be avertsi. 1t Is
earnestly hoped that few simple and practical sugges-
tons may serve 70 secure this desirable end
No security Of life or property can BE- guaranteed ex-
cept the constitution and laws are observed Let these
be forcibly dispensed with, their sacrednes violated
and submission TO their authority refused and We are
reduced TO state Of anarchy more dangerous in Us
tendencies and probable results than the worst laws,
under our system possibly be- no matter how cor
ruptly Administered We Just entering upon ca
reer character Is not ye: formed people from all
chimes aud all countries are locking 70 our shores; it,
then, becomes to taAe unadyisea step which sh all
reterd cur progress now or prejudice orr claims to a
high and commanding stand hereafter. But than
this it to ourselves to impress upon the strangers
who have settled amongst unacquainted with, aud
perhaps enter aiming preudces unavorable to the prac
teal operation Of peculiar institutions that 20
veTnment government Sf Laws, and that though they
may sometimes prove inadeq uate, sometimes operate
oppItssiytly OF be administered corrupty the remedy Is
not in destruction OF the entire system but is TO be
cured by peaceful resort TO those constitutional
which are wisely Afforded to reform whatever abuse msy
exist and correct whatever errcrs may have been
mitted.
The of the past three or four weeks the
apprehension OF individuals within the Jurisdiction of
legally cOnstituted tribunals their trial sentence and
execution without authority OF law by a voluntary aso.
citation Of citizens who thus virtually place themselves
above and beyond al law except that prescribed and
for themselves, will prove sufficiently preudical
interests abroad commercial and otherwise If such
CARNATIONS. assuming such uestionably dangerous
powers, dissolved but il continued there no
calculating the extent OF the ury which resul.
US a. state The dangerous tendencies in other
spects Of organizations OF the character under conse
ration, the excitement produced in the public mind
sequent upon their action. resistance to the constituted
authorities which must almost inevitably result. and
Threatened collisions between themselves and oi,, Of
the law in the execution Of their duties bu:
appreciated and deprecated by every right thnkng aud
patriotic citizen Of the state and need not therefor be
dwelt here Whatever may have been the eNgency
oiure existing curing or 20 use the
adoption Of extraordinary measures the part OF the
eitizon u has new happliy IN great degree. passed
and such measures should, this acconnt, IL on no
other be at abandoned. Another criminal code
with more efficient provisions, attaching adequate PEN
slties TO the commission Of offences, and directing
pronpt and elective administration Of justice has
sentence. and execute. the offence deserves; safe
ard secure pIson houses are being provided and the
officers there Is believe, ready and
to discharge the high duty imposed upon them by the
people
cannot do less therefore. than earnestly recommend
to ny fellow citizens everywhere Throughout the State
aid in sustaining the law For in this l. only real aud
permanent security Associa lions b. Organized but
they should be formed with the view ali aud assist
officers Of the law in the execution Of their duties and
act in concert with the civil authorities e. detect arrest
and punish criminals. l;y pursuing this course. much
good may, and undoubtedly will be accomplished and
all the dapgers which threaten unlawful assumptons Of
power thus averted. Ineffciency will not then secure
20 90 unwhipt Of justice Il Is my duty TO see
that the laws execut. J. and feel assured this. all
good citizens viii cordially cooperate with in it. dis
charge. JOHN N, DOJGAL, GoycTnor.