The Nevada journal., 1852-02-07
LETTER FROM MIR. ELLIS.
House OF ASSEMBLY, Feb. 2. 1852

n Rtntiemnn from NeVaua lnIOTIneu ine
that some dissatisfaction is felt among
the citizens of Nevada, at my having
provided for the liquidation of the city
indebtedness, in the bill have intro
duced for the repeal of the city charter.
| am the more surprised at this from
the fact, that | consulted with many of
the citizens on this subjec, before l left,
and never heard the idea of Reputation
advanced until now and besides the
names signed to the petition forwarded
to me, impresses me with the belief that
| have not mistaken the wishes and views
of the citizens. have also been in
formed that rumor is circulated in
the city, that am the holder of city
script, and am influenced by interested
motives in having the city debts paid.
If this were true, am at loss to know
by what newly discovered rule in the
administration of justice, | should be
debarred from receiving my just dues,
simply because happen to represent
the people in their legislative Assembly.
suppose the application of the same
rule would require me to oppose all re-
venue measures that may be introduced
this winter, with view to provide for
the liabilities of the State, because |
happen to hold some $4,000 in State
bonds But it is not true that hold
one cent of city script, nor have ever
been interested farther than the amount
of eleven dollars, and that freely for
give them. have acted solely with u
view to relieve the city from its embar-
RAISING position, without sacrificing its
faith. No one opposed more than | did
the city organization, or was more anx-
lous for its abolition; but cannot be
brought to believe that justice would
bc consulted by wiping OUT with sin
gle dash Of the pen, the entire debts Of
the city, and leave those who hold its
obligations, to seek some legal remedy,
or go unpaid. Having never repudiated
my own debts, l cannot persuade my
self that city or state possesses the
right to set me or any of its citizens so
pernicious an example. But it is urged
that spectators have been buying the
city liabilities, and will enrich them
selves at the expense of others. The
same may be said Of State script and
bonds; and may, with equal force, be
urged as reason for the reputation Of
State debts. The cases are parallel,
and the principle that controls the one,
must govern the other; unless, indeed I,
we abandon all rules, and act simply
from selfish motives. am here rs the
representative of the people Of Nevada
county, and the wish of my consti tuents
is nv law, so far as it does not interfere
with the obligations of my oath. If |
have any pride or ambition, it is to see
my county occupy creditable and
honorable position in the estimation of
the legislative body, that its proper in
fluence may be felt in all matters con-
nected with the general interests of the
State. 1t is expected by the people of
Nevada county, that their representa-
tives will oppose any attempt to foist
portion of the Yuba county debt upon
them and when that matter is pre-
sented, wish my county to stand be-
fore the Legislature with clean hands
and not with character stained and
tarnished by the reputation of debts
due to its own citizens. These are the
considerations that influence me, and
not the unworthy and mercenary mo-
ltives that have been ascribed to me.
IL am wrong, and the people wish me to
ask the Assembly to violate the plight
ed faith of my own city, wish them to
instruct me so at once, and | will obey,
or give place to another more plant to
their wishes. desire to do nothing in
contrave ntion of the views Of any por-
ton of my constituents, and nothing
would crafty me more than to meet
their appreciation in all my acts, and
hope to be able to convince them be-
fore the close Of this session, that | have
tried. at least, to represent them faith
fully, and if have added nothing to
their credit, have done nothing to their
: dishonor.
Have the goodness to SEQ me set
!, right before the people in this mat.
: ter, and let them not think 30 un-
t worthily of me, as to suppose me ca.
pable Of legisating for the promotion o.
any private interests of my own. i
| was at liberty to consult an old ami.