Daily American telegraph., 1852-02-25
FROM CALIFORNIA.

january 10. me Legislature OF Inc clhoe CON
vened its session at Vallejo on the 5th January.
On the 9Th, Governor Bigler delivered a very
sensible inaugural address stating thatit would
be his leading object to reduce the system OF
State policy to the practical principles of hon
esty, economy, and fair dealing. mo State"
says the Governor :" can prosper, so long as its
councils are governed by schemes of specula-
ton and private aggrandsement. No COM
munity can flourish under the influence of d
wild, vacillating, and unsettled policy. Cali
fornia has been perhaps more unfortunate in
this respect than any of her sister States. 1t
shall be my steady purpose so far as the Ex-
ecutive arm can reach the evil, promptly to APP
ply the remedy"
The brief but comprehensive address of the
Lieutenant Governor to the Senate is so just
and pertinent that we give it entire:
LIEUT.. GOV. PURDY's OPENING ADDRESS.
SENATORS: Called upon to preside over the
deliberations of the first branch of the State
Legislature, not only feel profoundly grateful
for so high an honor conferred upon me by my
fellow-citizens, but must express to you sin
cere consciousness that the duties of my posi-
ton are above my experience or abilities, and
that take the place assigned me by the sover-
eign will of the people with that difiidence and
apprehension duties so arduous and responsible
Justly inspire. Having seldom been member
of an organized assembly so numerous or inl-
portant as to require the adoption of the usual
parliamentary rules of proceeding for its gov
eminent and never before Of Legislative
body, am sensible of the want of qualifca-
lions to discharge the duties deyolving upon
me, and shall therefore expect from Senators
full share of the indulgence usually extended
to the presiding officer of deliberative body
All can hope for is that in executing my
task, may look with confidence and encour-
agement to the experience and courtesy of
Senators, for that guidance and support which
will aid in securing common efforts for the
common good.
On an occasion like the present, it is not to
be expected that should speak Of the different
measures that may, during the present session,
come before you for consideration; but | can
not refrain from expressing deep sense of the
magnitude Of the interests in part committed
to our charge.
We have rapidly rising and growing
State-the first organized on the shores Of the
Pacifc-exerting powerful agency in spread
ing far and wide the influence of our free in
situations possessing unequalled agricultural
and mineral wealth--already engaged in a
commerce which promises to enrich the whole
world-opening every day new and extensive
channels of trade-and advancing by gigantic
strides, to destinies far beyond the reach of
mortal eye.
When we contemplate these great objects,
and see the wealth and happiness and honor
which are to accrue to the great Confederacy
n - Il L..
feet how much depends for their attainment
erning conferred on this and the other branches
of our State Government there will certainly
be found in this body motive for the exercise
of the purest and loftiest patriotism, and a
field for the most laudable ambition.
No people on earth ever had greater reasons
to be proud of their country, or were ever under
greater debt of gratitude to Providence for
the abundance Of its blessings bestowed upon
us; and, with all these means of happiness
within our control, there is only one thing
more necessary to develop the resources of the
State and make us truly happy and prosper
Gus people:
wise and economical Government which
shall provide necessary and wholesome laws,
securing to the various pursuits of industry
their legitimate reward, and relieving our con-
stituency, as far as possible from the oppressive
burdens of taxation. 1t is our duty, Senators,
to set an example of economy; and it is to be
hoped that we shall address ourselves at once
to the business before us, and close the session
at as early day as practicable ..
The Pacific speaks in tones of severe and
earnest rebuke against some, or rather many,
of the members of the Legislature, for their in
temperance, and expresses fears that gamblers
and adulterers will jeopardze the State, as
we'll as prostitute their high trust to- corrup-
ton. We trust it has over-estimated the amount
of vice among the representatives of this new
State The editor concludes:
"But we will not forejudge them. Some of
them we know to be high-minded, able, and
correct men. We shall hear well of them
during the present session. If all were like
them, we should have no fear. But if the rev.
ellers who on Sunday morning last left no good
citizen behind to regret their departure, should
determine the character of their body, we shall
again be taught by painful experience to put
| better men in office. In such case, we shall
expect to hear of their adjournment to some
city of more elegant saloons to some city Of
| theatres and worse places of resort t
But enough. We love to look on a brighter
scene. Until we are compelled to admit the
contrary, we. will hope to hear of body of
men approaching somewhat in dignity the con-
| vention that framed the Constitution of this
State in l849. Certainly there is occasion
enough for sobriety, industry, and purity. The
present Legislature have the follies of the two
former TO profit by. They have for their aid
the experience of last year, so eventful in civic
incidents State Of vast resources, and Of
81 ,,.ooJ, 1rr,..;eo x. -, ~ bo,J, n