Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-27
CALIFORNIA POLITICs.

CALIFORNIA POLITICS.
The anarchy and confusion that prevail il
SO many Of the old States, and that threaten
the disruption of party organizations, have un
fortunately extended to the new and enter
prising State of California. A spectacle is
there exhibited that all democrats must de-
plore. In place of unity, harmony and con
cert, the democracy of that new commonwealth
have become estranged, distracted, and divided
Instead Of one homogeneous organization, there
seem to be two distinct Democratic parties.
The Democratic State Convention lately as
sembled at Sacramento. But few minutes
elapsed before feud broke out between them.
The smaller division are designated as Brod
erickites, from the fact that they are in favor
of General Broderick as United States Senator
The other and larger division, which claims
to be the regular Democracy, are opposed to
General Broderick's election.
The organization of the Convention was at
tended with much difficulty. Each division
struggled for ascendency, and each claimed to
be entitled to recognition as the Simon Pure
Democracy. A state of things then arose that
scarcely has its parallel in the annals of poll
tics. Two chairman, Zone Of each division
and two secretaries were chosen. Neither
division paid any attention or respect to the
officers chosen by the opposite division. They
sat until late, and neither division being will
ing to yield up the building in which they
were assembled, for fear Of being called
seceders and factionists, an adjournment, for
some time seemed impossible. At length,
without any formal adjournment the members
and officers Of both divisions by common con-
sent retired from the building.
The next morning they met at different places.
The Broderickites appointed committee to
communicate with the nti-Broderickites, and
to propose reconciliation and a reunion
The latter paid no respect to the propositions
ofthe committee. They were willing to receive
them as individuals, but not as a separate or
ganization, demanding a recognition and a
compromise.
The two bodies then proceeded to nominate
their candidates for Congress. The Broderick
division nominated unanimously the presen
members, General McDougal and Mr.. Latham.
The other division, prefering those two gentle
men above all others, yet refused to follow the
lead Of their adversaries, and nominated a.
their candidates J. W. Denver, of Trinity, and
Philip Herbert of Mariposa.
1t is much to be lamented that the quarrels,
dissensions, and divisions that have prevailed
in the old States should have found their way
to the young State of California. AS well, how
ever, as we can judge, the differences between
the two divisions seem to be personal, rather
than on principle. That they may be speedily
healed we earnestly hope. None but Wings
profit by such discussions. The Wing party is
helpless and hopeless in California, so long as
the Democrats remain united, but the elections,
we have good reason to fear, will be carried by
the Wings should this split in the ranks Of the
Democracy be permanent Already they begin
TO boast that they will triumph over their dis
organized enemies. They, too, have held their
convention and nominated their ticket Their
candidates for Congress are Calhoun Benham,
esq, Of San Francisco, and Major Bowie, Of
Colusa. Their convention was harmonious.
We trust that wiser and more patriotic coun.
segs will prevail and that the differences be
tween the two divisions of our, party may be
healed in time to secure the election of Demo
cratic members Of Congress such Demo
crafts as Messrs. Latham and McDougal. We
are sick of factions and Of Democratic divisions
They seem to be the great and crying evil Of
the times. Should our adversaries succeed in
the approaching elections, it will not be be
cause Of their strength, but Of our divisions.
We have thus presented to our readers 0
brief and candid statement Of the condition o.
political affairs in California, without under
taking to characterize either division as faction
lists. This is State quarrel, nor would we b.
90 oficious as to take the initiative in making
It "a national quarrel.