Butte record., 1854-11-18
THE SPEAKERsRIP.


The Miners .9drocafe il noticing the intro
dnction Of the name of Hon, THOMAS WELLS.
of this county, in connection with the Speak
crship of the next Assembly. takes exceptions
TO our preference for Col Watkins, of Alalle-
da, on the ground that the Colonel is not
sound and reliable democrat, and says that
his name ssdid not form a part Of the regular
Democratic ticket at the late election We
shall not attempt to gainsay the statements of
the Adcoeate, concerning Col. Watkins, al
though from his course in the last legislature,
and his subsequent reelection, supported as
he was, by men who have always acted with
the democracy, we inferred that his democracy
was unquestioned We are also aware that
he was placed in the catalogue of members
elect as ''independent,' as we supposed. be
cause the wings deemed it useless to sacrifice
a man in opposition him. With regard to
his being San old Fogy," we are not disposed
to prescribe every man in our legislatures.
who does not keep pace with the very fast
men of this fast country We look upon all
such as being Of Invaluable service to the state
by holding in check the youthful and fiery
impetuosity, of many Of our legislators, whose
ebuutions are as foaming, bubblng and un-
comfortable, after their election, as our
mountain torrents during the wet season -
Notwithstanding all that has been urged a.
gainst him, our faith in his democracy and
ability and worthiness 81 mistaken In these
degenerate times, there are some queer tests
OF Democracy brought up, some Of which are
calculated to shear the party Of its stYeng;h Ii
for the purpose of self femolument One of
these sublmey ridiculous tests was submitted
last winter, and resulted in a grand farce, in
which 5000 turbulent and discontented spirits
had the unparalleled impudence and audacity
to read over four times their number out Of
the party! Col. Watkins is disconnected with
any of the factions which at present are dis
gracing the fair fame, and running the best
interests of our state. We know him to be
opposed to the Brodericll faction, and think
shat he is disconnected with the Gwin and Gus
tom House factions. 1t may be that his re-
iusal TO connect himself with any of these
disgraceful, contemplate, fostering, plunder-
ing, life draining scabs upon the democratic
party, was the cause of his losing with the
pure and unadultered democracy of Califor-
MIA If this is not SO, will somebody please
inform US of the facts in the case
Col. Watkins, hewever has declined being a
candidate for the Office mentioned, and we as
sure the -4dcocate that We agree with it III
believing that no one but good Democrat
should be chosen to presile over the next As
sembly, and believe that Mr. Wells will be
found a thorough Democrat, and one possess
ing the necessary qualif1a ions for judicious
and popular presiding. Should Mr. Wells be
chosen to preside over the next Assembly, the
appointment of committees would reflect the
democratic sentiment of the legislature, and
his rulings in tho disposition of measures
would not be made with q view to determine
| the political complexion of the legislature
but as becomes presiding officer in accord
ance with parliamentary usage, promptly aud
with firmness. With regard to the selection
of a presiding officer having an important
bearing upon the senatorial election, we are
disposed to believe, that the election of Mr..
Wells would give general satisfaction, as he is
not connected with any of the senatorial fac
| tions. and the legislature would secure a
sound Democratic, caucus abiding organiza-
ton, without favor or prejudice to any of the
different aspirants for senatorial honors, thus
leaving the choice of an United States Sena-
tor, to the free and untrammeled choice of the
members of the Legislature
| Believing that Mr.. Wells would make an ex :
cellent presiding officer such as the .4drocats
has expressed desire to see elected, we hone
to see that sheet use its influence to secure his
election, or that of some other equally as good
sound and reliable anti-faction Democrat.