The weekly Placer herald., 1854-07-01
From the Times & Transcript.
The Roll is being Called.

cal traders who composed ajorty If
what they termed the democratic party,
to bring on in advance of the constitutional
period Senatorial election, forms noted
chapter in the political history of the
country Many schemes of private emolu
ment had been previously concOcted, but
the crowning climax found its birth in
this. We knew that the men who figured
prominently in that matter were ready for
any intrigue that would increase their
p,,wer. We know that their democracy
was all summed up in the expressive
mpnosy liable, self We knew that so far
as the leaders were cOncerned-those whO
pulled the controlling wires-nothing was
so gross of antagon'sm to Democracy or
replete with elements OF dIssensIon, rs to
deter them in their reckless chase for posi-
ton. We did not think, however, that
so large number of individuals, having
so recently az had they, received the en-
dorsement of enlightened democratic COM
munites could be SO reckless of their own
characters as well as Of the wishes of tIer
constituents as to make themselves, to
their own destruction, mere puppets in
the hands of the designing few.
AS democrats, having the interests of
the party at heart, we appeal to the rep
resentatives of the people, to beware.
W discussed the Senatorial movement
IN all its bearings We treated it consti-
tutionalIy-in its relation to the spirit and
genius Of democracy-as conflicting with
the will of the people Of the State and
their highest prerogative Of political free
dom-as impoltic, dangerous and disOr-
,1;p n turiu,y arr Of
scrupulous few to perpetuate an unholy
leagge regardless of consequences and
reckless of means. In this work, we had
the glorious consolation of knowing, that
although the official ephemerals Of the
hour who had imposed upon their consti
tuency and stolen into place but to violate
sacred trust, mi ght not, and in many
cases did not heed our sayings, that an
inrorrupt popular intelligence ndorseS
our course. TO the observant there could
be no mistnking this. The times were
too pregnant; with signs to leave any doubt
upon the subject. In the mountains and
in the valIeys-upon the seahoard aud the
frontier, the people gave out their most
expressive dissatisfaction. The "Elec-
tionists," however, either would not or
could not see. A judicial blindness SEEM
ed to have stricken their visions. In the
outset they plunged into error so deeply
that going over was less difficult than re-
treat. Despite our repeated warnings
the relnonstrances of cool headed demo-
Gratis and the mutterings of the peoples
indignation, the grand scheme Of popular
was pushed to "crisis -
And now the consequences are before
the country. The people have taken the
matter in hand. "Ihe masses of the
State are examining the roll, and as the
soldiers answer, they take sides forever"
"Ihe Senatorial question:" an issue, as
they declared, of their own making, "is
the test" Upon that platform they plant
ed themselves. "ln good faith and honor"
they submitted themselves to the people.
Principle, equity, law, democracy, were
nothing in their eyes. A secret "caurus"
Of aspiring and purchased gentlemen de-
cIared an election of Senator should take
place, and straightway by this alchemic
process the pure gold Of democracy was
transmitted into base and adulterated
metal The "caucus" had declared that
it should be so, 'sand those who refused
to recogize its action and respect its de-
crees, whether party organs or party men.
deliberately relnquished all claims to
democratic favor, all right to future
notice" Their conglomerate address of
federal teachings and pueriIe absurdities-
Of vain boasting and sycOphantic profess
sion, thus lald down both the law and the
gospel.
Rash and inconsiderate as it might seem,
we neither recognized its action nor re-
spected it's decrees. We turned from the
ro,npous edcts Of vain boasters and pre-
tenders to the august tribunal of the peo-
pie. We threw ourselves upon their in
their discriminating justice,
their ncorrurtible patriotism. We APP
pealed from the powers that he to the
powers that are to be-trom the possessors !
of lit brief authority to the source of
all political power Have we been sus-
tanned or have we not? Have we proved
true to our position or have we prostltuted
It to selfish ambition? Have we fought
the good fight or ingloriousy abnegated
the faith of our party? Have we in fact
forfeited call claims to democratic favor,
all right to future notice!" Upon these
issues we throw ourselves upon the coun-
try. "The time is ripe for judgment-the
crisis has arrived for action" On the 18Th
lay of July next the delegated agents OF
he masses meet to decide the issue. So
far MS we are concerned we cheerfully
abide the result. In the outset we weigh
I'd we'll our course, and are now willing
% stand the consequences. We have no