Columbia gazette., 1854-03-11
A TRUE DEMOCRAT.

A TRUE DEMOCRAT.
The Hon. J. W. Park, representative
from Sacramento, who has hitherto vot-
ed in favor of the election of U. S. SEN
ator this winter, under the impression
that the measure would meet with the
favor of his constitutes, has addressed a
letter to the Sacramento Unii.n, in
which he admits that the proposition has
met with SO much disfavor at the hands
of the democracy of the State, that he
considers himself instructed to oppose
the election Mr.. Park says:
81 have all the time doubted the pre-
priety of bringing on the election at this
time; but whilst at Bcnicia, I was in
formed by several of my democratic fel-
low-citizens of Sacramento, that the
whole party Of that county desired that
the election might be held at this session.
[ was therefore induced to consent to
bring on the election at this time. But
since coming among you, l find l was
greatly mistaken as to your wishes, and
that many-I think large majority-of
my constituents are opposed to it. If l,
as your representative, have mistaken
your wishes and gone into a caucus,
agreeing to abide by its decision, am
only bound SO far as it is not opposed to
your will; your rights should not be af-
fected by it. Your will, not mine, shall
be done. Again, if men wrongly repre-
sent to me what YOU desired, no caucus
obligations can restrain me from doing
your will, when l shall know what it is.
The first principle of representative
democratic government commands the
representative to do the will of his con-
stituents, and no party usagcs, caucus,
rules or promises, wrongly extorted, can
excuse the representative.
A democratic representative, when
he goes into party caucus, agreeing to
abide by its decision, is only bound by
the decision when it is constitutional,
when it is consistent with democratic
principles, and when it is not in violation
Of the will of his constituents.
/ doubt the constitu!ionality of the
election at this time. 1t is without pre-
cedent in any State. l do not believe
it is in accordance with democratic prin-
ciples-It removes the Senator still far
thcr from the people, when he was be-
fore for six years beyond their reach.
1t is the exercise of power which can as
well, if not better, be exercised by our
successors, elected for that purpose.
The voice Of the people of this county
seems opposed to it. therefore declare
myself absolved from all obligations to
vote for the election of Senator. If
in this err, the error can do the peo-
pie no wrong; for their next representa-
tives, elected by them in reference to
this subject, will reflect their will in due
time.
But if should wrongly elect now, I
might violate popular will aud encroach
on popular rights, to the shame and dis
grace of the ever rcvcred name Of de-
mocracy. | therefore, fellow citizens,
decline to exercise this doubtful right,
as believe it my duty to do under the
solemn oath | have taken. You were
not afraid to trust me as your representa-
tive; | am not afraid to trust you, and
to leave in your hands all the power you
did not intend to give me. My senti-
ments are too democratic to allow ME to
encroach on your rights. Determine
hereafter for yourselves who shall be
elected.
Having the fullest confidence in Pres
ident Pierce and his Administration,
am unwilling now to elect United
States Senator, lest we might elect some
one opposed to him, and thereby further
distract the democratic party, and para
lyze the influence of our present Senators
and Representatives so long before the
expiration Of their term Of office.
70 Mr.. Park throws the glove to his
colleagues, to resign, and let the people