Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-06-16
the Alta California, April 2lth
DIVISION OF CALIFORNIA INTO THREE
STATES.

An interesting and animated discussion took
place in the Assembly on Tuesday in relation to
the division of the State. Mr.. Douglas, Of San
Joaquin, had introduced bill providing that Cali
fornia should be divided into three States, and Oh
this the discussion arose.
In former times, when this subject OF division
has come up for discussion we have invariably OPP
posed it. We should do the same now, with all
our power were the same objects aimed at rs have
been in former years. But this movement for q
division is divestcd of the sectional character Of
those which have been before, and we are inclined
to the opinion that Of those advocating it is
SO insane as to suppose it possible that under the
light now existing in the State the dark institution
can ever be planted in any part of California.
The agitators have hitherto been fOilcd in every
attempt they have made to engrait tho obnoxious
institution upon us. The popular voice is against
it in every part of the State, by so heavy major
ty that whether it remain as it is, or is divided
into several States, confess TO small fear Of
this dangerous and sectional institution being in
troduced.
In regard to the naked question of division, there
is much that may be said on both sides. The State
is unquestiOnably too ia7ge; the interests Of diff
ferent sections are too conflicting for that harmo-
nv of feeling necessary to correct legislation or
equal prosperity. The people in the remote parts
of the State are subjected to severe if not unjust
expense in their attendance on the Supreme Court
and they hear so little and know so little of theil
can have no very strong attachment to the State
authority.
On the other hand the expense of three State
Governments would be much greater than the ex
pcnse of one. There would be more officers anC
more officials to be paid. This however disguise
it as we may will be powerful motive in bring
ing about the division
The most mighty argument, however, in favo
Of division, in this that our Congressional repre-
ln; Ihn n
this can hardly be over estimated, and it will b
this consideration that will make the division popu
lar with the people.
There is one objection, however, to division
of the State at this time. The people have no
been consulted in the matter. No one suppose,
that this Legislature would take action on so i'm
portant a matter, and therefore no member wa
elected n reference to it, The people ought frs
to be consulted. There should be no such judge
ment taken but after the matter had been iarl,
discussed, and the people understand it, and hay
expressed themselves then will be time enough t
act in the matter. There ara constitutional olioc
tions to Mr.. Douglasss bill, but those do not aIfec
the abstract question Of division, and therefore W
let them pass for the present
A very proper course, as it seems 20 us, WAS Il
ken by the Assembly in reference to the matte
4 committee was appointed to prepare AZ
dress to the people OF tho State so that at the
general election the issue Of division or no diyiso
will be fairly presented. If the majority Of Il
people shall he found to favor division, it will
9 the duty af all good patriots and good Democra
to cheerfully assent to it and if the majority d
/ eide otherwise they will submit to their verdi
: with equal grace.
I, The National Era says of this propositions
: The act for the division Of California into thr
Q States, noticed on our fourth page seems 10 ha
met with favor ia the House Of Representative
}, which, after long debate, referred i. to a sele
0 committee, with instructions to report an addre
l. to the people in favor Of it. The intention is
S obtain an expression of public opinion at the ba
n lOtbox