The weekly Placer herald., 1855-07-14


curiosity or otherwise, and who may have
joined themselves to secret political orders, to
return to us and with us defend the principles
of their.former faith. and abandon institutions
which the daily current of events is develop
ing to be founded on intolerance and control
ed by men dangerous to the permanence and
welfare of our Government.
Resolved, That we will neither nominate
nor support any man for Office who will not
pledge himself, and subscribe to the foregoing
platform and resolutions.
From the Mountain (PlacerrHle,) Democrat.
~. Washington.
We publish below the truly democratic and
patriotic letter of the gentleman whose name
heads this article. addressed to the President
of the late Democratic State Convention de-
clining to be candidate for Governor. Had
others followed his magnanimous example, SO
free from all selfish considerations so solicit
tous for the success of the Democratic party,
it would be united harmonious, invincible.-
Actuated by the loftest motives of patriotism
he unhesitatingly relinquished a tempting
prize within his grasp. for the benefit Of that
party which he has so long, So faithfully, SO
zealously, so ably served. Against the urgent
and earnest solicitation of warm friends. he
withdrew his name, hoping that Objectionable
candidates would initiate his example. Vain
hope!
Had he not withdrawn his name he wonM
have received the nomination on the first bal
lot; and with him for our standard bearer the
gallant democracy of old Ell Dorado would
have rolled up majority of three thousand.
For him the democracy of Ell Dorado cherish
the profoundest respect. and should an oppor
tunity present itself hereafter, they will abun-
dainty reward him for his devotion to the
good old cause. We would rather be Frank
Washington to-day than Governor of Califor
MIA, were the Office twenty times more honor
able and lucrative than it is. Without office
or patronage. he is the great chief of the de-
mocracy of the Pacific. Every democrat in
the State, whose good opinion is worth hav-
ing, esteems and loves our friend, the late ac-
complished editor of the Times 4 Transcript:
To the President and Members
of the Democratic State Convention:
AS is probably known to all of you, my
name has been prominently canvasscd in con-
nectiOn with the nomination for Governor OF
this State. Could be convinced that its use
would be promotive of that harmony, which
in the present crises of affairs. is so imperi-
ously demanded l should not feel at liberty
to deny you the benefit thereof. Entertain
ing, however the belief that, because of my
active identification with party movements III
our State involving heart-burnings, strife and
divisions in our own ranks, it would be best
for the interest Of the common cause in which
we are engaged, and whose success we so ar
IDENTIFY desire, that the Convention should be
disembarrassed in the selection of ticket
which will insure the enthusiastic considera-
ton of the entire party, l have determined
not to be candidate before you.
In coming to this conclusion, desire not to
be misunderstood. An ardent democrat by
association, educational and connection, feel it
my duty to make any sacrifice of personal as
piration for the success OF my party. Prln
ciples, and not men, - and has been my
motto, and consider him unworthy the great
party of progress and liberal principles who
would refuse, when called upon, to shape his
conduct Herewith. Ny only object therefore,
in the conclusion to which | come, is to pro-
mote the harmony of the democratic party
am thoroughly convinced that this oan only
be done by the selection of new man; one
whose democracy, while it is unquestioned.
will gather to his support an unbroken front
from the masses of the party
Lest any One--for we all have our enemies
should question my motives in view of a reso-
luton which was passed in your body this
morning, deem it due to myself to state that
am not now, never. have been, and never
sought to be, member of the secret political
organic .tion popularity known as the Ameri-
can or knOw-NOthing party, nor can con-
ceive of any combination of circumstances
that either would have induced me in the past
or can induce me in the future, to ally myself
Herewith. regard the democratic platform
as essentially conservative of the best inter-
ests of the country; broad enough and strong
enough to uphold the Union; and in the Ian
guage of that pure democrat and enlightened
patriot. General Cass, shall cling to it as the
mariner clings to the last plank when night
and the tempest close around him.
Hoping that the same spirit and desire for
harmony which actuates my course, will guide
the convention to happy termination of its
labors. and pedgng my hearty cooperation
in the overthrow of the enemies of the demo-
cratic party, have the honor to be-
Yours, respectfully,
B. +. WASHINGTON.
BRITISH EXPEDITION TO JAPAN.-H. B. N.
steamers Sybille and Hornet. the former flying
at the main the blue pennant Of Commodore
the Honorable Captain Elliot, left HOngkong,
April 7th. on the way, it is understood, to
tapor Admiral Stirlinu was waiting the ar