The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-09-29
Imuort.nt from California.


Illinois, although it lacks the exiting interest
which has of late characterized our advices from
that quarter, rs not the less pregnant with matter
for serious reflection. The issues raised by the
Vigilance Committee, and apparently settled by
their voluntary abandonment Of their functions,
after they had accomplished the objects which
they had in view, are about to be rtvived in ano-
Their and more dangerous form The indis-
cretion of few men, whose interests have
been affected by the action d the Com
mittee, threatens to resusctate the expir-
ing embers of civil dissension, and to plunge
San Francisco into worse stat of anarchy
than that through which it has just passed
Since the conduct of the Vigilance Committee
demonstrated their intention of keeping within
the strict line of the duties announced in their
programme, their opponents have been on the
lookout for some imprudence which might justify
their calling in the intervention Of the federal
authorities. To bring about collision between
the two executives has been, with the law and
order men, an objec; of continual effort. The
seizure of the government arms on board a
steamer in the bay, while on her way to San
Francisco. few weeks ago, furnished them with
just such an opportunity as they desired. They
insisted that this proceeding was an act of piracy.
The people of San Francisco were in open revolu-
ton against the government of the State. They
had exercised ght inherent in them, in resumng
the powers which he latter had shown itself either
unwilling or incompetent to put in force; and if
that right be conceded, all acts committed by
them in its vindcation Of course fall within the
same measure Of constitutional immunity. Such,
however, is not the view taken by the men who
regard the revolution as crime against their
own Offices and privileges Acting upon their
impulses, rather than on what their duty to
the State demanded, they procured the ar
rest, by the United States Marshal, of Messrs.
Durkee and Rand, two OF the members of
the Vigilance Committee who were engag-
ed in the seizure of the arms. On examina-
ton before Judge Hoffman the prisoners were
admitted to bail-the Judge seeing no ground
for dealing with them as the law of piracy di-
reefs. This decision did not suit the views Of the
persons who instigated the prosecution. A grand
jury having been empannelled in the United States
Court, bill Of indictment was found by them
against Durkee and Rand on the original charge,
and they were again arrested, and are BOW in the
custody of the United States Marshal Every eff
fort is being made by the leading citizens of San
Francisco to have them admitted to bail by
Judge McAllister; but as piracy is not bailabe
offence, it is probable that they will have to lie
in prison until the 9th of next month, when the
trial is to take place. Whether by accident or
design it is not stated, they are confined in the
same cell in the county Jail which was occupied
by the unfortunate Casey when the building was
captured by the Vigilants.
These arrests have, as might be expected, Gre
ated strong feeling Of excitement aad indigna-
ton amongst the citizens who side with the Com
mittee. II was suggested that another attack
should De made on the jail, with view to rescue
the prisoners; but this idea seems to have given
place to more prudent resolutions. II is now de-
cdCd that the Committee viii allow the trial to
take place under protest. but If it eyeutuates
in conviction, they are resolved lct the
consequences be what they may, not to Let
The men be punished. As they have
merely suspended. and not broken up, thoir Or
rpf.zaton they still posses the power OF carry
ing out their threats. o. the other hand, we
learn tbGt there are now upEards o. ono thousand
Jew a1d oIdcr" mon mustered In iAe ser
vice o. tae State, and that ny lat mail orders
Lad been received ny thc military AID naval com
mardcis to give al Tie assistance necessary to
cauy out process Issuing from the United States
-.
~ that a collision between the two parties can
only be av,rted by the integrity of the jury and
tie wisdom Of the Judge before whom the case is
10 lie tried Should they take an extreme view
Of it, we tear that San Francisco will present the
dreadful spectacle Of an internecine conflict be-
tween its citizens. ending in all probability in
more widespread calamities.
In the meantime. while We are anxiously await
ing the decision Of this question in the courts Of
San Francisco, we shall have an opportunity Il
examining it, merits nearer home. Amongst the
passengers Of the Illinois ore two members Of the
Vigilance Committee. who no doubt are by this
time made parties to the suit brought by
Moloney against its President. at present
in this city. Thus PM yqssg, in the
United States Courts 10th here end at San Fran
cisco We shah have the validity Of the late revo-
luton tested. and It's acts submitted to The exam-
ration Of cooler and more dispassionate Judges
than have hitherto pronounced D verdict upon It's
proceedings Is would have been wen If The de-
cision d cur own tribunals could have anlici-
rat,d that Of San Francisco Il might have
aei.tcd the latter in arriving III d sound and
tetional conclusion; but unfortunately there Is no
CHARGE Of our wishes being realized
The political news ~ this arrival takes IT,
character in great measure from the events
upon which We have just dwelt According to
the accounts which reach Us there does not scom
T. b: the least doubt Of Frcmonts carrying the
State This result IL due 10 sEo powerful and
irresistible influences which have only 10 he
stated TO carry conviction with them In the
first place, the determined opposition offered by