Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-08-29
The San Francisco Emeute.

~ We Edh0TS OF We RICHMOND enquirer:
Gentlemen Below you will find an extract from
recent California letter, which confirms the manly
and independent views expressed by you in reference
10 the action of the Vigilance Committee. The write
OF that letter is calm, conservative OldLine Whig
a man who loves his country and eschews politca
preferment.
Why is it that the voice of such men is lost, al
echo along the far away depths of popular agitation
Alas the passions of the people forge their fetters
and men make license and call it liberty.
If the God of Washington and our Revolutionary
fathers does not interpose in our behalf are in
deed upon the ronbound coast of anarchy and chaos
But to the extract
mail you some of the newspapers giving some
details of the San Francisco emeule. A ma ority o
the California press sustain il, and in making up the
package of newspapers, | have only designed to tel
you some of the arguments against it, there will
be no lack of supporters of this wicked affair among
the Atlantic papers
"The whole thing has its origin in the shooting Of
James King OF William, and whilst they now endea
vor 10 dignity it by the name of Revolution" this
simple mode of orig has caused the soundest, ables
and most loyal men of the country, general thing
10 set their faces against it, Among other things to
be observed in this fearful incendary and fanatica
movement, they have incorporated antichivalry
sentiment they are pleased to call it, and pray fo
and predict for themselves little Paradise here il
California, in which may sweIter in the luxury
OF blackguardng another and fear chasisement
Literally the sentiment of such is to place C0qCGr
dice at premium. The &c Bulletin " breaches for il
as Libelty of Speech Together, they driving
on with the cry of down with the chivalry with ps
tolls and bowie knives, and up with the Bulletin
and the glorious privilege of sandering everything
and erybody an inch high and minute old -
down with lawyers, politicians and officials of ever.
grade, from Governor 10 Squres, and up with tn
glorious rights of the sovereigns, of freemen, fre
speech, free soil, and everything else.
&c iOU know that I am in no manner addicted f.
bros, and yet Southern conservative men may fin
it hard here 10 maintain their position, they ar
assailed and forced to act on the defensive.
"Ihe Vigilance men, after hanging Casey and Cora
led off, like herd of excited animals, in the broades
road of the excited fanaticism of the day. Recen
political events have made the ballot-box the object
great popular fury. So, to the frenzied crowd, tn
cry was purity of the ballot-box,'' &c. They ar
calling every officer in the State to resign, be
cause they say it is doubtful whether he ever wa
elected.
"Some say that the Committee, with its 1000 oayo
nets and park of 80 or 40 cannon, will remain ur
der until November; that their simple object
to protect the ballot box certain day in tina
month.
"To hear approvers of the Committee talk, yo
this coast hereafter 10 have honest voting is to hav
it by force of arms Such folly these people swa
low here would make your philoSophc soul consum
away in laughter were it possible.
"No other remedy is thought of or proposed, to pu
rfy the election, but the bayonet and the sword
have not heard of the first paper proposing tn
g viva voce" vote, 10 which have always been az
customed.
mo! They want no peaceful solution of the ma
ter and it you should present perfectly practical b
one to the Committee it would be met with scow
In twelve months under the Constitution, we cou
easily have such voting as has alway been practise
in old Virginia.
"This pray for check on the Black RepubI
cans, who have not the nerve to vote = viva voce
do wish that every writer and editor in the Unite
States would argue for it, as the plain necessity ar
salvation of California.
'The nomination of Buchanan and Brecknridge hi
been received enthusiastically here by Democrats al
old-line Wings. The knowing ones here think tn
Buchanan must carry the State"