The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-08-05
THE REVOLUTION IN CALIFORNIA

tionized, and in the hands of Committee of
Public Safety, is something new in our his
tory as nation, and is one that may well
excite our special wonder, even under the
peculiar circumstances which led to this
result. The Committee are apparently sus-
tanned by the people, and the opposition,
even allowing for the influence of the over
whelming display of physical power, are in
a weak minority. That the objects of the
Committee are just and pure, will be admit
ted. That evils had risen to great height
in the State of California; that life and pro-
perty were equally unsafe, and that the ad-
ministration of the laws neither gave safety
to the citizen nor inspired dread among
criminals, none will deny.
The elective franchise had become an
empty delusion, and the political machine
ry both of parties and the State was virtu-
ally placed in the hands of gamblers, ruff
fans and malefactors. Offices from the
highest to the lowest were purchased al
most in market overt, and those who dis
pensed them were the vilest of mankind,
and immunity for past and future outrages
alton for the sale of magistra cies, seats in
the Legislature, and other political stations
of honor and trust.
This was indeed deplorable posture of
affairs; the State disease had reached q
stage of the utmost danger, and stern rem
edies were felt 70 be necessary. But the
end never sanctifies the means in politics.
The establishment Of the Vigilance Com
mttee, the seizure and execution of accus-
ed parties, and the raising of an armed
force was substantially revolution. The
support which has been given to the Com
mittee is proof positive that the other rem
edy of electing suitable men to office was
entirely within the power of the community
which is now found in open rebellion.
The last scene in this revolutionary drama
grows out of the resistance made by Judge
of the Supreme Court of the State to an ar
rest which was sought to be made in his pres
ence by one of the officers of the Vigilance
Committee-the infiction of a serious and
perhaps fatal wound on the officer, and the
imprisonment of the Judge for the crime of
treason to the revolutionary authority
The seizure of the arms belonging to, or in
the custody of, the State, is another measure
which may place the Committee in an atti-
tude OF direct hostility to the authorities of
the Union.
We hope that no collision may grow out of
these acts of rebellionI but that the Com
mittee, who have acted honestly, bnt most
unwisely, will at the first opportunity abdi-
cate into the hands of regular and respon-
sible civil government the power they now
WELD. with the consent evidently of the
people. If the same energy and constancy
which has been displayed by the Committee
and their supporters will be continued, and
an honest and discriminating selection of
candidates for State officers made, they can
secure as stern and incorruptible admin
istration ofjustice as they may desire.
The Magistrates, who have been the con-
federates and protectors Of rogues, will be
replaced by those who will be a terror to
the evil doers, and California never again
galiy constituted Government which she is
now trying. Disguise it as we may, it is
still a civil war: and though fortunately part
of the machinery of the State goes on as
usual, the precedent is full of danger and
ALARM Nepo York Neeos.