San Andreas independent., 1856-12-13
Important Observation-Disclosures Ahead


The Supreme Court of California, has
rendered decision, which however con-
sistent with law and equity, it may be,
IS a death blow to the Wagon Road APP
preparation, and is nothing more than down
right Reputation. The Court has deci-
ded that all State obligations of whatever
nature, either in bonds, scrip or warrants,
issued after the State debt had reached
S3O0, 600, is unconstitutional. The result
of this decision, effecting as it does, all
classes, no mortal man can predict. The
Sacramento Union says:
" In Mississippi political party was or
ganlzed few years since, which, bya vote
OF the majority, declared certain bonds of
the State to have been unconstitutionally
issued. This party decision was pro-
nounced, by the world, repudiation. In
California, our Supreme Court rules the
bonds of the State to the amount of over
three millions of dollars, to have been un-
constitutionally issued and disguise 1t as
we may, the word of civilization will pro-
nounce the verdict of judicial Reputation
against the State of California. Let but a
single failure to pay our interest promptly
occur, after the decision of our Court is
read on the Atlantic side, and in Europe
and the name of California will become
the scorn of all States, as we'll as of all
men who prize public faith and individual
honor. The construction of the Court
may be conceded to be the true one, and
still the effect upon our fair fame, as a
people, will be none the less fatal After
permitting the constitutional question to
remain in abeyance for five years, its revival
and decision now will be considered as
an act deliberately planned and executed
by a morally depraved people to rid them
selves of all legal obligations to redeem
their promises to pay after having received
a full consideration for those promises
Taking this view Of the condition of things,
where is the Californian who will not la
ment the rendition of this constitutional
opinion at this late day-correct, as it
doubtless is-as a publ ccalamity"
This constitutional Interpretation was
brought about by the passage of the
Wagon Road Act, which was passed, when
the State was over $500, 1000 in debt, with
out provision for submitting the appro-
priation to a vote of the people,
This decision destroys one half the leg
islation transacted since 1853 and every
dollar Of Indebtedness, amounting to over
three millions, incurred since then, Cor
since the State debt was but 100000, }
is thus cancelled. Bungling politicians
must father this evil, and the result will
be felt, by all. Were the evidences of in
debtedness in first hands, but little loss
would be sustained, as they were generally
issued topay the expenses Of State Prison.
Stamp Act, State Printing and State Land
Commission expenses-all thieving, swind-
ling operations which the drawer or
original holder had not done the State ten
cents worth of service, to the dollar issued; ;
but this scrip and the bonds are In other
hands, and got there by paying an honest
equivalent in hard cash, SO that in nine
cases out of ten the loser will be the hon
est man who thought he had made prof.
table investment by purchasing our bonds
issued on the faith and credit of the
State.
This decision destroys the effect of the
Wagon Road Act passed last Session Of the
Legislature, appropriating 100000 tothe
road. Our next Legislature will no doubt
pass similar Act on a constitutional basis.
FINE OLD WINES AND BRANDIEs-HA-
CIGARS. s.-B. C. Horn & Co. of
30 Front street, San Francisco, sell the
finest cigars brought to this market.
A. NJ. Gilman & Co., No 81 Front
street, San Francisco, keep the finest
Old Wines and Brandies to be found in
The Bay city. See their advertisements.
But this is not the best we have to say.
We must tell, for it is 600 good to keep,
that Joe Knight, has saloon, a bar, which
is supplied with these excellent articles
we pronounce them excellent-not even
the good-natured humor with
which Joe deals out the articles. The
are coming, and miners and
others, i" intending to celebrate" should
that Joe keeps the obove superb
z articles" always on hand.
PETRIFIED WooD.-A specimen of pc