Volcano weekly ledger., 1856-09-20
Address of the Democratic State Conven-
ton to the People of California

prospects.
At our late National convention, held at
Cincinnati, platform was adopted replete
with sound sense, distinctly defining the
course of that great political party to which
we belong, and clearly annuncating that
foreign and domestic policy which it has ever
been the great aim of the democratic party
to uphold and maintain and to which we in.
vito a cordial and unanimous assent. At
that convention were nominated respectively,
as candidates for the President and Vice
President of the United States, James Buch-
anan, Of Pennsylvania, and John C.. Breck
eGridge of Kentucky; the former states
man who has grown grew in the service of
his country-wel acquainted with the policy
of foreign powers-perfectly conversant with
the machinery of European cabinets, and to
whose experienced hand we may safely trust
the destinies of the Republic in its various
and complicated relations with the other
powers of the globe. The latter, John c.
Breckenridge, though a younger laborer in
the political field man of unquestionable
ability well calculated to assist in the admins
tration of the government, and both possess
ing private character and public reputation
which may safely challenge the investigation
Of a world
At time like the present when fanaticism
and intolerance are rearing their hydra heads
in various sections of the Union, we calmly
and confidently invite attention to the doe
trincs of the democratic party as expressed
in the Cincinnati platform, believing as we do,
those doctrines fully calculated to sustain the
integrity of our national Union in the time
,..s.. 10,
every State its respective privileges they
tramplc on the rights of none, they breach
no new and dangerous political heresies cal
culated to subvert the original articles of con
federacy and endanger the safety of the
Unon-they strive 10y no mercenary appeals
to array one section of the country in hostile
attitude against another. but in the true
spirit of the original compact, declare the per-
feet integrity of the Union in its fullest and
most ample sense. We seek not to prescribe
to any man the mode in which he shall wor-
ship his Creator, nor will we drive by intoler-
ance from our shores, the oppressed of any
cline or nation. We welcome as an addition
to national wealth and strength, the honest
industry of other lands guaranteeing to those
who may choose to become willing and
worthy citizens of the Republic equal
rights, equal privileges, and exact justice to
all.n
In conclusion, we congratulate the gallant
democracy of California on the perfect una
nimity which has prevaded our councils
Difficulty and delicate questions of national
and domestic policy have been met and ar
gued in the happest spirit of compromising
unanimity. Bear and forbear' has been
our motto, and we now present in favor of
our national and State nominees an unbrO-
ken array, an undivided front, an impenetra-
BILE phalanx, against which our foes may
spend their shafts in vain In the full conf
dence that those time hono"ed principles for
which we have so long contended, are again
about to assert their proud supremacy over
the factional isnsp of the day, we bid you
kind farewell until on the ldeS of Noyem-
ber we shall meet again once more to cele-
brate Democratic triumph in this III Dorado
OF the Western world.
Resolred, That the Democracy of the
State Of California unanimously endorse and
cordially approve the platform Of the Dem
ocratic party as adopted in the Cincinnati
Convention.
Resoired, That the Democracy of the State
of California decidedly and unquvocally adj
vocate and approve the construction Of the
Pacific Railroad as n measure of the greatest
importance not only to the State of Caifor-
mia, but to the Union at large, and hereby
urge upon the Federal Government and our
national representatives Of the State, at
Washington, the necessity of using their
most united exertons and utmost endeavors
to secure the construction of this truly i'm
portant work
Resolred, That the liberal and enlightened
policy of our democratic government in
opening to the hardy pioneer the broad field
of our public lands, as an invitation to his in
dustry aud enterprise, has already secured the
affection Of our early settlers, and that we
regard an extension of that policy so far as
to secure a homestead to every honest settler.
free of charge, against the vicSSitudes of for
tune, as the wisest, most just and reasonable
course which the General Government can
pursue; and We earnestly recommend it to
the serious attention Of our Representatives
at Washington.
Resoired, That the Democracy Of the State
of California are in favor OF guaranteeing to
every State aud Territory the rights and
privileges secured to them by the constitution
and laws of the country--that for them there
is neither North, South, East, or West; and
that duly regarding the Importance of the
whole as a unit of the Confederacy, will ieal-
ously guarantee the rights of each individual
State.
Res0lred, That we recommended the utmost
economy in the appropriation and disbursement
of all public moneys, that we hold all public
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