Volcano weekly ledger., 1856-12-20

tool, firm and decided stand in favor of Democrat
IL nrineplcs as was his wont from nature and edu-
cation. and his influence powerfully felt in the
organization of the Democratic party on this coast.
Democratic success was the consequence, and the
formation of our State Government upon Demo-
cratic principles. From that period to the present,
his great political sagacity and unbending will
have been vigorously exerted in each successive
campa gn. With what effect, ask the enemies OF
the Democratic party. David G. Broderick has
ever been the target at which the enemy have lev
eled their guns No matter what name or disguise
the opposition ght assume-Whig, Peoples Par
ty, Know Nothing or Black Repablican-it hath
ever been the same; Mr. Broderck has at all times
and under all circumstances been the chief object
of their assault. This is one reason, and we con-
ceive it to be good one, why we favor his election
to the Senate. He is always to be found in the
thickest of the fight, doing battle for Democratic
principles; and the vituperation and malignity
with which he has been assailed by the enemy, is
the very best evidence that his efforts have been
directed with telling effect against them.
Mr.. Broderick is emphaticaly selfmade man,
having arisen to his present position in the polit
too without the assistance of patronage or inffuen
tial friends in high places. That he is OF ex-
traordinary character is no longer disputed. His
intellectual faculties admitted to be of high
order, and his career in California proves that he
possesses those particular faculties which peculiar
y fit him for a representative from California in
the Senate His unbending integrity, his industry
and iron win, cannot fail, if he be sent to Wash
ington, to accomplish much for the good of the
State. His enemies admit that he will "exert an
influence never before felt there"
The charges that have been made in years gone
by against Mr.. Broderick's private character. no
longer injure him. He has out-lived every vile
slander that has been charged upon him; and his
private life stands to-day as pure and spotless as
that of any man in the Union.
While member Of the State Senate-at time
when corruption was at itsheght-Mr Broderck's
votes are recorded in all instances on the side of
honesty and right His record is his vindcation.
The last charge perhaps, brought against Mr.
Broderick is that he was mainly instrumental in
postponing the Senatorial election last winter,
thereby defeating the election of Gov. Foote, and
quite likely one other Know Nothing had they
succeeded in going into joint convention, they
would probably have provided for filing the seats
Of both Gwin and Weller Well, suppose this to
be true, what them Why simply this-a greater
service could not have possibly been rendered to
the party and the country. His enemies will make
no capital against him on this score
We might continue, and give many other reasons
why we should be pleased to see him chosen; but
this article is already growing too lengthy.
MHToN S. LATHAM is our choice for the short
term; and there will be none found to dispute when
we pronounce him gallant champion of Democ-
racy, and well worthy to receive any honor within
the power of the party to bestow. Mr.. Latham
came to California at an early day, and has ever
been closely identified with the interests of the
State. 1t is objected by some that he has already
held office, and now holds office. We have only to
say that his career in Congress was an honor to
him and TO the State he represented and that when
in that position he had opportunity to prepare
himself to now successfully represent us in the
Senate. AS to the position he now holds-Collect-
of Customs at San Francisco-it is but justice to
remark that his accounts with the Government
have been settled without the slightest trouble
which cannot be said of any other man who has
held that position. So that if he has held Office
be has proved himself AMI honest man and capable
and faithful public servant The people have tried
him, and found that he is TO be relied upon. Ii
would be a strange argument indeed to assume that
because he was sent to Congress, and made his
mark there as one of the most brilliant young men
of the times he should therefore not be sent to the
Senate and, forsooth, because he has made an hon
est Collector, he should not be further trusted by
the people Such philosophy as this would seem
to be the doctrine of those who oppose him because
he has held Office; but twill not avail MrLatham's
public career trumphantly establishes the fact that
he is eminently qualified for and deserving of SEN
atorial honors.
1t cannot be denied that debt ofgrattude is due
from the Democratic party to Mr.. Latham. In
times of the scverest trial he has ever stood faith
full and in almost every mining camp in the State
his mastery eloquence has been repeatedly heard
in defence of Democratic principles. He has done
much, very much, to build up and sustain the par
ty, and his popularity among the peoples unbound
ed. There is no man ia the State who has greater
strength among the masses, and his election TO the
Senate would be hailed with joy by the hosts who
are his devoted friends and admirers Were he
running before the people, to defeat him would be
impossible and Legislators will doubtless feel il to
be their province to actas nearly as they can in ac
cordance with the will of their constituents
This much we have said of Milton S. Latham,
and we mightsay great deal more without over
stepping the bounds of propriety. But he is so
well known to all that anything more would be un-