The Placer herald., 1857-04-18
Introductory.

The readers of the HeroM were informed
in last week issue, Of the retirement of Mr..
Anderson from its editorial conduct, and of
the succession Of myself to the position. In
assuming this charge | deem it due to the
public and the members of the party of which
the Herald is one of the representatives in
this county, to aude to my former position,
politically. As is well known to those who
have taken an interest in political affairs in
this county for the last four years, | was a
member of the Wing party unit its final dis
solution.
1t is not necessary in this connection, to
detail at length the causes that resulted in
this consummaton, but to remark that the
event was not unexpected to many, as they
had observed a gradual recession from the
positions it had taken when it was formda-
ble and frequently successful opponent of the
Democracy opinions being embraced by
many members of our organization that were
wholly foreign and repugnant to the creed
of the National Wing party, and which have
since resulted in the formation of dangerous
and fanaticai political elements.
These changes of sentiment soon produced
disaffection in the ranks, and thousands left
to enlist beneath a newer standard of faith
In Short the days of Whiggery were at an
end, and the section of it in California went
down in the general crash. The mythical
"Sam" offered refuge within bis darkened
lodge-rooms and many were taken H. Here,
in our own county, but few were left to rep
resent that which had been formidable op-
position. For myself the new doctrines had
no attraction-l was satisfied they would be
merely side issues in the great contest that
was approaching
The passage Of the act, by Congress, Or
ganizitg Inc Territories of Kansas and Ne
braska was the signal for the banding of
factions in the northern States of the Union.
into a powerful organization styling them
selves Republicans. 1t could not be for
moment doubted that this was the foe with
which the Democracy had to contend.-
Every instinct, every pulsation that throbbed
in the veins of this new opponent was sec
tiona AS one individual, entitled to, and
appreciating the birthlight of citizenship, |
could not doubt my course-I enlisted in
the ranks of that party whose banner tloated
in the breeze in every State from the st.
Lawrence to the Rio Grande, and from ocean
to ocean, and upon which were inscribed
everywhere the same doctrines.
The sequel has proven that the Republican
party was really the great element of OPP
position the Democracy had to contend with
The result of that contest, and the victory
gained, is now matter of history. | have
an abiding confidence that that victory will
eventuate in the fair and amicable settlement
of question that has threatened the peace
and happiness of the whole confederacy.
In the foregoing you are made aware of
my former political position, and the reasons
why am now acting with the Democracy
With such a record l come before you in the
capacity of editor of the Herald. With what
ability, with what faithfulness and honesty
will fill the post, the future will determine.
In my view, the Democratic party, is the
party of the people The people have given
its principles their confidence; and in the
great contest just passed, in which their love
and veneration for the Union was the test,
they gave those principles an Endorsement
which admit of no doubt in whom they place
their reliance. That within the party may
be corruption, schemers, and men who have
no higher ambition than personal aggrandise-
ment, no one will deny; such will be found
in all parties. They are the unfortunate &C
compartments Of political power.