San Andreas independent., 1857-07-11
Letter from Col. Joseph S. Watkins.

10 THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA Il find myself
most unexpectedly urged, by private letters and
communications in the public journals, evidently
entitled to high respect to allow my name to
be used in the approaching election in connec-
ton with the Office of Governor. | therefore
deem 1t my duty to state that am sincere in
saying that do not desire the place. for hon
estly believe there are hundreds of my fellow
citizens better qualified than myself to discharge
the duties of this high station. l am far from
even confding in my own availability as
didate Nevertheless, hold it to be true, that
the people, desirous of correcting and reform
ing the abuses and corruptions of the govern
ment, have the undoubted right to call out as
their standard bearers, any of their fellow-cit-
zens who may, in their estimation be suitable
to aid in accomplishing the object; and no pa
triot would refuse obedience to such a CALL but
would promptly repair to the standard of his
country to aid in the promotion of its welfare
Entertaining these views, and being desirous
to to aid to the extent of my capabiity in the
great scheme of social, financial, and political
reform now in progress, would not consider
myself at liberty to decline any position, no
matter how humble, which might be assigned
me, to assist in bringing about the desired ref
ormation. And while do not wish to be con-
sidered candidate for any Office if the friends
of reform so necessary to the prosperity of
Callforna-among whom Recognise many ster-
ling Democrats-should choose to elect me to
the Gubernatorial station, shall not refuse to
do all can in furtherance of their views and
wishes. If, after what have here said, it should
be deemed expedient to present my name to the
freemen of California for their suffrages, it
should be Withdrawn, if a suitable candidate
could be elsewhere obtained for the purposes
so dear to us all.
feel 1T due to the character which / have
labored to maintain for honesty and fairness,
here to declare, that am Democrat, and can
do nothing in opposition to the approved prin-
clples OF the Democratic party | supported
zealously in the last Presidential campaign, in
my public addresses to the people of Calaveras,
the election of Mr.. Buchanan and | now have
entire confidence in him and his cabinet ap-
prove most heartily all that they have done, and
have the fullest confidence that they will con-
tinue to act wisely and patrioticaly l cannot,
then, In any position in which may be placed
do anything which may weaken the Adminis-
tration, or bring dscredit upon it. | wish to
see the Democratic party harmonious and uni
ted; and therefore shall not participate in any
scheme for the distraction of its councils
But there are other great and important mat
ters vitality affecting the interests of California
which may be denominated California questions,
which demand the serious consideration of the
be overlooked, or dsregarded, in contests for
party ascendancy If, therefore, the coming
Democratic Convention shall nominate ticket
which | can conscientiously approve, | shall
support it. and urge others to do So If they
nominate men whose Advancement is likely to
endanger the interest and honor of the Demo-
cratic cause, and obstruct the local measures of
reform, which hold indispensable to the well
fare of California, shall oppose their ticket
view all the proceedings of legitimate party
Convention, as consuttatiUe, merely, binding on
no man further than his conscience will allow.
To regard them as absolutely binding, under all
circumstances, is, in my judgment, to prefer the
evils of faction to the welfare of the country,
and caucus machinery to the great principles
embodied in the organic law. If, after, this
avowa-of my views and feelings, it should be
thought expedient in any meetings of the peo-
pie to use my name in the manner indicated, |
shall interpose no objections and will be pre-
pared at all times, to give my opinions on all
questions now at issue amongst us.
JOSEPH S. WATKINS.