The Placer herald., 1857-05-30
John B. Weller is the Choice of the De-
mocracy for Governor.

choice OF the Democratic party OF the State
Of California for Governor. and there is not a
doubt but that he will receive the nomination
for that position on the l4th of July.
In expressing our preference for him in
last weeks Herald we were ignorant of the
fact that the San joaquin Republican had
presented his name two days previously, and
that the Mountain Democrat and Union
Democrat, had coemperaneously with the
Herald flung the same banner to the breeze
1t is an unerring indication of the course of
the popular will, and shows who m the De-
mocracy will select as standard bearer in
the approaching campaign.
So far as we have heard any expression
upon the subject, in Placer county, it has
been unqualifedly for Weller. The people
here know the man and appreciate his worth;
they are familiar with the valuable service
he has rendered California in the councils of
the nation, his unimpeachable integrity as a
man and statesman, and his freedom from
anything like demagogueism and trickery.
They have canvassed the merits Of the
different candidates spoken of for guber
Material honors, and while recognizing the
qualifications and worthiness of other gen
tlemen, they have settled down on the Col as
the man for the times.
The State J0urRal does not approve of
+bo ,,lop &c ,Io,.;ur rol \Nallor,e MAMA os 81
candidate in the columns of the papers be
fore mentioned, and says it places him in
the position Of leader of faction. This is
most remarkable assertion: and is the first
time we have ever seen an objection made
to the putting forth the name Of a favorite
candidate in that manner.
There can be no valid objection to the
pursuance of such course. The papers ex-
pressing such preference, distinctly state that
they will abide by the fair decision of the
Nominating Convention, be that decision for
or against their candidate. Again by bringing
thus prominently the names of candidates
before the people, they have ample oppor
tunity to canvass their merits, examine their
political histories and decide upon their fit
ness for the stations to which they aspire,
before they are called upon to act at the
primary elections And by such course,
delegates to the County and State Conven-
tions could vote inteIlgenty and honestly,
he enabled fairly to express the will of those
who sent them, and less subject to the iufu-
ences that are frequently used by skiltul
wire-pulers, at such gatherings BY such
policy, conventions are less liable to have
unworthy candidates foisted upon them with
out time for proper inquiry.
In the older States of the Union, the Gus
tom has obtained for many years, in all par
ties, of announcing the names of candidates
for county Offices weeks before the conyening
Of nominating conventions; ana the people
look for every aspirant to come before them
in that way. And the party papers have
never hesitated to express their choice of
gentlemen for offices both State and national.
We are aware that this custom has fallen
into disuse in California, but that is not an
argument against it, The absence of such
custom, we believe, has given opportunity to
men totally unfit for any position to fasten
themselves upon the people, squander their
money, and blast the reputation Of the State
by their corrupt legislation.
If the people are determined to have
honest and intelligent officers, and the
press will avoid faction, and stand fairly and
conscientiously by the people, the putting
forth the names of candidates, in advance of
nominating conventions, can do no harm,
and may result in much good.
In connection with the announcement of
names for county officers, we observe in the
Shasta Courier, nearly a column devoted
to that purpose, in which candidates, by them
selves or friends offer to submit their claims
to the Democratic County Convention
The Democrats of Shasta have thus their
aspirants for office placed fairly before them
anu We nave Ho uouDJ Will ue euaDleu 10 Sc
ect men with a better knowledge of their
fitness than heretofore
We hope the time will come soon, when
the people of every county in the State will
exact this much Of candidates, that they may
know who seeks preferement at their hands
And should any prefer to withhold their
names to gain opportunity for secret
working of wires, and sudden announce
mcnt a: Conventions with Just strength
enough to hold a balance Of power, and com
pei delegates to submit to their exactments,
we want to see them repudated and spurn-