The Placer herald., 1857-08-08
A Scrap Of History-What the K. N. Can.
didate for Governor did three months
ago

1t is oftentimes amusing and instructive
to refer to old newspapers. This is partic-
ularly true CT California journals as from
their columns can be seen the remarkable
growth and development Of the country,
the ups and downs Of trade, the wonderful
changes Of business and men, religion and
politics. The record Of politics is particu-
larly interesting and many an item can be
found that would prove amusing to the
newspaper reader if rescued from the old
files that are slowed away. Of California
politicians it has been said that, they a.e
very uncertain. That this is true Of some
at least, is shown by the following, which
occurred only three short months ago, and
was published by the Sacramento Union,
on the seth day Of April, as an item of
news; and which was tie subject of much
comment at the time:
PoLIrIcAL MovEMENr-Last night a num-
her of the leading members of the late Know
Nothing party in this State, met by previ.
ous arrangement, with closed doors, in the
Assembly Hall, for the purpose Of advising
upon the best course to be pursued, as to
their future political position. With entire
unanimity they came to the conclusion that
it would be useless to attempt to keep up
distinct organization upon the old issue,
and fully endorse the principles laid down
in the Inaugural of President Buchanan,
determined hereafter to stand upon that
platform, at least so long as those princi-
pies should be maintained. Those present
were Jesse Q. Goodwin, of Yuba, j. G. Nc
Callum, of FL Dorado, and WIN. T. Felgu-
son, of Sierra, members Of the Senate; A.
j. Stevenson, Of Solano, Of tie Assembly:
Jas. T. Farley, of Amador, late Speaker
Of the assembly; David Douglas, Of San
Joaquin, Secretary of State: Jesse D. Carr,
of Santa Cruz. Frank Hereford, w. C.
Wallace, G.. w. Bowie. DR.. Bowie, and
John c. Barr, of Sacramento.
The only inaccuracy we believe in this
statement was, the sitting with ''closed
doors" The meeting was open fer any who
saw fit to 90 in.
This movement was far from satisfactory to
the American party and their press ani.rad
verted upon in all parts of the State. The
Placer Press took the matter more philoso-
phically than some Of its brethren, and in
its issue of MAJ Cd, speaking of the action
of the above named gentlemen, said:
They decided against the propriety of con
tinuing the party organization upon the old
issues. They announce their future adhesion
to the Democratic party, so long as the
principles laid down in the Inaugural address
of Mr.. BuchaNan shall be maintained.
Whether the course pursued by the above
named gentleman will be followed to any
extent by the American party throughout
the State is uncertain, We are in favor
Of running tie Democracy another trip, if
we have to nominate the ghost of Henry
Clay, and the executor Of Daniel Webster's
last will and testament. If it is forced to an
issue between Democracy and Republican.
ism, we shall be left as the chap said, with
out AIRY id politick."
It viii be perceived that, among the gen.
tlemen who "came to the conclusion that it
would be useless to attempt to keep up a
distinct organization upon the old issue,' was
G. w. Bowie the present candidate Of the
American party fo: Governor. Messrs. Here
ford and Wallace, who also "came to the
conclusion" at the same time, were delegates
from Sacramento in the Convention that
nominated Mr.. Bowie.
We have heard of political somersaults
before, ( but nothing equal to this. Gov.
Foote is by no means dabster at ground
and lofty tumbling, but he will have to
yield the palm to Mr.. Bowie,
We had supposed that the American par
ty required Of its nominees some consisten-
cy, some devotion to its principles, but it
seems such IS not the case; and they are
willing to support to-day the man they de-
nounced three months ago. Consistency is
a word that California Know Nothing has
no claim to.
We can now understand why Mr.. Bowie
accepted tho nomination for Governor from
the American party without one emotion
of pleasure"-the m n was ashamed Of his
own vascillatirg course and felt that he did
not deserve the Endorsement of the Conven-
ton.
Settlers State Convention.
This Marty that has ofcnpiad 81 larra q