Mountain Democrat., 1857-10-10
The Vote OF the Stnte.

Bee, the Oclffial vote OF the State at the
recent election. 1t shows a falling of,
since the Presidential election, Of 1913
votes-a decrease easily accounted for
In 1856 the excitement was intense, wide
spread-cach party appeared to feel con-
fident, and all labored zcalously for victo-
rv. 1t was contest calcul ted to draw
out every votcr-a contest, on the part Of
the Democracy, for principle, on the part
Of the Americans for spOils, on the part
of the Republicans for a new organization.
The Americans, weakened by dcsertions,
smarting from defeat, with . platform
that disgusted their Northern allies and
dissatisfied their Southern friends, yet by
their skilfull organization, their solemn
obligations, presented formidable front.
Their candidate had made good chief
magistrate, his administration had been
popular, his antccedents were not very
Objectionable; he was regarded as safe,
conservative statesman, as Northern
man with Southern principles" not OBJ
noxious to the masses of the North or
South. In the convention that nominated
him the South warmly supported and the
Western and some of the Northern States
endorsed him. lie was not exactly na-
tional candidate, but his prospects seemed
far better than Frcmont'S. Many Of his
friends contendcd, in all sincerity that his
native State, and not q few other non
slave holding States, would cast their vote
for him and that Kentucky, Tennessee,
Georgia, Maryland snd Louisiana were
certain to 60 for him. They indulged the
hope that there would be no election by
the people, and that he would be taken
up as the compromise candidate. Enter
tanning these views they entered the can
vass with spirit, and zcalously supported
him.
The Black Republicans new, fanati
cal, dangerous faction, composed Of the
worst tmaterial-confidently predicted and
made many of their dupcs believe, tha
they would carry all the free States, which
would secure the election of their candi
date for the Presidency BY a handsome
majority. Their success at the State
elections in August and October, had
greatly elated and encouraged them, and
given them assurance. They had tAker
the American party by storm, and cap
tured not few soft.headed, timid, selfst
Democrats. "Border Ruffians" ant
Bleeding Kansas" they never ceased tt
howl about. On purely sectional grounds
they nominated their candidates, anC
adopted q purely sectional PLATFORM
They threw out tempting bait to thu
masses Of the free States, and hoped t
induce them to swallow it. Men they
could not intimidate they bought, aRt
those they could neither intimidate no.
buy, they persecuted--cxcomunicAtint
j them from church and denouncing then
aS "traders in human hesh." All thu
bigots and knaves, men destitute Of prin
ciple and eager for Office, Joined them
Bankrupt politicians Of the Blair, Bell
Houston and StAnly stripe, united with
them sAnctimonious hounds" Of thu
Parker, Beecher, KallOch. order disgracet
their calling by preaching political ser
mons in favor Of Jesse" the atheist
Garrison, the free love Abby Kelly & Co.
the "sweet scented Fred Douglass ant
BRETHREN" all "stumped it" for the Re
publican nominees. The "virtuous Selo
ver," the conscientious Joe Palmer, tn
eccentric Crockcr, the Immaculate Bake
and the honest Park, in our own State
took the lead in favor Of Republicanism
Political cmissaries. furnished with tract
and means, were sent into every count,
in the State by the junto VIC have nance
above, and never did men labor NOR,
earnestly, necessarily and unscrupulously
for success. They wcrc to he found il
every ravine and gulch, at every stor
and saloon, at every gathering, retailing
SANDERS and circulating documents. TIL,
Republicans had means, and they usct
them unsparingly they had able speak
ers, and they sent them forth they were
enthusiastic, hopeful clatcd. Every mem
Der Of their faction they induced to vote.
The intelligence of the nomination o
Mr.. Buchanan was received Throughout
the State with tho liveliest joy and tn
widest enthusiasm by the Democracy
lie was the choice of the Democracy O
California, and they determined to Civ
him an Overwhelming vote. His election
was regarded as a fixed fact, and W
doubt if the idea Of his defeat ever enter
cd the head Of single Democrat in ou
State. The Democrats entered at ono
upon . hopeful and vigorous campaign
and succeeded in achieving brilliant vic
tory. Even the most Indifferent, as tn
day of election approached, became inter
cstcd and excited. Every voter wa
aroused-all turned out. Every night il
the week, in Ell Dorado county, at least
able speakers, in three our four difTeren
precincts, addressed large crowds. Every
political meeting was well attended, ant
every speaker was listened to attentivclY