Mountain Democrat., 1858-01-09

coast that protection TO which they are Jusuy en-
titled, until railroad connection Ii given to as
with our brethren on the other SIDE OF the contl-
nent and am glad to see that our excellent
President, whose ability and patriotism are ac-
knowledged by the whole country, has recon-
mended this subject to the especial consideration
Of Congress- A war with any respectable mari
time power, would cut us off efectually from our
sister States, and leave our trade, our commerce.
our material wealth, if not lives, at the mercy
Of the public enemy. The surveys which have
been made during the past four years, have fully
demonstrated its practicabity; and its necessity
for military and political purposes, is no longer
questioned.
It is quite probable that the events Of the pre-
sent year will show, that economy would have been
consulted by commencing pioneer or prehmlna-
ry railroad for the transportation OF troops num-
tions Of war &C.. through our own territories long
since This would be followed as soon as the
commerce Of the country demanded It, BY first
class railroad over which the tTafie between Eu-
rope and Asa and America could pass, and thus
give California the place to which her natural po-
sition entities her.
Civilization, the arts and sciences have for ages
been making their way from the East to the West.
In the meanwhile, the East has sunk into semi
barbarsm, and, in the providence OF God, the
West IL destined TO send civilization and Christian
ity, with all their countless blessings, back to the
East California, situated on the extreme verge
Of the western hemisphere, through her trade ana
her commercial enterprise, will contribute largely
towards re-establishing in the East that religion
which was originally taught in Jerusalem, but
which has for centuries past found its chief power
and most salutary influence In this hemisphere.
What glorious destiny awaits Us, If we are only
true to OurSelves, and properly use the means as
our command
Although geographically separated from our sis
ter States by uninhabited mountains and bolster
Gus seas, VIC feel none the less interest in main
tanning that Union which has made tho namc OF
an American honOrcd and respected in every pOr-
ton Of the civilized world, and secured to us at
home - degree of freedom and prosperity unparal
lelcd in the history of man. Under that COnsti-
tuition which spoke the Federal Government into
existence, we have built up mighty empire which
now attracts the wonder and admiration of the
world 1t is the bounden duty Of every American
to brighten and strengthen and extend that Union
and transmit it unimparcd to posterity. Different
laws and different customs prevail in the respec-
tive States, and the only way to secure the peace
and tranquility Of the Republic is for each to abb
stain from interlneddling with the affairs Of itS
neighbor. That fratcrnal feeling which ought
to exist amongst members of the same family
requires more than this. We eshould avoid az far
as possible the discussion and agitation of ques-
tions calculated to impair the constitutional rights
Of others. An honest man will not agitate ques-
ton when the effect Of that agitation is to infringe
upon the rights and lessen the value Of his neigh
boris property. but leave him to the free and uR-
disturbed enjoyment 0f It. The people OF Cali
fornia, with great unanimity, decided that slavery
should not exist IN this State. No one denies our
right 80 to decide, nor do any Of our sister States
attempt To interfere with this question. Other
communities, in the exercise Of their sovereignty
have seen proper to tolerate slavery. They have
q right tn enjoy their institutions without being
disturbed by US. 1t is trne the freedom OF speech
and OF the press are guaranteed by the COnstitu.
ton to the people, bat is there not & moral
as we'll az o political obligation resting upon
us to exercise these privileges in such manner
not TO invade trespass upon the rights Of other
States? The agitation Of the slavery question in
the Northern States, whilst 1t has in no degree
benefited the African race. has engendered feel
ing which il now threatening the permanency of
the government. These States can lever be Kept
alone hold us. Destroy this and It requires no
prophet to foresee that disunion Is inevitable.
We must live together AS FRIENDS AND AS
EQUALS IN ALL RESPECTS or we can not
live together at all. We cannot live as friends
unless we cease slandering and abusing each other
We cannot he EQUALS unless territory acquired by
our common blood and common treasure IL left
free to enigrants from the respective States with
their different species Of property! When State
Government 10 organized, then slavery may be
sanctioned or prohibited as the people may direct
II they have not intelligence enough to decide this
question without the Intervention OF Congress or
any other power, republican institutions can no
longer be sustained by Americans.
May lie VINO COnLTOl5 the uebLluIeb OF ,0aLl0D9
preserve and protect our national ship from the
impending storm which threatens its destruction.
-GEXTLEMEN- OF THE ASSEMBLY:
Having, in accordance with the established
usage, expressed my opinions briefly upon several
questions Of public interest, let us now proceed to
the discharge Of our respective duties, and with
fixed determination to consume no more time than
is indispensable to the transaction of the public
business.
The Constitution conEcrs upon the Executive
the veto power. shall regret very much to differ
with the Legislature in any case, but If an act
should unfortunately be passed which may re-
gard in conflict with the Constitution, in dero-
CATION Of the rights and interests Of our common
constituency, could not hesitate to exercise this
power. The practice of leaving the most impor-
tant bills to the last days Of the session is, in my
opinion, very bad one and should be abandoned.
Ample time should be given to the Executive to
examine every bill passed by the Legislature, for
it cannot be expected that will attach my sigma.
ture to any until understand its contents.
In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say, will cor
daily cooperate with you in all measures calcu-
lated to advance the interests Of the State and
promote the prosperity of tho people.
JOHN B. WELLER.