The Placer herald., 1858-01-02
Inaugural Address Of John B. Weller,
Governor of California.

Governor Of California.
FELLOW -CITIzENs:-For the first time in my
life, am about to enter upon the duties of State
office. Notwithstanding I have some experience
in public affairs, that experience will be Of little
service to me in dischargng the varions and COM
plicated duties imposed upon the Chief Magistrate
of this State. That I give satisfaction to all
the generous friends who placed me in this posi-
ton, l dare not hope. That 1 can reconcile con-
fcting interests heal divisions which exist amongst
the people, and steer the Ship of State clear of
all the shoals and rocks which discordant elements
have thrown in her track, l can scarcely expect.
1t will, however, be my constant aim to administer
the affairs Of the Executive office in such manner
as to advance the interests of the State and
the confidence and respect of honest men. Whilst
place high estimate upon the good opinion of
my fellow citizens, and am always proud to have
it, no one has less regard for what may be denomi-
mated popular cldmor. / may I'M ure myself, but
the State shall not be shipwrecked during my ad-
mnistraton, if l have the power to prevent it. 1t
is far more important that should be right than
that should be praised, and therefore will do
what I conceive to be my duty, at all times and
under all circumstances, and leave the vindication
of my character, if assailed, to my acts and to
posterity.
Every lover of republican institutions, must de-
plore the disposition, so frequently manifested by
portion of the people in different sections of the
y,
place the regularly organized tribunals at def
ance. Ours is emphaticay government of law,
and that law is the of popular will, as ex
pressed through constitutional channels. In its
execution, the sovereignty of the people is mani
tested 1t may be that the law sometimes fails to
give adequate protection to person and property,
but the fault will generally be found with the peo
pie themselves. In many localities there is an
unwillingness upon the part of respectable citi-
zens, actively engaged in business, to serve upon
uries; and as consequence, irresponsible men,
with no visible means of support, are entrusted
with the power Of passing upon the guilt or inno-
cence of persons charged with high crimes.
IT, as is often the case, under these circumstan
ces a notorious offender is allowed to escape. the
whole community is thrown into high state of ex-
element, and summary punishment demanded. 1t
is certainly disagreeable duty to be taken from
ones business and compelled to spend week or
two in the criminal courts, but every good citizen
ought to be willing to make the sacrifice when the
public interest demands it. These burthens, how
ever should be as equally distributed as possible.
Elevate the character of your jurors by selecting
them in strict conformity with the law and by I'M
posing severe fines and penalties upon citizens re-
fusing to serve, and in my opinion, fewer villains
will escape, and communities will beiless disposed
to disregard the forms of law and resort to violence.
Another cause of difficulty may be found in the
manner in which our judicial and ministerial Off
GERS are elected. Political parties hold their pri-
Because ofthe indifference manifested by respec-
table men of all parties, these elections are too
often controlled and governed by irresponsible
men, whose patriotism is generally subservlent to
their pecunary interests Ballot-boX suffers in
the absence of honest voters declare the result,
and men without intelligence capacity or integrity
are placed in responsible offices. All this might
have been avoided, if the people had attended to
what was strictly their business. 1t is probable
that the present system Of selecting candidates will
prevail amongst us for years to come, and in my
oppion. the election laws should be extended to
these .'primary meetings" The ballotbox, in our
system of government, is the medium through
which the people speak, and he who attempts to
stie their voice,is enemy to public liberty, and
should be treated as such. He poisons the public
fountain. and corrupts all the streams which flow
from it, He places men in judicial and ministerial
Offices in whom the community have no confidence.
The severest punishment should be inflicted upon
those who strike this deadly blow at free institu-
tions.
II ia not strange that the people of California
have sometimes been excited, even to madness. ny
the conduct of their public functionarles. The
fact is undeniable that men hsve sought Office IN
this State, not from laudabe ambition to be useful
in contributing to its greatness, nor from an anX-
iety to acquire reputation and confer honor upon
their families or kindred, but from a sordld de-
sire TO MAKE MONEY. The contest has not always
been who should confer the greatest benefits upon
the State, but who should gain the most money
out of his position. Their whole energies seem to
have been directed to discover some short and easy
road to fortune. The good old beaten track, which
requires time, toll labor and industry, has been
abandoned. ltinerant politicians, having neither
interest nor sympathy with us, and wholly indiier.
ent as to the future character of the State, have
sometimes controlled its legislation, and by their
acts put money in their own pockets at the ex-
pense of the public treasury. Wild schemes have
been devised, and special acts passed in violation
of the rights and interests of the people. This
may not be very pleasant picture to look upon,
but in my Judgment it is a TRUE ONE, and there
fore l choose to present it. | trust however, a
brighter era is about to dawn upon our State.
As the Chief Executive officer, it is made my
duty to see that the laws are faithfully executed,
and it is scarcely necessary for me to say that the
whole power of the State will be used, when re-
uured, to protect our regularly organized tribunals
and maintain the supremacy of the laws. THIS
MUST BE DONE AT ALL HAZARDS.
The unsettled condition of our land titles has
not only seriously retarded the prosperity. OF the
State, but engendered much illfeeling, which has
sometimes terminated in boodshed. The act of
Congress of March Sd. 1851, was intended, as its
title imports, "to facilitate the settlement of land
titles" but its practical effect has been to retard
improvements. prevent settlements, and, in many
cases to impoverish claimants under Mexican
-kD hoy1 of f1o,