The Placer herald., 1859-01-15
Sacramento Correspondence.
The Governors Message.
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 18th, 1859.

last number, the first annual message OF Gov
Weller, you take occasion to commend it in
general terms, as an able State paper, but at
the same time you take issue with two of its
recommendations The Governor is at least
consistent in urging upon the Legislature
the passage of law having for its object
legaizing primary elections, as this was one
of his recommendations in his first Inaugural
Address. 1t is-permt me to intimate
barely possible that you do not fully COM
prehend his Excellency's views on this sub
ject, cr you might be less positive in declar
ing your opposition to the measure. Let me
explain to you some of the opinions which
| understand to be entertained by him.
| understand him to desire that law shall
be passed prescribing similar regulations for
voting as are now had at regular elections,
but without interfering in any manner, with
party organizations-on the contrary, each
party may prescribe their own rules for vot
ing, which may be published and which
shall be protected by the law.
You are doubtless aware, Mr.. Editor, that
in times past, the system Of colonzing from
strong to aoeak precincts have prevailed to
such an extent, that ambitious and unscru-
pulous deneagogaes have been able, by the
corrupting influence Of money, to keep them
selves in power by carrying the primary
elections. This has often been done, as above
intimated, by corrupt means, and the wrong
against the integrity of the party, and
through them, the people, finally consum.
mated, upon the ground that Democrats
dislike to place themselves in opposition to
nominations called regular, how irregular
soever the means by which they were pro-
cured.
This is the evil the Governor desires to
have remedied. He would have the honest
sentiment of the Democracy govern the party,
instead Of having it lead by unscrupulous
and selfish demagogues. You, surely do not
object to this, Mr.. Editor, for it is against
the sysem of packing Conventions, that the
Herald has ever made war. Look at this
question dispassionately ely-examine it after
having discarded all prejudices, as | have
done, and my word for it, you will find much
in it to approve, even should you finally
decide it to be impracticable.
There is one other feature in our primary
SYSTEM as at present conducted and practic-
ed which calls loudly for reform-I allude
to the system Of poting By proxy. A more
corrupt and corrupting system was never
devised, by which to demoralize a party
Let me urge your careful examination of
this subject, as the time has arrived when it
is expected of the Democratic party that they
shall bring about a healthy reform in our
system Of Government There are other
views, not enumerated above. in favor of
the recommendation of his Excelency, which
will doubtless suggest themselves to your
mind but have already intruded sufficiently
upon your valuable columns.
had intended to have discussed, with you,
the question of the 9th and 10th class of
licenses-tut must defer it until next week;
at the same time, however, would refer YOU
to the message itself for arguments sufficient
to justify the position taken by the Governor.
| am requested by the proper authorities
to thank you, in their name for the very
valuable contribution of bound volume of
your excellent journal to the State Library.
1t was most appropriate donation and will
be carefully preserved. In the hope and
with the intention of communicating with
you next week, | remain
Very truly yours, FoRry-N1NER.
FELL Down SHAFT.-On Tuesday night,
a man named Malone, fell down a mining
shaft at Stewart Flat, forty-fve feet deep,
and having four feet depth of water, and
was severely injured. He has been placed
in the County Hospital, where he will be
properly cared for.
HE ALLEGHANIANS AND Swiss BELL RING
ERs.-This favorite troupe gave one of their
Concerts in this place on Wednesday even
ing, to a large audience. Since their last
visit they have introduced the music of Bells
in their entertainment, which is both novel
and pleasing.
EYs" In the ADVERTISING columns will be