New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-08-22
Nrtu91nk daily Wibnare
An INDEPENDENT VIEW OF POLITICS.
SPEECH Of Senator BR0DERICK of Cal.
Delivered tefor, Mas. Meeting at Plaoeryle July g. 1880


Mn. CHAIRMAN AND FELLOw.CITIZENs: Having
been for two years Of your representatives in the
United States Senate, having taken part both in de-
bate and by vote the questions agitatng the pub
lie mind-questOns and issues involving principles,
the final settlement Of which vii be 10 future genera
tons the historical periods that marx our sge-ques-
mons and issues which, however they may rise, must
come back TO you for final srbitrameDt-it IS proper
that should meet you face to face to give account
Of NY stewardship, TO defend my aud conduct
when sssaied and to give you the reasons which in-
duced me to oppose the coruptons fraud, and extrav-
agsnce Of the men at the head of our Government
men who, elevated by your votes, have usurpea
power and used it to public injury who have
tainted the channels of Justice and attempted
to eDsave the people, and who now seek to
PROSTATE their race by corrupt, reckless, and In
decent expenditure Of the public money. Pro-
lopged cheering FenoF-ctizens, my vote is
recorded on every question which has arisen IN the
United States Senate since became member of that
body. To those votes and the motives which prompt
ed their giving invite iIveei cation and discussion.
r. in the remarks which now propose TO make Oh the
history of my connection with the Democratic party
both IN this State and since my election to the United
States Senate, should omit any feet OF Importance in
that record am here to answer any question, and to
disclose any fact. lCheere. A voce-"Gocd W l
have four years Of my term yet 70 serve. do not
come before you, therefore, seeking public favsr,
bus to show you that / have not swerved from
principle, nor neglected your interests: l am &C.
ccused of deserving the Democratic party-absDdon-
ing the principles once cherished Reputation for
consistency with me, will Iever outwegh the sasfae-
ton of being right. Applapse.I l could ndite no
would be a higher reward than this: 4" lie never
deserted principle" ICbeers.l But have seen no
reason to change or abIiCge the right OF the
people to control their own affairs IN the Territories,
tI,o al. surg o. N
Administration known as Congressional Intervention.
This auction wss settled years since. The views IN
re- ard 10 this matter which explained and advoca
ted in the United States Senate, were the same when
would have given and advocated, if called upon to
do 90 ten years since IL is charged that have de-
serted the Democratic party. That this charge is false
will proceed to show. For eighteen years. ever SINCE
had vote, ] have been answering IN my attach
ment TO the Democratic party and to Democratic prin
cples. lCheers 1t is no egotlsm for me to say thst
have done more Tor the party, made heavier sacrh
ces expended more money for its success than al the
party leaders. / Hss elected by the citizens OF san
Francisco without opposition TO the fret Senate which
convened in this Stse. In 1851 i was again elected
for two years to the ZANE position during that
year ] was chosen to preside over the ilrst meet
ing of Democratic legislators called to organize
the Dem cratic party in this State. From 1872 TO 1893
vas Chairman OF the Democratic State Central Com
mttee, and had charge and management OF the entue
details of every campaign. In lool, ID consequence
Of the resignation Of Burnett and the elevation OF Gov
enorblcDougal was chosen to preside over the Sem
ate. thus became the Lieutenant Governor OF this
State. In 1852 my name was presented TO the leg'a
ture as candidate for the nled States Senate sub
ntted n y claims as a candidate to the Legislature
An authorized Of the Democratic Legisla.
ture gave Weller the nomination. submitted
cheerfuly To the decision, and gave to Mr.. Wei
Ter my cordial support. During the period from
1919 or 1850 to 1928, / took very act
i've part in public matters, and my votes are
recorded as a portion of the legislative history
of the State j challenge any man to a scrutiny of
that record. Applause No theving bill or corrup
measure designed TO rob the treasury ever received
support or countenance from me. Cheers And per-
init me here to add by way of doing my enemies jus,
tice my character during this period was not assaed
nor my motives impugred. In 1914 my name was
ag ain presented as candidate Tor the United states
Senate | received majority OF Democratic votes IL
caucus but wac defeated by combination OF Amen-
cars with Old-I.ine Wings and Federal ofce-holders
From this date commenced the vile attacks upon my
character, which have msde my name almost ~
word throughout the State attacks which, fOrvruencs
and malgny, never had parallel 10 the history OF
political warfare. To these assaults never rephed'
/ was content TO stand on the record oi my To'es
and nv reputation with those who knew me pest
and l was unwilling to dignity, by any notice, the
meTcenary wretches who sssaled me- lCneers'l
Among my friends and supporters were men oil
family and character and standing IN the com
muuiiy, whose object it wss 10 elevate the moran
tone Of this State. This class, l am proud to say,
are still my friends--ihey have never deserted me-
Applause was entitled to their support. have
lived among YOU for more than ten years. From the
commencement and during the period when the gross
vices of public were wnked al or forgotten, on
account of the general lsxty of morals that prevailed
in society, unleayened by the presence Oh VI.uols
women Lo man, living or dead, ever saw me az gam
ing table or in a brothel or under the influence OF
LIQUORS or ever knew me to refuse to pay al honest
debt Vehement end prolonged cheering No one
ever dared to charge ne with being influenced oy pc
cuniary considerations in any vote WIN IN gave. Gan
my ttaducers say asnuch a Voice" Nary Tine
In 30 was sgaIn candidate for the United Stae'
Senate DuIing all this time the infamous aItachs uPou
,io =. ,t1o of
ceased had no one but myself To be responsible Tor
any disgrace or stigma cast upon Inc; had no reatVe
10 be glatlfed 10y reutaiion OF the charges nlade
sgsinst me. never replied. 30 pers'ieuV an
indecent were the nature and substance OF these
assaults, that | have been told the San frahclsco
Vigilance Committee, while IN session. undertook
10 investigate the history of my character ana cohuuc
laughter What was them III tins Councll 'hamoei,
laid against me- wha: charges were brought up / DO
not know: but have since learned that many Oh 'he
men who composed that bcdy-wi;h whose organizac
ton | did not approve, ana win me piino2le u
which had DO ,ympsthy-haye since become mend
IN To me- lLaughler.l IN % was elected 10 the
United States Senate, despite the 9pposiu9n OF my
enemies. Cheers. Not only was elected, put a.
II spue.rs by letter which has since been made paO
lie elected my present colleague lgIeat laughter snd
cheersl no had been deserted by the men ptaoed III
mower and position through his aid and influence.
The story Of this election was thoroughly discussed IN
tine newspapers and need Dot occupy your tune no"
IN reheaisiDg It's detalls. leave this SUBJECT now
ever, with the promise that at come future uhe,
during this canvass, and al some other pace-iot 40
net intend returning herel Will give the history Oh nnt
matter with the full particulars. Voice" tie sure
non do 4 Gratifed at my triumph, after so fan ana
arduous a contest desired to give my support TO the
Administration Of my choice aud the President OF my
nsT1y The enactment OF the Nebraska bill gave the
n.ople of the Territories the right TO requisite heu 60
nestle institutions IA they thought proper Inns Wa
the principle of the Democratic party indorSed oy uo
people al Presidential eectlon-a pr.ncple 70 wnivn
/ cave nv cordial support. When was In Washlng-
Ton the Iecompton Convention met TO which delegates