The Placer herald., 1860-08-25
From the S. F. Herald.
The Democracy of California.


If there he one State in the Union that
can boast Of a true and loyal Democracy
that State is California. Tried in every
way they have never been found wanting in
any great and important emergency. 1t is
true, in 1855, we succumbed TO the irresisti.
be avalanche of Know Nothingisn. That
defeat, however. was not owing to internal
weakness or want of faith in the great prin-
cipIes Of Democratic liberty. We present
ed against united and sanguine foe-a foe
flushed with an unbroken succession of vic
tories throughout the Union-a house divi
led and distracted within itself Many true
and honest Democrats were dissatisfied with
the ticket presented by our convention, and
in despair joined the followers of the dark
lantern. They could not conscientiously
support men in whose integrity they had no
faith. In their very defeat they thus vindi
Gated their answering attachment to their
party faith. Since that time we have re.
peatedIy passed through the fiery furnace,
and often have we come ont dnnbly re
fined. In 1856, with the State Government
against us, and the prestiage Of the previous
years success with the enemy, we entered
the fight with resolve for self vindicat;on.
We determined to wipe from our escutcheon
the stain of recent defeat. The result is
known to the world. California enrolled
her name on the side of the Constitution
and the Union by casting her electoral vote
for James Buchanan.
Cotemporaneously almost with the inaug
uration of the present administration, a Sc
rious conspiracy was organized at Washing
ton to thwart, crculnvent and render it i'm
potent. This monster WAS hydra headed
being directed in Washington by Stephen
A. Douglas; in California by David G. Brod-
er;ck; in Pennsylvania by that prince of po-
llical traitors, John W. Forney: and in 9th
er States by those who are now in the ranks
of the enemy. These men we're all actua-
ted in their hostility to Il Democratic Ad
ministraion by the vulgar influence Of the
spoils. They could not get all they wanted
and hence they turned against their own as
soriates. They invoked the popular aid to
sustain them. In this State it was a signal
failure. John B. Weller, an out and out
Administration man, was nominated and
elected in 1857 by an enthusiasm that com
pletely confounded the consprators.
A few months after this came on the Kan
sas en.anglement. The people OF Kansas
sought to form and regulate their domesi,
institutions in their own way. They called
a convention, elected delegates, made con
stitution, submitted it, in its vital features
to the people, adopted it in the only mode
known in democratic governments, by ma
jority of those voting, and as both houses Of
Congress had declared themselves in favor
of her admission, she asked to come into the
Union. We all know the result. Douglas
with two other professed Democratic Sena
to- S, ioined the freedom shriekers. lie took
sides against the Administration. His
speech-the first made-was circulated
broadcast, by the conspirators and Black
Republicans, throughout the Union and es
pecaly in this State. This was in advance
of any recommendation by the President
The conspirators Douglas & Co., were anx-
ious for sion, and would have it or die
The Legislature being then in session, eau
Gus Of insiders and outsiders was convened
to commit the State in their favor. Among
the outsiders were Hoge and McDougal, now
rival leaders Of the tactionists, co aspirants
for Senatorial honors, and would be leaders
Of the Democracy Of this State. They
agreed upon resolutions condemnatory OF
the Administration and indorsing the inter.
ventionists. When they were introduced
into the Legislature Hoge lacked backbone
and Weakened -McDougaI notified, kept
shady and watched the result. They wished
to see how they would take Counter reso
lutions passed. indorsing the Kansas policy
of the Administration and these sunshine
patriots lapsed back into Democracy.
At the succeeding State contest :he con-
spirators made another effort In the cleo
ton Of SO they tried it inside Of the or
panisation. Beaten then by the true De.
mocracy, they bolted the convention and
nominated seperate State ticket. They
coaleeced With the Republicans before sleo