, 1861-01-18
Senator Latham % secession.

A Washington correspondent Of the
Union gives the following report of Mr.
Latham's speech in the U. S. Senate:
Mr.. President--It is not my purpose to
apdress the Senate at this time upon the
pending resolutions. | rise to correct a
false impression upou the public mind, as |
have seen it published in several leading
journals of the country, Os to the attitude
OF California in the present crisis 1t has
been said, and by many believed, that, in
the event Of the secession of several Of the
States Of the Union, California would avail
herself Of the opportunity to declare her
own independence, and in conjunction with
the ether territory of the United States on
the Pacific, would form Pacific Republic
Mr.. President, there is not word Of truth
in this idea, and it does great injustice to
the people of that State. This Union has
no more loyal subjects than the people Of
California; and out Of her half million
population, believe there are not many
who are for disuuion in any shape Cali
fornia will remain in the Union as it is,
and as it may be. And if, as seems now
to be conceded, the cotton States with
draw from the Union, and are eventually
followed by all the Southern States, Cali
fornia, | am certain, will still remain with
the great West aud the North, with whom
she is identified. [SymptOms of applause
in the galleries.
In addressing this body upon the 18th
Of April last, foreshadowed the idea of a
Pacific Republic upon the dissolution of
the existing Union. l am satisfied, upon
more mature reflection, to say the least,
was premature. For, whatever may be my
own opinion Of the right or wrong Of the
present agitating question: question ID
which California has no present or vital in
terest-I feel it my bounden duty to thus
give, not only my own opinion, but as one
Of her representatives, to state what be.
Iieve to be the voice Of her majority. There
is but one thing which will or Gun ALLEVIATE
the affections of the people Of the Pacific
from the Union as it is, or as it may be,
and that is, failure to give them Pacific
Railroad, and, until this is completed, over
land mail facilities Upon this question
they are clamorous, urgent, unanimous;
and, since the great West and North are
thoroughly committed to this material idea,
their loyalty cannot be questioned. shall,
Mr.. President, at some future day. with
the indulgence Of the Senate, submit few
reasons for this opinion, and also alludc to
the present condition Of the country, but
not until other senators are heard, who
rank me in age, experience and wisdom.
Upon this speech, the New York Tribune
remarks;
Senator Latham, of California, impress
lively declared yesterday the fidelity to the
Union of that State She will remain a
part Of the power which can aud will build
the Pacific Railroad. This manifestation
of the Senator forms pretty conclusive
reply to the prophecies Of an independent
Pacific COnfederacy, of late so current
here among those who are anxious for the
total destruction Of the present federal
government.
The Washington correspondent Of the
New York Times says;
Senator Latham represents California as
loyal to the Union, and not willing to
break allegiance with It, while Burch and
Scott, Of the House, think ShO will ineV-
itably secede. F