The Shasta courier., 1861-08-03
Political Speaking.

On Thursday evening last Hon. John Con-
ness, Union Democratic candidate for Cover
nor, and Hon. Henry Edgerton addressed
the people Of this county on the all absorbing
issues of the day. The audience was one OF
the largest and most attentive that ever as
sembled in Shasta. Hon. R. T. Sprague
presided, aud opened the meeting IN an elo-
auent and forcible speech. Mr.. Conness fol-
lowed, and his effort fully justified the conf
dence that the people of this State repose IN
him. Open, manly, bold, clear and conclse,
his expose of National and State politics
could not have been excelled, even if equaled,
by any other man in California. He review
ed Weeks-the characterless-and paid
passing notice to Frank Pixley and his mule.
The Shasta Herald and S. F. Bulletin came
in for fair shareof the distinguished speak
er's attention. The Parsons Bulkhead Bill
was carefully examined and thoroughly dis
sected, to the satisfaction of the meeting. The
school question was next passed IN review,
and the advantages of the six million acres of
land, the property of the State, under this
law, were clearly pointed out. The proceeds
of this immense quantity of land, when ap-
piled to the educational interests of the State.
will be incalculable. The torrent Of Mr. Z. 5
oratory annihilated Weeks, and exposed his
detractions to the naked glare of day. The
local taxation of San Francisco was exposed,
and its 10 per cent. of tolls, the nett income
of that corporation, was handled in admira-
BILE style. The Catholic school question re-
ceived fair share of the distinguished
speakers consideration, and was disposed of
to the satisfaction of every one of the large
audience who listened to him.
Mr. Conness' vindication of himself and his
acts as member of the Legislature were
clear, lucid and to the point, and won for him
golden opinions from all classes of our peo-
pie. Long before he finished his address we
heard prominent Republicans say that the
earnest, honest and plain manner in which
the public questions of the day were handled
entitled our candidate to the highest honors
that our people could confer on him.
Mr.. c. is sure to be our next Governor
His administration will be one of measures,
and will form an epoch in the history of the
Pacific coast. His address was eminently
conservative, Democratic and Union-loving.
and his picture of the theory of Govern
ment-its structure and organism-was rem
dered with the hand of master.
Hon. Henry Edgerton, candidate for Con.
gress, followed The address of this gentle
man was solid argument and to the point
Nothing of the "dash" or Weeks style in
its composition. As an intellectual effort,
candid and fair discussion of those issues
that absorb the attention of sages and states
men, it would be difficult to rival, if indeed
to equal it. Mr.. E. is a young man, we
should judge, under thirty years, and his
election will be one of the great events Of the
stirring times that surround us.
Mr. Woodman, candidate for the Assem-
bly,, next addressed the meeting, and in the
sound, national comprehensive arguments
that he used received the enthusiastic plau-
dts of all who heard him..
Altogether, we consider the meeting per-
feet success. The greatest unanimity pre-
vailed, and enthusiasm was at a. high notch.
Mr.. Conness and Mr.. Edgerton acquitted
themselves in highly satisfactory manner,
and removed every and all objections that
have been urged against them by lukewarm
and insincere partisans. 1t is easy for men
of eminence and candor to dissipate the mists
of misrepresentation. so adroitly used and
cunningly persevered in by the 9 character
less" men who live in almost every country
town in the State.