Daily national Democrat., 1861-04-19
Lntham's Speech to the California Dele
Hafinnx


Having been called upon by numerous
Californians, Mr.. Latham made the following
speech to them at Washington. We take it
from the report of Sycamore" the Washing
ton correspondent Of the Sacramento Bee:
81 need not assure you, my fellow citizens
ofCaliforDia, that you are very welcome here
to day. Among the more pleasing incidents
of any public mans life, il the manifestation
of personal esteem from those with whom he
is compelled, by his conscience, to differ on
political subjects. And there is something
unusually agreeable in this meeting on friend
| ly, social terms, of those who in distant por-
ton of this Confederacy have been arrayed in
hostile political forces You have traversed
a vast distance by ocean or by land, to wit
ness the inauguration into executive place
and power of your choice for the Presidency
of these United States, and on your return
from paying the honor and compliment of a
personal congratulation TO your President you
have chosen to call upon me. If words are
needed on such an OCCASION let me directly
say my fellow citizens of California, you are
welcome. most welcome, to my house. cheers
You do not approach me as one of your po-
litical leaders, and |, on my part address you
simply as Californians, forgetful gladly of
party differences. But, my fellow citizens. |
may speak candidly to you on this occasion
of my course while in the Senate, without
awakening political prejudice. have, in my
position as your Senator. endeavored to do
my duty by faithfully representing your SEN
timents-the sentiments of the majority of
our people. And am glad to know that on
the vital issue ofthe hour, that issue which
seems likely to swallow up all other ques-
L III.
fornians and as Union men. Great cheering
IL is true that some months since, when this
question Of questions first began to develop
into commanding magnitude, did express an
opinion relative to the future course of Cali
fornia. in case the Southern States should
Withdraw from the Union which opinion is
altogether inconsistent with my present in
formation and views. [Cheers Gentlemen,
was mistaken and premature in that express
sion of opinion. Cheers. And you must
have remarked that took an early opportu-
nifty during the last session TO correct that
statement. California wU standby the Union.
Cheer upon cheer. | then stated that be.
lieved that under any and all circumstances,
California would be found faithful and true
to the Union. / believe that to be indispu-
tably the fact. Cheers. | believe that the
idea of forming Pacific Republic is ridicu-
lous, absurd, and suicidal Cheers. 1t is pre-
eminently for our interest to stand firmly by
the Union ; and the voice of vast majority |
of our people. the verdict of a large propor-
ton of the party with which have always
co operated-deny it as some may-will be
for adherence to the Union, as long as there
is loyal fragment Of it on the face of the
continent Tumultuous hurrahing Gentle
men, presume that it will not be indelicate
in me to say that it is quite probable that
majority of this number have come to Wash
ingtou expecting to receive political favors.
| [Ominous silence, Silence gives consent !
Cheering. | hope, sincerely, that you will
all be gratified. Not being of your party, l
can take no part in recommending appoint
ments; only this will say-Do you but pre-
vail upon Mr. Lincoln to do his share in your
behalf, and when your nominations come
into the Senate, will see that you have JUS
tice."
Cheer rose upon cheer, as the party left Mr.
Latham's residence. A large number Of spec
tators assembled on the line of our march to-
ward Colonel Bakers house, from whom the
frequent exclamation came, "What n jolly
crowd !"