Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-05-10
SAN Francisco, April 9, 1862.

To Mcssrs. j. +. Chelis, G. II. Warren, j.
+. Houghton, Is. L. Avery and w. IL. Weeks;
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of April 9th, asking my views in
relation "to the propriety and expediency Of
calling State Convention this year for the
nomination of n Superintendent OF Public In
struction, and as necessary adjunct, and au-
lucrative declaration of the view taken by the
party in this State of the mighty principles
which now struggle for ascendency in the pub
lie mind and at the bar of public opinion.
Having given to the subject matter of your
communication as much consideration as the
pressure of official and other duties will allow,
herewith submit the principle reasons i'll my
mind for the conclusion to which have ar
rived.
The great problem of our times to be solved
for veal or woe to future generations. is hu-
man freedom and mans political ability to
govern himself. 1t is for the solution of
these questions that the soil of America now
rcsounds with the thread of armed warriors,
and is crimsoned with the blood of their chill
dren. Can there be doubt but that all those
who are prepared to respond afirmatively to
these questions should be unitedl that the
support which they feel willing to give to
these unquestioned precens, should be as prac-
tical as possible? Animated by this spirit,
aud appreciating the majesty and overwhelm-
ing importance Of the "mighty principles"
struggling for ascendency, we behold the ablest
men in the North, of the old Democratic party
coming up manfully, cordially and unequivo-
cally to the support of the National Admins
tration. We even behold such becoming
closely identified with the Administration, by
accepting the Office of Privy Counsellor Of
him who is its acknowledged head. Could
the honorable and popular Secretary Of War
accept the position he occupies If entertaining
views Of hostility to the policy Of the Admin
istration, or would he counsel or take part in
any views that were not fully matured aud in
dorsed by its chief Is it to be expected.
then. that tlose who approve his course should
refuse to take part with such as are in full and
entire accord with that Administration Of
which the Secretary Of War is 30 efficient
portionl
To me il seems clear. that there ought to
be on the part Of the royal people Of Cnlifor-
mia. an expression of their views ON the great
questions Of the day. that involve not only the
right Of man to govern himself. but also the
perI,etuity Of our Union. and Of our govern
mental freedom and they should At the same
time proclaim their views a. to the causes
which have produced our present difficulties.
and their opinions ~ to the ultimare DISPOSE
tiou Of those causes, 20 far as they may be
subject to disposal. under our common Con-
s;itution.
The people Of California. understanding this
matter ~ they do. win not. am sure. even
sanction any compromise with treason; nor
will they. knowing the banefal influence Of
slavery. ever conseut to yield to 1t one iota
that the Constitution does not compel For
my part. am glad to avow myself. at al times.
as the uncomPromising foe Of human slavery
in every form. And this brings me to the
consideration Of subject about which. i
seems to me. the people should be consulted,
about which there should be direct exprrs.
sion Of their views. ! allude TO the settlement
among us Of the Asiatic races. by our Con.
stitutiou they cannot become citizens by ou'
laws they are incapacitated from tesiifying ia
Courts Of justice Geaissf citizens or against
thoss who may become such. This state d
things induces oppression. Of which they IN