The Placer herald., 1862-04-26
A Republican on Republica nism.

There are some very discordant notes in
the Republican refrain. 1t seems the Safe
Committee decided to hold no State Con-
vention; and sent notification to chairmen of
the county committees acquescence
in the arrangement. Shepardson is chairman
of the Colusa county committee. lie replies
to the circular sent him, and arraigns his
party on such serious charges as follows:
We quote from his letter:
We observe these things, and in this con-
even now endeavoring, in our State Legis-
lature, to have law passed by which the
british, besottish and ignorant negro and
Chinaman shall stand forth in our courts of
justice Chose safeguards Of our liberty as
witnesses-the equal Of the white man-to
testify in all matters, common or uncommon,
delicate and refined. An insult to the in
telligence of our enlightened people that
now emanates from these same Abotionists
in their mad endeavors to levelize all men
and all things.
believe speak the sentiments of a large
majority Of those who voted for Mr.. Lincoln,
when | declare that the present Admnistra'
tion has failed to re!eem every important
pledge made 10y the Republican party during
the Presidential canvass of $50. During
tha. contest the leaders of the party every
where declared that its object was to pre-.
vent the extension of slavery into free terri
tory, and not to interfere with the institution
where it then existed. So firmly did the
Republicans Of this county believe that to
be the real intention Of the party, that some
of the most intelligent and honest among
them pledged themselves to shoulder their
muskets to 90 South, fight for slavery, in
case the Administration attempted to inter
fere with it where it then existed. They are
now called on to redeem that promise with
musket, for it cannot be denied that the
immense power of the Republican party is
now being used to abolish slavery in the
States and in the District of Columbia by
every means and every cost.
The Republican press and our public speak
ers bitterly d-nounced the then Federal
officials as having committed frauds on the
Treasury, and for having appointed dishonest
men to office. But the enormous frauds
committed under the present Administration
make all former delinquents appear small
indeed. MaIedctions were then freely heaped
upon the beads of all those who would
abrldge the freedom of speech, or the press,
neither of which is now tolerated. The
writ of habeas corpus has been suspended by
the President, and American oitz ms are cast
into prison without being charged with any
crime, and denied y trial by law. This is a
monster violation of the Constitution which
the President swore to observe, and is dam
gerous to liberty itself Surely this is not
the feast to which Republicans were invited.
The avowed object Of Republicsnism was
to reform; but, practically, it seems to destroy.
However these facts may be treated by de
signing men and venal press, you and are
not deceived in regard to them. We know
they exist, and for that reason shall be
more candid than | should otherwise.
When Republicans speak thus severely of
their party, we may claim the right to en-
deavor to be true to the country without
giving or conscience into Republican keep
mo.