The union Democrat. [volume] (Sonora, Calif.) 1854-1946, 1871-01-21
The Coming Struggle.

FROM lnulcAtlOns Whitu aT6 UtptouliiE 10
show themselves, it is quite plain that the
coming contest for political power in this
State viii be carried on by the people on the
one side and the railroad corporations on the
ether. There will be desperate struggle
made by these tyranical and monpolizing
companies to secure for Executive and legis-
lative positions such men as will sayor them
in their efforts to plumber the people of the
State for their especial benefit and aggran-
dizement. OF all the issues that engage
attention throughout the whole country, none
are more Important, or require for the future
good of the whole, so earnest and decisive ac-
ton, as the growing wealth and power Of stu
pendous corporations, that if not checked will
ultimately become dctators to the power tha,
duced great benefits for the country, and
might continue to do so if they woald confne
themselves to their legitimate objects. But
they are not content and never will be, ex-
cept when they arc bleeding the public pocket
and increasing their political power. In ev-
cry State where there is land or money that
can be had through legislation, these public
benefactors are there in full force, to secure
power for those they can use, to help add to
their already immense power. This evil has
become so great, and threatens such danger
for the future, that safety demands an
immediate stop be put to adding any mo-e, to
the dangerous strength that has been within
short time placed in the hands of few to
control and tyranize over the many. 1t is con-
trary to the spirit of our common institutions,
to concentrate enormous wealth in private cor
porations with power to extort from the peo-
pie. The General Government, State and
County organizations have contributed hber-
ally to systems of improvements that were
deemed imperative. How have those who
received the subsidies and bounties acted on
their part? They are not to he satisfied so
long q there is dollar left or an acre unap-
propriated belonging to the people.
The time has arrived for the people to
''shut down" on them, let them keep what
they already have, but see to it that they re-
ceive no more. Their future power must be
diminished not increased. Ifeither political
party in this State shall put candidates before
the people, who are known rs favoring these
corporations, they cannot avoid defeat by an
honest expression of the popular vote. Within
a few days our present Governor has announc-
ed publicly that he will accept the nominal
ton for a second term II the Democratic Con
vention of the State, see proper to give it to
him. He has been a consistent opponent
during his term as Governor of all monopolies
and railroad subsidies lie has stood up
manfully against them and feels it duty to
remain there to fight them in the future, if
his constituents wish him to. Soon as it was
made public that he would accept a nomina-
ton it was reported that strong combina-
ton in favor of the railroad interest was be-
ing made to defeat his nomination for re,elec-
ton and thatif they could notsncceed against
him, they will make fight atthe Republican
primaries and State Convention for the no
mination of a candidate pledged to their in
terest.
We feel confident that the Democratic par
ty of this State will require their candidates
to stand squarely upon an anti-Railroad
platform. They cannot do otherwise and be
consistent. Upon that party devolves the
necessity of breaking up the system that has
been inaugurated for the benefit of soulless
corporations. The probabilities are, that pub
lie sentiment is so strong, that the Repub-
publicans will be compelled to declare hostil-
ity to further railway pluniering. The
struggle will be strong AM exciting one,
but there is good reason to believe that the
right will come out victorious.
L. CT IL.