The Placer herald., 1873-08-09
THE SPEECH THAT KILLED BANCROFT
IN THE CONVENTION.


remarks that were not understood BY Mr..
Bancroft. The President then called Mr..
Bancroft, who took the stand and remarked
to the President that he did not hear what
Mr.. Lyon said. Mr.. Lyon then arose and
said that as Mr.. Bancroft was older than
himself, he preferred to hear him speak first.
Under these and other embarrassing circum-
stances, Mr.. Bancroft then spoke as follows:
Mr.. President Gentlemen OF the Conven-
tion-National Republicans of Placer County:
The position occupy here to-day, as can
didate for nomination to the Assembly, is not
one of my own seeking. am here because l
was urged to come. This is the first political
convention that ever attended IN my life, and
the first political primary meeting l ever at
tended was held last Saturday. l am aware
that this is'not the time Or place for preliminary
remarks or speeches, but you want to know
how candidates stand upon some of the leading
issues of the day.
Gentlemen, as others before me have said, /
heartily endorse these resolutions. think they
are good. In 1S49 I crossed the plains in
coming to California and when on some OF
the most difficult parts of the route, 1 prophe-
sled that within twelve years railroad would
unite the shores of the Pacific with the Atlantic
Some men of intelligence then and there said
that it never would be done; others admitted
that it might be done, but did not believe that
such an undertaking would be accomplished in
our days l was mistaken in the time in which
the work would be done. l mention this to
show that my desire for'the construction of this
road was father to the thought.
Gentlemen, din, and ever have been,
friend to railroads, and to all internal improve
ments; but in regard to this great monopoly--the
Central Pacific Railroad-I think can show as
clean a record as any man in Placer County.
When the company asked to take stock in
the road and issue our bonds to the amount of
$3.50, 900, opposed it, and spent several days
among my neishbors and acquaintances, urging
them to vote against the proposition And know
ing that tho Democracy, as party, had always
professed to be opposed to monopolies called
upon some of them. l remember among 9TH
of visiting George Applegate, who was once
County T.v.v,-e. ~~Ls-- tLa Dar,ocratic par
was in the ascendency in this county; and also
A. c. Neii, who was once the Democratic nom-
nee for the Assembly; and Mr.. Gwynn, who
used to keep variety store in Auburn; and
when found such men in favor of issuing the
bonds gave it up.
Gentlemen, this Central Pacific Railroad
Company has become great and overbearing
monopoly, even some of their employees have
become arrogant and insolent A short time
ago one of my neighbors was going from Au-
burn Station to Clipper Gap, and he had dog
that he wished to take along with him on the
cars. After putting the dog on board he asked
the Conductor how much he charged for the
dogs fare Half dollar" said the conduc-
tor. What as much as you do for n MANI"
said my neighbor Said the conductor "Shut
up and don't make any more words about it or
| will charge you dollar"
Gentlemen, "a fountain can not rise higher
than its source" This railroad company de-
rived its power from the people, and l believe
the people have right to regulate the price of
fares and freights Yes, will 60 farther than
this when this railroad ceases to be an accom-
mediation to the public, and becomes oppres-
sive, believe the people have the right to take
the property from them, pay them what is right
and just for the road, and run it for the benefit
of the people.
Gentlemen, it seems to me that the Central
Pacific Railroad Company act as though they
thought that they were omnipotent in power. /
know of but one Omnipotent power, and that is
God. And his voice is as tine voice of many
waters" And the ''voice of the people is the
of Col A,I A. II
but listen. they might hear the low mutterngs
of this voice all along the Shores and they
would do well to give heed to its admonitions
e'er it overwhelm them.
Gentlemen, believe the national Republican
party to be party of ideas, party of progress,
u party Of reform Although the Democratic
party processes now to be the party of reform,
yet they do not call themselves Democrats, only
when they achieve some temporary success, all
plastered all over their sign.
After making this "offhand and foolish
speech, which ought to have defeated any man in
a monopoly convention received five votes
Ever since the organization of the party, l
have been national Republican, and although
l am under obligations to a generous foe for
this opportunity to correct any misunderstand-
ing OF what said in the convention, yet l do
not intend to go over to the enemy
VIM. BANCROFT"
The above speech will be recognized by
every man who was in the ring convention
at the time it was delivered. And here is
how it came about and how it happens to be
published:
Many Of Mr.. Bancroft's friends in his
neighborhood, knowing his honesty and
having confidence in his ability and nno-
Gently believing that the Republicans would
put up real anti-monopoly, anti-ring. anti,
corruption ticket, urged Mr.. Bancroft to
run for the Assembly. knowing him to be
CT II