Los Angeles daily herald., 1875-08-05
The Houshton Meeting.


General Bouton, who presented the
following list of officers:
For President, Hon. J.. G. Eastman;
Vice Presidents, F. P. Ramirez, J. G..
Nicholas, Gabriel Allen, Lewis Wolf
skill, ]. w. Potts, J. w. Lord, T. ].
Caystile, v. A. Hoover, Will D.
Gould, J. e. McComas, A. w. Timms,
DR.. X. d. Wise.
Mr.. Bonton then introduced the pre-
siding officer, Hon. ]. G. Eastman,
who proceeded to make few appropri-
ate remarks acknowledging the hon.
or conferred upon him. He was proud
of being able to stand before an audi
ence IN the name of Republicanism.
He made some felicitous remarks ex-
cusing the lack of o long speech on his
part by introducing Mr.. Houghton.
Mr.. Houghton said: Fellow citizens,
had been told few months ago that
should appear before the people of
Los Angeles to make a speech, I
should have had great doubts on the
subject. 1t is almost matter Of doubt
that 1 am here tonight. have been
twice elected by the people of this dis
trict to the lower house of Congress.
Long before the expiration of my last
term I had fully determined that I
would not he candidate for that or
any other position. fully appreciate
the compliment of two elections by the
people of this district, though I had
desired to retire from public life and
devote myself to professional life in
the future. found it was an unprofit-
able business however. 1 believe yet
IshOuld retire and make way for some
other gentleman that would more
ably represent the people of the dis
trict. The Repblicans of the district
thought otherwise, in spite of my pro-
test, renominating me by acclama-
tion. At the first time when nomi-
mated did not seek the position,
having been content with the dignity
of private citizen, but some Of my
friends who think over estimated my
ability, thought l was proper person
to represent them. Having served one
term was severely criticised for my
votes, but the people again elected me.
L returned with determination that
so far as could ascertain the interests
of the people Of this district l would
advocate them. What I have done is
q matter of record and you must judge
the future by the past. If my
course has been for the in
terest of the people of the Dis
trict you will elect me. If you believe
my course has been inimical to the in
terests of the people 1 expect you to
vote against me, as l would not de-
serve your support. The most of my
life has been passed in this District.
Twenty-eight years ago l first put my
foot in Los Angeles. For twenty-six
years / have been q resident of this
District, having my home in San
Jose. Iexpect to live and die in the
District; my interests are the interests
of the people of the District, and I
have no Interests antagonistic to
theirs.
1 have two opponents, Mr.. Wiggin-
ton, the Democratic candidate, and
Mr.. Thompson, the Independent can
didate. L have not the honor of being
acquainted with either of them, but
they having been nominated by part
of the people of the District 1 will pre-
sumo them to be gentlemen of honor
and worthy of confidence. Mr.. Wig
ginton has devoted large portion Of
his time to the discussion of my rec
ord. 1 say to you that I have done no
act of which l am ashamed. l have
no apology to make or excuse to offer.
I stand on my record and / ask you,
fellOw-citizens, to judge me by my
record.
Mr.. Houghton made an exhaustive
defense of his vote on the currency
bills and glorified his vote on the sal
ary grab, on which he said, In doing
what we did we followed the example
of the 'old forefathers.' I gained only
$3.50, and don't think that enough to
justify charge of mercenary conduct.
1 believe that Congressional pay
should be equalized, ,and on that ground
voted for the bill. Under similar cir
cumstances 1 should vote for it again.
The speaker spoke against the South
ern Pacific and advocated the Texas
Pacific and Independence roads.
His conclusion was as follows:
have not sought the nomination, but
it was the spontaneous act of the peo-
pie of the District, on account Of my
action on the Texas Pacific Railroad.
If I should go back l will devote the
efforts of my life to its triumphant
success.
Remarks were then made by other