Year: 1861

Resolutions adopted By the Democratic State


Central Committee May 8, 1861,


WHEREAS, The Democratic party has ever
been the party of fealty to free government
and fraternal devotion to the rights of the
States of the Union, and of unwavering fidelity
to the laws, the Constitution, the Union, and
the country-ready to maintain them by all
proper means and at every sacrifice


And whereas, The country is now defending
itself against war without justification, or
decent excuse waged upon it by certain Sc
ceded Staes-which is manfestly war for
the invasion of our National Capital for the
overthrow of our National Government the
oppression of the loyal States the subjugation
of the Union; war to humble in the dust our
National flag to wrench from the American
people their constitutional rights of determining
for themselves their own policy, foreign and
domestic, and to blot them out from the class
of the great powers of the world


And whereas such war, so aggressive in its
character. and so deadly in its purposes, forces
upon the country an issue which can be met
but in one way by any people having the
common instinct of self preservation, or worthy
of an existence as a nation;


Therefore, be it unanimously resolved by
this Committee,


/. That at this time, when the country is
resisting with all its might war of invasion
aud destruction, Indifference is impossible to
the patriot, and neutrality is cowardice, if not
permedtated dsloyalty.


2. That the people of California in the past
have been most anxious for peace throughout
the land, and will hail with joy an honorable
adjustment in the future; at the same time
they are, aboue all things, for the UNION, the
Country and the Flag, against all assailants-
no matter who they are whence they come, or
1Ctth lchat polcer armed.


4. That in this great crisis of the American
nation and name our State will always, as
heretofore, faithfully discharge her Constitu-
tional obligations to the Union and the Fed
eral Government, and, as in duty bound, will
earnestly sustain the constituted authorities at
Washington in all measures necessary to defend
and protect either against this most unjustifia-
bic and unnatural war.


A. That in the name of the loyal people of
California, we demand of the General Govern
ment, by all its power, to protect their lives
and property on the high seas, between this
coast and the Atlantic, from the piratical flag
which already threatens injury, and would in
fct destruction on both.


5. That all former partisan differences are
lost in the present overwhelming crisis; and
he who would seek, by reviving them, to dis
tract the people, or to wrest from their honest
and patriotic devotion some sordid partisan
advantage, is not true to the country, nor
worthy of the name of American citizen.


6. That as Californians, we appeal to the
whole people of California, without distinction
of party or reference to partisan issues, to stand
with US by our country and our flag, that all
may know that the great Union Democratic
Party OF California is the overpowering major
ity of her citizens.


T. That with these views we cordially invite
all patriotic men, who hold these sentiments,
to meet in Convention at Sacramento, on the
Fourth day of July next, at II O'clock to
nominate candidates to be supported at the
ensuing election; and we recommend in the
election of delegates, that the only test be
approval of these resolutions and willingness to
support the candidates nominated.


s. That the people of each county be re-
quested to meet in Convention in their respect
i've counties, upon the 18th day Of June next,
for the purpose of electing delegates to the
Convention, in such manner as they may deem
proper.


9. That the basis of representation in the
State Convention be one delegate for each
county, and one delegate for each 250 votes,
which gives the following representation