Year: 1861

state Committee, May 9, 1851.


WHEREAS, The Democratic party has ever
been party of fealty to free government and
fraternal devotion to the rights OF the States OF
the Union, and of an 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 de-
cent excuse; waged upon it by certain Seeded
States-Which is manifestly war for the lnva-
sion of our National Capital: for the overthrow
of our National Government; the oppression OF
the loyal States the subjugation Of the Union;
a war to humble in the dust our National flag;
to wrench from the American people their con-
stitutional 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 COM
mon instinct OF self-preservatiOn, or worthy OF
an existence as a nation:


Therefore, be it unanimously resolved by this
Committee:


l. That at this time, when the country is re-
sisting with all its might war of invasion and
destruction, Indifference is impossible to the
patriot, and neutrality is cowardice, IT not pre-
meditated d:soyalty.


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 Coun-
try and the Flag, against all assailants-no
matter who they are, whence they come, or
tcith tchdt Dotoer armed.


3. That in this great crisis Of the American
nation and name of our State will always, as
heretofore, faithfully discharge her Constitu-
tional obligations to the Union and the Fede.
raj Government, and, as in duty bound. wlll
earnestly sustain the constituted authorities at
Washington in all measures necessary to de-
fend and protect either against this most unJus-
tifable 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 infiict de-
struction on both.


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


6. That as Calfornians, 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 majority
of her citizens.


7. 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 IL o'clock, to NOM
mate 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 can
didates nominated.


g. That the people of each county be reques-
ted to meet in convention in their respective
counties, upon the 18th day Of June next, for
the purpose of electing delegates to the Con-
vention, in such manner as they may deem
proper.


8. That the basis of representation in the
State Convention be one delegate for each
county, and one delegate for each 25O votes,
which gives the following representation: