Year: 1861

l.,


ipridge party could not be trusted to Legis-
late for this State, and hinted strongly that
,on,e norton of it were, in my opinion, striv-
inp to destroy the government, and hence
we're traitors to the country. For this,
have been taken severely to task by some of
,bose have heretofore regarded as friends of
.he Union. Now as to the first, what would
.he Rreckinridge party do had they at this
.;n,e the Governor and q majority of the
Ioo;slature at their commando In the first
nlace they would undoubtedly pass resolu-
,ious of sympathy with the Cotton States and
5eclare that if permanent separation of
States took place that California would cast
her destinies with the South if such step
,na. nrac,icable; otherwise, woud d attempt to
take initiatory steps to erect Pacific RePub-
lie on this coast They would favor, or more
,,robabIy order the occupation of the United
States Forts in the State by State troops, and
make them military centers around which
Knights of the Golden Circle would rally
their reasonable forces. This accomplished,





time, as in South Carolina. OF course the
people would not submit to such rule long,
but it would give the enemies of the country
an advantage and civil war might be the
result State arms and all appliances of war
would be placed in the hands of fSecessionists,
and the people would be reduced to their
hare hands for self-defence. Freedom of the
press and speech would be prohibited, and
friends Of the government who should have
the boldness to denounce treason would, as
in South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and
Louisiana, be arrested and imprisoned, or
banished from the State.


This is no fiction. Just as certain as the
Breckenridge party elect Governor and
majority of the Legislature this fall, we shall
see the above predictions attempted to be
carried out


Then will the people trust that party or
blame us for asserting as our opinion under
all the circumstances, that many of the lead
ers have treason in their hearts? WHAT'S he
but a traitor who betrays his country, or de-
fes the laws? Or will it be said that these
are harsh terms and in these heated times We
should throw oil on the troubled waters,
when we feel and know that by doing so We
are only giving an arch enemy an advantage
we may never be able to recover. We are
ready to yield anything reasonable to those
desrous of a peaceful solution OF the present
:; bo. INIT bav no
fellowship with, or seft words for enemies of
the country,-those who would disrupt the
best government on earth and establish Des
potism, perhaps worse-anarchy. The people
are now living peacefully and happy under
government that affords them ample protec-
tion without taxation. They pay nothing
directly for the support of the general gov
ment, but on the contrary, in California. re-
ceive thousands from her treasury every year.
Would this be the case had we separate
government? Every one who reflects will
see at once that the revenue collected on this
coast would pay no considerable part of the
expenses of government, and that such ex-
penses would come directly from the hard
earnings Of the people, by taxation. Not less
than one-tenth of their substance would be
required to maintain a swarm of useless
loungers whose destiny should be to delve
Instead of govern


Already we are told that the State should
hold a convention and assume an attitude of
Il uha
eign foe, for to do this the people have only
TO rally to the assistance Of Government. 1t
can only be an internal enemy, and we know
of none save it may be in those who are
loudest in the cry of defense No defense is
not The object. Offense is the design a means
is sought to rupture the government, under
the preteEt that it cannot afford protection
Let the people rest easy: when there is dan
ger the Governor will apprse them. and f
their services are needed, he Will give them
notice. The great question before the people
IS no longer as to government roliey in regard
to Territory, or the protection of slave prop
erty 1t is, have we a governments The
whole people will respond, We have gov
ernment, and the laws must be obeyed!


Matters in dispute as to slaves and Terri
tories will be settled at another time and in
another way; it is hoped by compromise
either to adjust matters and remain together
or separate in peace. | am in favor Of an
equitable division of the Territories, and no
interference of one State with the internal
affairs of another While these matters are
pending, ho vever, the laws must be enforced,
and to resist them 10 crime.