History of Placer county, California, Part 25

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West
Number of Pages: 558

USA > California > Placer County > History of Placer county, California > Part 25

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POLITICAL DUELS.

The bitter controversy led to several hostile meet- ings between prominent politicians of the two wings of the Democracy. Mr. Philip W. Thomas, District Attorney of Placer County, and Chairman of the County Central Committee, had made some dispar- aging remarks about Mr. J. P. Rutland, of Placer, a clerk in the office of the State Treasurer. For this he was called to Sacramento, to which point the Capital had been removed, and while there received a challenge from Rutland at the hands of Dr. Dickson, of San Francisco. Thomas declined the challenge on the ground that the challenger was not a gentleman. Dr. Dickson then declared that he would take the place of his principal. To this Thomas replied that Dr. Dickson was unacquainted with the character of Rutland, and he would prove that all he had said was true. This was not satis- factory, and a retraction was insisted upon, or a hostile meeting. The retraction was declined, and on the 9th of March, 1834, the parties met at Oak Grove, about nine miles northeast of Sacramento. Dr. Hamilton Bowie of San Francisco, acted as the second of Mr. Thomas, and Judge Edward McGowan, of San Francisco, was the second of Dr. Dickson. The parties fought with duefling pistols at a distance of fifteen paces, and Dickson fell mortally wounded at the first fire, his shot striking the ground at the feet of Thomas.

March 21st, B. F. Washington, editor of the Times und Transcript, anti-Broderick, and Washburn, of the Alta. a friend of Broderick, fought, near San Fran- cisco, and the latter was severely wounded. March 20th, J. S. Landon and David E. Hacker fought a duel at Volcano Bar, on the middle fork of the

RESIDENCE & BUSINESS PLACE OF J. M. JACOBS PHOTOGRAPHER AUBURN, PLACER CO. CAL.

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POLITICAL HISTORY OF PLACER COUNTY.

American, resulting in the death of Landon. This arose from a publication by Hacker about the Sen- atorial election.

THE SLAVERY QUESTION IN CALIFORNIA.

The subject of slavery was a very delicate ques- tion in politics in those days, and woe be to him who dared to express an opinion averse to, or doubtful of, the sacredness of the institution. But a bold leader, for his own political purposes and ambition, had thrown a gauge of battle into the arena and chal- lenged the acknowledged champions of slavery to combat. Thus it followed that those who could break from party rule for a personal object could come to express an opinion on principle. From such steps the breach grew wider and irreconcilable. On the 17th of April there were laid on desks of the Members of the Legislature circulars issued by the Society of Friends of Great Britain and Ireland, animadverting upon the subject of slavery in Amer- ica, and advocating its suppression. This touched the sorest spot in the political body, and great indig- nation was expressed.

Mr. McBrayer. Member of the Assembly from Sacramento, offered the following preamble and res- olutions respecting the circulars, which are here reproduced as a sign of the times, and presaging the struggle and war in the future.

WHEREAS, An Abolition document, purporting to come from the Society of Friends in London, has been laid upon the desk of each member of this body.

And WHEREAS, Such document, under cover of religious teachings, advises treason, immorality, and a general disobedience of the laws of the Union; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the pages and porters of this House be directed to gather up said documents, and in imitation of the Indian burial service, make a funeral pyre of the same. And be it further

Resolved, That the Society of Friends in London be requested in the sole name of humanity to attend to the interest of the white slaves of England and Ireland, and to be kind enough to allow the people of the United States to look after, and attend to, the affairs and condition of the "poor " African within their own borders.

The resolutions were adopted by the following vote :-

YEAS-Messrs. A. C. Bradford, C. E. Carr, Pedro C. Carrillo, - Clingan, T. R. Davidson, J. N. Dawley. W. M. Gordon, H. Griffith, - lagans, E. O. F. Hastings, - Henry, A. J. Houghtailing, E. Hunter, Richard Irwin, W. Lindsey, J. W. Mandeville, J. Musser, B. F. Myers, J. M. McBrayer, C W. MeDan- iel, F. S. McKenney, Chas. P. Nocl, Jas. O'Neil, J. W. Park, Martin Rowan, John Stemmons, W. W. Stow-27.

NAYS -- Messrs. Francis Anderson, D. R. Ashley, S. A. Ballou, J. H. Bostwick, Ed. Burton, John Con- ness, P. B. Cornwall, B. L. Fairfield, H. B. Godard, H. Hollister, N. Hubert, J. C. Jones, 11. B. Kellogg, F. W. Koll, W. S. Letcher, G. MeDonald, E. B Purdy, J. R. King, T. A. Springer, W. J. Sweasey, Joseph Livy, S. G. Whipple-22.

Those voting against the resolution were in the ensuing campaign held up by the Democratie press

and speakers to public execration and bitterly denounced as " Abolitionists." Of the Placer dele- gation Myers and O'Neil voted for the adoption, Fairfield against, and Van Cleft not voting.

CAMPAIGN OF 1854.

The dissensions among the leaders of the Demo- cratie party culminated in an open rupture in the campaign of 1854. In April of that year, the Brode- riek wing established the Placer Democrat at Auburn, as an advocate of their chieftain for the position of Senator. This paper was edited by Philip Lynch, and opened the campaign by advocating Ilon. Chas. A. Tuttle of Placer, as the nominee of the Broderick wing for Congress. The chief question that agitated the public was the election of United States Senator to succeed Dr. Wm. M. Gwin, whose term would expire March 3, 1855.

Placer was an important county in the contest, ranking as eighth in population and vote. Hereto- fore it had been a reliable Democratic county, and Broderick, who persisted in making his fight within that party, being chairman of the State Central Committee, and " boss of the machine," pursued the policy of "divide or conquer." The Democratic State Convention was called to meet at Sacramento on the 18th of July. Placer was accorded eleven delegates of the 260 constituting the Conven- tion. The counties having more were San Francisco, 41; El Dorado, 25; Sacramento, 18; Tuolumne, 16; Calaveras, 15; Yuba. 14, and Nevada 13. There were two members of Congress and a Clerk of the Supreme Court to be nominated.

The Democratic County Convention met at Auburn, July 7, 1854. The Convention was com- posed of 111 delegates, and was very nearly evenly divided between " Broderiek " and " regular" Demo- crats, the latter having three or four majority. The majority affected an organization by the election of John K. Kate as President; and the minority, under the leadership of Charles A. Tuttle, S. C. Astin, F. B. Iliggins, J. W. Scobey, Hugh Fitzsimmons, P. H. Clayton, and others, withdrew and organized another Convention. Both Conventions elected eleven delegates to the State Convention. The same occurred in nearly every county. Of those elected at the regular, or majority Convention, Messrs. M. P. Il. Love, J. R. Pile, E. D. Shirland, and J. McMartin attended, and the others were represented by P. W. Thomas, B. F. Parsons, S. T. Leet, J. H. Baker, J. L. Bennett, Samuel Todd and J. P. Dameron as proxies.

A STORMY STATE CONVENTION.

The State Convention of 1854 was an event long to be remembered by the politicians of California. Broderiek had planned to control it absolutely, and where he had not the command of the regular organ- ization of the county, caused opposition Conventions to be held, and as a consequenec two sets of delegates appeared at Sacramento. The Convention met on the day appointed in the Baptist Church. Each

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HISTORY OF PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

wing bad arranged to effect a surprise and immediate organization, and thus secure control, but the secret arrangement of each had been treacherously made known to the other. Broderick, as Chairman of the State Central Committee, called the Convention to order. Immediately James O'Meara, anti-Broderick, of San Francisco, nominated ex-Governor John Mlc- Dougal for Chairman. Mr. Vermule of Santa Clara. Broderick, nominated Judge Ed. McGowan. Brod- erick refused to recognize O'Meara as a delegate, put the motion of Vermule, and without asking for the noes. declared him elected. O'Meara put his own motion and declared MeDongal elected. Each faction was prepared for war, and with revolvers drawn, escorted their respective Chairmen to the stage where each occupied seats. Men of nerve and action had been selected for this purpose; prominent among the Broderick faction were Samuel C. Astin, Sheriff of Placer, William Walker, the filibuster, James P. Casey, afterwards hanged by the Vigilance Committee, Billy Mulligan, the prize fighter, Mike Gray, Sheriff of Yuba, Henry Caulfield, of Sacra- mento squatter notoriety; Jack MeDougall, of El Dorado, " Bill " Roach, of Monterey and others. Of the Anti-Brodericks were Maj. John Bidwell and Judge W. S. Sherwood of Butte, P. W. Thomas, of Placer, J. P. Dameron, Naval Officer, Wm. G. Ross, James O'Meara and Blanton McAlpin, of San Fran- cisco, ex-Speaker C.S. Fairfax, of Yuba. General Rich- ardson. United States Marshal, David S. Terry and Samuel H. Brooks, of San Joaquin, Major P. Solomon and George S. Evans, of Tuolumne, Jos. C. Mckibben, of Sierra, Ben. Marsball, ex-Sheriff of Calaveras and many of the Federal officers of San Francisco who were the appointees of Senator Gwin. All were prepared for the most desperate action, and a hundred pistols were drawn and held in readiness for bloody and deadly hostilities. The utmost disorder pre- vailed. The two Chairmen sat side by side through the day, but no progress in business could be made. Broderiek moved an adjournment which was declared carried, but no one left the house. The Trustees and the Pastor of the church begged the assemblage to disperse, and not further disgrace or endanger by a riot the sacred edifice, but their prayers were received with derision by the howling mass. In this condition the double Convention continued through the day until late in the evening, when the Trustees having refused to permit the gas to be lighted. the two Chairmen, arm in arm, headed the procession and marched out and separated.

CONVENTIONS AND NOMINATIONS.

The next day two Conventions met, and cach made nominations. Each styled itself Democratic, but the common designations were, " Regular Democrats," and " Broderick Democrats." The first nominated Gen. James W. Denver of Trinity, and Philip T. Herbert of Mariposa for Congress, and Charles A. Leake of Calaveras for Clerk of the Supreme Court;

and the Broderick Democrats nominated Milton S. Latham of Sacramento, and James A. MeDougall of San Francisco for Congress, both then holding the offices, and P. K. Woodside of Calaveras for Clerk. Latham subsequently declined, and James Chureb- man, of Nevada, was named in his place.

The Whig State Convention met at Sacramento, July 25, 1854, and nominated George W. Bowie of Colusa and Calhoun Benham of San Francisco for Congress, and Joseph R. Beard of Nevada, for Clerk of the Supreme Court.

Three parties were now in the field, two claiming the title of Democrat, but bearing the epithets and appellations of " chivalry " and "anti-chivalry;" "regulars " and " bogus;" " Democrats " and " Brod- erick Democrats;" the other party was the Whigs. All held county conventions and made full nomma- tions for all the offices. The candidates named both for State and county officers were men well known and of great popularity, and the canvass was thor- oughly and warmly contested. Meetings were held in every locality where audiences could be assembled, and the ablest public speakers went through the State in the interest of their respective parties. The Whigs felt that with a divided Democracy they could win, and therefore worked with unusual vigor. The regular Democratic press was very bitter upon the Broderick party whom they termed bolters, and denounced as Abolitionists, but was quite mild and patronizing towards the Whigs. The Broderick County Committee proposed a compromise which was rejected as unfair to the regulars. The chief matter of diseussion was Gwin and Broderick. Shortly after the campaign opened, Latham with- drew his name, expressing objections to dividing the Democracy. The election occurred on the 6th of September, with the following result in Placer County :-

Congress-George W, Bowie (W), 2,366; Cal- houn Benham (W), 2,378; James W. Denver (D), 1.915; P. T. Herbert (D). 1,935: J. A. McDougall, (B D) 1,117; M. S. Latham, (B D) 653; James Churchman, (B D) 505.

Clerk of Supreme Court-J. R. Beard (W), 2,418; C. A. Leake (D). 1.865; P. . K Woodside (B D), 1,237; Senate-J. C. Hawthorne (W), 2,347; W. H. Gray (D), 1.831, G. C. Newman (B D), 1,211.

Assembly-Thomas Moreland (W), 2,394: R. F. Gragg (W). 2.312; Wm. Corey (W), 2,303; Moses Andrews (W), 2,316; J. H. Baker (D), 1.805; D. B. Curtis (D), 1.840; B. F. Parsons (D), 1,844; J. L. Bennett (D), 1,734; L. N. Ketchum (B D), 1,247, J. N. Smith (B D), 1,237; P. II. Clayton (B D), 1,226; J. C. Duell (B D), 1.183.

County Judge-James E. Hale (W), 2,284; A. Bronk (D), 1,904; Hugh Fitzsimmons (B D), 1,225. Sheriff-W. T. Henson (W), 2,514; Samuel Todd (D), 1,733; N. A. Dillingham (B D), 1,190.

District Attorney-M. E. Mills (W), 2,452; Philip

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W. Thomas (D), 1,767; Joseph W. Scobey (B D), 1,224.

County Clerk-A. S. Grant (W), 2,348; W. E. Johnson (D), 1,858; W. A. Parker (B D), 1.232.

County Treasurer-J. R. Crandall (W), 2,330; E. G Smith (D) 1,822; G. W. Applegate (B D), 1,269. County Assessor-A. S. Smith (W), 2,261; II. W. Starr (D), 1,922; J. E. Stewart (B D), 1,241.

Public Administrator-John R. Gwynn (W,) 2,159; James Anderson (D), 1,863; James Bowen (B D), 1,225.

Coroner-J. L. Finley (W), 2,276; John P. Ilar- per (D), 1,913.

Surveyor-G. H. Colby (W), 2,436, (November 19, 1855, Colby resigned and Thomas A. Young was appointed in bis place), C. W. Finley (D), 1,364. Total vote, 5,520.

A slight feeling had been created against Denver, in consequence of his having slain Hon. Edward F. Gilbert in a duel two years previously, and his vote was less than Ilerbert's. But a few months before the election Thomas, the Democratie candidate for District Attorney, had killed Dr. Dickson in a duel, and this militated against his success to the extent of about 100 votes. Herbert subsequently distin- guished himself by killing a waiter at Willard's Hotel, in Washington, for inattention to bis orders.

Placer County had elected its entire Whig ticket by a plurality, but the State had elected two Demo- cratic members of Congress, and the Whig nominee for Clerk of the Supreme Court, the successful can- didates receiving from 35,754 votes for Beard (W), to 37,677 for Denver (D); the Whig Congressman, 35,369 for Bowie, and Mr. Churchman, the highest Broderick Democrat, 10,039.

The Legislature was estimated by the San Fran- cisco Herald to contain thirty-three regular and ten " bogus" Democrats, thirty-five Whigs and two Independent in the Assembly; thirteen regular and thirteen " bogus " Democrats and seven Whigs in the Senate. There was great rejoicing among the Gwin Democrats, that wing having the majority of the Democrats. and Broderick still professing to act in that organiz ition, it was believed he would submit to the caucus, which would secure the re-election of Dr. Gwin to the United States Senate.

The Legislature met at Sacramento January 1, 1855. In the Assembly W. W. Stow, Whig, was elected Speaker, greatly to the astonishment of the Gwin Democrats. The Legislature met in joint cou- vention early in the session to vote for Senator, and continued from day to day until the last of Febru- ary, when the Convention adjourned sine die without an election, by a vote of 63 ayes to 44 nays. On the last of January the vote was, Col. Philip Ed- wards (W), 37; Gwin, 36; Broderick, 31; N. E. Whitesides (D), 13; J. A. MeDougall, 1; Joseph W. McCorkle, 7; Vincent E. Geiger, 2; Myron Nor- ton, 1. February 16th great joy was expressed by the regular Democrats because of the vote of

Ifon. C. A. Tuttle, Senator from Placer, for Gwin, which, with some others, swelled his vote to 41.

The action of this Convention may be said to have marked an era in the political history of Cali- fornia. The question of slavery, deeply smothered as it was, had a powerful and controlling influence.

Under the cloak of Broderickism, anti-chivalry, free-soil, and other names, the anti-slavery exten- sion element fought the extreme pro-slavery power, and from this element, in after years, sprang the Republican party. The great national question at that time was the extension of slavery into the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska. The Missouri Compromise had been abrogated at the demand of the Southern States, thus admitting slavery into the Territories, and the opposition to this measure so strengthened the opposition to Gwin as to cause the defeat of the election at this time. As a personal matter, it appeared as a triumph of Broderick, who, powerful as he was in the management of a few steadfast friends, was really exceedingly unpopular throughout the State, and without the feeling of antagonism to slavery extension, which he at that time ignored, but which influenced many, he would not have had the power to defeat the election.

Among the most important Acts of the Legislature was one providing for a Board of Supervisors for Placer County, the Court of Sessions having bad the business affairs in charge.

The Legislature passed amendments to the Con- stitution, to be submitted to the vote of the people at the next election, which provided that the sessions of the Legislature should be biennial, beginning with the session of 1858, and sections to make the Con- stitution consistent with that change. The Placer members in the Legislature acted well their part, and left a record for bold and honorable principles to which they could point with pride in after life.

With the signal defeat of the Broderick wing in the election in Placer County, the Democrat, the organ of the party, edited by L. P. Hall, who bad succeeded Lynch early in the campaign, ceased pub- lication, and was succeeded by the Auburn Whig, with Mr. Mills, the newly-elected District Attorney, as editor. This flashed up quite brilliantly for a period, under the inspiration of an unexpected vic- tory, and, following its party like the sudden bright- ness of a dying candle, paper and party soon went out forever.

FIRST AND ONLY WING ADMINISTRATION.

The Whig administration in Piacer County is best shown in the history of the finances and official reports. Judge Hale has since been repeatedly hon- ored with high trusts and office; Henson was called a model Sheriff; Dr. Crandall one of the best of Treasurers, and the reports of Assessor Smith were the most complete and comprehensive ever made in the county.

April 7, 1855, S. C. Astin resigned as Sheriff, and

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HISTORY OF PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Wm. H. Dillingham was appointed to the place by Judge Fitzsimmons, and William McCarty, Assessor, resigned, and J. T. Griffith was appointed.

April 9th an election was held for a Board of Supervisors, resulting as follows: District No. 1, C. G. W. French; No. 2, Henry W. Starr; No. 3, E. L. Bradley; No. 4. Albert L. Boyden; No. 5, W. N. Leet. After this Board came into power the Sheriff and Assessor appointed by Judge Fitzsimmons were removed and Sheriff-elect Henson and Assessor- eleet Smith were appointed in their places.

CAMPAIGN OF 1855.

In the meantime a new political party bad entered the field. This was first organized in Baltimore, Maryland, as a secret society, professing its object. as publicly understood, to elevate only native-born citizens to office. From this it took the title of " Native American," but from its secret meetings. and the reticence of its members as to its object and principles, they were soon dubbed "Know-Nothings," and that became the common name of the party. This organization made itself felt in the campaign of 1854 in San Francisco, and, in the municipal election of the succeeding spring, elected several of the city officers. Lodges of Native Americans were organ- ized throughout the State in the spring and summer of 1855. and it entered the campaign with great energy to contest for the supremacy. The Whigs abandoned the field, the majority, apparently, join- ing the new party. Many of the leading Southern Democrats, violently opposed to the Borderick rule, also joined, or secretly encouraged the Know- Nothings, and these with such Americans as were attracted by the watchword " Americans shall rule America," gave strength to this unique political organization.

With the death of the Whig party its Placer County organ, in Inne, became the Placer Press, edited by Hiram R. Hawkins, and the advocate of the new party; while the Herald continued the staunch advocate of the Democracy.

The election this year ineluded State and Legisla- tive officers. The two Democratic wings had united with the Broderick leaders in control. The State Convention of the party was called to meet at Sacra- mento, on the 27th of June. El Dorado headed the list in the number of delegates being allowed 33; San Francisco 30, Nevada 20, and Placer 17, making this the fourth in rank of Democratic voters. The County Convention was called to meet at Auburn on the 23d of June, to appoint delegates to the State Convention, and to nominate a Legislative ticket. The following were the delegates chosen: James McCabe, Hugh Bradley. Joseph Walkup, W. W. Caperton, S. C. Astin, Abram Bronk, George W. Applegate, John McNally, William Duck, James Herrick, Daniel Cribbs, J. II. Baker, James O'Neil, J. L. Bennett. Le Grand Berry, Samuel Adams and William Riley.

The State Convention met at Sacramento as

appointed and organized harmoniously. The princi- pal candidates for Governor were Col. B. F. Washing- ton, Milton S. Latham, James Walsh, and Gov. John Bigler. Colonel Washington was the favorite of the " Chivalry," and before the assembling of the Conven- tion it was understood he would be the nominee. Brod- erick having control of the Central Committee effected a compromise by which Washington withdrew, and the understanding was general that Governor Bigler was also to withdraw; but when names were pre- sented for nomination, the Broderick power pre- sented the name of John Bigler, and he became the Democratic candidate for his third term as Governor. This so incensed the friends of Washington that many withdrew from the Convention, and others of the party declined nominations at its hand. Among these were Chief Justice Hugh C. Murray and David S. Terry, who were proposed for the Supreme Court.

The nominations were completed as follows: For Lieutenant-Governor, Samuel Purdy, of San Joa- quin: Justices of the Supreme Court, Myron Norton, of Los Angeles, for full term; Charles H. Bryan, of Yuba, for unexpired term: Controller, Thomas C. Flournoy. of Mariposa; Treasurer, Benj. F. Keene, of El Dorado: Attorney-General, B. C. Whiting, of Monterey; Surveyor-General, Seneca H. Marlette, of Calaveras; State Printer, George H. Crosette, of Butte; State Prison Directors, Samuel C. Astin, of Placer, Wm. H. Bell, of San Francisco, and C. F. Powell, of San Joaquin.

NATIVE AMERICANS, OR KNOW-NOTHINGS.

The County Convention of the Native American, or Know-Nothing, party, was held at Auburn on the 24th of July, and appointed delegates to meet at Sacramento in State Convention on the 8th of August. All proceedings were kept secret. The State Convention met at the appointed time, and James W. Coffroth, of Tuolumne, was elected Chair- man. The following nominations were made: For Governor, J. Neely Johnson, of Sacramento; Lieu- tenant-Governor, R. M. Anderson of El Dorado; Jus- tice of Supreme Court, Hugh C. Murray of Solano, full term; David S. Terry, of San Joaquin, unex- pired term; Controller, George W. Whitman of Tuolumne; Treasurer, Henry Bates of Shasta; Attor- ney-General, W. G. Wallace of Santa Clara; Sur- veyor-General, John A. Brewster of Sonoma; State Printer, James Allen of Yuba; State Prison Direc- tors. Alex. Bell of Los Angeles, F. S. Mckenzie of Trinity, and Ezekiel Wilson of San Francisco. The County Conventions made full nominations, whose names appear in the returns.

The campaign was short but active. On the Dem- ocratic side were such speakers as Wm. M. Gwin, Wm. Van Voorhies, Governor Bigler. Myron Norton, and others of note; and the Americans sent through the country David S. Terry, James W. Coffroth, Edward C. Marshall, and the State and county can- didates of both parties spoke at meetings at every precinct. The election occurred on the 5th of Sep-

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tember, resulting in a complete American triumph- the Governor, Johnson, receiving 4,073 majority, the others being upwards of 3,000, excepting Murray, whose majority was but 407, Terry's 2,785 and Anderson's 1,490. The American majority for the State officers was about 800.

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History of Placer county, California, Part 25

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West Number of Pages: 558

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West
Number of Pages: 558