Our FRiend DiogenesLamp frequently argues that expansion of slavery into western territories & states is a myth concocted by Northern Unionists to cover their own political power-grabs.
In fact, he claims, slavery was impossible out-west because cotton could not be grown there, and with no cotton, no slavery.
This editorial begs to differ:
- "One of the most fantastic dreams indulged in by the Secessionists has been that California would undoubtedly unite her fortunes and her destiny with theirs -- that they had but to shake the tree, and the golden apple of the Pacific would drop into their hungry mouths.
Thus, with the possession of New-Mexico, Arizona and the Indian Territory, all of which the Confederate "Committee on Territories" seem to regard as now under their jurisdiction, they flattered themselves that their domain would extend from ocean to ocean along its whole breadth, and their "institution" find ample scope and verge enough for expansion for centuries to come.
The splendor of the prize, both in a geographical, political, commercial, and above all, in a monetary (Cobb comprehends that) point of view, certainly rendered it worthy of a long and desperate effort to win it.
Hence, failing to clutch the whole of California ten years ago, a persistent effort has been making ever since to secure the division of the State, and the establishment of Slavery in the Southern half.
Being foiled in this also by the Californians, the disunion conspirators have latterly tried to make use of certain local broils of bygone feuds, of party affinities, and also of the disaffection engendered by the neglect of California interests by the General Government; and hoped that by suddenly precipitating the State into confusion, and proclaiming a Pacific Republic, either the whole of the State, or, at all events, the Southern half of it, would gently but surely glide into their hand.
California, moreover, had been so long represented, both in the Senate and House, by politicians of the ultra Pro-Slavery school, who considered themselves as possessed of an absolute control of the State, that it was supposed the secession scheme had only to be boldly attempted to secure its success.
The latest advices from the Pacific coast, however, show that California has been as much misunderstood as was New York city.
Both were overwhelmingly Democratic, both had their subterranean traitors plotting for their ruin, the affinities of both were supposed to be with the South -- but both also have shown themselves to be devoted to the Union with enthusiasm as deep as it is demonstrative.
The miners of California -- those most splendid illustrations of the elastic energy and unconquerable caring of the American character, are for Union forever and to a man; the Douglas Democracy, with true California pluck, go for the Union, the laws and the Fourth of July, and for 'as much coercion and civil war as is necessary to put down secession'..."