ENPages
page_0001
For Frederick Douglass' Paper.
FROM OUR SAN FRANCISCO CORRESPONDENT.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 16th, 1856.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS: SIR:—We are in the midst of a fearful excitement—an excitement which, I fear, will not abate until much blood has been shed. James King, Editor of the Evening Bulletin, has been shot on a public thoroughfare, by James P. Casey, also an Editor. The circumstances tend to show it was the work of a foul conspiracy to suppress the freedom of the press. James King was formerly a Banker in this city—was wealthy—but failed, not as Adams & Co., and a host of others have done, by taking the benefit of the "Bankrupt Act," but by calling in his creditors and satisfying every demand. This left him without a dollar, literally without a cent to support himself and family, consisting of a wife and eight children, the oldest not more than fourteen years.
In this dilemma, a few friends suggested the idea of establishing a paper, accompanying the suggestion with the means necessary to the establishing thereof. Mr. King consented. The Press ridiculed the idea of starting another paper, especially by one who could not be supposed, in consequence of a life time in other pursuits, to bring to its conduct the qualifications necessary to its success. In due time, the Bulletin made its appearance, and its advent was an era in the history of San Francisco.—The people were astounded at its boldness in exposing corruption in high places. Men who were thought to be sans reproche, perfect models of integrity and probity, were proved by this "scourge," the Bulletin, to be demons of vice and iniquity. The Bulletin became popular with the masses. Its readers were numbered by thousands. The Editor was assaulted; he worsted his assailant; he was challenged; he refused to fight a duel, but invited assaults with arms, or otherwise; this his enemies tried, but were worsted in every instance. King is a powerfully made man, of great physical and moral courage. Meanwhile the Bulletin, and its fearless and faithful Editor, became household words and was considered a permanent and necessary institution. But in the midst of his bright and honorable career, he is assassinated by a felon, J. P. Casey, a graduate of Sing Sing. The Vigilance Committee who have slumbered since the fearful time of '50 and '51, are re-organized.
May 17th.—King still lives; and the probabilities are that he will recover. No demonstration as yet has been made. The authorities (Casey's friends) are guarding the jail with cannon. The Vigilance Committee numbers three thousand of our most respectable citizens, and are constantly adding to their numbers.—The press, with but few exceptions, endorse the action of the people. The Herald took sides with Casey; the result is, the loss of nearly all its patronage. Its size is reduced less than one half of what it was. The people demand a thorough purging of the entire State of all those who live by gambling, ballot-box stuffing, shoulder striking, &c. James King is lost sight of; the question now is, whether upright, honest and intelligent men shall henceforward rule, or whether thieves, blacklegs and cut throats, as tools of ambitious and designing politicians of the worst stamp, shall, as they have hitherto done, continue to occupy places of honor, trust and emolument.
As I write, the telegraph announces the organization of Committees in the interior, with the view, should the emergency demand, of proceeding to San Francisco to sustain the people against the authorities. The Governor has arrived, and has had a conference with the Committee. At first they demanded possession of the prison, and the custody of Casey, Cora, and others; but finally modified their demand the hanging of all the officials, from the Mayor, down to the lowest officer.
The papers are filled with the startling words, Assassination! Conspiracy! Treason! Murder! and the like; a portion of the military refuse to support the authorities, and have disbanded, and re-organized as independent companies.—We may well exclaim, as did the virtuous Roman, "Oh! Tempora! oh! Mores!" when men [illegible] assassinated for the legitimate exercise of [illegible] prerogative guaranteed by the Con[stitution?]
[Illegible]—To-day the sun shed [illegible] the most solemn, impos[illegible] beheld by mortal [illegible] committee, numbering [illegible] completely armed, [illegible] to the county [illegible] spectators.—[illegible] sound was [illegible]ed tramp [illegible] word of [illegible] the un[illegible] Ar[illegible] six-pounders in front of the entrance; after which, they demanded of the Sheriff J. P. Casey, and Charles Cora, the assassins. The jail was defended by a company called the Blues, and very blue they became on seeing the people, in the majesty of their power, "armed with a just quarrel."
The Sheriff, after a little parleying, opened the door, and the Committee took the prisoners, placed them in carriages, and conveyed them to the Committee rooms. To-morrow, they will be tried, and if found guilty, will be executed.
The city is perfectly quiet; thieves, murderers, et id omne genus, are leaving in all directions; a feeling of security and safety pervades the entire city. Not a murder, not a theft, not even a street fight, has taken place since the organization of the mysterious and much dreaded Vigilance Committee. I have sent you an Evening Bulletin, which will give you full particulars.
Mr. M. W. Gibbs, of the firm of Lester & Gibbs, leaves for the Atlantic States in the next steamer. Mr. Gibbs has identified himself with every movement of the colored people in this State, having for its object their social and political elevation. He has also contributed to our elevation by his business tact and success in establishing and conducting the firm of which he is a member. But more anon.
WM. H. NEWBY.