Nubia to Frederick Douglass, June 29, 1855
For Frederick Douglass' Paper.
FROM OUR SAN FRANCISCO CORRESPONDENT.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 29, 1855.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS, ESQ.: SIR:—I resume
my pen to say that the events of the last two
weeks are scarcely worthy of chronicling, ex-
cept the assembling of Democratic delegates in
Sacramento, to nominate a candidate for Gov-
ernor on the 27th instant. Gov. Bigler is sup-
posed to be the only Democrat who has the
smallest chance of an election; he is, undoubt-
edly, the most popular man in the State. Two
years ago—to use his own expression—he was
the "best abused man in the State." His pres-
ent popularity is owing to his vetoing several
offensive measures enacted by the last Legisla-
ture. The Convention (now in session) has ap-
plied a test as a security for party fidelity, as
follows: "Do you belong to any secret political
party?" To this Gov. Bigler declared that
"he was not a Know Nothing, and never
would be," which appeared satisfactory, as the
ballotting thereupon commenced. The assu-
rance by the Governor that "he was not a
Know Nothing," did not answer the interroga-
tion, and left him non-committed, should he
wish (as I suspect he is) to become a member
of the Anti-Know Nothing or Freedom's Pha-
lanx party. This convention is made up of
very discordant elements. The Tammany and
chivalry factions, each have their providing of-
ficer, who are personal as well as factional ene-
mies. It is expected there will be some rich
scenes enacted before the adjournment.
The appers are discussing the propriety of
organizing a company to induce and facilitate
European emigration to the State—the suc-
cess of which, it is through, would so develope
the mineral and agricutlura resources of the
State, as to place its future greatness and pros-
perity beyond a shadow of doubt.
Preparations for the celebration of the na-
tions independence are being made in all parts
of the State. One of the mountain papers
says that a "convention and beat fight will
take place in its locality on the glorious 4th."
The colored Masons (of the National Grand
Lodge" formed a Grand Lodge on St. John's
Day, the 24th instant.
The colored people of this city contemplate
celebrating the approaching Anniversary of
West India Emancipation.
I have looked in vain for a refutation of the
charges, made by travellers, that the blacks,
since their emancipation, have become "worth-
less, and are in a state of pauperism." If these
charges are false, why do they not prove that
the authors of them are infamous liars? I am
fearful that these accounts are not wholly de-
void of truth; there must be some ground for
the woful pictures drawn of the West Indies.—
We could not performa a better work than to
send some reliable and well qualified person to
ascertain the actual condition of the colored
people there. If these reports are unfortunately
true, it is certainly ridiculous in us to celebrate
the Anniversary of West India Emancipation
in the way we do. Better apply the remedy for
these ills, if it can be found. One thing is cer-
tain, the condition of the colored people in the
West Indies is not what it should be, when we
consider that they labor under no political or
social disabilities. They should at least possess
the spirt to reply to their slanders, if such
they are.
A meeting has been called for the Fourth of
July, to set forth the claims of the Frederick
Douglass' Paper, and to obtain subscribers.
As I write, a telegraph dispath announces
the nomination of Gov. Bigler. The chivalry
are defeated!!
Business is improving, but it is still dull.
The victims of Adams & Co., have been
swindled again; this time by the receiver ap-
pointed to settle the affairs of teh house. But
enough.
Respectfully,
NUBIA.