The "consummation devoutly to be wished" has been attained. California has at length been admitted to take her place as a star of the confederated republic. The bill for that object passed the House of Representatives on the 7th of September, 1850, by a vote of yeas, one hundred and fifty, nays fifty-six. It had previously passed the Senate by a no less decisive majority. The announcement of the passage of the bill was received with the greatest enthusiasm by its friends, and considerable excitement upon the part of its opponents. The most constant exertions were made by members from the Southern States to defeat the bill by adjournment and by numerous amendments, but they were unavailing. California triumphed.
EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA FROM THE ADMISSION OF THE STATE INTO THE UNION TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1853.
Since the foregoing chapters were written, events of considerable importance have transpired in California. Remarkable political steps have been taken, and disastrous accidents by flood and fire have happened.
The crimes of robbery and murder becoming of so frequent occurrence in San Francisco that all security of person and property was threatened with destruction, a meeting of citizens was called, and it was resolved to organize a Vigilance Committee, for the summary trial and execution of offenders. This was an open manifestation of contempt for the constituted authorities, and they protested against it. But a majority of the citizens of San Francisco, feeling that extraordinary measures were necessary, supported those persons who were appointed upon the Committee. Such officers generally abuse the extensive authority conferred upon them; but justice requires that we should say, that the members of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee acted throughout with a due appreciation of an awful responsibility. Several persons were arrested, tried, convicted and hung. One or two were notorious criminals, who had often been up before the regular courts, and always contrived to elude justice. By the certain and summary measures of the Committee, security was in a great measure restored, and the members then surrendered their authority--acknowledging the entire supremacy of the courts.