How their designs on this grand domain failed; what might have been,
had the South been more active in its hour of primary victory and
seized the Golden West, these pages may show.
The golden days of the "stars and bars" were lost by the activity
of the Unionists and the mistaken policy at Richmond.
The utter demoralization of California by the "bonanza era" of
silver discovery, the rise of an invincible plutocracy, and the
second reign of loose luxury are herein set forth.
Scenes never equalled in shamelessness have disgraced the Halls of
State, the Courts, and the mansions of the suddenly enriched.
The poor have been trampled by these tyrants for twenty years.
Characters unknown in the social history of any other land, have
been evolved from this golden eddy of crime and adventure.
Not till all these men and women of incredibly romantic fortunes
have passed away, will a firm social structure rise over their
graves.
Throttled by usurers, torn by gigantic bank wars, its resources
drained by colossal swindles, crouching yet under the iron rule
of upstart land-barons, "dashing journalism," and stern railroad
autocrats, the Californian community has gloomily struggled along.
Newer States have made a relative progress which shames California.
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