They shun
the cities. In city and country, squatter wars, over lot and claim,
excite the community. San Francisco is a hotbed of politicians and
roughs of the baser sort. While the Southerners generally control
the Federal and State offices, Hardin feels the weakness in their
lines has been the journalistic front of their party. Funds are
raised. Pro-slavery journals spring into life. John Nugent, Pen
Johnston, and O'Meara write with pens dipped in gall, and the ready
pistol at hand. Tumult and fracas disgrace bench, bar, legislature,
and general society. The great wars of Senators Gwin and Broderick
precede the separation of Northern and Southern Democrats. As
the summer of 1856 draws on, corruption, violence, and sectional
hatred bitterly divide all citizens. School and Church, journal
and law-giver, work for the right. The strain on the community
increases. While the coast and interior is dotted with cities and
towns, and the Mint pours out floods of ringing gold coins, there
is no confidence. Farm and factory, ship and wagon train, new
streets, extension of the city and material progress show every
advancement. But a great gulf yawns between the human wave of old
adventurers, and the home-makers, now sturdily battling for the
inevitable victory.
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