Excerpt from Of California, for a Period of Thirty Years: Together With an Article on the Chinese Question

We had contemplated publishing a book about two years ago, entitled Twenty-two Months an Itinerant in California. Our visit to the home of our childhood in Ohio at that time prevented the publication of the book, but very much of the statistics and numerous items intended for it have entered the history, and will no doubt serve a better purpose here than in the contemplated book.

The map that we intended to publish would have cost too much to have justified us in making the financial sacrifice unless the subscribers list would have reached the number we called for when the announcement was made.

The death of Rev. S. D. Ensley does not appear in the history. It was overlooked at the time for which we are sorry. His death is noticed in the minutes of 1868 as "having died during the last year." The resolution speaks of him in the highest terms, and offers words of sympathy to his bereaved family.

We are very thankful to those who furnished us with items of interest for the volume now completed. Among the many who helped us are nearly all of the preachers now in the Conference. Rev. C. W. Gillett and wife will accept thanks for the Journals of Sloane and for their excellent Journal. Rev. Philemon Beck, also, for the early official records of the work in Yolo County. Rev. D. K. Flickinger is remembered for the indispensable help he gave us in the line of statistics and of engravings. We also thank Rev. G. W. Burtner for his very personal kindness to us in cases of extreme labors that were made lighter by his willing help.

The article on the Chinese Question contained in the appendix is the result of close observation for several years. It is well for us to consider that there are matters connected with the disposal of the Asiatics among us that will involve questions of a kindred character too momentous for present undertaking. A question so completely interwoven with the very principles of our national existence and the sphere of our usefulness in the providence of God needs calmer thought than is fostered by an incited mob or an antipathetical politician urged on by his constituents.

The writer speaks fearlessly and insists upon a fair and candid hearing. No vile invectives against these statements are needed. Let the matter be weighed at the tribunal of justice to all men, and the results need not be feared.

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