The North-Carolina standard., 1848-09-13

ton of the Democratic party. was ia favor of an
nexation at period which in my judgment would
have been more Propitous and do not now hesitate
to express the opinion that matter who had been
elected President, that it would have followed ult
mately, and perhaps better terms to Texas.
only express what believe correct sentiment when
say, that the federal government, when Texas was
annexed and yielded up the control of the revenue
arising from her custom houses bound upon every
consideration of national justice and generosity, to
assume, to reasonable extent, her public debt.
Having now very fully given my views on several
questions, explanation of which was due to my
self, now proceed to give my opinions on the Pres-
dental election. When questions of character to
which have alluded were before Congress, views
and opinions were expressed by gentemen-not per-
haps by Gen. Cass in such latitude some others
which were entirely at variance with my own,
that expressed and entertained preference for Gen.
Taylor, believing his views moderate on those
questions, and that if he came into Office he would
| stand In an Independent attitude towards the Wing
party The latter is by means the attitude which
in my opinion Gen. Taylor now occupies on the con-
ary his letter of acceptance recently published de-
titles him too exclusively with that party. In regard
to the objection against General Cass, agreeing with
him all other points, that is for all practical
purposes removed The late extraordinary aspect of
affairs between the North and the South as devel-
oped within few days past by votes in Congress,
showing that all questions in relation to territory
both present and hereafter, to bring up the slave
question and endanger the Union renders it, think,
almost morally certain, that neither Gen. CaSs or
any other person who may be elected President will
countenance the acquisition of territory by either arms
or any other way, unless by some peaceabe purchase
of such possession as Cuba, if opportunity should
offer, and that by the general consent of all sections
as an acquisition of common benefit. Any other
policy and inevitably will end in destroying our
Union, and therefore can receive no countenance as
/ apprehend from the people or any administration
view, therefore, the question between Gen. Taylor
and Gen. Cass as no longer practically involving
this issue, but regard the election thrown
back almost entirely on the old party issues. The
of every citizen belongs to his country, and on
those issues am now where have always been.
have known Gen. Cass for many years; and having
had much intercourse with him officially and other
wise, while he was in the Cabinet of Gen. Jackson,
always regarded him as very estimable man, and
as possessing a fine order of talents.
As respects Mr.. Fillmore, never could have hesi-
ated as to preference of Gen. Butler over him, as
personal knowledge of their course in Congress
satisfied me years ago that Gen. Butler Is Demo-
crat in principle, and sound on the slave question
l was equally satisfied that Mr.. Fillmore is sound
on neither.
have long considered it but justice, if accep-
table person could be presented from the North that
the next Presidency was due to her, If the late la
mented Mr.: Wright had lived, he probably would
have been named for that honor. Gen. Cass, how
ever afording the only appropriate opportunity
for the South to exercise this act of Gberaty, late
events admonish that it is our true policy.
AS to my past relations with the democracy OF
North Carolina, no one could hold them IN more
grateful remembrance than myself, none ought to
|
the Legislature age carly or perhaps earlier,
than any man who ever sat in it-eected by the
Legislature to the Senate of the United States at an
age probably earlier than any man w no had been sent
from the -riumphanty elected to the same sta
ton on the Bank question in 1884 ; IN 1910, when
Harrison carried the State every Democratic vote OF
the Legislature was given to me as an evidence OF
their appreciation; and again when the Democratic
party carried the State in 1912 an immense majority
of that party, with zeal and frmness never SurPass
ed, endeavored to replace me in the Senate In what
wav that purpose was thwarted, you are fully ap-
prised Having received in these more evidences Of
the appreciation of my party, than believe any Other
individual of the State has received from the same
party for that station, surely cherish with none
other than feelings of the most lively gratitude these
evidences of partality.
Claiming for these views no other value than tina
which attaches to the opinions of a mere private
citizen who always gave disinterested service to the
republican party when in public life, you at lib
erty to use them in such way, best suits the wish
es of those of my old friends who desire to know
+ them. I am, my dear sir,
+ Very truly yours,
n r,,r.e Cosuo1l conntv. N. G..