The North-Carolinian. [volume] (Fayetteville [N.C.]) 1839-1861, 1850-07-13
COL. REID'S ADDRESS
tn The E04AS,p,lsA IF y .a..t.sizl.,

NV name having been presented to you
a- candidate Tor Governor, at the ensu-
ing tiecti"n, is my apology for this address.
As | 1t" not claim the support OF any man.
against his honest n,ictions Of duty to
his country. shall address myself to the
reason and understanding of the people.
and chee, fully abide their decision.
Believing that the great measures Of
public policy advocated by the Democrat
ic party were calculated to promote the
prosperity aud welfare of the country.
have given to those measures my cordial
support. 1t asked what these measures
are, | may point to our statutes and the
history Of the country for an answer.
may point to the overthrow Of a corrupt
National Bank. and the es abiishnent of
the constit utional Treasury; to the repeal
of ruinuus Tariff system. aud the enact
ment of the more liberal policy embraced
in the act of 1876; aud to the acquisition
Of large. valuable, and fertile Territories.
destined to add wealth and strength to
this great country. These, and other
measures, may point to, proud monu-
ments OF the patriotism. the purity, and
wisdom of Democratic policy. Although
a Democrat, owe no allegiance to party,
farther than the policy of such party is cal
culated to promote the good of the country
The adjustment of the slavery question
is subject OF deep interest to every por-
ton Of the Union. and more especially to
the South. with whose fate our interests
and destiny are inseparabIy interviewed.
Long before my entrance into public life,
the agitation of this subject led to what is
tamiilarly known as the :. Missouri Com
promi>e..' Although l believed that in
entering into that Compromise. tc South
had, for the Sake ot peace and harmony.
conceded to" much to the North. yet when
came into public life was disposed to
carry ont that Compromise in good faith.
! We had rig hit to expect and to demand
Of the North. that she would, on her part
stand b, he Compromise. But in this we
have been sadly disappointed \ very
large portion Of the people Of the North
would no" seek 20 violate it. by demands
incom patIble with the interests. the safety.
and the honor Of the Southern States
The Territory of the United States was
| acquired! by the Common blood aud com
mon treasure OF al the States and APP
propriate i, t" ;ie use Of some of the States.
tn the exclu>o. of n.,-ts, would be vio-
Iation OF every principle OF justice and
equality. Moreover, a vast amount of
slave property is every year escaping iuto
the Northern States, and most Of those
otatNo' 'tStNuN VI Sa'' 'oI
| the compromises Of the Constitution. actu
ally interpose Legislation to prevent the
recapture of fugitive slaves. In this way
the South has lost millions. This grlev-
ance demands redress. The slavery ques-
ton is ct vita! Importance to US. To the
North, it is abstract political ques-
ton. To US, it is not only question of
right, involving ar incaIculable amount Of
private property. bat the r,rpetuity Of the
Union. and, above all, the domestic quiet
aud security of ourselves and families.
The crisis demands that The South should
take a firm stand in defence of her rights.
| have always been a Union man. |
Weld to no man in devotion to this glorious
Union. and l. desire 10 see it preserved
and perpetuatei to all time. After the
enjoyment Of civil and religious liberty.
there is no object more desirable to me
than the preservation of the Union. But
the best and surest means. in my humble
opinion, to preserve and perpetuate the
Union. is for the South to take tirm and
decided stand in favor. Of their rights.
against the encroachments of the North.
| did not approve Of the movement in
favor of calling the Nashville Convention;
yet personal acquaintance with large
| number of gentlemen, both Democrats aud
lwhigS, who were in favor Of that CONVEX