Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1851-12-17
HON. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS.


That able and sterling Democratic paper, the Lou
sville Democrat, has hoisted the names of Stephen
A. Douglas. of Illinois, and r. M. T. Hunter, Of
Virginia, for President and Vice President subject,
of course, to the action of the Democratic National
Convention. The Democrat says:
"The name of Douglas is associated with all the
stirring and important political movements of the last
ten or fifteen years. He has led the van of progress.
have won him fame which few, even of the elders
in politics. ever attain. 1t appears to be the policy
of some to select candidate Of merely negative char
acter. who has not been, the phrase goes, mixed
up with the late issues before the country We pre-
fer man who has been mixed u2 with these issues
who has walked boldly through them-who has
maintained his integrity and consistency in the temp
est of excitement, and who has kept impartial eye
upon the interests of the whole country in the midst
OF sectional conflicts. We prefer an active, working
democrat, who has been untlring and unequvocal in
support of the theory and practice OF government he
deems best for the country. The democrats have
never succeeded uponsmere negatives. No party by
such policy control the destnes of this great
republic, and no man of such negative pretensions
should be placed at the helm. The whole Union,
and especially the great West, know Stephen A.
Douglas. On the questions of national bank, the
Independent treasury, tariff reform, the settlement of
sheOregon question. the acquisition Of Texas. and
reforms in the disposition of the public lands, his
course has been Marked firm, consistent, democratic;
throughout the agitation of the compromise measur.
es, he has been the liberal statesman true to the
sttuton, and the inexible opponent of sectional ia
natcism. He might have made himself the idol of
faction by panderng to sectional prejudice, but his
talents needed such prop to support him, and his
integrity has been proof against the temptation. We
can find one of the same active and positive pub
lie life whose antecedents will bea: so rigid scrut
ny. He is in the prime of life, able to endure the
H.> II. - r - a..
Presidents in the last ten or twelve years. Harrison
and Taylor survived only short time the perplexes
and trials of the presidential Office, and Polk lived
only to the close Of his term.
We have reason to expect that the next four years
will be eventu in foreign relations, and req uire
We need not commend the abilities of Douglas. They
are too we'll known. His power has been felt in the
policy Of the nation wherever talent. energy bold
ness and independence were needed. He is besides,
from the great northwest the popular favore Of that
region, and the South will feel confident that they
have in him shield against aggressons upon State
rights and the fanaca agitations of the subject of
slavery in the councils of the federal government.
The favor with which his name is mentioned North
and South is ominous of good. The real friends of
the U Unon recognise in him one upon whom they can
safely unite Some States have their avorites whom
they would prefer; but Douglas is their choice, local
partiaties aside. We regard these signs as point.
ing to him above all others upon whom the voice of
his country will unite with most cordiaity. If we
consulted our partalities for older politicians.
our choice would be different bot the signs of the
times point the young gan, of Illinois, and we say,
let him have the track. His party can have no bet
ter candidate, and his country better President
The Democrat also speaks in terms of high COM
mendation of Mr.. Hunter. He is," says that pa
per, popular and able Senator from Virginia. and
belongs the genuine Jeersonion school, the strong
advocate of State rights apd the firm friend Of the
IJnion''