The daily union., 1852-10-09
From the Norolk (virgInia) Argus.
MIR. Graham and Rel gious federation In North
Carolina.

MIR. Graham and Religious federation IN North
Carolina.
Wing politicians have attempted to make religion
prominent element in the peAdng presidential contest
have been made 10 sectaan preludlees 10 nJufe
the cause OF the democratic party and bring lis noole
standard bearer into dsrepue because ne happened 70
hail from State where law inlmeal 10 Caholicity has
been tolerated by the people Every ingenious mind
admits that General Pierce did all in his power TO have
this stain expunged from the constitution OF New Hamp
shre but because he was unsuccessful he is mace ac
eounlabe for the sins OF his people, and most anusuy
and ogcay branded with the soaring mark oil ogofy
But these demagogues, who mistake ihe slump lof 'he
altar OF the Most High, forget IN their 0ind pursuit OF
the object OF their absurd attack, that William II Graham,
their nominee Tor The vice presidency comes from State
whose constitution IS dsgraced py similar odious re,
gouses clause and that their candidate Tor the second
office the gift OF the American people, II not IN favor
OF retaining this proscrptve ieatue has never made one
single effort for lis expargatlon
In 1885 convention OF delegates assembled al Raleigh,
the capital OF the Sate for the purpose OF amending the
old constitution, and religious tolealion was the most
exciting topic which arose IN the deliberations oi mat
body We propose 10 examine the proceedings OF this
assembly and expose the pursued by certain lead
ing wings who at the present time are active Scott men,
aud who no doubt are now engaged in denonnclng Gen
Pierce on account of the clause in the New Hamp
shire constitution We have the journal and debates oil
the convention before us; were an humble member
of it, and shall therefore speak from the record and
from own personal observation.
Neither the whig candidate for the vice presidency nor
Senator Mangum, who both reside IN the county OF
Orange had seats IN the convention but the members oil
tna county resisted most srenuousy the repeal or slight
esi modification ot this test arce as we snail presently
show Nor was Senator George 4 Badger member OF
the convention but both before and during It's session.
influenced either by religious bgolry or from jealousy
and hatred Judge Gaston the only prominent Catholic
in the Stae he nhexiby opposed to the recsion OF
this odous feature of the constitution The following is
the provision which contained in the old constlu-
lion, commonly distinguished as the 32d article:
"SEc. 80 That person who shall deny the being OF
Cod the truth Of the P,oss,ant religion, or the Dyne
hold religious prime Piles incompatible with the freedom
safely the STATE, shall be capable OF holding any Of
ce place OF trust or pot IN The cVi department within
this State"
After repeated efforts the part of those members who
advocated religious freedom, to have this clause ex-
purgated or literally modified, the only amendment that
adopted by the convention was 10 strike from the
article the word "Protestan and insert "Chrisan in
its stead Even this little boon would not have been
obtained had it not been for the influence which was ex
ercsed the deliberations Of the convention by the
Hon. VIM. Castor, who was Roman Catholic, and one
of the ables and purest men in the State
The follow ing amendment was offered by Hon. w eldon
N Edwards. sterling democrat, than whom there does
not live more devoted TO the cause OF liberty or
the rights OF man
"That all having natural and unaienable right
worship Almighty God according 10 the dictates Of their
consciences, all religious tests, as qualifications for
office, incompatible with the principles OF free govern
menL"
This was decided in the negative, only SO voting for
il and 81 against it.. The Hon. j. r. Daniel, another
most excellent democrat and one OF the Judges OF the
supreme court then proposed an amendment IN me ioi-
lowing Words which was also reJected-yeas 10, nays
80:
"ResOlrsd, That it is expedient to the dsqua
fcaon Tor Office, contained 10 the sd article, from all
who do deny the being OF God and an accountability
to Him for the deeds done IN the body"
We do not know what the sentiments OF Mr. Graham
were in relation TO this question. But one thing is GER
ainno evidence be afforded going 10 show that he
raised his voice exerted any influence, either al
home in The State al large, IN the several public
stations which he filled, 10 secure TO the citizen the
rights OF conscience The people OF his county were al
pft rttcip nf
the constitution, and although 1t was not made party
question before the convention, yet the friends and po
ltca associates of Mr. Grabam--t.ie prominent wings
10 the conyentob--were generally opposed TO modl.
r.. = % ;hs Questionable clause, as few facts will
~ r S Son n h , snS;a" M
Smith, OF Orange, Mr. Graham's couniyD was opposed
10 al acon upon H. and moved 10 lay II on the table.
Ths however, the convention refused 10 do. In the
course OF his remarks he said:
The present excitement in his part OF the country
could be Judged OF by persons at distance II was
such have prejudged the question: and such as could
MOI be easily He wished this section 10 be
tanned sleeping thunder to be called up only when
cessary defeat some deep|aid scheme OF ambition He
would pre- this purpose the kee ping the constitution
lis lie should fear much, II this 32d article dis
turbed the constitution amended would not be ratified
by the people"
used the opposite sie he said the people OF bis county
had the right instruct their delegates, and inquired s
Orange county, with her $500 voters, too Insignificant TO
be heard this floor Whatever others thought he felt
himself bound 10 obey the kroon toes OF his consttu
enis and he should do so He had been instructed by an
uns9uiuoeat erpresaoa Of public opinion" He further
said. II tw submitted 10 The people of The State
separate and distinct proposition, the question Ggana
expungng the article would be decided By overwhelm
ing majority"
rhe other delegate from Mr.. Graham's county was
equally opposed 10 interfering with the article, though
be did not address the convention on the subject We
have presented the views expressed by the representa-
i've from Orange couniy, ~ order TO show what
the sentiments Of the people In Mr.. Giahams own yicn
ity where his influence was unboundej, ~ relation TO
tins topic. Whether they reflected bis viers we
have not the means OF knowing We think II, however
than probable that they did. II is but reasonable
10 suppose that he sailed before the breeze and joined
IN judgment with the then existing state oi popular feel
ing But thing is ceralnhe did not venture take
the bold and manly stand that General Pierce did IN hs
State in openly advocating the great principle Of making
all equal before the law. II he did not defend in
tolerance, his lips sealed against proclaming the
eternal truths OF religious freedom. His voice never
heard in condemnation ol this proscrptiye clause n the
organic law OF North Carolina.
We have said that this not made party test
question in the convention. lew prominent wings,
their praise be II spoken, in favor OF the abro
CATION of the religious test; but the largest portion OF
them were opposed TO its repeal While the fervld elo
quence OF such democrats Macon, Branch, Carson,
Daniel Edws5ds m BAILEY SpsS9s BB'pSa oS Others
John AZ Mspthead John d. Toomer, Hugh McQueen,
Alfred Dockey, and others resisted all emancipation OF
religion from the degrading thradom in which was fe-
tered by the blgoity OF past ages
The Hon Alfred Dockery, who is at present a whig
representative In Congress from North Carolina, and
active partisan OF General Scott, suggested that The pro-
prey of amending this article be submitted to the peo
pie IN dis,inc, and separate proposition that such was