Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-10-01
For the Journal.
Discussion ut clinton.

LII
Messrs. FuLToN & PRIcE-Gentlemen we nau
the pleasure of being present at the political discus
sion that took place in Clinton on Saturday last De-
tween Col Person. Democratic candidate tor Electors
and Gen. Winslow, Wing candidate for Elector, o.
this Congressional District and nasmuch as priei
sketch of the debate Nigh not prove undressing
to portion at least of your readers, we will under
take to jot down few of the leading incidents OF
the occasion-subject to this exception. however,
that we shall not pretend to give in any instance
the precise words of either of the distinguished
speakers.
Col Person took the initiative, in an able speech
of about two hours, in the course of which he re-
viewed in a masterly manner the principles upon
which the Democratic party and the Wing party IN
this country were formally arrayed against each
other He then commented with much force upon
the significant fact that whilst the Democratic party
were still true to their ancient and time honored
principles, the Wing party had abandoned theirs,
and now base their claims to the support OF the
American people almost solely upon the gratitude
which is due merely to successful military hero.
If such was not the case, then what had become of
the old issues of national politics Was the party
which he (Gen w J represented. in favor of IA Uni
party opposed to the Independent Treasury SYSTEM
&c? These were questions that require solution,
and he hoped Gen. w. would meet them promptly
and boldly. He then went into an examination OF
the merits of General Pierce soldier and states
man proved by his votes and speeches his entire
soundness with regard to the constitutional rights OF
the South and nobly indicated his character from
the many foul aspersions that had been cast upon it.
He spoke also in of praise of Cen SCOTS mlll
tary career but denounced the sectional and fanati-
cal inhuenee through which his nomination for the
Presidency was effected.
| Gen Winslow then took the stand, and after al
ludng to Col Ps. questions went on to say that thu
United States Bank dead hammer-ther'
was no doubt about it, for the people had put then
seal of condemnation upon it. But Continued Gen
w y do not think it worth my while to discuss alb
stract questions.
Then you admit, (rejoined Col. P.:) that you
party have abandoned all their old issues No. sir
(repled Gen. W shall make no admissions!
recollect that four years ago. you got me to make
certain admission, and then it that you cut
little bit off the end of my tail No! no! shall
make admissions am too old coon for that
He (Gen. W then referred to the charges of drunk
enness. cowardice and abolitionjsm that had beer
promulgated against Gen. Pierce. THESE charge
he did not believe to be true, therefore he would no
condescend to repeat them He did believe, howeV
err that Gen. Pierce had uttered sentiments favora
bic to free soilers The remainder of his speech
=. principally devoted to euIogizing Gen. Scott Hi
! speech occupied nearly two hours. -..-.
: Col Person then followed with rejonder, an
refuted in most eloquent manner, the charges tina
his opponent had made against the Democratic pal
ty, and our glorious standard-bearers, Pierce an
King. Gen. Winsow then made brief reply an
= the discussion ended. The debate condut
'"4 'risH %""+toey and good feelings both U
e and the audience dispersed IN excelenC HumUr. w
h have only time and space to add that the Democra
It of Sampson will do their full duty for Pierce an
+ King at the election in November next. Mar
l. this!
IS Yours truly,