Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-08-11

opponents have selected the case of Mrs. Harrison,
point of attack. will quote part OF his speech
upon this OCCASION which will show the unprejudlced
and fair-minded, whether he right or not. In
the course of his argument, Gen. Pierce says:
" Without any feelings adverse to this claim, po-
lcay or otherwise, he protested against any legs-
lation based upon our sympathies. He protested
against the power and dominion of that in1vdrd Grbi-
ter, which, in private life was most cure to lead US
right, but public men, and disposeTs of the public
money, was sure 10 lead wrong. 1t made a vast
difference whether we paid the money from our own
pockets drew il from the pockets of our constltu-
| ents. He knew his own weakness upon this point
personally, but it would be his steady purpose in
spite of iaunts and unworthy imputaiions, to escape
from 1t as the representative of Others ibis claim
was not made on account of the Indulgence OF the
family; they were in easy, if not afluent crcum-
stances. 1t not for loss OF life, limb, or pro-
perty, in the military service of his country, which
has been heretofore the exclusive basis of pensions, but
it for the civil services of General Harrison, this
claim was set up. This would be broad and dang
erous departure from anything which has yet been
done from the commencement Of the Governmen mt.
In this country have, thank God, not yet reached
the day. when acknowledge, by system of partial
legislation the distinctions of place Of rank, and
if you pass this bill, for the reasons and under
the influence of like impulses, you ought, and you
authorized to grant similar relief to the humblest
widow of the humbest clerk in your civil departments,
and in all probability, many of those could make an
appeal thousand times stronger to our sympathies.
Such, Mr.. Chairman, the considerations
which induced Gen. Pierce to oppose this claim, and
who will deny their strength or justice But, our
records show another application from another indi-
vidual, for pension, and as believe Gen. Pierce
was the Committee of Pensions when it was re-
jected, 1 will explain who it was made by, and for
what reasons was rejected. In the year 1885, Major
General Winfield Scott applied for pension then
holding his present actual rank in the United States
Army by brevet 1t rejected, on the ground that
the only law under which the claim could be allowed,
was passed for the benefit of wounded seanen, and
was passed with the view of promoting enistments:
AS the committee not aware of any personal
wound or afflicton, received by the applicant in the
service of his country they compelled to report
adversely his application. do not know that any
attempt has been made to censure General Pierce for
tie rejection of this claim but in order to prevent its
being done, will state, from the time that General
Scott breveted Major General, in 1914, to the
present hour, he has been receiving annual income
from the Government of upwards of $4,000, which
in the aggregate amounts to the round sum of $685.
900. This application, Mr. Chairman, made by Gen.
Scott for pension, shows in the glaring light,
the perncious evils of the pension system. 1t engen-
ders feeling that our Government should be the
architect of private orunes-that from its Golfers the
streams of individual wealth and emolument should
ow and it requires but moments reflection 10 show
that the consequences upon national character and
national manners would be highly perncious.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
We told by of the Government organs,
published in this city, that General Pierce is tight
laced Democrat, and if elected will oppose all endow
ments of railroads with the public lands, and the i'm
States. These objections made with the view of
preudicing the Western feeling against the nominees
of the Democratic party. Sir fear not its effects.
The Democracy of the North west understand too we'll
the structure of our Government to condemn great
statesman because he has made Legislative career
the Constitution OF his country his only guide. kim
dred attempt has been made in my State, on the
grounds to prove that General Pierce is hostile to
North Carolina because he voted against general
river and harbor bill which, by chance. included
small appropriation for that State. By the same
soning Mr.. Chairman, may be condemned as hos
tile to North Carolina, for during the last Congress
gave like vote upon a similar bill But fatter
myself sir, that it would be very hard to make any
Wing or Democrat in that State believe that l
hostile to Its interests, that did not always hold
her interests nearest to my heart. Sir, however
strongly may desire the full development of her
resources, the Democracy of North Carolina fully
appreciate the fact that live under written
stitution and that if that constitution can be violated
to open rivers, and to make and clear harbors,
can be violated by Congressional majorties for any
and all purposes whatsoever General Pierce will
doubtless, if elected all his influence restrain
the Government within its constitutional limits; but
if Congress in its acSon shall observe those limits
no man who knows his character for a moment
believe he would interfere obstruct this legislation
have now, Mr.. Chairman, in rapid manner,
glanced at Gen. Pierce's political career and in
cusion will say that fully accord in the high COM
Pliment paid to him by the Hon. James Buchanan. of
Pennsylvania
ANo CdAolu anu HouoIdUle HIdH Ol any parry wen
acquainted with Gen. Pierce will, 1 convinced,
deny to him the intellectual qualifications necessary
to render his administration of the Government WISE
able, and successful. Besides unless l am greatly
mistaken he possesses determination Of character and
energy Of will, without which no individual is fitted
10 perform high and responsible executive and adj
illustrative duties, such pertain the office of
President of the United States. My own observa- |
lion. well as the history of the world, have taught
ne that these qualities which do not always be- |
ong to great Senators and distinguished orators.'
MIR. Chairman, the Democracy of our county, |
showing that in the civil administration of our Gov
eminent wise of the pen is of greater value than
FURNISHED sword, have never in their selections of
candidates made military Prowess the standard of
political and civil worth but opponents have
selected the greatest military captain of the age as
heir standard bearer, shrink not from putting in
with him the actions of one of his sub
tern officers.
When Gen. Pierce retired from the political arena
n 1912, it his determination devote his future
ife to his professional labors. Mr. Polk on the for
nation of his Cabinet, offered him the high position
If being his constitutional adviser. This honor he
ecIined, and protesting the greatest confidence in
Mr.. Folks wisdom to administer the Government,
declared he never again expected into the SER
nee of his country, unless 1t should be engaged in ,par
n which case of duty would not ALLOW him
o remain at home. War did come, and as soon as
he fact was announced, find the ilIustrous Sena-
or enstIng as private in a volunteer company
eady TO sacrifice station, comfort and pleasure to
his country. The blood of his patriotic father
lad not yet run out-the one, a private at Bunkers
Hill, the other private for the Mexican fields Mr.
FOLK forced commission upon him. Die he dis.