Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-07-01

So,,r IrrMs WORTH LOCKING Ar.-If people will only
keep their eyes reasonably open they Will always
find some little circumstances sticking out so 10
speak by which the sincerity of professions no matter
how high flowing. may be tested. So 1t is IN the pres
emf canvass for Congress in this district Every BODY
who was present at the discussion between Messrs'
Ashe and Leak al the Court House "Wednesday night
Last will recoec that Mr. Leak stated that this issue
of his in regard to the public lands, was no new thing
with him but that he had avowed the same opinions
during his canvass for Governor in 1886 He also
stated emphatically that strongly did be feel upon
the subject that he would vote for man fer Govern
or who did not go for land distribution. If he really
felt so strongly upon this subject why did he not avail
himself of the opportunity of canvassng the State IN
184S, and Of bringing it before the people We know
that in 1913 many of the Democrats in the west-our
humble self among the number-were ANXIOUS that ne
should be candidate for Governors but IN letter 10
Mr. Lander of Lincoln county, written in the spring
of that year. Mr. Leak stated positively that noml-
mated he would not His zeal was not strong
enough TO induce him to undertake the labor or ex-
pense of a canvass then Again, in 1882 Gov Reid
was re.nomnated and accepted, and stood upon plat
form the very opposite of the schemes proposed by
Mr. Leak and his friends, yet Mr.. Leak takes PRIDE
IN himself for his services in favor of Gov Reds cleo
ton this time year. and still he says that this is no
w.born zeal OF his, but that he has held the views
for years If so why did he say nothing against Gov.
Reds platform, but on the contrary warmly support
that gentleman
A yain-it will be remembered how vehemently
Mr. Leake talked about private letter being alluded
to by Mr. Ashe. That letter in regard to an
appointment for offce-so much appeared from Mr.
Leake's own admission, and whether it was to be
considered as an application for Office or not, is
matter we need not now discuss. The really i'm
portant matter is Mr.. Leakes admission that if the
consulate, either to Havana or Liverpool had been
rendered to him he would have accepted it. Where
then would have been all this zeal Actually
leaked out, clean gone and showed under-the cry
ing wrongs of poor Old North Carolina nigh
have cried as loud as they chose, what weigh
would they have had when placed in the balance
opposite to the fat consulate of Liverpool Havana
These facts which we have stated, to which have
made illusions, are all admissions of Mr. Leake'
own. We do hope that at least will not be &C
cused of violating confidence in referring to state
ments made at public meeting.
Let us look little farther, and perhaps may
without travelling much out of our road, find other cir
cumstances which will enable still fully tc
contrast practice and professions We think it is hard
ly necessary to remark that Mr. Leak is a gentleman
of wealth, and no doubt worthy of all the prosperity
with which he has been blessed. That Mr.. Ashe i
not as rich as we think so clever gentleman ough
10 be- is also, unfortunatey we believe, too true hi
might, perhaps, have been a richer man if he hat
made fewer sacrifices for his party and his friends
OF course, MIR Ashe is gentleman of too high spiri
10 make, or 10 sanction any appeals upon such basl
as this; and certainly not enough Of dema
gogues 10 awaken pTeudices for against man TO
his wealth or his poverty but have made the refer
ence for the purpose of illustrating little trait
character. Mr.. Leak admits, that if he, alreab
a wealthy man, had got one or the otbe
Of the two latest offices the gift of the gov
crnment-he would have taken it, and "poo
old North Carolina" might have whistled for him.
On the other hand, what was Mr.. Ashes course. A
the seat of government personally popular-an al
tive and trusted politician-wh strong influence
the cabinet little doubt lie entertained but that
he had sought a lucrative and honorable post h
would have obtained it. But he did not even ono
entertain the idea Prodgal of his courtesies and sci
vices to his friends, he careless for himself
felt deep interest in certain projects for the benet
of the district. He believed and believes still that
can carry them through, and with that end in view
wished and wishes 10 go back to Washington ther
TO devote his energies in and out of fe
the furtherance Of matters on which, as a Cape Fe;
man and North Caronian, his heart is set.
We draw no conclusions. Let the reader Judge
Mems motives queer things, and it is doubtful
even the individuals themselves understand them ha
the time. What we have here said, however, is fou
ded simply upon statements or admissions public
made and known. and which will not be denied
Exceedingly Tolerant.
We hear great deal from certain quarters abo
nroscription. party dictaon. etc but. for our oN