Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-09-12
For the Standard.
HON. JOHN KERR IN OXFORD.

MEssRs. EDIToRs:-I had the pleasure of listening
to one of the most powerful and conclusive speeches
against Know Nothngism, from the gentleman
whose name heads this article yesterday that it
has been my fortune to hear since the organization
of this modern ism. The speech made under
circumstances which, but for the reputation Of the
distinguished speaker, precuded the possibility of
any reasonable expectation of large assemblage-
No public notice whatever of Mr. Kerrs willingness
to crafty his friends with speech was given and
indeed, he did not consent to do so at all until last
Tuesday; and on yesterday, while he address,
ing the people of Granville in Oxford, capital trial
was going on in the Court House, some hundred
yards off, in which much interest manifested,
and in which able and distinguished counsel were
speaking. But, gentlemen, it gratfied my very soul
to that the Court House had no attractions for
any body, not even the lawyers, except those mme
diately engaged i'll the case going on, when it was
known that the distinguished Kerr to make
speech. All assembled-lawyers and ALTO hear
the gallant Kerr and right nobly did he answer the
expectations of his large and respectable audience.
For more than two hours he kept his respectful and
attentive hearers enchanted and delighted with his
soul-stirring eloquence. John Kerr is orator by
nature, and among the noblest and most powerful
His very expression, and powerful, yet graceful
ton, speak in q manner that none but natures
best sons can equal, and no one with soul can
fail to admire him. To his old whig friends, now
Know Nothings, who had rallied around him when
he captain of their forces in 1852, and fighting
with all his powers of mind under the banner of
Scott and Graham, of erich Irish brogue and sweet
German accent" memory, he administer ed rebuke
that really sublime. But they stool and took
it, numbers of them being present, without offering
to leave or attempting to interrupt him, such was
their admiration of the speakers noble bearing
Now, said the bold orator, my all gone but
few noble Rouaans He hau not forsaken them
nor his post. when the hour of adversely came but
stood fighting until the last But he now fou nd his
former friends, save only the patriotic few who would
not go Know Nothingism, all against him, all de-
serters; and being lett i'll this position, he should
not hesitate to the cours, he should pursue
There was party in the country which had shown
by its action in the last Congress of the United
States that it National party, Constitutional
party, and disposed to do him and the constitutional
rights of his section justice. No other party had
shown as much that then or now existed in the
country There were, in fact, but two parties in the
COUNT "a great national and constitutional party,
and great Northern ant-constitutonal party war;
rig upon his rights aud the rights of his section
He had no hesitation in choosing between them
He should stand up for, and act with those that
were disposed to do justice to his section. The
than now. Her entire safety depended on it, and
with that party he should act. He paid Judge
Douglas and Gen. Cass a glowing tribute for their
great moral courage. and also the memorable forty
four in the House of Representatives.
Upon the Know Nothing issues he was clear and
convincing, and disposed Of them all in the happiest
manner He anti-Know Nothing throughout
At the conclusion Of Mr. Kerr's speech, Hon. \. W.
Venable called out, and made few remarks
principally complimentary of Mr.. Kerr, and declar-
ing his opposition to Know Nothingism. Thus you
have the account. a.