Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-05-26
A STARTLING DOCTRINE.

We understood Mr.. Shepard, the Know-Nothrng
candidate, to take this position Monday last with
reference to the island of Cuba: He opposed to
for its acquisition, opposed to fllibustersm-
thought it we'll enough that the island should remain
as it is, but would take it by purchase at fair and
reasonable prize We understood him to declare,
however, that if England and France should Afri-
canze the sland-tha is, set the slaves free, as they
have done in Hayt and Jamaica, there oould be no
thing IN the act to alarm or injure as as people
On the contrary, he argued that if the island shonld
be Africanized it would throw into the Southern
States of the Union the cultivation of coffee and
gar, this actually adding to the prosperity of this
country. This is the most startling do, trine ever
advanced in relation to Cuba, by any public man in
this State and we undertake to say that but few
of the old federal party in the District whose
votes Mr.. Shepard is soliciting, will agree with him
IN this position. Why, citizens of the non-slave-
holding States-Mr. Douglas Mr.. Buchanan, Gen.
Cass and President Pierce, who is denounced on
hypothesis by Mr.. Shepard as traitor-have all
declared, over and over again, that such nterven-
ton by England and France in the affairs of Cuba,
auould be tfaught aOith imminent peril to the inter-
ests Of the United States a0OuM put at hazard the
Institution Of Slavery itself, and should be resisted
Of the point ofthe 6ayonet If necessary, by fed
eraI government. And the same view is entertained
by majority of the people of the free States.
The result of permitting such policy on the part
England and France is evident that it seems to
unnecessary to dwell upon it; but aside from the
consequences which would flow from the act affect
ing the institution of slavery, the right if conceded
to these two powers thus to interfere and destroy
the leading domestic establishment of Cuba would
carry with it the right to control the island ITSELF
nd fIof4a 1flaf of fhn of he
Mississippi, and all commerce seeking the great
South and the wide regions of the Pacific through
the Gulf of Mexico woul at exist merely by
the suferance of England and France We should be
thrown back, by such policy, at least fifty years.
to the period preceding the acquisition of Louisiana
by Mr.. Jefferson 1t is policy which, if attempted
by France and England and submitted to, would
vitality affect the interests of the United States and
especially the institution of slavery and we should
be pointed to throughout Christendom as people
destitute alike of common sagacity, of craftsmanship,
and manhood 1t is policy which would doubtless
be quite acceptable to such Know Nothings as Hen
ry Wilson, John P. Hale, and Arson P. Morrill,
but it will find but few advocates here.
Truly Mr.. Shepard has begun, and that right sud-
denly to follow strange gods" He was not thus
taught by that Democracy which once honored him,
and called him to the only political stations he ever
has or ever will, most probably, occupy. Indeed,
we think he has gone considerably, in this respect
beyond the wishes of the dark-antern concern which
nominated him. Where is their platform? Who
"sre the delegates? Who presided over the cabal,
which has sent forth candidate to excuse, before
the people of this District, the threatened Afrcani
cation of Cuba by France and England? What say
MessrS. Reid, of Duplin Reade of Person, and Paine
to these views of their brother Know Nothing Are
they with him? And if SO, is it good "Am7crican"
doctrine to stand quietly by and permit England
and France to convert Cuba into another Jamaica
Or Hayt? This, then is I" Americanisne We
pronounce it any thing else it would open the door
ol the whole Union to that very "FoREIGN INFLv-
ENcE against which were so solemny warned
oy W Washington, and would expose these States to
consequences, the depth and the danger of which
no human nagination fathom.
And is this specimen of Mr.. Shepards states
manshp? If so, it proves that he has cast aside all
MS former experimental his former readings of
history, and has determined to commence anew in
his new cause.
We had the pleasure of seeing in this City, on
Wednesday, the Hon. Thomas Ruffin of Wayne !
lie was in excellent health and spirits. Col. Ruf6n |
was never so strong in the confidence and affections
Vi the Democracy of the Wayne District as he is
now.
We learn that the rumor that William K. Lane,
Esq, OF Wayne, would oppose Col. Rufin is totally
unfounded. Mr.. Lane is too devotedly attached to
Tue Democratic party to do any thing calculated to
put Its principles in jeopardy