The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1855-06-22
Another Distinguished Southern "hiS
ON ism.
LOUISVILLE, June |, 1850.

To tie Editors Of lie Daily Louisville Times:
Gentlemen MANY friends, Irrespective OF par
ty, knowing my views to be opposed 20 the organ
izatlon and policy Of the Know Nothings, have
warmly urged me 10 become a candidate for re.
election 10 Congress from this district. have
stated that | would consider the proposition and
give them answer by the LIST of June. After
reflection upon the sud-. CT, do not think am the
appropriate person to make the canvass, and there
fore decline the invitation.
The old Wing party by which was elected is
diSbanded. A new organization. which proposes
10 INTRODUCES questions of religious belief as critic
rions for office, and TO repeal the naturalization
laws under which have lived from the begin
nIng OF our COVE nment, with the single exception
OF .he federal inrerregnum under Adams, when
they were extended Ia fourteen years, has arrayed
itself in the field of politics. In addition, We find
that the new party maintains ominOus silence
in relation TO the rights Of The Southern States,
which should fill every patriotic heart with fear.
| have ever been and yet am inhexby opposed
to such principles.
The regularly nominated Democratic ticket is
the only opponent in the f.Id against this new
party. Ii is clear that il cannot achieve success.
unless, Virginia, by The aid Of honest and
fearless Southern Wings, who will not be absor bed
in secret fraterhles. and who desire no ambigu
ous alliance with Northern Know Norhings-
TheI. aid has given the first check 10 this
party and annihIaled its prestige of victory. Bot,
with these facts before us, il cannot be concealed,
that the main body OF the opponents OF the kEow
Nothing. is composed OF Democrats. Ii is natural
they should desire their Candidate not only 10 be
the representative of their sentiments upon these
topics in opposition to the Know Nothngs, but
also TO coincide with them upon the general policy
of the Democratic party and 70 yield acquIescence
upon the issues of the past. do not mean to say
that this would D. required the terms OF support.
bu | have heard it suggested requisite 10 con-
centraIe the full energy Of opposition. Indeed, ii
has been minated that all acquiescence in the
policy Of the Democratic administration might be
necessary to give force and conference to The
movement. Standing in the attitude | occupy,
could only consent 10 make the race an inde-
pendent candidate, free from all pledges whatever.
For these ta>ons am convinced that, in order
to achieve success and combine the party. 1t Is
better for the Democracy to select a candidate
from their own ranks, and eniruSt 10 him the ad-
vocacy of their cause. For my part, my
belief is drcided that the Know Nothing move
meni is as transient its growth has been sudden.
As between The Dem cracy and itself my chuce
is quickly made, but | feel that best consult my
own dignity, and relieve myself from all susP.
coEs OF unworthy motives if, at the same time,
ihat | frankly avow my determination TO support
the principles of tie party, decline its hnnors.
All that | ask is the privileges to sustain, by my
vote, the wise, great, and nobly liberal principles
upon which know the Republic is founded, and
by the faithful observance OF which am profound
ly conscious the social repose and political pros
perity of the nation can alone be srcnred.
Permit me TO return my heartfelt thanks to those
friends, both Wings and Democrats. who have so
generally offered to give me their warm support.
| remain, with respect,