The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-08-05

LETTER FROM GOV. REID.

We take pleasure in laying before our
readers the following letter from the Hon.
David S. Reid, disproving the charge that
Mr.. Buchanan voted for or favored the
Bankrupt law; and also showing the real
character of the present contest for the Pre-
sidency. Gov. Reid, by his residence in
Washington, has had excellent opportuni-
ties for forming correct opinion as to the
condition Of public affairs. This opinion
he here gives to the people of his State
without reserve; and the character of the
man is a sufficient guarantee that it is well
considered, unselfsh, and sincere. We
trust it may not be without its effect in the
coming elections. David S. Reid is the
steadfast friend the people of this State,
and has never misled or deceived them
He raises his voice to warn them of the dan
gers ahead, and invokes them to make COM
mon cause against the enemies of the Con-
stitution and the Union. We repeat, 1t as
The uoice of friend-and man whose
Judgment is seldom at fault, and who can
have no motive to deceive or improperly
influence his countrymen.-[ Raleigh Stan
dard.
WASHINGTON CITY, July Is, 1856.
Messrs. HOLDEN g. WILSON Il have re-
Gently received letters from various points
in our State, informing me that the Hon.
James Buchanan is charged by the politi-
cal friends of Mr.. Fillmore with having vO-
ted for the Bankrupt law of lS4l. To save
the trouble of answering these enquiries
separately, have written this letter for
publication, giving a statement of the facts
as | find them.
At the time this act was passed Mr.. Bu-
chanan was in the United States Senate,
and on July "a, l84l. he is recorded as vo-
ting against the passage of the Bankrupt
bill. See Senate journal for that session,
page lis. On the same day, Mr.. Buchan
an made a speech against the bill. See Ap-
pendix to Congressional Globe for that ses-
sion, page 2O5.
On February 25, 1843, Mr.. Buchanan is
recorded Us voting for the repeal of the
Bankrupt law. See Senate Journal for the
session, page 229.
When the act passed, Mr.. Fillmore was q
member of the House of Representatives
and on August lo, l54l, he is recorded as
voting for the Bankrupt bill. See House
d
Fillmore made speech in favor of the bill,
August I6, l94l. See Appendix to Con
gresSional Globe for the session, page 48O.
On January II, 1843, Millard Fillmore is
recorded as voting against the repeal of the
Bankrupt act See House Journal for that
session, page 2l5.
1t will. therefore, be seen that Mr.. Bu-
chanan DID NOT vote for the Bankrupt law,
but that Mr.. Fillmore DID; and moreover,
that Mr.. Buchanan voted FOR THE REPEAL
of the law, and Mr.. Fillmore voted AGAINST
THE REPEAL.
The ensuing Presidential election will be
the most important that has ever taken
place since the adoption of the Federal
Constitution; and as there ought to be no
difference of opinion among the people of
North Carolina upon the great issue involv-
ed. it is to be regretted that large party
are engaged in a course calculated to prove
disastrous to the interests of the South and
fatal to the principles of the Constitution.
The larger number of those who support
Mr.. Fillmore are no doubt actuated by pure
and patriotic motives; but we must rcmem-
Der that this fact will not render their course,
if it succeeds, the less fatal in its conse-
quences to the country. The error may be
discovered too late to repair the injury it
inflicts.
Every one who has taken the pains to
make an impartial inquiry in regard to the
state of political parties and the tone of
public sentiment, must know that the contest
is between Mr.. Buchanan, the candidate of
the Democratic Constitutional party on the
one side, and Mr.. Fremont, the Black Re.
publican Abolition candidate on the other.
No candid well informed man will venture
to express the opinion that Mr.. Fillmore
stands any chance to be elected by the peO-
pie. Every vote, therefore, given for Mr..
Fillmore weakens Mr.. Buchanan and will
strengthen Mr.. Fremont. The Know No
thing party of the North has been absorb
ed by the Black Republicans, and if the
Southern Know NothingS should, by carry
ing few Southern States for Mr.. Fillmore,
succeed in throwing the election into the
House of Representatives, then what have
we to expect! Could we reasonably hope
that a sound man would be chosen by bo-
by which has elected Black Republican
of the deepest dye as its Speaker, and has
thus far cast every important vote in favor
of that party! 1t is true that in choosing
a President the House votes by States. but
that does not make the prospect of success
more favorable at this time.
/ repeat. the contest is between Mr.. Bu-
fer the former to the latter and desire to
preserve the rights of the States and main
tain the Constitution, ought to vote for him,
of former political associations.
am gratfed to know that hundreds--in
Guiding the masses Us well as the politicians,
who have not heretofore acted with the De-
mocratic party, taking the proper view of
the subject, have determined to sacrifice
party for the good of the country, and are
giving cordial support to Mr.. Buchanan.
Mr.. Fremont is purely sectional can
didate, representing party held together
by the one idea, of inveterate hostility to
the domestic institutions of thc South, and
we have nothing tn hope from him. On the
other hand, Mr.. Buchanan is the candidate
of a national party; be is a pure man.
statesman of wisdom and experience. and
will administer the government according
to the principles of the Constitution.
The deepest interest is felt by the Con-
stitutional men of the North and of the
South in regard to the result of the August
election in our State; and | am sure she
ill ,>,;.I,o. bar int NOR