Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-07-30
For the Standard.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONTEST.

For the Standard.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONTEST.
MEssRs. EDrroRs: A few suggestions occur to my
mind pertinent TO the issues to be decided by
the people Of North Carolina, which pei me to
throw them out for public consideration and reAec
zion. Short as is the time between this and the
day of election, yet trust it is sufficiently long to
arouse our citizens to fair, candid, and impartial
examination of both the merits and dement's of the
various measures of State policy, now before them
for their approval rejection. 1t is patriotic duty,
and one which transcends all others in importance
and magnitude, to see that the Commonwealth Ere
ceives no detrment," and that her sons marking
out for her high career of honor, prosperity, and
renown. That we should be strictly jealous and
constantly watchful of her interests, is than
is required Of by the ties of flial love. To per-
form the task of seepess sentinel, is sure indi-
cation that Carolina is and dear to hearts,
and that our eyes are ever ready to rest with suspi
cion and distrust upon those who would idly tam
per with her welfare.
1t is apparent that now in the midst of
contest of vital importance to North Carolina The
issues involved in the campaign are of vast import,
and demand the calm and unbiased investigation of
the freemen of the State They not of a trivial
character, is the decision to be made to be
contemplated with indifference and levity; but only
with that serious deberation which becomes patri-
ots and that can alone render them capable of COM
pretending the utility or inexpedency Of the Cog
mas sought to be established and incorporated into
our statute-book. CHANGE AND REFoRa are now
the words emblazoned on party banners. With John
Randolph it can be properly said, "change is not
always REFORM" for changes may radically affect and
impair the well being of State, while reform has
for its direct object some practical benefit In North
Carolina, constitutional reform has been the battle
shout of the Democracy for eight years. and no po-
litical inequality and aristocratic distinctions be-
tween voters will be allowed when we obtain the
requisite majority to effect this object. We have
reason to believe that in brief period the defect
now existing in the organic law will be expunged,
and the wise and just doctrine of Free Suffrage be
inserted in its place. This is ga contamination
most devouty to be wished" To this all-absorbing
subject, however, will devote more particular at
tention.
In the month of April the Know Nothing and
Democratic Conventions assembled, and brought out
their candidates for Governor The former present.
ed the name of John A. Gmer, and the latter that
of Thomas Bragg. platform was adopted by
each Convention, setting forth the principles upon
which their organizations rested One spoke ofFree
Suffrage rather coldly and dstantly and with great
gusto opposed the squandering the public lands
among foreign paupers and convicts;" the other
clearly and explicitly published to the world de.
claralon OF principles whose construction is so pal
pable as to leave no doubt to their import With
the land question, which has been so permanently
and justly settled by our party, and is now again
introduced into the canvass in absurd and sense
less resolution patched up at Greensborough have
nothing to do; but will proceed to examine the sub.
Ject OF Free Suffrage, and to vindicate it from the
assaults of our adversaries Here an issue is pre-
sented, and here We separate hands,
Although our opponents have invariably claimed.
or rather their candidates have proessed to be- bet
ter Free Suffrage men than ours, yet their profess
sions are strangely inconsistent with their acts
Gen. Dockery avowed himselfn 1854, sounder upon
this subject than Gov. Bragg so does Mr.. Glmer
now. When that sterling patriot, to whom the De-
mocratc party is now in a great measure indebted
for our present ascendency in the State, David S.
Reid, first advocated the doctrine of Equal Suffrage
it was sneeringly and contemptuouslv pronounced
political thunder, manufactured by Samuel Houston
and Judge Douglas, to shake the old Wing State of
North Carolina from hei mornings. aNot Wing Or
ator could hear this thunder without grimaces and
contortions Of countenance and expressions of no.
~ horrors" but soon it re-echoed among the noun
tains OF the West and was heard where the pillows
sweep in their might and grandeur slong the sea.
board. The masses listened to its sound and march.
ed to Its pealing music, as if to the sou.cheerng
notes OF the ear-piercng fife and the rafting drum.
And now that the people have put their emphatic
and unmistakeable mark of appreciation upon it.
and proclaim their desire for this Constitutional re-
Iorm lts violent opponents may trembe for the fate
that awaits them - -
Gov Bragg and Mr.. Gilmer occupy different 20.
s'0ns on THIS question: while both claim to be Free
Suffrage men. To some this NAV seem paradox
wncn logic and the subteties of sophistry must ut.
terly fail to explain. How is thisf Where is the
diversity OF opinion? This interrogatory is easily
solved. Mr.. Bragg is before the State as the expo
ana NJ G9oai Suffrage by Legislative enactment;
aonai reform BY an open. and unfettered Conyen.
Son. here then 10 marked and radical difference
=; s:entment Already this neasure has passed ito
ths sas stago4t yet awaits twosthirds vote n
wheh,it will finally come be-
F9H TIT This method T. az ~ ~ ~