The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-04-22


ty, equally with those of the North. to the
common Territories of the Union. That in
cur opinion the doctrine of popular sover-
eighty Ia the true doctrine that the peo-
pie of the Territories, when they come to
form their State Constitutions and apply
for admission into the Union as States, have
the right to determine for themselves the
character OF their domestic institutions.
| Resolred, That we have viewed with ad-
miration and gratitude the noble end manly
stand taken by the great body of the Dem
ocrats OF the nOn-slaveholaing States, in be-
half of the constitutional rights of the South,
and we will cheerfuHy unite with them, as
heretofore, ali general Convention, to nomi-
nate candidates for the Presidency and Vice
Presidency OF the United States, and to pro-
J claim once more to the world the great prin-
ciples of the Democratic party; and we
pledge our jealous and united support TO
the nominees of sad Convention.
! ReSOLrfd. That We regard the Know-So-
thing organization as corFuptimg and dam
gerOus in its influences and tendencies
| We congratulate the country upon its rapid
decay. The contest for the Presidency, it
/ is apparent, must be between the Demo-
cratic National party and the Black Re-
pnbEcans that third party cannot
strengthen, but must weaken the South in
this contest md that in crisis like the
present it is alike the interest and the duty
of all Southern men to unite with that party
which gives the strongest assurance, by its
unity, its numbers, and its nationality, that
it will triumph over the enemies of our con-
stitutional rights, by whatsoever name call
ed.
ReSolred, That we are opposed to all Sc
cret, oath bound political associations, and
to intolerance and prescription on account
of religious opinion, either by Catholics or
Professionals, by legal enactment or at the
ballot box.
Res0trtd, That President Pierce, by his
inaugural address and subsequent State pa
pers, and especially by the noble vindica-
ton of the constitutional rights of the States,
contained in his last annual message to
Congress, rs well as by his uniform deYo-
ton to the constitution and his faithful en-
forcement of its obligations, has endeared
himself tn all true lovers of The country
and while We freely acknowledge, and
proudly recognize, the abilities, the patriot
ism, and the sound principles of many other
distinguished members of our party, and
will give cordial and united support to
whomsoever may receive the nomination of
the Cincinnati Convention, we vet deem it
due to FRANKLIN PIERCE. and to our
selves, TO declare that he is our first choice
for the Presidency. and that we should hail
his nomination with the liyeliest satisfac-
ton.
ReSOlred, That We are proud Of the repu- !
tati0n of JAMES c. DoBBIN, Secretary of |
the Navy. We respect him for his ex-
perience and wisdom as O. statesman, and |
cherish a strong affection for him as a man. |
on account of his Gmiablo disposition and |
his many virtues; and that his nomination |
for the Vice Presidency would be gratifying
to the people of North Carolina, and serve
to bind still more closely together the
national Democratic party.
ReSOLred, That the Constitution of this
State ought to be amended, so as to extend
to all free white men the same right to vote
for members of the Senate as for members
of the House of Commnnsi that we regard
the plan of amendment by legislative enact
ment and the sanction of the people IT the
ballot-box, as strictly republican, as It is
certainly constitutional; that we are OPP
posed, under any and all circumstances. to
change of the basis of representation in
the Senate and House of Commons; and
that we will never abandon the great prin-
ciple of Free Suffrage, but will unite with
our fellow citizens of both parties in press
ing it, in the fape of all opposition and diff
ficulties, to its final triumph.
ReSoLUed, That it is our earnest wish and
desire to see the resources of North Caro-
lima, agricultural, mineral and commercial.
and developed; and the State having
already entered upon system of internal
improvements to that end, and made large
Investments with that view, it would, in the
opinion of this Convention, be polite and
ia tSf ING CSIsidtHTei Irpm tlmO to |
time, to extend SUCH further aid in the COM
pletlon of the works already undertaken, .
and the extension of the same, as lust re-
regard for the interest of the people may
require, and the means and resources of the
State will prudently allow.
Resotred, That our present system of
Common Schools ought to be fostered bv
he Legislature, and its efficiency increased, ,
until the blessings of Education shall have
been afforded to all the children of the State.
fesOtred' That the course of Gov. Bragg
has been such as to confirm and increase
he confidence reposed in him, to reflect
honor upon himself, and to promote the best O
interests of the entire State; and that with ?
he fullest confidence in his triumphant re- n
lection we again present to the people of
Eorth Carolr a as the Democratic candidate
pr Governor, THOMAS BRAGG, of North I