The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-07-22
TAKING LEAVE OF KNow-NoTH.
INGISM

INGIsM.
VIM. NJ. Burwell, Esp, has been among
the most -ctive, as he was indisputably a.
mong the most brilliant members of the
know nothing Order of Virginia. No man
wrote SO ably in support of the principles
of the know nothing party, as was attested
by his vigorous editOrship of their paper,
the Washington Organ. Since he ceased
to be its editor. that paper has been the
stupidest sheet in America. Mr.. Burwell
was author of the famous 18th section, in
every way he was caressed and honored by
the Order to his hearts content. But he is
constrained to leave at last. His repudia-
ton of Fillmore and his support of Buch-
anan are indicated by the highest consid-
erations of patriotic duty, His parting Ad-
dress comes to US in the last Richmond En-
uirer. 1t is worthy the attention of all
Southern men, ard particularly of Wings,
who are asking themselves whittier shall
l got" We regret the want of space
WHICH compells US to give only an extract
from this able letter addressed to his con-
stituents, Mr.. B. being ?. member of the
Legislature of Virginia, seat which he
has resigned, in consequence of his inabili
ty longer to represent party which made
him their standard bearer. After showing
that the american party has become
aboltionized by repudiating the 18th sec
ton" Mr.. 3. says;
The issue upon Which parties have Or
gained for the ensuing campaign is: Shall
any more Slave States be admitted into the
UniOn!'
Foremost and most formidable in this
contest stands the Black Republican party,
dangerous compound of fanaticis4n and
powerful resources; it is led by ambitious
and sagacious men; it intends to employ
the numbers o. the North to subjugate the
South and govern the country. Its ina
terial warfare consists in impeacling the
title of your property, OBTAINING your char
acter and combining the most despotic and
lawless influences in a crusade against you.
Its plan of warfare is to cut off the supplies
and communications of slavery, to invest
its citadel and to send in flag inscribed,
assault or unconditional surrender"
The Democratic party has been, by force
of circumstances, placed in direct antag
onism to this party. 1t stands not only
pledged, but committed, beyond the power
of recantation or withdrawal, to maintain
your rights as political equals in this con-
federacy.
With my opinions, neutrality would be,
at this important crisis, little better than
treason. l shall, therefore, vote for the
Democratic candidates at the ensuing Pre-
sidential election, because that is the only
party committed to assert the rights of the
South, and because the opinions avowed by
resent my own.
This is no time for divisions. Your rights
are at stake. The only question with you
must be, who is the most efficient advocate
of these rights. The Presidential contest
may not be decided in the open field. If
carried into Congress, it may be indispen-
sable to our safety that we should unite
upon the most efficient antagonist of our
common enemy. The North has forgotten
ats teudS an a common enmiLy toa0ardS you.
Why cannot yo~ unite for the protection of
your property and your rights J.? If we en-
courage strife amongst those who belong to
the sections of the great conservative army,
we may find irreconcilable animosities per-
vading our ranks. Remember that the
election of Black Republican Speaker of
the House of Representatives, was caused
by the acerbities of political warfare Re-
member that by this event your enemies
have been enabled to divert the influences
OF Congress to your injury. To that event
is to be attributed, amongst other evils, the
mission of an ex-parte Committee into Kan
sas, to encourage civil war and store the
magazines of abolition with misrepresenta-
tons of your interests and of your rights.
Let us then so conduct this campaign as
to cast our votes for some undoubted repre-
sentative of our rights. Let US in the event
the Union of the South for the safety of the
South, should become necessary, have as
few animosities to reconcile as possible, and
if we cannot secure the election of our
friends, let us at least preserve ourselves
from the reproach of having caused the tri-
umph of our enemies.
WIN. NJ. BURWELL.
Bedford County, July 10, 1856.
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