Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-05-14


trict, held in this place on the 9Th inst, you were
appointed the Democratic Elector for said District
Hoping you may accept the appointment l am
yours very respectfully,
Chairman of Contention.
MocksvlLLE, April Goth, 1856.
j. J. Martin, Esq, Chairman Of Convention:
DEAR SIR Your favor informing me of my ap-
pointment, by the Convention which met at WIN.
ston as Democratic Elector for the Sixth Electoral
District and requesting my acceptance OF the same'
was only received on the 26th instant fuly coh-
curing in the political sentiments OF that ConVen-
ton, and anxious as I am for the success OF our
cause regarding that cause as now clearly loenaeu
rs the cause of the country sincerely regret that
as am advised the state of my health will not ao-
NIT of nv conducting this canvass with that energy
and efficiency that you have right to expect from
him who accepts the position your part'alty mas
rendered me- For this reason, beg leave resPect-
fully and reluctantly to decline the canvass wn'cn
under other circumstances should be pleased to
undertake.
An active laborious and protracted campaign Is
before us questions of momentous import are now
for the first time in this generation to be saomteo
to the grand inquest ofthe people. onai the
of conscience still be protected under the @gs Of
those constitutional restraints devised by the WIS
dom of our saeess Is the policy initiated in Penn.
svlvsnia by Penn and in Maryland by Calvert, OF
leaving man free "to worship God Almighty &C
cordinc to the dictates Of his own conscience, or
the opposte policy, which caused the Massachusetts,
theocracy to Danish Roger Williams from their COL
ony on account of difference in religious falth the
more worthy of our regard and imitation? In brief,
the high issues of civil and religious liberty which
in past ages have exercised the greatest inteiects
and which our fathers doubtless thought they had
settled and established basis to be shaken,
are once more to be traversed before our people 1t
ia the proud privilege of the party to which We be-
long, aided by the flower of the old Wing party,
to occupy the vantage ground in defence OF religious
liberty and the freedom OF conscience to oppose all
test oaths for Office account OF religious belief;
and all further restrictions the right of suffrage
on account of the accidents of BIRTH rank, pro-
perty and to endeavor to guarantee to the citizen
the unshackled freedom ofsufrage, so that when ne
comes to the polls he may vote as his Judgment die
tates, and not under the restraint of series OF
oaths as interpreted by nscrupulous'partzans. The
party with which we are acting will not enter this
contest with the humating plea of selfstullifica-
tion or secondemnation of our past political con-
duct upon lips with that most suspicious species
of testimony, States evidence against former asso-
of that party of politicians who frankly own that
the party with which they have always acted, was
not merely mistaken but corrupt, and after thus
showing how worthy they are of the popular con.
fdence, modestly demand the favor of the people,
not for their good deeds but for their good inten
is paved" But surely "Americans should rule
America" What party acquired Florida from Spain
and Louisiana from Napoleon? Who were in favor
of Americans ruling America when the practical
test was presented in 1874 to the annexation of
Texas? Who during the war with Mexico deman.
ded indemnity for the past?" And who sustained
that treaty that gave US New Mexico, Utah and CAL
iforna? Who have constantly aided and who were
the Mrs. Partington's with mop and pattens, vigor
ouslY pushing against that ocean tide of American
IL
millions ofsquare milesf That venerable army of
dame Partingtons are now found in the self.styled
American party trembling with terror of the Pope.
But when by the phrase Americans should rule
America" it is meant that the place where a man
happens to be born the religion he processes to
believe and not his qualifications of head and heart
are the proper tests oftness for oce and its prac
tica operation is to prefer abolitionst like Trum
bull to a sound national patriot like Shields for the
Senate, and to elect House of Representatives who
choose such man as Banks for Speaker, then it is
phrase to be abhorred bv all true men.
But there are other questions which will enter in
to this contest of more threatening aspect to South
ern and friends of this Union, of more absorb
ing and tragic interest, account of the dangers
with which they menace the rights and the union of
the States While the Democratic party at the South
are cor tending with the American party about alb
stractios in which the Southern States practically
but little interested the national Democracy of the
North will be waging unequal war with that pesti-
lental congregation OF sms which the anti slavery
excitement has for the time fused together. I'm.
lucky was the hour that saw this apple of dscord
thrown in to divide and distract the Southern peo-
pie, when the voice of selfpreservaton calls aloud
for united action, "while the Goth is on our
border"
The main struggle in the approaching canvass
will be between the national Democracy and the
black Republicans, the contest for the Speak
ership 1t remains to be seen whether the South
ern people much blinded by party spirit as
were some of their representatives
Most deplorabe would be the consequences, if by
dssension among ourselves the election 'of Presi-
dent should go to the House of Representatives that
elected Banks.
1 believe the hearts of our people are right The
Northern fungus, transplanted to an uncongenial
cline, has withered under our Southern sun.
Let our standard bearer be chosen by the Gin
cinnat Convention, and let them palter for avail
Utility but choose him, if he stands in the forefront
of the battle covered with its smoke although I'M
harmed by its thunders; and the old Macedonian
phalanx which defeat has never broken nor victory
demoralized, will once more wheel into line and
needless of its guerilla foes will "march under the
flag and keep step to the music of the Union to-
triumph more brilliant and substantial than ever
before
Whatever aid as an humble private in the ranks
can bring to our cause in this contest shall be
cheerfully rendered
remain, very truly, yours, &C.,
JOHN NJ. CLEMENT
BARNuN's Observation-Disclosures has performed
many wonders but the greatest of all is the follow