Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-07-12
For the Standard.

a:s For the Standard.
Gov. Bragg and Mr.. Gilmer in OnslOw.
MEssRs. EDIToRs The candidates for Governor
addressed the people Of Onslow on yesterday, LIST
day of July. Although our notice was only two
days, there was considerable gathering. It was
the trst time we have ever had the honor of visit
from the Governor, or the pleasure of hearing candi
dates for that high Office, At 10 o'clock they met
at the Court House, and the discussion was opened
by Gov. Bragg.
shall not attempt synopsis Of his speech, it
would be doing him injustice; but after having
hibited MIR. Glmer's record while in the Senate on
the subject of free suffrage, in the most mastery
manner, he reviewed the various parties and combi-
nations which are opposed to Democratic men and
measures. For over an hour he enchanted the at
tenton of his audience in the most eloquent and able
vindcation of the great party to which he belongs
1t has ever been my fortune to hear; and at the
same time held up to the broad daylight the Know
Nothing party, and showed fully all its deep wind
ings and in:rgues. His manly bearing, his high
toned language and gentlemany demeanor to his
opponent while it completely the hearts of his
own party friends secured from his opponents their
high respect and esteem.
Mr. Gilmer replied, and it was very evident he
felt he had a bad cause to defend. He commenced
BY saying the Governor had just delivered "ram-
bling wandering" shelter SHELTER" speech,-he
would have the Governor speak more about the af.
fairs of the State-less about politics in the State
out OF tive thought that Gov. Braggs exposition
of Know Nothingisn-(Mr. Gmer did not deny ia
king the oaths)-wa not so pleasing.
Then he endeavored to conciliate his Eastern
friends to mis- Western Address," said it was true
that during excitement this "Western Address"
had been written; but gentlemen must take his
word to the contrary now; that when he accepted
the nomination Of the " American " party he had
pledged himself to let the basis remain as it is
That in order that the paramount principles of
Americanism may not be trammeed in the ensuing
contest by vexed State questions" "it
was his purpose of abiding by and maintaining the
representative basis of the present constitutional
His record while State Senator and his propositions
heretofore to alter basis Representation Ihave
no doubt in the world, are "csred questions" The
length of time he consumed in explaining his course
in the Senate and his excited manner plainly proved
that they were very "Uering questions" But sup
pose that these paramount principles" in the
ensuing contest" shall have been settled, will not
Mr. Gilmer be for the. " free white basis again p
Does Mr.. Gmer's pledge bind him longer than the
"ensuing contest?" Mr.. Gilmer waxed warm sew
eral times during his speech. In replying to Gov.
Bragg, who had plainly proven that the contest for
President would be between the Democratic and
black Republican parties, Mr. Gilmer stated that the
Governor bad "misrepresented things, called him
'agtator, with both hands caught hold of his I'M
der eye lids and pulling them down considerably,
asked his audience eff they saw anything green 2"
At another time became very much excited, and
said what Gov. Bragg had stated was " false" Gov.
bragg caieu MN To accouht.1or that eplthet when
Mr.. Gilmer considered and apologized.
We expected one occupying the position of the
Know Nothing candidate for Governor, would act
with more courtesy to his competitor, and leave off,
too, some Of his ugly anecdotes If We could relate
one of his anecdotes however, about child addic-
ted to swearing, and who had been placed by his
teacher to catch a mouse, We would do it, because
it might explain Mr.. Gilmer's course. Mr.. Gilmer
may be SO accustomed to applying such epthets to
the under-degree members and relating his ugly an
ecdotes in the K. N. lodges, that he not easily
rid himself of them.
Gov. Bragg replied in that same dignified manner
which characterized his first effort, and came out
completely triumphant. The Democracy here, as
everywhere else, proud Of gallant Governor,
and he has won for himself golden opinions in the
county of ONSLOW.