Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-06-13

bighxauties. EVERYWHERE in the line of duty you
have f6tff1 James Buchanan elevating his own repu
sation while sustaining and carrying forward the
interest and honor of his country. He was man
without stain upon his private character, and with
political record equally untarnished, from the days
OF Jackson down TO the present time.
Allusion made to the signal services which he
had performed, not the least OF which was the dell
cate duty of representing this country at the first
court in the world during the present administration.
Such was the man whom the democracy had presen- |
ted to them for their sufrages. The candidate for
the vice presidency was too we'll known to Wash
ngton audience 10 require much praise Most of
them knew him personally, andsall that was neces-
sary to know him in order to love him. He
possessed the highest qualities f the Office for which
be was now designated, or for higher station in
future years when his experience should be full
| lv matured. The democracy thus had standard
bearers with which they could defy the combined
forces of the enemy. They were one compact party,
protesting common creed and they were array
ed against the allied forces of abolitionsn, know
nothingism, and every other ism. He rejoiced that
they had got all the isms into common line he
had long been wishing to get them where the demo-
Gratis could rake them all down at once These isms
were animated by one common sentiment, and that
was hostility to the democratic party. Abolitionism
and know nothingism were first cousins generally
but in Illinois they were at least brothers, ami Sia-
mese twins at that They would always go for the
same candidate, no matter whether he was know
nothing abotionist. The coming conflict,
however, ne DelIeVeQ, was one In winch Inc QemOcra-
cy would triumph, and the effect OF that triumph
would be TO restore peace, quiet and stability to The
Union. There no longer any discussions in the
democratic ranks for all who agreed in principle
now invited 10 act together, without regard to
past differences One of the great principles of their
faith the equality of the States, and the right of
self government in the Territories, subject to the
limitations of the constitution or, in other words,
the great princple Of the Nebraska bill Loud ap-
plause There were no more any anti Nebraska
| dem hon ooI,
| be found. The platform endorsed the Nebraska
bill and what more, said Mr.. d. could desire
If there was anything more to be desired, it was to
be found in the residue of the PLATFORM and he COR
daily responded to every clause therein EMBRACED
The democratic party was united with common
creed and common objects; and they were marching
! certainly and surely 10 u common victory.
The platform was equally explicit in reference to
the disturbances in relation the Territory of Kan
sas 1t declared that treason was to be punished,
and resistance 10 the laws was to be put down
That was the whole question lnvolVed-whether the
supremacy of the laws should be maintained, or whe.
ther mob violence should the officers of the
law On this question: between law and violence the
democracy had expressed their sentiments; they saw
that the laws shall be executed so long as tkev stand
upon the statute book. But the black republicans
say that they will trambe upon the law, and shoot
down the officers who execute it, because they do not
plke the law. The whole question was whether law
and order and the constitution shall prevail or wheth-
stead. The convention had met that que stion with
frmness and direcness that must find cordial res
ponse not only in the heart of every lover of his
country. 20 matter what his political opinions might
be. The great principle of the Nebraska bill was the
right of the people to make their own laws and
hence the duty of the minority to submit to the laws
made in conformity with the constitution and the or
ganic act If they deny the constitutionality or va.
lidlty o. any law, let them test it in the courts of
law, and abide by the result; or if thew desire TO
hay of no 1ayC cd lott
their point at the polls and let the majority decide
the question; but so long the laws stand upon
the statute book, so long the courts pronounce
them constitutional, just so long they must he obey
r ed. These remarks applicable not to the laws
of the territory of Kansas alone, but to all laws 1t
was universal principle in every free government
that the supremacy of the law must be maintained ;
and if that principle should be lost sight of for
moment, what would the liberty of the people be
worth Now, this was not the first time that there
; had been disposition 10 sesist the laws because
some of the people did not like them not only had
there been opposition TO the laws of Kansas, but to
the fugltive-save law, and in each they made
the same excuse Indeed, no other excuse could be
made for refusing to obey that law than that they
did not like it because it sends the negro back to
} slavery. But he ventured to express the opinion
that, if there could be found hole in it big enough
to let every negro drop through they would cali it
! the hottest law that ever made The constltu-
ton says that the slave must be surrendered; and
those who object to this object 10 the constitution of
the country, and not to the fugitive-slave law.
The principles of the black republicans is TO obey
such laws as they like, and repudiate those they do
not like. They claim protection under the constitu-
tion and refuse to yield obedience to it. The diff
ference between them and the democracy is that the
democracy support the constitution in all its parts
with equal fidelity without reference TO whether they
like dislike it. 1t is no excuse for man to say
that he does not like the law, and therefore will not
obey. Did they ever know criminal who liked the
law? Applause Law breakers never like the
punishment that follows the act. Law abiding men
have no fear OF the supremacy of the Law; and the
question TO be decided in this contest is whether a
law made in pursuance of the constitution, and as
expounded by the courts, shall prevail, whether
such law is naught, and whether cowardIy leaders
may shoot down the officers of The law with inn
pInity
He reioiced that the convention by unanimous
vote, had approved of the creed that law must and
shall prevail. Applause. He rejoced that we
had standard-bearer with much wisdom and
nerve to enforce firm and undivided execution of
those laws When he said, the issue was present.
ed between the two great pares-he said avo parties
because know-nothngis ism dead, and nothing but
back-republicanlsm was left, laughter; they would
find such a verdict as this country had never rem
dered IN favor OF democratic platform demo-
cratic standard. bearer Great cheerng.l
He hardly knew where the opposition would get
any votes in order to let us know when the history
of this contest should be written who its candidates
were.
The democracy did not intend that their opponents
should get single State in the great Northwest
They were law abiding people there. He was
sure they had no hopes in old Pennsylvania, the
Keystone State the home of Buchanan In New
York, he SAID, the democrats are united thank God
[Applause.] Did any one suppose that lawless vio-
Law