Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-12-24
Correspondence or THE STANDARD

Z
however number of topics of which the slavery
question is the most prominent still consumes the
time of both Houses of Congress. II is not loss
of time however, for the less done by this Congress
the better for the country generally besides the de-
bate may do good by showing who really commenced
apd keep up the slavery agitation. few Of the
Southern know nothngs are laboring hard to prove
that the election of Mr.. Buchanan decided nothing
that the slavery issue was evaded by his friends at
the North and in this effort they encouraged by
the Black Republicans Of the House. Humphrey
Marshall has lead off in this direction and the move
ment has other supporters and abettors.
On Monday Mr.. Ethcredge, know nothing men,
Der from Tennessee, startled the House by Offering
resolution denouncing the revival of the slave
trade, couched in the most violent and offensive
terms. His object seemed to be to make the reso-
luton so offensive that Southern could not vote
for it, and to enable the Black Republicans to say
that the negative vote the resolution was an ap-
prevail of the reverse of the proposition. In this
Mr. Etheredge succeeded, and he has the satsfac-
ton of being the object OF compliment from all the
Black Republican presses, and of afording them an
opportunity of misrepresenting the known views of
his own section. The Black Republicans found no
difficulty in passing it. Mr. Orr, of S. c., immeda-
tey followed this by one of his own declaring the
opposition of Congress to the revival of the slave
trade and that it was contrary to the settled policy
Of the country This was adopted by a nearly
unanimous vote, the minority numbering only eight,
who dIssentcd from the latter clause of the resou
tion Mr.. Etheridge's attempt to make capital for
the black Republicans was wofully unsuccessful in
Congress- yet the black Republican press are prea-
ching homies on the opposition of the South to the
first resolution while they fail altogether to notice
the adoption of the second, equally emphatic in op
position to the revival of this trade, and Invested
only of the offensive terms of the other. The habit
of misrepresentation became SO deep-rooted during
the Presidential campaign, that black Republican
ism s now utterly unable to refrain from its con-
slant repetition.
There is an evident tendency on the part of the
black Republicans and the leaders of the Southern
Know Nothings to combine in opposition to the
Democratic party. In the Presidential election they
were compelled to act separately; but they both
agree in general opposition to the Democratic party
and concur in many Of their palitca principles-in
fact, have so many points in coislnon that their
gradual an,algamaton is more than suspected to be
possible. The black Republicans would escape, if
they could, from the extreme position of the last
campaign, modifying their views SO as to be less in
imcal 10 Southern interest, and in 1860 may even
try to prove their nationality by nominating for the
Presidency some Southern man like Bolts or Rayner
Yet the Odor of sectionasm is around Them and the
South will be slow to confde in their protestaons
and professions, or trust even the Southern man
who is acceptable TO them.
Your immediate Representative, Mr.. Branch, made
| an able speech in the House on Thursday, on poll
tics generally. 1t was listened to with close atten-
tion and it is spoken of in terms of high commend
w,
synopsis here altogether unnecessary. He argued
to show that the election of Mr.. Buchanan was the
expression of desire by the people that the slavery
agitation should cease, and that the principles of the
| Kansas bill should become the policy of the govern
! ment towards the Territories. The difference be-
tween Democrats on the doctrine of squatter SOW
ercignty of no consequence whatever the effect
of the Kansas bill was question for the Supreme
Court to decide; and he preferred squatter sovcr-
eighty to Congressional sovereignty,-he would
trust the real settlers of the Territory preference
! to Congress.
The proposed amendments of the tariff are set
down for consideration early next month. There is
disposition to 20 in for free wool, sugar, salt
and iron but it is impossible now to forcsee what
will be the decision of the House. The duty on SUI
gar will be taken of: The Pennsylvanans will
struggle hard for their iron, and will probably
coed in defeating any change ON that article; wool
and salt have also friends for their continued
protection. Other interests will also be on hand,
having that legislation is shaped to their pro-
! motion A reduction of the revenue is most imper-
atively demanded, and if tho true principles of a
tariff fail of their full recognition, further modf-
cation should be made by the next Congress. which
will contain small Democratic majority.
Gov. Reid has offered in the Senate, resolution,
which was adopted, calling OIL the Secretary of War
for detailed estimates for the compietion of the Fay
etteve arsenal. as Of construction These es-
Inmates will probably be sent in after the holidays,
when the subject will be fully before Congress.
The Central American question has been inciden.
tally discussed during the past week, by Mr.. Walker,
Of Alabama, and Gen. Qnitman. II excites good
deal of attention, especially the general impress
sion now is that Walker is in exceedingly tight
place. Yet his friends say that he has at least fiji
teen hundred fighting men, and that he now occu.
pies position from which he cannot be driven
Rivas is the for the old city of Nicaragua,
and it is the transit the Isthmus Of San
Juan. Walker will now find no difficulty in keep
ing open his communications, and reiniorcements
can reach him without trouble. Gen. Quman
views Walker merely as the forerunner of American
progress and expressed the opinion that he had not
received from government that counten-
| ance and support he entitled to. 1t is well
known that MIR. Marcy always opposed Walker and
his expedition, and the policy Of reserve now prac-
ticed by the administration, is in compliance with
his advice. The next steamer from Nicaragua will
probably decide whether he is to be crushed or be
victorious.
day, and Congress is not in session. The members
are making arrangements to spend the Christmas
holidays at home, and won't say word even about
old Bucks cabinet. The old gentleman keeps his
own counsel, and is not bored by cabinet makers.
After New Years there will be revival in the po-
ltical market. Until then the country can take a
rest, and all Of our friends drink eggnogg
MECKLENBURG.
Mr.. Ravner's speech at the meeting on the 9Th
inst, will be printed in pamphlet form at this Office,
at So SO per hundred, provided sufficient number
are subscribed for before Wednesday next to justify
its publication All those who wish to obtain copies,
will please leave their orders at this Office by We'd
nesday morning next, that we may know how large
an edition to strike off, t
Semi Editorial in last Register.
Put us down for one copy. At crisis like the
present. who minds the expenses? We fear, how
ever. it will require something more than subscrp
tons to "justify the publication referred to.