Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-02-13
From the Democratic Pioneer.
GOVERNOR BRAGG.

GOVERNOR BRAGG.
Nix. EDrroa: Among the many distinguished men
Of whom our honored Commonwealth can proudly
boast none occupy higher or more eminent posi-
,ion than the gentleman whose name forms the cap-
ton Of this article. 10 give minute and accurate
biography of Gov. Bragg, from the limited data in
my possession, would DC utterly impossible; but the
signal ability, the political uprightness, and the lead
ing characteristics which form the character OF the
man. afford ample and boundless material for study
and remark. In this District where he is we'll known;
where his abors in behalf of sound and unchanging
principles have been more actively displayed than
elsewhere; feel deeply indebted to him for large
ly assisting us in weakening and at several contests
defeating the enemy in his stronghoids. We regard
him az our ablest champion, and wherever his bold
aud manly efforts have been made, the masses have
been aroused to proper appreciation of our creed,
and have often crsakcn the old predictions of their
political inexpcrence and misapprehenson. AS a
resident of his District and supporter Of his ad-
ministraticn but without party bias will endeavor
to out with the ccarness OF truth and unexag
gerated precision, the prominent acts and chief quail
ties which constitute his career and his character.
Enlightened nations have invariably regarded their
civilians the public treasure OF their greatness,
more precious and valuable than overlooking Golfers
of gold be admired than statues of heroes,
or the splendid triumphs of their arms. The spec.
tacle is radically different. One excites the cnthu
siasm of the moment, the other grows with insttu-
tons constructed by its wisdom, and rejecting its
glory with the rising power OF empire. One Is red
with sanguinary deeds the other refugent with the
steady light of peaceful trophies, gathered in the
august councils of legislation. The noblest desi,e
veal of his country, by cnactng salutary laws equi-
table in their provisions and demanded by a major
ity of its citizens to restrain some wrong to slim
ulate and encourage some national interests 1t was
great French political philosopher who said. 'hap.
py is that nation whose annals tiresomc," mean
rcfnt Chi anHno inn ppp
added to the happiness of nation. Our republic
has devoted itself to the mild arts of peace and by
opening every avenue to honor and emoument, has
developed the talent of the country In this res
pect our beloved State is not in the van, but her
sons, intellectual and irreproachable in moral de-
pertinent, justly claim the position OF EQUALS among
sister sOveregnties.
Dropping this parallel between civic and military
service, and asking pardon for my brief episode on
the quantu..l Of talent North Carolina possesses.
will return to the subject of my article | can but
deeply regret my inability do full and exact JUS
tice to the merits of Gov. Bragg. His private life
has been most exemplary, and defamation and SLAM
der have not ventured to aspcrse and magn his fair
name. In the social circle, and among the people,
his elegant manners, and preposseSsng qualities of
head and heart, haye endeared him to ALL who have
ever come in contact with him. AS public man he
discards his dignity to court popular favor but
steadily pursucs, without assuming the character of
the mere wire puller the path of honest and con-
scientous duty. This is the reputation Gov. Bragg
sus,ans in his District, accorded to him by both
parties.
Gov Bragg as a member of the Bar ranks dcscr-
vedly high. Every element necessary to make
successful advocate and practitioner blended in
him. and in the most intricate Of litigation, his
advice and opinion has been valued, as that of o
profound and reliable juriSt. A sound and discrim-
mating Judgment, u clear and logical mind, pleas
ant and persuasive ora,ory, with that ready acunen
so essential to the pleadcr lie has a reputation
highly credtable to himself, and to the profession
Of which he is such bright ornament. 4 lucrative
practice ever awaits him, and eagerly invites him
from the OF State, to its more profitable duties
In the General Assembly, he has served North
ampton County with great fidelity. The talents de-
mandcd for prudent and wise Legislator found
in Gov Bragg and no better statesman could shape
her destiny, than this distinguished man. l will
now refer to other cpochs, in his life recent
and with which the public mind is more familiar.
In 1913, Gov. Bragg was the Cass Elcctor for this
District, and canvasscd it in company with Kenneth
Rayner, his competitor. The enthusiasm which
Gen Taylor's intrep;dty in Mexico had created for
him in the country, and his promise to crush the
monster party spirit, had raised up lcgions Of friends
even in our ranks to espouse his cause. 1t was an
duty for an elector to stem the popular
rent and to combat the claims of candidate who
protested to he the exponent of no fixed principles
except opposition to the Veto Power. Gov. Bragg
posed the miserable Snbtcrfuges to which exaspcrat-
ed politicians rcSorted to sustain a desperate and
sinking organization. Mr.. Rayncr discovered he had
a foelnan worthy of his steel, and whenever they
met, our giftcd champion laurels and golden
opinions for his bold eloquence and convincing
gumcnts. As stump speaker Gov. Bragg has few
equals and no supcriors in the State respectful in
his language, and powerful in his appeals to the peo-
pie, his eifots always tell with fearful effect upon
the opposition.
The Democratic Convention which convened in
Raleigh in 1854, grateful for the services rendered
to the party by Mr.. Bragg, and acknowledging his
statesmanikc ability, and sterling moral worth con-
ferred on him the nomination for Governor. Gen.
Dockery, the most available man in the Wing party
was in the field, and every exerton was being made
to elect him. Gov. Bragg's position on Internal I'M
proveInents was everywhere misrepresented and
vrule:cc and defamation exhausted themselves in
the reckless attempt to create rrcconcable feud
in party against him. He threw his banner to
the breeze, on whose folds were en,blazoned "FREE
SUFFRAGE AND A JUDlCIOUs SYSTEM OF INTERNAL IN
PROPONENTS" and with irresistible power urged their
adoption by the people. When the conflict ended,
triumph smiled upon it. Now. the accomplished
Chief Magistrate of our State he presides over her
destiny with the dignity and wisdom which charac-
terizes the sage. brilliant future opens before him.
and if the political arena is still to be his sphere of
action, ne prophet can predict the honor and great
ness he may achieve.
In April the Gubernatoral campaign will open
again, and with Thomas Bragg for our standard
bearer, all will be well. We have no fears Of the
opposition. 1t is preposterous to call Know Moth
ingism party, for it has not the principles
erca strength to entte it to that appellation Alas
how ephemeral has been its existence! Its banner
like the fierce Norman Hubbas, in the semi barba-
rous days of ancient Britain, in which after long in
has lost its charm, and an arm more potent than
that of the Earl Of Devonsre has struck it to the
ground. Virginia has consigned it to eternal Oh.
vion. Since that election the spell of its success