Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-05-07
MR.. GILMER IN STOKES.

Mr. Gihner, the K. N. candidate for Governor
made the first speech of the campaign in Stokes
County. He replied to by Thos. Settle, jr Esq,
of Rockingham. A friend who was present has fa-
vored us with statement of some of Mr.. Gilmer's
positions; and all we ask of Mr. Glmer is, to con-
tinue to occupy the ground he assumed in Stokes
up to the day of election.
We learn that he commenced with history of
the Missouri compromise, and of the compromise of
1850 and the effect of the latter in bringing about
the platforms of the two great parties in 1852 AT.
ter devoting about an hour and half to this, his
conclusion in his own words was. that in the Kan.
sas-Nebraska act Wings and Democrats had broken
the bonds OF peacewere responsible for all the ag-
itation in the country; and that, as remedy, he
proposed to 60 back to 1862 Mr.. Settle, in his re-
ply, charged this home upon him with much force
and effect, showing that it was nothing more nor
less than proposition to restore the Missouri line
Mr. Gilmer int rrupted Mr. Settle, and said he would
explain his language in his reply but he did not
touch the point again.
Mr. Gilmer next discussed State politics denied
that he opposed to Free Suffrage; but when
asked whether if a member of the next Legislature,
he would vote for the Free Suffrage act now pend.
ing before the country, he said that not sup
possible case, and soould not ansacer. He was then
asked if he would recommend its passage, if elected
Governor. He could not say this not sup
possible case, and so he defined to ansaeer.
On the subject of the basis, he planted himsef-on
the Resolution of the Greensborough Convention,
evidently not wishing to " trammel" the paramount
principles" of his party with this "vexed State
question" He said the western Address" had
ACCOMPLISHED tic nurnoSe from, Fact
liberal appropriations for internal improvements,
and especially the Central Railroad.
Mr.. Gimer asked, among other questions, if
he had taken the Know Nothing oaths; but lie re-
fused to dns,cer, saying that scas personal.
We learn from correspondent that Mr.. Settles
reply was highly creditable himself, and satsfac
tory to his friends. He occupied broad State and
national grounds upon every question, and MAIN
tanned them with much force Mr.. Gimer, practic-
ed and able as he is in debate, was much troubled
and embarrassed by the reply, and by the questions
propounded. He cyaded, lodged, told some char
acteristic anecdotes, and evidently lost ground by
his effort.
Mr.. Gilmcr sets out in the campaign with the dec
aration that the Kansas Nebraska act is violation
of the compromise of 1850. In endorsing, as he
he holds that the repeal of the Missouri restriction
was reckless and unwise act" In this Mr.. Gil
differs radically with Mr.. Badger and other dis
tinguished Southern Wings. In his speech deliver
ed in the Senate in February, 1851 in favor of the
Kansas Nebraska act Mr.. Badger, after tracing at
some length the history of the Missouri compromise
and of the compromise Of 1850, thus refers to the
compromise " legislation of $780,
Now sir what result of all these various votes?
Here was the Territory New Mckee, all of which, except
verv small fraction, worth mentioning lay south of
81 deg. min and the Senator who now nvokeS us
to support the Missouri compromise Mr.. Chase, noved
apply the Wimot pruvso that territory and voted
in every instance, upon the and except III one
case where his name does not appear at ALL against the
recognition the application OF the Missouri compromise
in any form whatever. What, then is the actual result?
Here those of US who the floor representing
begging for the recognition of the Missouri c"mpro-
mise line We could obtain it. The Missouri compro-
declared not to be applicable to those and that
the principle of should not extend to them What I'M
der these circumstances did Congress do They passed
two bills for territorial govertments-one Tor Utah. lying
north of Sc deg 81 mn and for New Mexico nearly
all OF which was south OF So deg 80 MN IN precsex the
them exactly upon the same footing and comforting upon
each of them the amount of Legislative power. and
treating the line Of 80 deg 50 min. if it had politically,
no existence
Here Mr.. Badger enphatcay declares that the
legislation of 1850 this subject, treated tile line
of 80 deg. 80 min as If at had, politically, ers-
tence ;" and he then shows in the speech, that
the legislation of 1850 founded upon distinct
population of the idea of making any difference
between the condition of people lying side
of line of latitude, and the condition of people
lying on the other SIDE" He then goes to argue
that the Missouri restriction acas in substance and
to all intents and purposes, repealed by the compro
mise of $780, and he declares, with reference to the
KansasNebraska act, then under consideration. that
sit u.s. therefore, 1t seems to me, acise and Just to
pursue the principles indicated in, and out Of aohich
sprang the legislation Of 1850 1T is unjust to no
section Of the country" [see Appendix to Congress
sona Globe, VOL 20, LIST session 33d Congress- We
shall publish in full, as soon as can make room
for it, Mr.. Badgers speech on the subject; and if
the K N. presses disposed to set the whole mat
ter in its true light before their readers they will
do the same. We took occasion, when the speech
was made to express our qualification at Mr.. Badg-
ers course and to characterize the speech itself as
the most fervd the most impressive, and the ablest
effort of his life. We are entirely willing to leave
it to the people to decide who is right on this SUBJ
| ject, Mr. Gilmer or Mr.. Badger.
On the subjects Of Free Suffrage and the basis, Mr.
Gilmer's course is just what we expected it would
. be: He lodges Free Suffrage, yet he says he is
for it in the abstract; while his friend Gen. Bynum
pronounces it "bugaboo," and the Raleigh Regis
ter, one of his organs declares it, to sag the best
ofit," an "equiuocu1 good." He says he would not,
at present. disturb the basis of representation in the
Legislature that the "Western Address" has ac-