Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-12-23

ly recolect the whole matter was again re- committed
to Saunders, Dobbin and Rencher. The land sfeso-
luton, as reported drawn by Mr.. Rencher. The.
report, according to Judge SIS recollection was con-
Cured in without any amendment, and, he thinks,
without any discussion.
Judge S. repeats his regret that he should he una.
bic to answer in more distinct wav the point to
which Mr.. McRae has called his attention
Raleigh, Dec. II, 1857. .....r
RALEIGH, N c., 18th Dec, 1857.
My DEAR SIR: Your polite favor of yesterdays date
was laid on the table of my Library this morning dur
ing my usual visit 10 the City. On my return hasten
to give early reply to its contents. In answer to
the first question: feel quite sure that you did op
pose the resolution Of the committee, offering your
views by way of amendment, and that your amend
ment was substantially adopted, at least so far as
not express any opposition to the distribution of
the public lands in case the Northern Democracy
persisted in squandering them As regards your sec.
ond enquiry, you proposed an amendment to the
resolution of the committee which was deliberately
discussed by yourself and others. My memory does
not serve me as to the precise aoords Of your amend
ment, and therefore cannot say that the exact
cords used in your favor of yesterday as being ex-
cluded were the identical words excluded, though
the substance was most certainly you appre-
bend. After the discussion, you withdrew your
amendment, the opponents of your views agreeing,
consultation, to modify the resolution of the CON-
mttee so as to enable you conscientiously to sup
port it.
[ apprchend from what has been stated that
your third enquiry is already answered. Indeed, it
was then ascerained that large portion of the char
acter and talent of the republican party favora
BILE to distribution. In regard to this point from
my personal connexion with the matter) aoeA re-
collect the following circumstance: At the succeeding
Legislature friend informed me that the distribution
question would be of no service to the late Mr. Dob
bins opponent for that Mr.. D. was supposed to be
anita fhofc,
friend afterwards informed me that our Wing friends
would not elect Mr. DIS opponent because of his long
and violent pdrtizanship and would not elect Mr..
Dobbin because of his being the nominee of the De-
mocratic party: being satisfied (as you sec) with
the distribution policy of both. The opinions en-
tertained by many of the most distinguished Demo.
Gratis at that period, and especially by yourself are
the same q thiEk) those lately expressed in your
letter to Mr.. Dancy of Edgecombe. The opinions of
such men as Dobbin, Saunders and others that might
be named were coincident with your own so far as
my knowledge extended.
1t is needless to say shall take pleasure in Civ
ing you any further information in my power which
you may deem of Importance, and in the meantime
l remain,
Respectfully and truly yours,
JAMES B. SHEPARD
D. X. McRAE, ESQ
RALEIGH, 18th December, 1857.
My DEAR SIR: Your note of this morning con-
tans two questions to both of which reply as fol-
lows: The resolution upon the Public Land ques-
ton, originally drafted and submitted to the ap-
prevail of the during the Convention of 1852
in these words:
)" Resolred, That the public lands are the common
property of all the States and are to be held by the
general government, as common fund for the pay
ment of the public debt and other charges upon the
public treasury; and, that opposed to any
law for the distribution of said lands their pro-
ceeds among the States" s..-
This resolution was, 1 think, drawn BY Judge
Saunders. 1t attracted attention in our commit
tee, and passed there without debate, but immedi-
ately upon being read by hin to the caucus-Mr.
McRae presiding-that gentleman called Mr.. Shep-
ard to the chair and expressing dissent to the
first part or clause, said he unwilling to be
derstood as Internationally committed, in all events
to no distribution of the public lands among all the
States Mr.. McRae addressed the caucus at some
length, and finally presented his views in the form
of a substitute, drafted at the moment. This SUBJ
stitute asserted the policy of immediate dstribu-
ton, and it created good deal of excitement. An
irregular debate ensued, in which majority were
plainly disposed to adopt action upon the sub.
ject. What that action was, or would have been,
am not prepared to say for according to my recol-
lection of the matter, before the question was put
upon the substitute, Gen. Saunders and Mr.. Rencher
advised that the latter part clause Of resolu
ton should be stricken out, and by general consent
the resolution was Withdrawn for that purpose.
w hol IcCoheCt Tue pdSSdSe VI any duenument,
proposed by you, nor do think the substitute you
offered could have passed. The resolution of the
committee was however, not acceptable to the ma
jorty, it stood at the first, and amendment
qualification evidently necessary to save it.
The suggestion of Mr.. Saunders met with universal
appreciation, and the resolution was accordingly re-
ported the next day, in the shape it bears, and
it was intended, l think, to leave the point you
raised open and undecided at that time.
take leave of this occasion to say, that am not
now and have at no time been. in any sense of the
term, ga distribution Democrat" On the contrary,
l am compelled to think, that if the policy recon-
mended 10y you be now adopted, it will be ruinous
alike to us and to the federal treasury. Being of that
opinion, frankly own, that it was in me
in 1884, with the express purpose to promote
coalition of all the old States and the sincere belief
that could be obtained strong enough to prevent
further abuses and keep the government true to the
land policy of Mr. Calhoun, which had then partial.
ly my sanction) to join you and others in kick up
on this subject. because believed then and now,
that no other share of the public land than
enjoy be had short of q revolution and you
know very well that was never disunionist.
l am, my dear Sir, .aqH
Very truly and respectfully.
... .sf EDWARD CANTWELL.
D. K McRAE, ESQ.
CoNCERT.-We attended concert by the pupils
of Mrs. j. R. Whitaker one evening last week, and
though no judge of music ourselves, we rely on
the judgment of others present, all of whom decid
ed that the young ladies performed remarkably well,
IL ia a.