Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-07-21
. wbis or Know Nothing Candidate in favor
of Repeating a Charter and Repudiating

Contracts! .s =
We learn that Tod R. Caldwell, Esq, the Know
No,b;np candidate for the Commons in Burke Coun-
70 has taken ground for repeating that portion of
.a charter of the North Carolina Western Railroad
authorizing the people of Burke to subscribe to said
Road and promises, if elected to his influence
To effect the repeal. The people of Burke have vo-
tod under the charter to subscribe $50 600 to the
Road and contracts have been made, based on the
go 600 thus voted and subscribed.
We learn further that Mr.. Caldwell reads from
tho stump a letter from Gov. Graham sustaining
him in his course; and that Gov. Graham not only
dies this himself, but informs Mr.. Caldwell that his
views in this respect are concurred in by two of the
first K. N. or Wing lawyers in the State, who reside
in this City,
Now, we shall not attempt to argue questions Of
law with Gov Graham; but it does seem to US that
the Legislature cannot, Constitutionally, repeal a
charter, or any portion Of it, and thus impair the
obligation of contract 1t certainly cannot be in
sisted that the law authorizing the County to make
such subscription is unconstitutional. Our Su-
preme Court has decided that point IN the case of
TAYLOR o. The Commissioners of Newbern. [See 2
Jones's Equity Rep ALI In fact, We learn that
one Of the distinguished lawyers referred to by Gov.
Graham as sustaining HIM in bis opinion in this
case appeared for the plaintiff in the case mention
ed in Jones' Reports, and gave up the Constitution
al question.
We take it for granted, therefore, that the Legis.
ature had the right to pass this law. In pursuance
Of it contract has been entered into between the
County of Burke and the Railroad Company both
of them corporations, and both possessed of the
power to make contracts; and now, We ask if it
would not be palpable violation of the 10th Sec
ton of the LIST article of the federal Constitution to
repeal the charter authorizing the contract?-that
section having expressly provided that no State shall
pass any law 'mpairing the obligation Of contracts"
But whether the Legislature can rightfully inter-
pose in this matter not, whether it is question
for the Courts Of the country alone to decide, this
movement of Mr. Caldwell is but another evidence
of the reckless and unpatriotic spirit by which the
Know Nothing leaders are sctuated. These are the
very men who, above all others, have contributed
by their writings their speeches. and their votes to
involve the State in debt; and now, and after hav
ing thus involved the State, and having made
capital for years against the Democratic party for
being opposed they charged to internal improve
ments, they come forward to recant their opinions,
to give the lie to their former professions and to
hold the Democrats responsible for doing the very
things which they at one time SO vehemently and
persstently urged. They all things to all men"
and any thing for votes The tendency of their
conduct no matter what may be their object in
denouncing necessary taxes, in moving to repeal
charters in undertaking State character and State
Sources and in appealing to the people to arrest the
public works. is toscards reputation, and will, if
persevered in, nure the public morals and disgrace
the State.
And this, we suppose, is a specimen of Mr.. Cald-
wells devotion to Western Carolina! God save the
Western people from such friends as Tod R. Cald-
well. Mr. Caldwell is rich man, and the tax levied
by Burke County to pay her subscription of $50 900
to the Road, will make considerable hole in his
pocket. Is that one of the reasons why he is in
favor of repeating the charter?
mr.. McRae Now and Then-Let the People of
the East and West Read!
Mr.. McRae is now in favor of appropriating the
stock Of the Raleigh and CASTOR Railroad, with an
income OF $4,000 per annum, to the Fayetteville
Coafeds Road and he is also in favor of removing
the restrictions on the Western Extension, and of
going to work along the entire line Of that Road.
That is his present position and he nou boasts, we
understand, that he is better Railroad man than
Judge Ellis!
What was his position few months since on this
SUBJECT? In his Dancy letter he declared that no
sane man would vote another dollar to the Western
Extension; aud does not every man who heard him
cfuyoM <I,ok L..
,urtner State debt for any purpose whatsoever
we leave it to those who beard him to answer this
question.
10 his speech delivered in Wayne County, in Feb.
foafy last, he used the following language:
jackson County can afford to 60 for extension
the tennessee line, she paying in 1867 only $3.50
a. %S es; while Wayne County, the same year, paid
s''9zz. de cautioned the people of Wayne to
npeetlng in March, against the extension Of this
.oao as the people of jackson had done for it. and
against it." "
mr.. McRae is now in the West, and he wants thu
'O'es Of the people of Jackson. In February ht
was IN the East and be wanted the votes of the peo
PIE Of Wayne. Can the people Of the East or o.
"e West put any confidence in such politician!
COUNCIL OF STATE.-We learn that Gov. Bragg
mas notified the members of the Council of State t.
"eet In this City on Wednesday the 18th Of August
instead OF the 2sth Of July, heretofore determin
gu on The reason for the postponement is that
was not convenient for some Of the members to at
'eno on the 2Sth, the day iirst designated.
Extract from letter to the Editors, dated
G., gWADEsBoRouGH, July Is.
Judge ElIis's friends are in high spirits. and
INDICATIONS amount to any thing they will give hin
Anson." - - = fs ''.s :
Mr.. MILLER AT RoLEsvllLs.-Ws srs requeste
state that Henry W. Miller, Esq, win address til
people at Rolesyills on Saturday. the 8ist IL fhi