Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-02-27

H Mr.. MoRaes, political rconfrere Mr.. Leak,
wooed the opposition but could not win its supports
and considering distribution rs paramount to party
and all the other political questions Of thedsy, he
declares his readiness to support for Governor
Know Nothing distributionist in preference to the
nominee of the approaching Democratic State Con-
vention Nas r. Z
. Now as Mr.. McRae agrees with Mr.. Leak as'to tho
importance of the distribution question, and has
mounted the stump because Of an attempt, as ne
says, to read him out Of the party we have right
to ask, and we do respectfully ask him to say while
defining his position, whether he, in the contingency
stated by Mr.. Leak, is also prepared to sustain
Know Nothing candidate for Governor in opposition
TO the regular Democratic nominee?
Let it not be said that this is matter which con.
Germs the opposition only. True it does to certain
extent concern the opposition, and to that extent
it is their concern, not But il concerns the
Democratic party more. Here is gentleman pro-
Tossing to be Democrat, protesting most earnestly
that he is one and denouncing all those who hint to
the contrary, and yet the tendency if not the design
of all his efforts distract dsorganize and destroy
that party. The Democratic party have right,
therefore, to know no,o from one who claims to be
their friend where he intends to stand in the COM
ing contest and under which flag he will fight.
Let it not be said either that Mr.. McRae is him
self candidate and ought not therefore to answer.
He says expressly that he is not-that possibly he.
may be- That depends doubtless, upon the fact, so
hastily assumed by Mr. Leak for himself whether
he can secure united "opposlton" support.
But however this may be, Mr.. McRae owes it to
himself as we'll to the Democratic party, to
let them know now what course he intends to
pursue in he is not candidate. He told US in
his Dancy letter that it very much against bis
inclination to be candidate. Very WELL Then let
him answer If we have done Mr.. McRae any in
Justice, we are ready to make amends. If he in
tends to 90 with the Democratic party, let him say
so if against it, let him say so-and we shall know
where to place him after he has placed himself
Hor BLOOD AT WAsH1NGroN-Several affairs of
honor have recently been the subject of talk and
element in Washington. Gen. Harvey and Col.
Sumner, of the army, had difficulty, which has,
however, it is stated, been settled by the War De-
partment. Then Lieut.. Rhind and Commander
Boutwell, had "6out" on paper, the Commander
refusing to meet one who he said "had been dis
missed from the navy by two courts, and by third
convicted of lying" Then Lieutenants Bell and
Williams of the army, had words and a fight in
BARRIERS shop; after which they met at Bladensburg
fought with pistols, Bell piercing the hat Of his
tagonist with bullet, and Williams firing into the
ground Friends then interfered, and the difficulty
was adjusted We believe Lieut. Bell is native Of
this State.
The Hon. J. B. Clay, son of Henry Clay and a
member of Congress from Kentucky. and Gen. Gull
lom, Of Tennessee, Gate Clerk of the House Of Re-
personal---very. also quarrelled in Browns Hotel,
challenge passed and accepted, and at one time
it was thought that the result would be serious. We
are glad to see it stated, however, general i'm
preston that the challenge has been withdrawn and
the matter is in fair way Of adjustment. Various
versions given Of the quarrel between Clay and
Cullom, but we publish the following from an ex.
change, which is said to be correct:
"Cullom entered the bar.room of Browns Hotel,
where Clay Hawkins and Mason were standing He
proposed an old fashioned Kentucky drink, in which
all the parties participated Subsequently he COM
menced conversation with Clay, stating how he had
removed from Kentucky to near the Hermitage, in
Tennessee where he bearded the lion in his den
He spoke of his long devotion to and admiration for
his father.
Mr. Clay answered BY saving that Gen. Leslie
Coomhs had once as Chickasaw Ambassador also
bearded the lion in his den.
This expression. which some bystanders supposed
jocular regarded offensive retort bv Gull
Inn, who asked if he meant to insult him. Clay dis
claimed such intention.
The interrogatory was repeated. nth the same
reply. but was accompanied with the menacing use
of Culloms finger, when Clay, said that he was not
accustomed to be addressed in such threatening
manner, or words to that effect.
Culom became more excited under the conviction
of intended insult to him. and denounced Clay as
"the apostate son of a noble SIR"
Clay said that his physical condition was such as
would prevent him from answering with blow, but
he could not resist proc'aming Cullom "a id
scoundrel," whereupon Collum drew back to strike
The force of the blow was partially arrested by
the spectators but still reached Claws nose and
caused it 10 bleed. The two were then separated
and withdrew"
AFRICAN IMMIGRATION TO THE SourH.-Bills have
been introduced in the Legislatures of Mississippi and
louisiana, incorporating companies to procure the
voluntary immigration of Africans, contracting to Ia.
Dor for term of years. This is not violation OF
the United States laws. The General Government
can have right to interfere with voluntary emf
grafton 1t is the benevolent system just inauguar.
ated by France and which cannot but have the most
captivating effects. The Mississippi and louisiana
folks determined not be outdone in be,aepoence
by the French Emperor.
Gov. RE1D.-We learn that Gov. Reid is still de.
tanned from his seat by sickness in Richmond. He