Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-05-19
JUDGE ELLIS AND Mr. AoRAE.
AorRoE Unon CorNrr, N. CT
~ r,ISse Nav "a 4ka

A0NR0E UNIoN C0uNTY, IN. G.,
May. ~. 1858.
According to the published appointments, Judge
Ellis and his competitor, Mr.. McRae, arrived here
yesterday morning; and although the Superior
Court was held last week, and is now in session in
liens came to town early in the day; and after
dinner our Court House was filed with highly in
telligent and orderly audience
Agreeable to previous arrangements to speak an
hour and half each, with short reply Judge Ellis
led off; and assure you that the intelligent portion
of the audience will freely admit that, although
pectation was high, it was more than fully realized
in the Judges effort The talented speaker, in the
most eloquent manner, and in clear and forcble Ian
guage compressed in the short space of time, tow
er of the strong points in the Democratic creed,
which his brilliant opponent, with all his ingenuity
was unable even TO shake.
He referred first to the large convention of his fell
low citizens, who had placed him in his present posi-
ton, claiming that, as he came in obedience to a
public call, he did not appear "A mere seeker of
office; but that his efforts were directed to the firm
establishment OF great principles which he demon
strated essential to the of this great
and happy country.
His reference to the laors and usefulness of public
officers was most happy conception, reaching the
hearts df the whole assembly, and his appeal to the
patriots Of Union County to rally, in times past,
to the honored old banner of Democracy, which has
showered innunerable blessings upon the country,
was most heartily responded to by the audience
Judge Ellis here traced the history of parties from
the beginning, and showed how much of our great
ness people, is attributable to the ascendency
of the measures he advocated In terms which all
could understand, and with power which per-
fecty irresistible he showed the necessity OF strict
construction Of the Constitution. and the great dam
ger of the exercise Of any power not clearly therein
specified. This point in the discussion was SO ably
handled, that every present could clearly see the
danger of exercising doubtful powers, even for de-
srabe purposes, before the Judges irresistible ap
plication to the unconsttutionaty of the distribu
ton hobby
The Judge read from Calhoun, Clay. jackson,
Webster and others fortifying every point he made
by authority, which none could deny.
On the slavery question, which he proved, was
either intimately connected and affected by every
tempt to exercise unconstitutional powers, he vas
listened to with the deepest attention. The effect of
this part of the speech was discernable in the
tenance of all.
Judge Ellis briefly and rapidly referred to the al
most superhuman sagacity and tirmness of General
Jackson, and showed how. by adhering to this prn-
cipe of strict construction he had saved the coun
try from ruin; and he urged, in the most powerful
manner, that, now more than ever in view of the
sectional war raging in the North must insist
the same course for safety.
Mr. Buchanans devotion to the constitution was
referred to in the most happy manner; tn. fidelity
of our delegation in Congress on the Kansas and
OtDer was presented IN Terms OF the
est praise and contrased with the treacherous Know
Nothings who had shown a willingness to the
Black Republicans triumph; and in this connection
although he did not impeach Mr. McRae's fidelity,
he demonstrated very clearly that his opposition to
the admission of Kansas will inevitably lead him and
his supporters into the embrace of the neO party
now organizing under the lead of Black Republicans
quoting from Stewards speech, to show the current
which will carry all the opponents of the organized
Democracy into the ranks of the enemies of the South
He also quoted from Burngame, referred to Gil
mer's vote, and compared the Know Nothing party
to Jonah's gourd" in illustration
Having again spoken of the great progress of the
country to happiness and prosperity, he suddenly
came down to the contemplate scramble" for pub
lie lands, exposing Mr.. McRae's plan, showing how
he differs from Mr.. Clay and from himself. when in
his better days. he exhibited clearer judgment and
more fidelity to the Democratic party ard the Con-
stitution.
In the of his speech he referred to the de-
serters, and showed the utter folly of now going off
upon hobbies, at a time when the best men Of the
country raying to standard from all parties.
His appeal at this point was overpowering; and he
closed amidst the hearty cheering respectfully
asking the audience to give Mr.. McRae a patient
hearing.
Mr. McRae then arose in his usually graceful
manner, referred to his former connection with the
party, spoke of Gen. Avery. Mr.. Kerr, Mr.. Steele,
and others ss Wings attempting thus to throw rid
cule upon the convention; whereupon Judge Ellis
promptly corrected him. defended those gentlemen
from unjust aspersions distinctly stating that having
been in college with Gen. Avery, he knew him to
have always been Democrat of perfect consistency
undertaking in support of correct principle, paying
that gentleman merited compliment.
Mr.. McRaes reply differed very little as we
told from the speech he has been delivering in vari-
GUS places; and therefore do him no injustice in
passing it by with few words. But may remark
that the few supporters he has here, any thing
but elated and the remark is common that no.
thing but an openly protested american candidate
will give satisfaction to members of that party
Mr.. McRae spoke of the high taxes; but he cleared
this part by saying that he "blamed" "there-
for" He attempted no reply to Judge Ellis on the
around it by accusing others Of having advocated
his doctrine something else equally bad.
He admitted that he had once regarded distribu-
ton as unconstitutional but he said he had receiv
ed new Impressions; and that by looking into the
shallow water at Wilmington, he had things in
q new light.
Mr.. McRae seemed disposed to censure Mr.. Blu
chanan for appointing Mr.. Biggs to the Judgeship,
and Gov. Bragg for appointing Mr.. Clingman Sena
tor. He also thought it not fair for the Presi
dent to overlook Mr.. Venable. On distribution his
plan being exposed, he said he was prepared for any
pan, showing that his purpose is not well settled
The most glowing part of his speech was his extrav
agant description of Illinois, and the miraculous
growth Of Ohio.
He said very distinctly that had he been in Con.
gress he could have voted as Gmer did against the
admission of Kansas; and yet he said he would not
have separated from his section and here he was
not very explicit. -,Ss
He was opposed, he said, to any further appropra.
ton for internal improvements, endeavorng to
present Judge Ellis as in favor Of high taxes; but
here he was met by the Judge, who disclaimed any
III al hor