The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-01-12
HON. DAVID 8. REID.

North Carolina. have arisen so rapidly to Il
honor and distinction, as the gentleman
whose name heads this article. Honest and
sterling merit, both personal and POLITICAL
could only have won for him such unboun-
ded confidence IN the hearts of the people
and have secured for him their highest mark
of approbation and favor. Those who know
Gov. Reid intimately, will certainly erlnce
no surprise at his success, for he SO no6ly
| and beautifully embodies in his character
the plain and uaostentatious principles OF
| Democrat, that to reward him was Labor
| of love-" Favors and honors come not to
him sought and purchased by cunning in
trigues or annoying opportunities, but 2;
| the free action and uniuhuenced will OF las
party. If that party has been profuse IN It's
rewards, the merits of the recipient baVe
been great and deserving.
purpose to trace as concisely as the sub
iect will admit the events that have so tar,
marked the political life of Gov. Reid
Every North Carolinian should feel interes-
ted in the career of her public men, for their
acts constitute the chapters in our national
history, by which we are to be Judged by
: coming generations. presume feeling
of State-pride alone, not to name other con-
siderations will be sufficient to claim for
this article, the attention of your numerous
readers.
Gov. Reid first appeared in public life I'D
1885, under the old constitution, as State
Senator from his native county of Rocking
ham. After the adoption of the new con-
stitution, he was re elected the succeeding
year, to the same position. La 1888 and
, 1910, he was returned to the same body
The continued support of his constituents,
copclusively attested the confidence they re-
posed in him. His services in the senatorial
branch of the Legislature, were important
. to those whom he represented, and OF such
E a liberal and just character as to Embrace
4 cautious watchfulness over the interest of
the whole State. AS devoted son OF the
Old North State he knew that she had
:, | claims upon him as one of her legislators,
which no narrow geographical lines ought to
circumscribe, and hence he labOred dill
gently for her good, her honor, and her
| prosperity.
II In 1913, Gov Reid was elected to the
House of Representatives of the United
. States. The next Congressional campaign
" opened in 1854, and Gov. Reid triumphed
again. Then he was surrounded by Messrs
Biegs and Dobbin, as his prominent col
leagues in maintaining the wisdom and
sound policy of Mr.. Folks administration
- The period VS. one of unusual excitement
| a6
- ministration had open and avowed enemies,
who were ever ready to throw obstacles
- and difficulties in the way of speedy and
u satisfactory settlement of all great ques-
y tons. Gov. Reid was equal to his duty,
and was found laboring assidiously in be-
half of Mr. Polk, and the conservative par
ty of which he as President, was recog-
10 missed head and representative. The coun-
try was imperilled by dangers that re-
ouired able counsels to point out the way
a by which they might be escaped, without
~ impairing or compromising our national
d honor. Gov. Reid manfully sustained the
s. Administration throughout his second term;
Oh guarded the rights of the District with in
flexible fidelity. and = wisely shaped his
conduct, as to acquire large degree of in
Auence in the House. His record affords
IN the surest index Of his devotion to those
IN orthodox principles which have SO signally
lis advanced the material greatness of the Re
er public.
re The Gubernatorial Convention of the
ed Democratic and wing parties met in 1913
of to select their respective standard-bearers
| rNLo WL;ors bod for wears defIed the
til most determined efforts of their opponents
an for the redemption of the State. Uninter
ri rupted successes had followed the struggle
re of such leaders as Badger and Mangun,
mt Graham and Morehead, Shepard and Miller
he Rayner and Stanly. SO long. that hope seem
ms ed to hold out no promise of Democratic as
In tendency. With an unbroken chain 0
es, victories extending many years back il
he favor of whig men and measures, Gov. Rel
mt commenced the unequal contest, with
his. hearty purpose of conquering heretofore in
pr vincible leeions. Gov. Manly instead q
alt sustaining the prestige of his predecessors
He by claiming majority of thousands, onl
M obtained his election by the paltry MAORI
els ty of few hundred. To pardon Sigh
en- DEPRESSION, the fact has been incontestabl
red demonstrated, that Gov. Reid is stronge
ce. than his party for Immediately after his d.
ion feat in lS4o by seven hundred votes, Ger
ude Taylor carried the State by over eigl
mt thousand majority, and in 1852, Gov. Re-
be- was elected by five thousand majority, viii
aad Gen. Pierce fell short of a thousan
But to return to the point. Seeing tn
WI Gov. Reid was an available man, and OIL
eminently fitted for the office of Goyerno
the Democratic party again in 1850, place
F "A him before the people for their suffrage
Pa. He vanquished the adversary. The vieto
the was brilliant and complete, and the star
cry whiggery went down below the polite
was horizon. leaving no solitary ray to mark