Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-10-20

ent time as was with Gov. Reid during both his
terms and have given to Gov. Bragg's adminstra.
t'on' and still give to it, cordial and unwaverng
support. Under the circumstances, as the Editor of
the Regaser had copied the articles referred to from
the Warrenton Nesos, it was perhaps natural and
prope that the Governor should request the former to
say "that no member of Congress ever requested.
eihter orally or in writing, Gov Bragg to appoint Mr.
Cl'ngman to the vacancy made in the Senate by the
resignation of Mr.. Biggs." But if the Governor
had made the request Of me, would have gone
further and borne my testimony to his integrity as
a public servant, and would have re.pubshed the
article which appeared in the Standard when Mr..
Clingman was appointed, in which the appointment
was approved, and Mr.. Clingman spoken of in the
highest terms
In relation to the delegation in Congress may
add that some of them have honored me with their
intimate personal friendship, and for all of them
entertain friendly feelings. rejoiced at their sue
cess over the opposition in August last, and have
Joined in no attacks upon them at any time or of
any kind whatsoever. So far as Mr. Branch, our i'm.
mediate Representative, is concerned, many of nv
friends in this community know that was among
the first to suggest his name for Congress in 1885,
though had understood he had voted for Mr. Ven
able in 1858; and from that time until this have
done him justice both in the Standard and in pri-
vate conversations. I have always been his friend
am not his enemy now, nor do l expect to be. If
shall conceive it to be my duty as one of his con-
sti,uents, the Editor of Democratic journal,
to complain Of his course will do so publicly and
openly on my own responsibility, and not by indi-
rection or privately through another person.
What then? | am censured because do not de-
fend these gentlemen through the columns of the
Standard against the structures of the Warrenton
News. do not say they censure me, because do
not know the fact, and they have not approached
me on the subject: but this community is full of the
rumor that | am censured in various quarters, be-
cause do not repel these attacks of the Nesos. l
cannot do it, and am presumed to know some
thing of my duties. When the State officers at the
Capitol and our delegation in Congress assaed
month or two since by the Register, they were
promptly defended by the Standard as they always
will be- if in the right, when assaed by the oppo-
sition. But l cannot engage in a controversy be-
tween Democrats. To do so would only add fuel to
the flame, while it would crafty the opposition, as
may be plainly inferred from the tone of the Regis
ter. The Editor of the Warrenton Ne,cs, and those
tanning him in his course, have neither abandoned
principle nor nfringed organization; and they hold
themselves, and held by others. to be as good
Democrats as those whom they assail Who made
me Judge between them? Who commissioned me
to decide questions Of this sort? Who armed me
with the power to defend one portion of the party
and put another portion under ban? What right
have to engage in a controversy which is rather
personal than political, and which concerns Office
and place more than it does principle? 1regret the
controversy, but have had and will have no part
in it. It is not Serious after ALL suppose;
and if it should increase and threaten injurious
sequences the Democratic people aciU hemselres
command the peace. For my part 1 earnestly de-
sire the harmony and the continued success and pros
perity of the Democratic party will sacrifice any
thing and every thing which man of honor ought
to sacrifice, to promote and preserve harmony; and
will go as far, now and hereafter as he who will
it. and the prosperity Of our beloved State, para.
mount to all other considerations.
NV Democratic friends will bear me witness that
am not in the habit of addressing them on matters
personal to myself. Under the circumstances,
could not in justice to myself have said less. This
is the second Card which have published during
my fifteen years of public life. My first one was
an appeal in April last to my friends to support
Judge Ellis for Governor. They did support him
| he and will always gratefully remember.
W. W. HOLDEN.
| Raleigh, Oct Is, 1858.