Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-04-13

possible that he has or will for if he should he
would do injustice to himself to us, to many Of his
best friends in the District and to the cause which
he has so faithfully served We say this, too, with
apretty thorough knowledge of Mr.. Branch's senti-
ments and course towards us for the last eighteen
months. We do not complain of those sentiments
or of that course and VIC will not fall out with
good Democrat and acceptable public servant be-
cause others may have found more favor in his eyes
than we have. Our course towards Gov. Ellis and
his friends is the best proof offer to broth
er Democrats that we above those little eaousies
and petty resentments, which never do good but
always harm, and which cherished in the hearts
of those only who prefer themselves and their clques
to the Democratic cause.
We repeat it is not true that we have plotted op-
position to Mr.. Branch in the person either of Mr..
Bledsoe or Mr.. Hargrove Such charge is unjust
to them and to us and it has been made by persons
who are anxious to the position and the inau-
ence which attaches to Mr.. Branch as member of
Congress, to injure Mr.. Bledsoe Mr.. Hargrove and
Yourself 1--WE expect to attend the District Conven-
ton. We expect to meet Mr. Bledsoe and Mr.. Har-
grove there, as we did two years ago; and we ex-
pect to 60 for Mr. Branch as cheerfuy and as cordi
ally in the ensuing Convention as we did in the last
We had the honor of presiding over that Conven-
ton, while both Mr. Bledsoe and Mr.. Hargrove took
a prominent part in it. They were both Branch
men then, as we were; and we presume they will vote
for him again. Certainly we know nothing from them
to the contrary. Is all that suspicious? Are Mr..
al, clol
and set forward Mr.. Brancs peculiar friends and
Bledsoe Hargrove, and the Senior Editor of the
Standard whistled down the wind? Are such men
as Bledsoe and Hargrove, and others who might be
mentioned, to be punished because they are "Hol-
den's" friends? Was it because of the rumor that
Holden" was opposed to Mr. Branch, and plotting
against Mr.. Branch, that those exceedingly fishy
and doubtful Democrats, Henry G. Williams and L.
N. B. Battle took so active part in the Nash meet
ing? Is Mr.. Cantwell, of all the Democrats in the
County of Wake, to be regarded as Mr.. Branch's
"confdentiap friend? We trow not We repeat
think it barely possible that Mr.. Branch can have
thought Of coming to such conclusions but we are
dealing frankly with public men and things, and do
not mince our words.
We do not remember when we have had a more
unpleasant duty to perform than on this occasion.
But it has been forced upon US we could not have
escaped it. if we would. We are sincerely anxious
for the harmony the prosperity and success of the
Democratic party; but there are too many pretend
ed Democrats, selEseekers and office seekers in the
ranks to admit Of entire harmony. The "Old
Guard" are too frequently crowded out and clam
ored down by the new recruits. We must have q
more rigid scrutiny by the Democratic masses into
the merits of public men. We must not "throw
physic to the dogs" but administer some of it now
and then, in broken doses. 1t will work out the
gangrene of pride and the poison of selshness and
give stronger beat to the heart, and healthier
glow to the skin, of the Democratic "body polite"
III word, the followers of the camp must not ex-
pect to live on the plumber of the camp they must
shoulder arms and do duty, and thus earn their
bread before they eat (, the Old Guard" did ff
teen years ago. 81 was with Napoleon at Marengo,
and I fell wounded at Austcrlitz," was the proud
exclamation of the "Old Guard" of the Empire,
whose tread shook the earth, and whose banner,
whether in victory or defeat was never dishonored
Ivoted for jackson, for Saunders, for Henry, fol-
Hoke, for Polk, for Reid"-is the proud excla
nation of the Old Democratic Guard of North
Carolina! We call upon these men to assert
and to maintain the control to which they are en-
titled in the Democratic party. They are strong
enough to DO right to be just and to mark and pun
ish selfseekers and disorganizers. Those who have
Joined us during the last six seven years prin
ciple were welcomed then, as they are welcome
now; but let those who deserted "Sam," because
"Sam," or who asked "Sam" to take them, ant
were refused by Sam as they say Mr.. R. Har
per Whitaker asked and was refuscd-or who ar
hanging round and hanging on for offices and spos
we say, let such people hang round and hang on, OF
their own expenses. The Democratic party woul
be stronger without them.