The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-01-11


ments is designed to oblitecate sectional distinctions
and produce unity of interest and feeling among
the people. A compror- Use policy, upon fixed and
medium ground, would inftlse vigor into the prose-
cution of these enterprises by the confidence which
its moderation and permanency would inspire; re-
moving them at once from the area OF party poll
tics and placing them above mere sectional jealous
les and the Vaccinations of political factions
In commencing punctiliOus observance OF all
the public engagements I know but utter SEN
timent that animates every bosom within the wide
domain of our State. A violation of faith, under
any circumstances, is among the melancholy In
stances of human inffirmlty; and, in the case OF
State where the public bonor has been accepted as
a bond it becomes crime without mitigation
First among the rich inheritances for which We
indebted to a vrtuous ancestry, are those just
and honorable sentiments planted deeply in the
minds and hearts of our people, which hold in alb
hOrrence the very idea of breach of the public
faith.
That this Inheritance may pass unimpaired to
posterity, I am convinced will ever be an object of
socitude with the Legislature Representing, as
you do the sentiments of the people upon this sub
ject, is guaranty that ample provision will be
made to meet with promptness and regularity the
interest accrung upon the debt of the State; and
that the sinking fund.- created for the liquidation of
the principal upon maturity will be carefully pro-
tected and cherished
1t is perhaps proper that should make some re-
ference, upon this occasion, to the condition of
our State a member of the Federal Union; and
to the relations she sustans towards her associates
in the Confederacy.
1t is fact much to be deplored, that the same
tranquility and repose which have constantly at
tended our domestic concerns, and under which our
varied interests have strengthened and grown have
not so uniformly characterized our association among
the States of the Union. Aggressions upon our pO-
litica rights and private interests, in common with
those of the other Southern States by class of our
fellow citizens residing in the northern portion Of
the Confederacy, have given rise to complaints
that are we'll known to all, and engendered animosi
ties destructive of that mutual friendship, which
should ever characterize so intimate relation. In
deed, so determined and persistent have been these
aggressions, that the extreme remedy OF dlsrup-
ton of the Union has become to be frequently sug
gested and Familiarity discussed.
Grievous these causes of discomfort, we are
not prepared for the acknowled gment that we can
not enjoy all of our constitutional rights in the
Union Should that day unfortunately come, but
little doubt need be entertained that people will
act best COMFORTS with their interests and honor
and with the sacred memories Of the past, to what
ever result it may lead.
In the meantime, our bearing in the Confedcracy
should be in accordance with the consistent and
dignifed character of the State, aud such as be-
comes just and Christian people cultivating
amicabe relations with associate States and re-
cprocating offices of kind and neighborly friend
ship, at the same time that manifest jealous
regard for our political rights, forbearng to-
wards tn e with whom associated in the most
elevated pursuits that engage the attention Of
men, yet firm in the maintenance of that equality
without which any association would be living
badge of shame; tolerant in others OF those differ
ences of opinion which result from education, as
ISOLATION, climate, soil, and the many causes which
tend to influence character in its formation, yet
yielding nothing of the convictions of our own judg
ment abstaining from hasty and Incorporate threats
as inconsistent with the dignity of a sovereign
State, yet not slow in protest, firmly and deliber-
ately, against impending injuries, always delibera
ting considerably and discreetly, resolving with
decision, and executing those resolves with certain
ty, holiness, vigor and courage Such course
will, at least gain US the high reward of our own
selErespect, and may tend to induce returning
sense of justice on the part of such disposed
to infringe rights; failing in which, however,
it will fortfy before men in whatever position
we may think proper to occupy in the events that
may follow.
1t would subserve useful purpose to make more
particular reference this time the unhappy dis
senons that exist between the two classes of slave
holding and non-slaveholdng States to specu-
late upon the disastrous consequences to which they
may lead At time agreeable service would
especially refrain from obtruding them upon your
reflections this day. We enter to-day, upon a new
year in brilliant of selfgOvernment, and
Americans everywhere may well devote it to fecita-
ting each other upon the many happy circumstances
that surround condition.
And, out of sacred memories of past suferings
and tolls in common cause, a contemplation of
present splendid power and grandeur nation,
and expectations of the triumphs that yet await this
great repubic-sentiments that must fill the minds
of all Americans this national festive
day-there naturally arise hopeful anticipations of
81
tenn.
calculated bring to mind another, memorable in
the history of the country day ffty-seven
wears past, when jefferson, upon great occa-
sion, stood before his assembled cOuntrymen, and
declared with SOLEMN emphasis: Il believe this the
strongest government earth" His prophetic wis
dom, which has often proved beacon light to the
people of this country, guiding them in times of i'm
inspire with encouragement and hope in present
embarrassment.
There is strong common sense among the Ameri-
can people which is not quick to desert Them and
which triumphs obstacles, and solves intricate
political questions that pcrplex the thcorist in
governmental science. Upon this good sense under
Heaven, may securely rely for the preservation
of present happy political organization dispensing
to remote posterity the blessings have en-
joyed under it, and fulfilling thar high destiny
men which Hcaved has ordained it?
will now, gentlemen in obedience to the consti-
tuition subscribe your presence the oaths of office
relying upon Infinite Power for wisdom and strength
enable to discharge properly the solemn obliga-
tions they imposes and, for beuignant Judgment OF
nv official action trusting the indulgence of gene
| rous people.