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

elgh Register, the organ of the opposition. A few
hours later found the proceedings entire, as re-
ported by the Secretary, in the Secretays q organ
the Lice Giraffe How the editor of the Register
came to be more highly favored than were the edi-
tors of the Standard, when it was well known that
the Standard was published in advance of both the
organs above named, it is not now my purpose to
enquire. He probably had friend at court; but he
need not atter himself that there will be split in
the Democratic party of this county, or of this dis
trict Attempts at such disorganization, within
few years past, met with such decided rebukes as
will deter others from similar attempts notwithstand
ing the rewards that may have been since bestowed |
on portion of the disorganizers the hopes ofu-
ture rewards that may be entertained by these or |
Others
But my object in writing this article is to correct
in some particulars, the Of the Secretary in
making out the proceedings and to set myself right
am sorry that the Secretary undertook what is not
usual to give the substance of the remarks of those
who spoke in the meeting; and more especially SO,
because he submitted his proceedings to of the
speakers, and not to all. If injustice was done to
others, they can speak for themselves l speak for
myself alone, at this time
I went into the meeting without the slightest idea
of any inharmonous proceedings. I was satisfied
that majority of the Democrats of the county was
in favor of the denomination of Mr. Branch Ihad
no political objections to him.
A committee was appointed to draft resolutions,
and retired for that purpose. Then the motion was
made to invite Mr.. Branch to address the meeting
Mr. Cantwell urged it, and said it might be "impor-
tant' to Mr.. B. to do So l did not consider this by
any means complimentary to Mr.. B. Regarded the
meeting as Democratic meeting, in which Mr..
Branch had no more rights or privileges than any
other Democrat in the county, and that considering
his position it would be at least indicate in him to
desire to address the meeting before it had conciu-
| ded its business. Had the meeting been composed
| of men who knew nothing of Mr.. Branch's course
in Congress, then it might have been proper to have
sought from him information in regard to it-not
otherwise, for he had not been attacked that know
Of by any Democrat 1 desired that the business of
the meeting should be transacted and that Mr. Branch
should then speak. The Secretary reports:
''Mr. Wilson insisted on Mr.. Blcdsoc's motion, and
thought that if the courtesy Of addressing themeet
ing be extended to Mr. Branch, it ought also, to be
extended to every other aspirant for the nomination
He thought the primary object of the meeting should
first be carried out then hear the speeches of aspi
rants.
"Mr. Cantwell wished to know who was the 9th
er aspirants 7"
said nothing of courtesy" Mr. Cantwell had
claimed that Mr.. Branch had right to come be-
fore the meeting and "give an account of his stew
ardship." This Fright" denied This, however,
is an Indifferent matter as is also that where I am
reported to have said every other asprant fought"
&c. said Knight as we'll be-" &c. But it is
maxim of law, 1 believe, that the suppression of
truth is equal to the expression of falsehood.-
Without weighing very deliberately my words,
used the expression "all other asprants" or some
thing to that effect. 1 saw Mr.. Cantwelrs eye light
up, as though he had some suspicion confirmed, or
about to be confirmed, an opportunity of gaining
some information, and he propounded the question
as recorded by the Secretary. My reply to that
question is suppressed That reply l now add 1t
was, "EvERY MAN IN THE DISTRICT" Ihad no partic-
ular man or number of men in view but was only
contending for the rights ALL and against the exclu-
sive Fright" of Mr.. Branch or any other man to
come into the meeting and advocate his special per-
sonal or political claims over all others.
But pass on. The committee returned and re-
ported the resolutions agreed upon. They met my
appreciation, and was willing to vote for them. A
verbal alteration suggested and accepted by the
committee, and opposed by no one. The Rev. Thos
G. Whitaker thought the resolutions too luke-warm.
(SeeSccrctarys account of proceedings) Mr.. Cant
) we'll wrote off the addition suggested by Rev. Mr.
; Whitaker. A. NJ. Lewis, ESQ.,, suggested to Mr..
Cantwell the propriety Of withdrawing the latter
clause, iastructing delegates. Mr. c. refused to do
So then moved (not Mr.. Marriott, for shun no
responsibility incurred to strike out the clause con-
tanning the instructions. 1 opposed them on prn-
cple for convention was the people themselves
therefore sovereign, and could not be instructed
servant might be instructed-not sooereign
The meeting refused to strike out the clause
then offered substitute expressing thought ant
still think, the truth. 1t was not directly voted up
on as the Secretary states; but the question was
it was not stricken out I then offered the resolu
= ton paraded by the Register in advance of the CT
ras concerning specific duties the Pacific railroad
and the $50, 100000 bill.
It is proper that should state that on this $50,
100000 bill the senior editor of the Standard an,
myself entertain different views He was in favo
of the passage of the BILL and was opposed to it
{, This, however, involves fundamental principle
q and is question on which Democrats may differ
Il am in favor of acquiring Cuba, by purchase, if
;. can by force if must, at the proper time. Fo
IL its purchase would VOTE not only $780, 600 OoO bu
IS ten times s3oOOoOoO; and rather than see it pas
70 from Spain to any other power, except our own,
would vote for what deem more expensive than te
J. times 100000. for soar.
II Twas not afraid to trust President Buchanan wit
re $3O,O00,0O0; but did notbeeve he could or woul
use it. and therefore thought the appropriation US,
less. Nor do approve the precedent that woul
Is have been set. $3ooooOOo is tremendous and