The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-10-23
Enr TIE Western Democrat.
POLITICS IN CATAWRA

The ball is rolling on in Catawba, and Democ-
racy and equality of the States is the watchword
of victory.
On last Monday, being Court week, the Hon.
y. B. Vance and William Lander, Esq, had dis
cussion at Newton Mr.. Vance made speech
of one hour and half, in abuse of the democratic
party and illustrated it in his characteristic style
of anecdotes He gave us the old hackneyed,
federal cry of disunon, and attempted to brighten
the old women and weak men by his pictures, and
closed by way of peroration in telling, at last, that
he was for John Bell. Some of those who did
not hear him announce it, could not learn 1t from
his speech.
Mr. Lander was greeted on the stand with great
applause and in one of his most caustic and with
erng replies proceeded to expose the weakness and
nsincerity of the Bell and Everett party. He
earnestly depicted the crisis of the country and
deprecated the use of rdicule or comedy at such
time as this, when men should be looking for
safety to their fresides. Mr. Bells Inconsistency
on the Nebraska bill and his anti-Southern record
were exposed, and the subterfuge which he re-
lied as a platform was held up in contempt to his
audience.
Mr. Vance in his speech had eulogized Jackson
and commended his course in the days of nullif-
cation, and iutcrrogated Mr. Lander to his
if Lincoln was elected.
Mr. Lander replied to his remarks, and told his
democrats; it part of thier scheme to deceive
them. He then answered Mr. Vancc's question,
and stated that he did not think Lincoln's cleo
ton of itself was cause for secession, but it was
impossible to Judge of the consequences which
might surround that event, and that he held HIM
self ready to cast his lot with North Carolina,
whatever it might be. Mr. Vance ''caught Tar
tar this time, and it would be better policy for
his party not to risk him down here any more.
n Il l. e Al
Court addressed the people in the Court House,
and W. W. Avery, not being allowed this privi-
lege, replied in the grove near by.
Mr. Myers gave us squatter sovereignty with the
same nasal-twang which Douglas has taught all
his followers; swore positively-for he said So
that it was in the Cincinnati platform, and Ne
braska bill, and after one hour and halfs argu-
ment to prove this great doctrine of squattcr sove
reignty right, he suddenly announced that as to
himself individually he didn't believe word of
it-he believed it unconstitutional. He improved
on Vance's disunion picture, and said he would
reluctantly aid in coercing South Carolina. The
wings smiled very pleasingly at this announcement.
Mr. Avery arose with feeling, and called on the
democrats to study well the spectacle. Our coun-
try on the brink of ruin, and while enemies were
on every side faction of hostile foes preying
on us in midst We had heard threats from
them as insulting as those of the North; but like
Hannah, they ought first ascend their own scatfold.
He said he would not take office under Lincoln, as
Mr. Myers would, or aid him to coerce sister
State that "sOoner than live off the crumbs of Abe
Lincolns table he would rather beg his bread from
door to door," that chains could drag the noun
tain boys to conflict with Southern brethren
Mr. Avery then made the most mastery, legal
and political vindication Of the Breckenridge plat
form l have yet listened to- He was cogent in
his reasoning, impressive in his manner and elo-
1uent in his appeals to his hearers. Mr. Avery
won to himself the hearts of the people and they
listened with brcathleSs attention to his words
the words Of Southron, of patriot, and states
man. "CATAWBA.'