Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-07-28
For the Standard.
TO THE. VOTERS OF CHATHAM.

FELLow-CITIzENs: The time is drawing near when
we again will be called upon as citizens to exercise,
at the ballot box the duties and privileges of free
men, and they are not light and frivolous duties,
but fraught with the highest interest of our county
and State
In TO country the rights and privileges of citi
zens so free and unmoested in ours because every
citizen is indirectly his own legislator In country
is the responsibility of citizenship great in ours
since every citizen acts independent sovereign
Seeing, then, that our privileges and duties
great, does it not become intelligent citizens,
as sovereign legislators to look well to interests
and to protect our rights? Party strife dangerous
it is in its tendency is calculated to lay cancer
at the roots of our social system that will ultimate
ly discover the very cardal of our Constitu-
tional organization, if not checked by the sober
thought and stern resistance of the masses who
alone have the power to queli the wild chase by
political demagogues and intreaguers for Office and
plumber. Never have this fact more striking
ly exempli6ed than in the present campaign New
in the political history of our State werl we called
on to think more soberly and act with more discre
ton than now
What is the great issue for your decision? 1t is
nothing less than political hobby whereby certain
aspirants expect to palm themselves upon the peo-
pie. Who has introduced this issue? Have
the people demanded it? No! it has been intro
duced by party hacks to gull and dupe the people
The time has been, fellow-citizens, when party
might cast dust IN the eyes oil the peO-
pie, and they, like the infatuated hearers of Demo
tras, cry out "Great is Diana of the Ephesans."
But thank heaven, and we all have reason to
jOce that the day of ignorance and darkness is
swift passing from our borders. The people are be-
coming enlightened; they are beginning to feel the
wrongs they have suffered and to their rights,
and they will defend them.
What is proposed by this issue introduced by the
Opposition? They propose to call convention to
revise the Constitution to tax every species of
property. Did they consider the vast expense to
which such would bring the State? Did they con-
slider the danger of calling an open convention2
Have we considered the falacy of the issue itself?
What is the great cry of these ranterS? They say
it is to favor the poor man. Favor the poor man
how,-by taxing his household? No. How then,
is he to be favored-by reducing the tax on the
poll? No, not according to Mr. POOLS theory
How, then ask in the name of all truth? o, fall
lacy! o, deceptionl How can he who is
ground down with taxes support such party?
wish not to assume the garb Of dictator; but
as one from your midst as one of YOU one inter-
ested in the taxes of all, would appeal to your
judgment and Candor to stand by that party which
has ever advocated equality and justice, and give
Gov. Ellis an overwhelming majority.
But let look at our own county affairs Let
us see who will get the support of the people of
Chatham. Both parties have full tickets out for the
Legislature The Democracy have in the Senate,
VIM. Harris, ESQ.,; in the Commons T. Bynum ID.
Hackney, and R. c. Gotten. The Opposition have
in the Senate E. II. Straughn; in the Commons, r.
Green, j. II. Headen, and Rev. Billy Taylor.
Mr. Harris is gentleman Of great practical knowl-
edge; one who will not be swift to 90 into new
theories-a friend to classes his legislation will
be just As to the other gentlemen on the Demo-
cratic ticket there need not be any comment, they
are all known as experienced economical legislators
Mr.. Straughn, of course expects our votes because
he represented us last session. But what has he
done? Let the records speak. Whatever he may
or may not have done, he has pledged himself with
his friends Headen and Green to tax your tin cups,
soap gourds &c, if you will send him back
But in the meantime where is the Rer. Billy?
What are his principles? His principles like the
names of his party, are infinite! Who, or what is
he? a curious compound of heterogeneous prin-
cples-his name is legion. He cries out vocierouS-
ly against the RICH mans niger, and at the same
time secretly slips his fingers in the POOR mans
cupboard, and draws forth the carving-knfe to cut
the throat Of his sheep, hogs and cattle to fill the
public Store-house. Shall the people of Chatham
thus be duped by the Rev. Billey? No Billy!
say no! By the way, let us not forget the fidelity
of our present Sheriff Let us not desert him in
this critical moment of our financial affairs.
Now, feow-c citizens in view of all that is near and
dear to as citizens Of common country in view
Of all that is sacred in the constitution of IA
TIERS let US be united in one mighty phalanx, and
cry out with Hurculean voice in defence of those
principles which have hitherto guided us through
so many conflicts and dangers.
Have we not, in former days, marched to battle
and to victory under the stars and stripes of the
Democratic banner. And shall desert them
and turn to the falaciOus and deceptive colors of
the Opposition which have so often deceived us !?
No, fellow-citizens, no. but let cling to them
more firmly as the only hope of the peoples rights,
and let us on the second day of August next march
hand in hand with shoulders to the wheels Of
Democracy and victory will be OrRS
Sincerely b.