Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-04-07
For the Standard.
POLITICS IN THE WEST.
WAYNESvHLE. Haywood Co.,
March 81 1870 I

WAYNESvILLE Haywood Co.,
March q, 1860
To the Eaitor OF the Standard:
This week Superior Court is being held here, his
Honor Judge Heath presiding who discharges the
duties Of Judge with marked ability, ana to the
tire satisfaction of the public.
During the recess of the Court to-day, an 0pposi-
ton meeting was held in which speeches were made
by several gentlemen, passing the strongest stric-
lures upon the national Democratic party. These
gentlemen advocated a Union party, and al rdtorem
taxation. One of them was in favor of exempting
the white poll from taxation entirely, and raising the
revenue by taxing property alone Their candidate
for Governor, Mr.. Pool, had done wrong-had COM
mited gross errOrs-but that he had repented. and
the people ought to forgive him, as ST. Paul was
forgiven when he repentcd of his SINS and offered
to embrace Christianity.
Immediately after the adjournment Of the Oppo-
siton the Democracy held meeting, which was ad-
dressed by Marcus Erwin, Esq, of Bunconbe, and
Capt. John F. Loke, Of Lincoln. Mr.. Erwin de-
Tended the Democratic party from the assaults made
upon it by gentlemen of the Opposition,-said he
did not impugn the motives of these men, but that
they were waging a warfare upon the only political
party which had any nationality, and which had
strength sufficient to impede the progress of black
RcpublicaniSm.
The Opposition had said that the Democrats were
disunionlsts that the organization of Military Com
panies in the South was an evidence of diSunion
Virginia. and said that militia should be organ
lied, for the purpose Of defending our homes and
firesides from like incursions and if need be- from
the onward march of Sewardism. lie was for the
Union under the Constitution. The Abolitionsts
were constantly stealing our slaves, resisting the
execution of the laws; and simply because the voice
Of Democracy was raised against such outrages, we
should be called disunioniSts
But said Mr.. E., the Opposition in this State have
out in favor Of an al cdLOreH system of taxa
ticn, and nominated John Pool for Governor
MesSrs. Badger and Graham had emerged from their
retirement like an insect which had come out of its
winters hole to take the sun. These men wanted
Office, and cared nothing about Convention nor
ad ralorem. Mr.. Pool had opposed the principal
projects of internal improvements throughout the
State, had opposed dd ralorem, and would not be in
favor of it now, if he were not candidate for Gov
ernor Western men in the Legislature had voted
for an appropriation for the "Big Ditch" when Mr.
Pool in return voted against any aid to our Rail-
roads in the West.
Mr.. Erwin admitted that he was in favor of ad
ualorem, but said that he did not intend to make
rupture with the Democratic party about it said
that he could swallow the Democratic platform much
more easily than Mr.. Pool could his Mr. E. con-
cluded by urging the Democracy to rally to the sup
port of Gov. Ellis and to adhere party organize
ton. His speech was attentivey listened to by a
crowded house. and was really an able and success
full effort
Capt Hoke being called upon, said that he had
no anxiety to make political speech, but that he