Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-02-25
GRt Stan0ar1.
RALEIGH: SATURDAY. FEB. Is. 1850.
Opposition State Convention.


this City, on Wednesday the 22d, and adjourned on
Thursday evening sine die The Hon. R. C. Pur
year, of Yadkin. was President
On Thursday the platform of resolutions was re-
ported by Henry r. Nash, ESQ.,, of Orange, who adj
dressed the Convention at some length The plat
form is unusually large and heavy notwithstanding
the we'll known aversion of the Oppositonists to all
platforms We heard it read but once and cannot
therefore state with accuracy all that it contains
That portion of it relating to federal affairs is IN the
nature of an indictment against the Democratic par
ty consisting for the most part of general charges
unSustalned by proofs. The tone ofthe resolutions,
as it seems TO US, is rather Union than Constitu-
ton, and is quite bitter against the national De-
mocracy North and South as against the black Re-
publicans. As a citizen of the State and as a de-
voted friend of a Constitutional Union, we lament
that this is so but a party man, if We were dis
posed to iake capital out of this great question of
slavery, we would rejoice.
The Convention also adopted resolution in favor
of an adj ralerem system of taxation, and in favor
of Convention of the people Of the State, to be
called the federal basis, to carry out this system
The object of this is to tax slaves according to value
instead of per capita, as at present.
The Convention addressed on Thursday fore
noon by the Hon. George E. Badger Mr.. Badger
held the national Democratic party responsible for
all the strife and agitation on the slavery question:
and avowed his infexlble opposition to the Demo-
cracy and tie A6olitiOnists." He also spoke at
some length in favor in of change in the Constitu
ton which will enable the Legislature to tax prop
ertv slaves included according to its value 1t was
a well considered and rather telling party speech,
but bv no means as able and eloquent as might have
been expected from gentleman of his reputation
as an orator.
During the forenoon session Mr. Smith, Of Hall
fax, introduced resolution returning thanks to
MesSrs. Smith Vance Leach and Gmer for their
course in the House in the election OF Speaker
Mr.. Ravner objected, and gave his reasons why he
could not vote for the resolution He said that
while he had confidence in these gentlemen and be-
lieved they thought they acting for the best in
the course they have pursued, yet for his part he
would not have voted for any Democrat for Speaker.
He said further in speaking of the national Demo
cratic and black Republican organizations that he
would feel as safe under the rule of the latter as
under that of the former Mr.. Smith replied warm
]
if compelled 10 choose between black Republican
and Southern national Democrat for President he
would not hesitate to vote for the latter.
In the afternoon session the subject came up
again. and was disposed of after much confusion the
result of deep feeling on both sides. Mr.. Rayner
offered an amendment, which was voted down by
large majority In the of his remarks in the
evening Mr. Rayner spoke in highly complimentary
terms of Henry Winter Davis, of Maryland. lie
said he ras an honor to any party or any State
He did not censure Mr. Davis for voting for Penning
ton for Speaker. He said Mr. Pennington was not a
black Republican, but an old line Wing and that he
considered him as sound on the question of slavery
as Mr. Hunt of New York, the nominee of the Con-
vention for Vice President
Mr.. Smith insisted on his resolution, and replied
to Mr.. Rayner. He appeared to differ out and out
with that gentleman. Our neighbOr of the Regis
ter Mr. Syme, then took the floor in reply to Mr.
Rayne deprecating the of that gentlemen and
disappearing in strong terms of the conduct of
Winter Davis. He insisted that Pennington was a
renegade Wing and black Republican. Gov. Manly
then eSSayed to throw oil on the troubled waves
but failed. The Hon. s. H. Rogers then spoke with
animation in reply to Mr.. Rayner, sustaining
and commencing the Opposition delegation in Con-
gress from this State
Mr.. Rayner's amendment was then rejected and
Mr.. Smiths resolution was adopted by large ma
jOrity. But how is this? Are Messrs. Smith,
Vance, and Leach thanked for voting, and Mr.. Gil
mer thanked for not voting for Democrat for
Speaker?
IT, Of 10 cfafa hat
of the Elizabeth City State Mr.. Hinton addressed
the Convention on Thursday evening, in response to
the honor done his county by the nomination of
Mr.. Pool for Governor. Mr. Walser, of Davidson,
also spoke, closing with some remarkably chaste
anecdotes. constitutional liberty will suffer when
Walser retires to private life
John Pool, ESQ.,, of Pasquotank, was nominated
for Governor. Mr. Pool voted in the last Leglsla-
ture against changing the Constitution so as to tax
slaves as property. He will now of course mount
the platform and go for the change.
Gov. Graham of Orange was nominated for Pres-
dent and Washington Hunt of New York, for Vice
President.
It appears to be understood that Gov. Graham is
to be President Mr.. Badger Senator in place OF Mr.
Clngman while Mr.. Rayner, who has fought more
hard battles for the Opposition cause than both OF
these gentlemen, is to have nothing. Truly Ike
publicans ungrateful."
The Hon. z. Vance was present. and, we under
stand, addressed the Opposition Caucus on Wednes-
day night.
More hereafter.
MORE ENCoURAGENENT.-We are indebted to a
friend at Carthage, Moore County, for club OF ten
subscribers. Also, to friend at Greenville, Pitt,
for club of nine. Also, to friend at Woodland,
Northampton for a club of ten. And to Mr.. F. b.
Currin of Granville for four subscribers, with a