Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-09-29
- For the standard.
THE spEEGH on THE nAMPAIGN.

THE SPEECH OF THE CAMPAIGN:
Mr. EDITOR: have just listened to what / con-
slider the speech of the campaign-a speech replete
with sound national views, statesmanlike arguments
free from faacy, eyncing talent of che first ORDER
IN fact the whole speech exhibited a cearness of
thought and perception, aconversant mastery of the
SUBJECT under discussion, and accompanied wthal by
an earnestness which could but describe the sncer
ty OF the man. This speech was made by Mr.. VIM.
H. Rodman, elector for this Congressional District
and assure your readers that it was creditable
alike to his heart and head
The weather was very nclement for it raned all
the day; yet the Court House was densely crowded
and Mr.. Rodman held his audience in the most dill
gent and fattering attention for two hours 1
say attering attention, for four-ffths of his audi
ence were of the Opposition party, upon whom it
made deep impression, flor / should insult their
good sense were to say otherwise as such speech
must necessarily arouse sensible men, and to whom
it was mainly addressed
Mr.. Rodman's style of speaking is easy and at
tractve his manner plain and persuasive address
ing himself strictly to the minds, and not to the
fanceS and passions of men. His arguments are IT.
resistble, and clothed in chaste and appropriate
language Mr.. Rodman portrayed in true, logical
and unexagerated light the present distracted
dtion of affairs in our country, the rremediable
consequences which must unavoidably follow the
election of black Republican President and the
injury and disadvantage such Republican rule would
bring upon the people of the South He quoted
from Mr.. Stewards speech, in which he advocated
the "irrepressible conflict" doctrine, showing the
objects and aims of the black Republican party
quoted from his speech in Massachusetts, in which
he said the last democrat was born, and with the
election of Mr. Lincoln would fall the power of sla
very in the United States land could but think
how poorly corresponded such language with the
very conciliatory and conservative speech of Mr..
Seward made in the Senate but short time prior to
the meeting ofthe Chicago Convention.) Mr.. R. re-
80 10
slaves, though the law under the Constitution was
plain and easy ofulment: referred to the fact that
some Of the States had passed laws protecting fug
tive slaves, and preventive of their rescue-passed,
too, directly in the face of the Constitution.
He argued that the election of Bell could accom-
pliSh nothing; that his party were fighting for no
great principles that every party must fall when it
ceased to contend for great principles and hence the
downfall of the old Wing party for it had ceased to
fight for great principles, and therefore had nothing
to sustain it. That the platform Of the Opposition
was the Union, the Constitution, and the enforce
ment of the laws, which meant nothing; for the Re-
publicans interpret the Constitution one way and
the South another and what was Union worth
when disregard for the Constitution and just and
impartial enforcement of the laws was apparent, in
fact, avowed2 That the platform upon which Brock
inridge stood contended for great principle-asser
ted and claimed right-a right of protection,
right which no Southern man. or no Northern man,
could justly deny that the South entitled to; and
upon the election of Breckenridge that great prin-
cple would be established, and peace and quiet
would be restored. That the Democratic party had
always stood upon great principles and always
tabshed them, and if it failed to establish this prn
cpe, it would be the first time that it failed.
He showed that the doctrine advocated by Mr..
Douglas one of danger and disadvantage to the
South the establishment Of which would deprive
the Sonth Of her inherent right and power under
the Constitution, and be barrier to her future
greatness and prosperity.
1t would be idle for me to attempt to give you a
correct report synopsis of Mr. Rodmans argu-
ment, for his speech was argument from beginning
to end Suffice it to say that it produced its desired
effect and only wish that every citizen of North
Carolina had been present to hear it, for in that
event the majority for Breckenridge and Lane would
almost be counted by tens of thousands. In the
language of worthy citizen of an adjoining county,
who was present and heard it, lit a speech ad-
dressed to mems heads and not to their feet" In
the heads of the people of this community assure
you it found place, as the election in November
will Enthusiastically demonstrate. l would suggest
to our friends in Salisbury, and other places where
large mass meetings are to be held that if they
could secure the services of Mr. Rodman, (Which,
fear will be doubtful, as his duties in the campaign
in this District are quite onerous, associated with
his professional duties the consequence of large
and lucrative practice) they would secure speech
which will not fail to accomplish much for Breckin-
in the course of my life have l listened to a
speech with which was more pleased.
Mr.. Rodman was replied to by Mr.. W. 7. Marsh
member elect to the Legislature from this county,
and assistant elector of the Opposition party, Mr.
Clark the District elector, being unavoidably alb
sent Mr.. Marsh dwelt upon the tendency, as he
considered of the Breckenridge and Lane ticket to-
wards disunion; endeavored to throw cold water or
ridcule upon the dangers which Mr.. Rodman had
so truthfully pictured; complmented Mr.. Rodman's
speech one of great merit and great ability said
he did not think there was man in North-C Carolina
that could so arouse him; said it was enough for
him that John Bell was the bosom friend of Henry
Clay, and closed his speech which was an hour
in length, with tasteful, eloquent and appropriate
! eulogy upon the memory of Washington speak
but correctly when l say that Mr.. Marsh did not
controvert single point taken by Mr.. Rodman, and
| l might say that he did not even attempt 1t; not
that Mr.. Marsh was incapable of doing, but sim
! ply because Mr.. Rodmans arguments were unan-
swerable. Mr.. Marsh certainly made an effective
speech, and one too that aroused his party; and |
predict that time and experience will make him
| of the most effective speakers of his party.
| When Mr.. Marsh concluded, it was about night
and the discussion ended.
Washington, N. c., Sept Is, 1860.