Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-06-30
Letters from Judge DousIas.

The Baltimore papers, in their reports of the pro-
ceedings of the national Democratic Convention,
(assembled at the Front Street Theatre in that city,
publish the following which we believe the only
items of interest in those proceedings not heretofore
given to readers.
After Judge Douglas had been nominated for the
Presidency:
A letter read from Judge Douglas to Gov
Richardson, authorizing the withdrawal of his name
candidate, if necessary to secure the ascendan-
cy of the party. 1t is as follows:
WASHINGTON, IL P. MI
Private. June 90, 1860
My DEAR SIR: | learn there is imminent danger
that the Democratic party will be demoralized if
not destroyed 10y the breaking up of the convention
Such an event would inevitably expose the country
to the peris of sectional strife between the North
ern and Southern partizans of congressional inter-
ventlon upon the subject of slavery in the Terrific
ries. firmly and conscientousy believe that there
is no safety for the country-no hope for the pre-
servation OF the Union-eXcept by faithful ard
rigid adherence to the doctrine of non-intervention
by Congress with slavery in the Territories Inter-
vention means disunion There is no difference in
principle between Northern and Southern interven-
ton. The lnteryenes for slavery and the other
against slavery; but each appeals to the passions
and prejudces of his own section against the peace
of the whole country and the right of self govern
ment by the people of the Territories. Hence the
doctrine of non-intervention must be maintained at
all hazards. But while | can never sacrifice the
principle even to attain the Presidency will cheer
fully and joyfully sacrifice myself to maintain the
principle Ii, therefore, you and my other friends
who have stood by me with such heroic firmness at
Charleston and Baltimore shall be of the opinion
that the principle can be preserved, and the unity
and ascendancy of the Democratic party maintained,
and the country saved from the perils of Northern
ahO nd b,, r;tI
ing my name, and uniting upon some other nom
Intervention, Unon-loving Democrat, l beseech you
to pursue that course. DO not understand me as
wishing to dictate to my friends have implicit
confidence in yours and their patriotism, Judgment
and discretion. Whatever you may do in the pre-
misses will meet my hearty approval. But conjure
you to act with eye single TO the safety and well
fare of the country, and without the slightest re-
gard to my individual interests OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My interests will be best promoted, and my ambi-
ton gratifed and motives vndIcaed by that course
the part of my friends which will be most efec-
tua in saving the country from being ruled ruin
ed by n sectional party.
The action of the Charleston Convention in sus-
tanning me by so large majority on the platform,
and designating the first choice of the party
for the Presidency is all the personal triumph de-
sire. This letter is prompted by the same motive
which induced my dispatch four years ago, with
drawing my name from the Cincinnati Convention.
you and my other friends must act upon your own
convictions Of duty.
Very truly, your friend,
S. A. DOUGLAS.
Hon. WV. A. RICHARDSON Baltimore, Nd
The reading was received with cheers
Mr.. Richmond, of New York, had also received a
Geographic dispatch from Judge Douglas, which is
as follows:
WASHINGTON, June o. 1S60-9t A. NJ.
To DEAN RICHMOND, Chairman of the New York
Delegation:
The steadiness with which New York has sus-
tanned me will justify word of counsel The safe
ty of the is the paramount duty of every DEM
ocrat The unity of the party and the maintenance
of its principles involate of more Importance than
the elevation or defeat of any individual If my
ecemies determined to divide and destroy the
Democratic party, and perhaps, the country, rather
than elevated-and If the unity of the party
can be preserved, and its time honored principles
maintained and its ascendency perpetuated, by
dropping my name and uniting upon some other re-
liable, nonntervention and Union-lovng Democrat,
l beseech you, in consultation with our friends, to
pursue that course which will save the party and
the country, without regard to my individual inter-
ests
mean all this letter implies. Consult freely and
act boldly for the right 8
S. A. DOUGLAS.