Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-05-16
Fur the Standard.


union and concert of action the part of the Demo-
cratic party in North-C Carolina in the approaching
campaign, in which you say "whatever may be our
opinion on the subject of taxation, let us be united
And so say I. And also say let the principles and
policy laid down by State and Federal Democratic
Conventions be the rule for Democratic action, and
then there will be danger of division or disattec
ton anywhere. But | desire You will pardon me
when say that think your plan for disposng of
the State issue taxation made by the Opposition
involving as it does call of an open Convention to
amend or new-lnoddel the Constitution of the State,
and which has been condemned and declared to be
"premat.lre impolitic dangerous and unjust" by
the State Democratic Conven.ion-is hardly in ac-
cord with your heretofore ardor and zeal in the vim
dication and support of Democratic platforms. In
the article referred TO, you say But VIC are asked
what must be the course of Democrats running for
and against nj ralorem in the same county for the
Legislature? The reply is is, differ we often do,
but divide never" Now hopel will be excused
for thinking that the reply is very unsatisfactory
answer to the enquiry: and allow me to ask you if
it would not give strength to the Democrats
of such county, and enable them to battle with more
effect against the Opposition, if the County Con-
vcntions would nominate for the Legislature only
such Democrats approve the principles and poll
cy laid down in the platform by the State Demo-
cratic Convention? Such course would not en-
6arruas our Democratic candidate for Governor, but
would strengthen his hands in every county in the
State. Then you say again: But what, VIC are
again asked, are the Democratic members of the Le
gislaturc thus elected, to do, when the question
comes up in the Legislature? The answer to this
is plain and conclusive. The great object which
candidates have in casvassing for the Legislature,
is to ascertain the wishes of the people, and those
Wishes when asccrtained, every Jefersonian and
jackson Democrat is bound to carry out" Permit
again to say, though do so with all Que Difference
to your better judgment and long practical expert
ence in the usagcs and customs of Democratic Or
ganizaton, that this answer think also unsatisfac-
tory. 1t seems to that it inrerts the ordinary
usage of the Democratic party. | was of the opin-
ion, the practice has been heretofore that the peo-
pie in their primary meetings or County Copven-
tons were careful to know what were the senti-
ments Of prominen. gentlemen upon subjects likely
to come before the Legisatnre-upon which the
people felt much intcrest-and nominations were
made in strict reference to the opinions the nomi-
nees entertained in connection with them, and more
especially so, when those measures have been con-
sdere of sufficient Importance to be incorporated in
the Democratic platform, either as part Of the
creed or as part of the policy of the Democratic
party. The candidates so nominated canvass the
county, not to ascertain the mishes Of the people on
subjects that the candidates are already committed
to- but to convince those who differ with Them that
the measures policy they advocate is conserva-
tive or promotve of the best interests of the peo-
ple-and then, if elected, there can be no mistake
about the wishes of their constituents. They will
not 90 to the Legislature with desire one wav and
an obligation another. Men are not apt to do good
work without they have will for it. And would
respectfully submit if this same usuge would not
now be more productive Of both union and strength
to the Democratic party than to have one candidate
for, and another against adj calorem in the same
county? One Of them hand and glove with the Op-
position for it, while the other will have to fight
both his Democratic friends and the Opposition
against it. I'm union there is strength "a
house divided against itself cannot stand"
Then come to this conclusion: that no Demo-
crat ought to be, desire to be, standard bearer
in the Democratic party, who is not willing to in
scribe or his Flag the achole motto embazoned on
the Banner of the great Democratic party of the
State If he cannot do that, then l think he would
consult his best interest well as the interest
of the party. to work among the rank and file.
And will add, in all sincerity and kindness, that
in my humble opinion, different course advised or
conntenanced by Democratic journalists, instead of
promoting union and harmony, will much more
likely tend to discord and division, and weaken in
many counties that concert of effort so necessary to
the success of the Democratic party in the ap-
preaching campaign.
Please excuse my srankness-and be assured of
my high respect and regard. W.
Wake County, goth April, 1860.
Result of the Ballotings.
Subioincd is a tabular statement of the ballots
cast by the convention. The vote for Jefferson Da-
Wis not included in this table, averaged each
ballot on the first ballot Toucey received p votes
and Pierce /. After the thirty-sixth ballot Ten
nessec withdrew the name of Mr. Johnson: