The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-10-16
) NORTH CAROLINA.

Our information private and public, from diff
erent portions of the State lead US to expect
hdently that North Carolina will give a larger
majority for Breckenridge than she did for Gov.
Ellis in August last Our opposition'friends may
consider it matter of course that we should ex-
press this opinion, but they should remember that
We have never been in the habit of boasting pre-
vious to elections. We may be mistaken, but if
there is anything in the signs of the times to in
dictate public sentiment, think i; is evident
that large majority of the people Of this State
are for Breckenridge. The leading friends of Mr.
Douglas do not pretend that the Douglas ticket
stands the least chance of carrying the State-in
fact the movement has proven complete failure,
and, so far as we can learn, nearly as many wings
as democrats have gone over to Douglas. Any
how, Douglas stands no chance, and the contest
in the State is between Breckenridge and Bell.
It would be well for democrats to remember this,
and, if they are really attached to the democratic
party and its principles let them vote SO as to sus
tain that party without regard to their preferences
for individuaLs merely.
awe also deny that Mr. Douglas ever said he would
"coerce sovereign States" He is too wise, under
indeed, too good Estate Rights man to make any
such threats-DongIas Democrat.
Well, now let see what Mr. Douglas did say
let us see whether his organ here in Charlotte
understands his position or not
When Douglas making a speech at Norfolk
Va, the following question asked him:
sIf the Southern States secede from the Union
upon the Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, before
he commits overt act against their constitution
al rights, will you advise or vindicate resistance
by force to their secession 2"
Remember now, Mr. Douglas was asked if he
would "advise or vindicate resistance by force to
their secession secession of Southern States
He replied follows:
"That it is the duty of the President and all
others in authority under him to enforce the laws
of the United States as passed by Congress and ex
pounded by the Courts, and that he, as in duty
bound by his oath offdelity to the Constitution,
would do all in his power to aid the government
in maintaining the supremacy of the laws against
all resistance to them, come from what quarter it
may"
And in his Raleigh speech, Mr. Douglas said:
off Lincoln should be elected President of the
United States, or Breckenridge, and any other man,
after such election, should attempt to violate the
Constitution of the country, infringe any law or
right under it, l would hang him higher than
Haman, according to law"
The above is sufficient to show that Douglas did
threaten to Z" coerce sovereign States" for the
question was asked him what he would do if South
ern States seeded from the Union. Not only so,
but he threatens to hang any who would up
hold the secession of State. In that case he
would have to hang most Of his friends about here,
for we suppose they all believe in the right of
secession. And inasmuch as our neighbor has al
ready absolved himself (by resolution) from all
allegiance to the Federal Government, We advise
Mr. Douglas to attend to him Immediately
We also call our neighbours attention to the fact
that his brother Douglas editor at Raleigh publish
article to justify the coercion of a sovereign
State He seems to understand Mr. Douglas just
as we do about that matter, and he substantially
admits that he (Douglas) is for coercion. How do
YOU like that?