The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-12-04

rG-We have been told by more tnan one irle"u'
that some Of our subscribers did not IKE our course
nm the Secession Question-that they thought we
,vo-o not definite and strong enough (meanIng, we
sunpose, not strong enough in favor OF secesslon)
Cnr pformants themselves acknowledged that they
cav no cause for complaint, but that others com
planned
We have been publishing paper long time,
and have probably, succeeded about as we'll as any
one: but we were never foolish enough to enter
tain the idea that we could please ALIVE never
expected to do so. We know that there
who busy themselves in expressing dissatisfaction
with our course, and who are industrous y work
ing to make others dissatisfied; but defy them
now, as We have in the past. We have managed,
so far to get along very we'll without their advice
or smiles and we think it very likely we shall sur
vive their displeasure in the future Whilst some
of the best men of the country puzzled to
know what advice to give in the present emer-
gency, there are those who are vain enough to be-
leve that their plan is superior to all others, and
ready to denounce every one who does not agree
with them.
But we know we have some good and true
friends (at least we have heretofore looked upon
them as such) who desire that we should take
bold position for immediate secessOn-while 9TH
ers, who also good States Rights men, approve
and have commended our course In favor of eau
tious, moderate and deliberate action. We enter
tain much respect for the opinions of both sides,
and always ready to hear their advice sug
gesOns but, at the same time, we claim the privi-
Iege to act as please afterwards, and settle the
matter with convictions Of what is right
let the consequences be what they may.
I'll ,bot l.
pursued in view of present difficulties, we, feel
great hestancy in giving advice 4 private in
dividual, who is not responsible to the public for
his opinions, may take decided stand to-day in
favor of certain course, and then change to-
morrow if he thinks prOpcr-he Lay hastily eX-
press opinion, aud be held responsible for it
hereafter. But not SO with the editor of a news
paper-his readers of all classes have some claims
upon hIm-the public right to expect that
he will so conduct his paper not to infringe
the rights and endanger the welfare of others, and
as will best tend to promote good order and good
feeling in the community at large. If we give
wrong and imprudent advice, although prompted
to it 10y large Number Of persons, should not
expect to escape denuncIatiOn when the evil con-
sequences began to manifest themselves. There
fore, We say now once FOR ALL We shall pursue
what course may seem proper, uninfuenced by out
side pressure of any kind. We occupy now the
same position we dIu before the election In view OF
the success OF the Black Republican party We
want no office from the people, and ,cO~Id not &C
cep' one, and while we occupy our present position
We shall endeavOr to discharge our duty as circum-
stances demand without regard to what effect it
will have on our future prospects, pecuniarily
otherwise.
We are surprised to learn that somc profess not
to understand our position. We fully endorsed, in
our last issue, the recommendations Of Gov. Ellis
me>Sa ge relation to Federal ffairs-a conference
with other lave-holdng States or the sending of
Commissioners to the same, and the holding of a
Convention of the peep pie of North Carolina. This
course strikes a moderate, cautious and de-
hberate one, although there many deeply in
terestcd III Southern rights who consider that
plan rather rash aud hastY. We have time aud
again advocated the right of a State to sccede and
opposed the idea of coercion Ii position is
understood, it is not fault.
If any one expects us to advise immediate secesN
sion, without deliberatiOn and without the CO.
operation of the Southern States he will certainly
be disappointed. And if any expects us to
show our devotion to Southern rights BY threats
and meuaces he, too, will be disappointed. AS
a native and citizen Of North Carolina, we expect
to abide by the decision of Convention Of her
people whether it is in accordance with our no.
tions of right But what that Convention
ought to do, shall at present, leave older and
wiser heads to say. If Convention says North
Carolina should withdraw from the Union imme-
diatey, are ready; if it says wait, we are for
waiting. We intend to take things coolly anyhow
though We anxious that such a shall be
pursued as will unite the South in action. -