The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-06-26


poses, and that the proposition for change did
not proceed from the people at all, whether East
or West.
In the same speech | distinctly said that did
not propose to make any change in the present pro-
portion of taxes as paid by the East and West
that necessary public works were being construc
ted in the W est, and these taxes paid to- aid
in their construction Yet was at the same time
opposed to Increasing this disproportion, because
it would be unjust within itself, and such an in
crease would excite sectional conflicts and jeal-
ouses that might result in retarding useful works
now prosperously progressing to completion.
have been thus minute, in order that justice
might be done others, while claiming it for my
self While in the extracts given and the train
of argument referred to- it will clearly appear that
language used by me, and which language have not
at any time denied, was enormously applied by the
reporters to the West will at the time appear
how mistake of the kind might be made without
any suspicion of an intention to misrepresent
The rule laid down by Mr. Foster, that a differ
ence as to the statement in a report, presents
tissue of peracity" between the persons entertain
ing such differences is indeed loose one, and one
that would operate quite as hardly upon reporters
themselves upon other persons-and we need
not travel far to show this,
Mr. Fosters report of my Gatesville Speech con-
tains the following language:
.sThc main purpose of his visit to explain the
principles and policy of the Democratic party. His
opponent, Mr. Pool, between whom and himself diff
ference upon national politics existed yet stood widely
asunder from him on great question of State policy
The report Of Mr. Garner (Op.) contains the
following: He said there point of person
al difference between him and his competitor, but
a wide difference on State and Federal affairs"
Now either Mr. Foster or Mr. Garner is in error
Their reports in this particular are at points
Both cannot he accurate. Now if Mr. Garner in
ssts on the accuracy Of his report and denies
that of NJ Foster, then according to Mr. Fosters
own rule, an issue of veracty would be raised be-
tween them.
Now if Mr. Garner were to call on me to give
evidence upon the issue, would be compelled to
say that his report upon this point was correct
and Mr. Fosters erroneous, and [ have no
doubt every one else who heard us would concur
in this evidence.
This instance occurring in the debate,
shows very clearly that reporters themselves are
not infable and that they too, need little Of
that charity which should he extended to other
men. Every one knows the circumstances under
which reports are made in this State None of
them are full and many Of them-of the most &C
curate-contain errors. The discussions between
Mr. Pool and myself occupy about four hours, and
if published in full would fill some ten columns of
the largest newspaper Of the State. Now | have
not yet report that filled more than about
three columns, so that not more than two-thrds of
our speeches are reported at all
The comments of the Opposition papers upon
the reports of my speech, leave to pass for what
they are worth l know they have been circulated
extensively in the West for the purpose of preju-
dicing me with people in whose cause | have
been labOrng for the past sixteen years, having
raised my voice in their behalf during my first
session in the Legislature in 1S44-and having at
no period from that time to this, RENTED my ex-
ertons to promote their interest. And this was
done too, while of those who holding
me up derclict to Western interest were speak
ing aud voting directly against those interests
But two years ago, some of the most prominent
papers of the Opposition, were dealing heavy blows
upon the cause of Western interests while |, upon
every stump from the ocean to the mountains, was
battling in behalf Of those interests
Everywhere my best ability employed to
convince our people of the Importance of compile
ting our Western railroads speedily as practical
bic, and that it was practicable and consistent with
the best interests of the State to complete them as
soon as the work could be accomplished. Twas often
compelled in this labor, to meet excited preiu-
dlces existing in the minds of of our best
citizens, at the risk too, of mourning their dis !
pleasure; yet met them boldly openly and with
out equlvOcati0n or reserve.
But of all the obstacles that presented them
selves, none obstinate as certain leading
Opposition papers, that week after week teemed
with exaggerated statements and figures IF the
cost of these works. calculated to brighten the
people from their support. And if the people of
the West have any one to blame for not OBJ
tanning such aid for their public works at the last
session of the Legislature they desired, know
of none upon whom that blame could with more
propricty be visited than upon these same papers.
These things the people of the West we'll re-
tent friends are, and | am perfectly willing to
abide their decision without fear Of the result.
And feel very sure too that they will arrive at
the conclusion, that any action by public men cal
cuated to excite sectional jealousies, will not tend
to advance their interests.
| know of no cause more directly calculated to
retard, if not materially to cbstruct, the progress
of public works in the West than sectional con-
tloversy between the East and the West upon the
subject of amending the Constitution as proposed
by the Opposition.
In no instance Of my life have felt that [ oc-
cupied position of truer devotion to these works
than the position | now occupy upon the question
of amending Constitution and adopting the !
system of ad valorem taxation. These works are
needed at once Oar Western connexions should /
be made without delay in order to give life to the /
capital already invested, and that the resources of
the country itself may be developed. This is be- !
ing done and can be accomplished at an early day. I
under the present order Of things. Let this order
remain. Let Us not fly from certainty to un GER |