The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-02-28
- From the Raleigh Standard, 18th inst ~
OPPOSITION STATE CONVENTION

On Thursday the platform of resolutions was re-
ported by Henry X. Nash, Esq, of Orange, who
addressed the Convention at some length. The
platform is unusually large and heavy, notwith-
standing the well known aversion OF the Opposition
lists to all platforms We heard it read but once,
and cannot therefore, state with accuracy all that
it contains. That portion of it relating to federal
affairs is in the nature of Indictment against the
Democratic party, consisting fer the most part of
general charges unsustained by proofs. The tone
of the resolutions it to US, rather Union
than Constitution, and is quite as bitter against
the national Democracy North and South against
the Black Republicans. AS citizen of the State,
and a devoted friend ola Constitutional Union,
lament that this is so; but party man, if we
were disposed to make capital out of this great
question of slavery, would rejoice.
The Convention also adopted resolution in IA
vor of ad voiorem system of taxation, and in favor
of Convention of the people Of the State, to be
called the federal basis carry out this system
The object Of this is to tax slaves according to
value. instead ofper capita, as at present ~
The Convention was addressed Thursday
forenoon by Hon. George E. Badger Mr. Badger
held the national Democratic party responsible for
ali the strife and agitation the slavery question,
and avowed his nfexible opposition to ''the Dem
ocracy and the A6otihonists." He also spoke at
some length in favor of change in the COnstitu-
ton which will enable the Legislature to tax prop
erty slaves included, according to its value. 1t
was a well considered and rather telling party
Speech but by no means as able and eloquent as
might have been expected from gentleman of his
reputation as an orator.
During the forenoon session Mr. Smith, of Hall
fax introduced resolution returning thanks to
Messrs Smith, Vance, Leach and Gilmer, for their
course in the House in the election of Speaker.
Mr. Rayner objected, and gave his reasons why he
could not vote for the resolutions. He said that
while he had confidence in these gentlemen, and
believed they thought they were acting for the
best in the course they have pursued, yet for his
part he would not have voted for any Democrat for
Speaker. He said further, in speaking Of the ma
tional Democratic and Black Republican organiza-
tions, that he would feel safe under the rule of
the latter as under that of the former! Mr. Smith
replied warmly to Mr. Rayner declaring among
other things that ifcompelled to choose between a
Black Republican and Southern national Demo
crat for President, he would not hesitate to vote
for the latter.
In the afternoon session the subject came up
again, and was disposed of after much confusion,
the result of deep feeling both sides. Mr.
Rayner offered amendment, which voted
down by large majority. In the of his
remarks in the evening Mr. Rayner spoke in highly
complimentary terms Of Henry Winter Davis, of
Maryland. He said he uas an honor to any party
or any Stote.-He did not censure Mr. Davis for
voting for Pennington for Speaker. He said Mr.
Pennington was not Black Republican, but an
old line Wing and that he considered him as sound
on the question of slavery as Mr. Hunt. of New
York the nominee of the Convention for Vice
President.
Mr. Smith insisted on his resolution, and replied
to Mr. Rayner He appeared to differ out and out
with that gentleman. Our neishbor ofthe Register
Mr. Syme, then took the floor in reply to Mr.
Rayner, deprecating the course of that gentleman
and Disappearing in strong terms of the conduct
of Winter Davis. He insisted that Pennington
was renegade Wing and Black Republican. Gov
Manly then essayed to throw oil the troubled
waves, but failed. The Hon. S. H. Rogers then
spoke with animation in reply to Mr. Rayner,
sustaining and commencing the Opposition dele
CATION from this State.
Mr. Rayner's amendment was then rejected and