Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-04-11
For The STANDARD.

the purpose oil nominating candidates Tor the Legs
lature is one involving principles of character far
too serious to be approached without the greatest
reflection combined witn the utmost prudence. 1t |
has been the prevailing usage in some Counties of
our State to adopt this method with view to con-
centrate the active power of the party upon the
nominees while in others, with this intention avow
ed it becomes actually the engine of few strategic
artful politicians to produce current in support of
favoritc friend, or to bring about their own endorse
ment, and secure the position of nominated cand-
dates for themselves AS far as the system is used
for the purpose Of uniting the party upon the nomi
nees, il is liable to successful attacks but when
its objects are really perverted as but too frequent
ly happens, it not only loses the prestige which
would naturally and properly surround it. but is con-
verted into prolific fountain of diScord and strife
The motive of the author in preparing this COM
munication cannot be impugned by others than in
trigung men, and he respectfully invokes the
thoughtful consideration of his feow-citizens in
Onslow County, to the subject which is the moving
cause Of these observations.
Before the primary meetings are held in the seve
raj Captains Districts throughout the County as
provided for in the last Democratic meeting holden
in Jacksonville, the people, the snew and muscle of
the County, should be freely and fully conferred
with, and their interests elected which, no matter
whatever their proclivities, should be faithfully
garded Else every act lisa usurpaton, and theresu
sought to be accomplished will develop in utter fail
ure-an event jealousy to be guarded against-and
instead of experiencing feelings of exultatiOn at vic
tory and triumph, shall be Inundated by defeat
To my knowledge, Conventions have been the
tools for promoting persons to office who neith
qualified by ability practice to reflect credit
upon their constituency; and why such is the case,
accepting the only solution that can furnish, is be-
the instruments of those nominations hope to
derive advantages which without such obedient para
sites, they could never expect to reap.
The question may present itself in this shape: "ls
/ IN of Democratic
candidates to hold a Convention in Onslow County
the present Year," The answer to this question is
either yes or no. If an affirmative is given then it
is fixed fact that the Opposition party will perceive
the sub ects of fright and apprehension, and very
reasonably conclude that Convention this year,
when it is the first time such proposition has been
advised since 1854 is indication of eebleness
division in our ranks. Where is the need of doing
now what has not been considered requisite for the
last six years? There oU be a sign Of fear and it
is proverb which entities itself to respect
make your adversaryS cheek pale with terror and
he is easily vanquished" 1t is not intended to ap-
ply the analogy complete. The Democracy of Ons-
low cannot be overcome, it making no difference
how much occasion may make them tremble no
matter if their knees knock together and their bo-
dies quake, they an invincible body Of men, al
ways loyal to the platform of the party, always
faithful to It's principles and ever ready to do their
duty; conformity with their brethren throughout the
State, well as the entire South, prepared to up
hold the laws and to vindcate their honor even to
the shedding Of human blood if such dreadful al
tentative should be presented.
We the people of Onslow County have no cause
for alarm; we entertain doubts as to our ability
to elect representatives to the Legislature either
with or without the aid of Convention and the
only fact to be remarked in this connection, is that
there is an unusual number of prominent aspirants
for legislative honorS in the lower branch of the
General Assembly. To feel fully secure upon this
point it is recommended in high quarters recon-
mendation of policy well as wisdom in the people,
a Convention should be organized to unite the party
upon one man. 1t is hardly agreeable to reason to
suppose that the "Unf0rtuRGtes the applicants
whose claims should fail to receive the proper re-
cognton," before that body-would not abide by its
decision, whatever it might be, and labor Zealously
for the election of the nominees.
If a Convention is holden, it is understood that
Col L. W. Humphrey, the former Senator, is a
candidate for the nomination in the same capac-
ty in which he served two years ago. No
man need speak to the frecmen of 0nslow Coun-
ty in behalf Of Col. L. W. Humphrey. They have
have known MIN long and well-have known him
as boy youth, man, have recognized him as a gen.
tleman of superior attainmcnts, enlarged political
experience, and as ayoung lawyer of much promise;
regarding him as consistent partiZan, and the re-
cipient of confidence which has never been mis-
placed Recently elected to of the highest posi-
tons in the gift of the District Convention and in
that election defeating a formidable competitor in
the person of the most eloquent orator and talented
gentleman of the District that dcdS a triumph of
which the people of Onslow County irrespective of
party affiliations, may justly feel proud. Under any
circumstances, the imputation De cast upon the
good sense, the Judgment, the intelligence of the
Democracy of the County that a people abroad ap-
preciae of their citizens highly than they
capable of doing? This is reflection citizens
which ought never to exist in reality. Col Hum
phrey comes before you tn year without urging
or thrusting forward his claims. Characteristic
modesty forbids him to act otherwise He ap-
proaches you now clothed IN the honors of one of
the most intelligent and largest Conventions ever
held in District. Go in a body to the Conven-
ton, If you want one, at jacksonville on Wednes-
day the 23rd of May and show that you are men en-
lowed with faculties to act for yourselves.
With reference to the rival candidates for the
House of Commons, the writer would say nothing
calculated to evince preference for any of them
His acquaintance with them has always been dstin-
guiShed by the kindest feelings. With some ofthem
he is on terms the closest intimacy and while eve
ry voter has perfect right to his preference let him
exercise that privilege without fear There are
amongst them gentlemen of ability-men who would
reflect honor upon any cOnstItuency-sone of them
are well-lnformed upon public affairs, better than
their competitors but any one of them would make
us an excellent Commoner. Some are old, some are
young, some lawyers, some physicians, some mer-
chants, farmers; go then, freemen and choose
whom you Will have to serve you.
Remember the primary meetings in the different
Districts will be convened the last Saturday in
April and the Convention of the representatives will
assemble on the 23rd of May, in the town of Jack
sonville with at least five representatives from at
least seven Districts.
Recollect further that more depends upon the
complexion of the next Legislature than perhaps
most of you imagine. ONSLOW.
HONE MANUFACTUREs.-An instance of the Gu