The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-02-19
Fer the Wester1a Democrat.
PUBITC MEETING


PUBLIC MEETING.
In pursuance of previous notice, large portion OF
the conservative States Rights of Mecklenburg
met In the courthouse in Charlotte Saturday. Feby
i6th for the purpose of nominating candidates to
resent the county in the convention recently called by
the Legislature of North Carolina.
The meeting was organized by calling Thos T. john
ston ESQ., to the chair, and appointing R. L. DeArmon
as Secretary At the request of the chairman, w. F.
Davidson Esq, explained the object of the meeting,
after which be introduced the following preamble and
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, The people of North Carolina are now cal
led upon by Act of Legislature to elect dele
gates to Convention to be held in Raleigh for the
purpose consulting together and adopting that
of policy which they in, their wisdom may deem best
for our State to in the distracted cond
ton of our country and whereas it is of the utmost
importance U the peace and welfare of people that
we should elect men that Convention who COM
mitted to ultra policy but who will be Guided in
their action according to the circumstances which may
then exist, therefore
Resolved, That sohile ,ciH not submit to the admin
isrdt'on Of the Government upon the Chicago Black Re-
publican PLATFORM in favor of an amcable settle
ment of the difficulties existing between the North
and the South and we will vote for man to be a
member of that Convention who pledges himself
Ject every proposition for compromise and vote to
put North Carolina out of the Union regardless of all
overtures of Cancellation and peace.
Resolved, That the cause of the South is cause,
and that will resist to the last extremity any and
every attempt on the part of the General Government
TO rights to force into
ton to Black Republican rule.
On motion of Col. B. W. Alexander, the meeting pro-
ceeded to nominate two candidates Jos. H. Wilson
and w. j. Yates Esqs. were unanimously nominated.
On motion, DR.. J, L. Cochran, Col. John Black and
John Mcconnell were appointed committee inform
the nominees OF their selection and request their
ceptance.
The committee returped, accompanied by Mr. Wilson,
who accepted the nomination in eloquent and patri
otto speech
Tha red Mr. Yafp do
clining the nomination:
CHARLOTTE, Feb l6, 1861.
GENTLEMEN l have just been informed by
committee that have been unanimously nominated
by portion of the conservative States Rights citi
of Mecklenburg county, in public meeting,
candidate for seat in the State Convention. While
highly appreciate this mark of your confidence and
esteem, must decline accepting the nomination, not
because fear the people of the county would no:
dorse my views if properly explained to them but be-
do not desire to be candidate before the peo-
pie for any kind of an Office place.
My refusal to support the nominees of the meeting
held in this place Saturday last does not result from
feeling of opposition secession for think the State
ought to secede unless affairs very different
aspect between and the meeting of the Convention
but withhold my support from them because they
pledge in advance their in the convention
thus surrenderng the privilege of acting circum-
the time of the meeting of the convention
might require. would be willing trust them with
out pledges they are both competent to discharge
the responsible duties and have the best interests of the
South at heart.
| certainly do not wish to build up Union party I'M
der present circumstances, and not think you de-
sire do either but do desire that the convention
shall be composed of delegates who will take the diff
culties in which country is involved into calm and
serious consideration and be liberty do what they
may that time consider the interests of the State
quires and the and happiness of her people de-
mands.
You not "suhmissionists neither am land
those who of being submissionists do not
show that regard for truth which they ought do We
for rights and will submit to nothing less.
| would prefer that older man and one with more
experience than myself should represent Mecklenburg
in the proposed Convention therefore beg that you
will from acceding to your aterng request
this occasion
The advocacy of States Ri hts is thing with
mel have contended for the doctrine from boyhood,
and am still battling for it, though am not quite
'prec pitate' in my notions as some others.
Yours, respectfully, WIN. j. YATES.
The name of W. F. Davidson was then proposed.
who declined, but being earnestly solicited consented
to become candidates. whereupon, Jos H Wilson and
VIM Davidson were declared by unanimous vote,
to be the candidates.
On notion the Charlotte papers requested to
publish these proceedings and that the Raleigh Stand
ard and State Journal copy.
The meeting then adjourned.
THOS. T. JOHNSTON Chm.
r. L. DEARMoN, Sec'y.