Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-05-08
RALEIGH, May 6, 1861.

GENTLEMEN: / have received your note of to-
DAY, containing very extraordinary proposition,
which you present to me in the name of Messrs.
Wilder and Lewis The proposition is that shall
tion in order that the people may select their own
candidates; and the motive which induces this pro-
position is q desire for Cancellation and compromise,
and the obliteration of old party lines.
After having been chosen by vote of almost two
to one in February, to represent the people of this
county, consider it scarcely fair proposition from
gentlemen who received but third of the votes of
the people, to withdraw my name.
The object which dictates the proposition is no
doubt in itself very good one to wit to deliberate
party lines; but how comes it that there are any
party lines on this occasion to be obterated?-
Comes it not from this, that as soon the Conven-
ton bill passed Messrs. Lewis, Rand and Wilder
announced themselves as candidates. without any
particular solicitude being expressed if it was felt
that the people should be suffered to select their
own candidates. And comes it not also from the
fact that the Journal newspaper in this town of Sat
urday made false and vile assault upoh me? And
comes it not also from this, that Mr. Lewis opened
his canvass before the people by making old party
issues?
Under these circumstances it seems to me that
the patriotic wish of Messrs. Lewis and Wilder to
Danish party and promote unity, should seek its
qualification by a method completely within their
own power, and that is by withdrawing their names
from the canvass, and thus make an end of the
party character which they, and they only, have
given to the transaction.
At all events, gentlemen, my name having been
placed before the people, at the call many persons
will not be Withdrawn. After the assault made up-
on me by the party newspaper have mentioned, to
withdraw my name would be virtual confession of
dishonor. Elected by the people by a vast vote in
February, and conscious of having done nothing to
forfeit their confidence, but on the contrary know
ing myself to be as true a son as North Caro-
lima has within her borders, shall leave the
people 10 decide whether they still have sufficient
reliance in my capacity integrity, and patriotism to
entrust the defence and maintenance of their rights
to my hands at this great juncture of their affairs.
If they decide against me- shall, as good citizen,
at once and cheerfuly acquiesce in their decision.
l am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, GEORGE E. BADGER.
To Messrs. ". R. Cox and E. HALL
RALEIGH, May 6, 1861.
l have received similar letter to the foregoing
from Messrs. Cox and Hail. fully appreciate the
efforts of these gentlemen, and of Messrs. Wilder
and Lewis, to obterate party lines. have not
been wanting in such efforts myself have refused
and expect to continue to refuse to discuss past
dead issues; but, having placed my name before the
people, at the solicitation of numerous friends do
uoI iceA dt loeTty " IT, COnCur Win MT
Badger in the view he has taken of the proposition
contained in the letter of Messrs Cox and Hail. Be-
Sides the time between this and the election is too
short to admit of the people of the County coming
together to nominate candidates; and, for one,
have no idea of submitting to the action of small
body Of men assembled in Raleigh, for the pur-
pose Of advising the people as to the persons for
whom they shall vote on Monday next No one
has more respect than have for assemblages Of the
hut fhoco IN ho
binding in their action, should at least represent
majority of the voters 1t is impossible to convene
such body in time to have its decision made known
! to all the voters of the County by Monday next
decline to withdraw, and appeal to the people
| at large at the ballotbox. W. W. HOLDEN.