American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-08-10
Our Next Governor.


shall be done to every one.
Our Next Governor.
We hope the days of caucuses are gone
forever. They are the bsne of good Govern
ment-instruments Of the kn3fe-and the
demagogue to destroy the right1 4 The peo-
PIE, and the privilege of free b. Sge II
the people are wise, caucuses add conven-
lions will never more be tolerated in the
Confederate States. Every position and
place should be left open to ambition or
merit, and not given over to the disposal OF
. few inscriptions, wire-workng, pot-house
and street-corner politicians, who meet in
caucus, nominate their own particular favor
ites-perhsps their supple tools to carry out
some rascally scheme-and then exclaim.
Lo! the people have spoken.
For the first time in many years the peo-
pie Of Mississippi next November will have
fair chance to speak without being dictated
to By caucus or cabal, rendered respecta-
BILE by the more imposing title of "Conven-
ton"
We trust fair and open field to all men,
Tor every Office, will be the case next Noyem-
Der, and in all future elections. Crush out
the caucus system, and our word for it, the
people will choose the best men to fill all
offices, that Of Governor included, which
particular Office is now the cause of much
solicitude with many of our contemporaries of
the press. Our friends Of the Yazoo Banner
and Oxford Mercury are very anxious that
Mr.. jacob Thompson should be chosen for
that Office, while our friend of the vicks-
burg Wing, who, a few months ago, was in
favor Of Mr.. Samuel Benton, is now out for
Mr.. Madison McAfee
For the life of us we cannot see why it is
that the Wing and few Others are SO anx-
ious to supercede Gov. Pettus, who, so far as
we have had an opportunity OF seeing and
Judging, has done his whole duty to the peo-
pie Of the State.
w hen Gov. Pettus was a candidate for
Governor, two years ago, there was no con-
cealment of his opinions, no equivocation, no
demagoguery to win popular favor; but
bold, manly avowal of his opinions, and a
declaration of what he would advise in the
event Of the election of Black Republican
to the presidency.
That event occurred, and Gov. Pettus
benched not from the issue be had made in
the canvass--to meet Northern aggression
with cold STEEL
In furtherance of his policy, he has done
all within his power to place our common
wealth in a complete state of defence. Com
plants have been made, it is true, bit they
are NOT founded an Justice.
1t has been clearly shown that he made
every effort to procure all the arms the
State needed. If they did not come, it was
not his fault If our sea coast has not been
entirely free from the invaders presence, it
is not his fault, as we think he clearly show
ed in his letter to the Mississippian, some
weeks ago.
After looking fairly and impartially at all
the acts of Gov. Pettus' administration, we
see nothing which should warrant the dis
courtesy Of superceding him for the next
sGubernatorial term.
Encompassed with all the difficulties Of
our new relations with the Federal Govern
ment, the Governors situation has been
most trying; but he has shown he is not
wanting in decision, firmness, zeal, and abil-
ity.
With all the varied and new duties rest
ing On him, it is quite natural that many
who had business relations with him should
be dissatisfied and complain. Nothing else
could have been expected; nothing else could
be hoped for. Unless he surrendered his
own opinions, and the Office of Governor it
sell, to all applicants for Executive favor, or
Executive action, and made their will and
wish the rule of his official conduct, he could
not possibly escape censure from many.
Governor who would do this, would be- un-
worthy and unfit for the position
In his administration, we repeat, Gov
Pettus has shown fairness and steadiness OF
purpose-zeal for the public welfare, and
stern integrity, in guarding every interest
of the State. For these reasons he should
be reelected, unless lie voluntarily declines
the canvass.
For the gentleman suggested by the Wing,
and now fully in the field by his own act,
we have the highest respect. He has held
Office in the State and discharged all his du-
ties with ability, and no doubt would be
equally efficient in the Gabernaterial chair.
Under other circumstances we would yield
him . cordial support; but we cannot do It
at the cost of discourtesy and injustice fo an
abb. honest, Jealous and indefatigable Chief
Magistrate.
DaaKtEs EHooTING ABoLITIoNIsTs.-The
war has dispelled one deiusion OF the Aboii- |
uonists. The negroes regard them as enc
nies, instead Of friends. No Instruction
nea Occurred II, che South. no important