Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-04-12
The Charlotte Democrat.

The Charlotte Democrat.
We had intended to reply to and thoroughly ex-
pose the Charlotte Democrat, but really, rehec-
ton, we do not perceive that it is worth while to
do 80. That paper of the lst instant INDUCES in
nearly column in reply to the Standard, in which
1t very grossly, and, fear, deliberately msrepre-
sents us. The whole purport of the Democrats
article is unfOunded and unjust while its tone is
petuant, illnatured, and offensive.
The Democrat asks US why we have dragged
Judge osborne's name into the matter" We have
done no such thing The Judge was in the meet
ing on whose proceedings we offered some COM
ments, but those comments were not unknd, and
under the circumstances they were legitimate But
we are reminded, reviewing the proceedings,
that Judge Osborne addressed the meeting on the
war, and not on the Governorship His remarks
were not political, and doubt they were of SER
vice in stimulating his hearers some of whom must
have been just then, depressed by tho reyerses
which had befallen our arms; but the meeting ner-
ertheless assumed political aspect towards its
close, by the nomination of Mr.. Johnston for Gov
ernor. The Democrat will not succeed in making
us do injustice to Judge Osborne by its injustice to-
wards US. As Ia general rule Judge o. has shown
as little of the parzan any Judge on the bench,
and much less of it. indeed than one Superior Court
Judge, whom we might name, if we chose to do so.
We are satisfied that Judge O. did not regard the
meeting referred to political and that he is not
disposed to drag the judicial ermine in the muddy
streams Of party strife. 1t is natural that under
the circumstances, the Judge should have taken
part in the meeting referred to- and that he should
have remained in the meeting and acquiesced in or
approved the nomination of his neighbor and for
mer colleague in the Convention for Governor,
whether he was his first choice for that Office or not
Nor have we assailed Mr.. Johnston. We simply
objected to his nomination because of its partizan
character and because of his manifest uufitness in
this crisis, for the office.
We stated recently, that in our opinion the Char.
lotte Democrat and Wilmington Journal would not,
in any event, support any man for Governor who
was for the old Union up to Lincoln's proclamation
If thcSeAIpers have replied to this statement and
attempted to clear themselves of the mputation of
partyiEIn, we have not seen their replies Every
one who goes with them in supporting their cand-
dates is no party man; but those who differ with
them are party men. This is a specimen of their
fairness, and of their no party views.
The Democrat is evidently alarmed at the idea of
canvassing the State. That paper knows that Mr.
Johnston is thoroughly identified with the admins
tration at Raleigh and that the conduct of the for
mer and present administrations will not bear inves-
tgation and discussion But discussion is the life
of a free State. Honest men, and such as have
done we'll as the servants Of the people, do not fear
it. Besides discussion at this time will do good BY
informing the people fully and accurately of their
condition. and by encouraging unity of feeling on
the basis of patriotism, and the basis also Of
constant and abiding respect for Constitutions and
laws In achieving our independence, we must not
lose sight Of suffer to be tramped down, those
safeguards to property and persons which are Sc
cured to US by our Constitutions and without which
independence itself would be but an empty name.
The Democrat and those with whom it acts, are at
ease in their possessions" and do not wish to be
disturbed. 1t is their revolution, and they wish to
conduct it in their own way, knowing that in con-
Quoting it, they will enjoy the patronage and hon.
ors. The people will see about this, both in the
campaign and at the polls We repeat honest men
do rot fear discussion before the people and if tho
people cannot bear discussion then have they ceas.
ed to be competent to govern themselves 1t is only
the selfish, the venal and the guilty, who fear full
and fair discussion of public affairs.