Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-07-09
MIR. William Johnston.

The Asheville Neaos repeats the falsehood which
was started by the Iredel Express, that we are op.
posed to Mr.. Johnston for Governor because he
voted against for printer to the State Convention
How could Mr. Johnston vote against us for the
place referred to- when We were not candidate for
it? We repeat. we did not want the place-we
were not candidate for it. and no one voted for US
for printer to the Convention. Viii. the Nescs cor
rect its false statement on this subject? Of course
not. 1t never does such things
We oppose Mr.. Johnston for Governor, because
we do not regard him as equal to the duties of the
office at this time.
We oppose him because of his partzan course in
the Convention. lie was one of the appointees of
the Military Beard; and as a member of the Con-
vention he either opposed evaded vote on every
measure proposed in that body, which the Board
and the spos party did not approve.
We oppose him because the times call for an ADLER
man than he is and one more identified with the in.
terests of North Carolina. Mr.. Johnston is the Pres
ident of Railroad, the greater portion of which is
in South Carolina. He transacts his business as
President of the Road in Columbia. In addition to
this, he is the President Of Railroad from Charlotte
to Satesville aohich has the South Carolina guage,
which he was no doubt mainly instrumental in lay
ing down. The North Carolina guage is four feet
eight inches and half, and the South, Carolina
is five feet Consequently, the North Carolina cars
cannot be run on this Road thus built in the heart
of the State Produce shipped at Statesville will be
run through to Columbia or Charleston, instead of
to Wilmington, Beaufort and Newbern. No mat
ter, therefore, what may be said Mr. Johnston prac
DINA to the ports and interests of his own State
We fear if elected Governor that this preference of
his would be INDUCED and exhibited on still larger
scale.
But it is said Mr.. Johnston is an able inancier,
and that we need such man for Governor at this
time We have no proofs of his ability as finan-
cier He can foot up columns of figures and keep
accounts; but if we were to run for Governor every
man who can do that we would have about fifty thou
sand candidates in the field. Mr.. Johnston is a
mere accountant but he is not nancer.. He is de-
icient in depth and grasp of intellect He has been
at the bar for some twenty-five years, but he has
achieved no reputation beyond that of County
Court lawyer We learn that he is good collector,
and manages pretty we'll the settlement Of estates
but he has never made an argument Of any force or
ability even in the County Court.
Col. Vance is an ADLER man than Mr. Johnston,
and has had more experience as statesman. He
is North Carolinian in all his instincts, sympa
thes and habits He has known no party since
the war commenced, and he would know none as
Governor. He has the ability &C manage and d.
rect all the affairs of State; and he is greatly the
superior of his opponent as a fnancief. man Of
moderate means, and never having drawn four sala
ries at one time, as Mr. Johnston did, two sala
'ries at one tme as Mr.. Johnston is now doing, he
knows the value Of money, and he would be as
careful with the public money as he is with his
own.
We have no "revenge" to crafty against Mr.
Johnston As the Nea0s supposes We respect him
personally, and regard him as an amable worthy
gentleman. But that is ALL Wedo not regard him as
in any respect the equal of Col. Vance, nor do We
consider him by any means fit for the Office of Gov
| ernor at this time