Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-11-25
Gen. nrann--.Tbe Public Printing.

A friend has called attention to an article in
the State Journal which contains gross reflection
on Gen. Mann, of Pasquotank, as follows:
"a practical printer who seemed scared at
the turn things were taking, and is himself candi
date for another fat Office grayey asserted that in
his opinion the work could net be done at the
Asylum"
The above refers to the debate which took place
in the Commons on Tuesday last in relation to
the public printing.
No member had a better right to speak on the
subject than Gen Mann, for he is not only practi-
cal printer, but member of the committee, in
1852 which drew up the present law on the subject
of printing. He simply told the truth when he
said the State printing could not be done at the
Asylum. His alleged candidacy for an Office had
nothing to do with his course in relation to the
printing He was dscharging his duty to the Leg
slature whose business vas to be facilitated or
tarded as the Office might be bestowed on an estab
lshment that could or could not do the work in
time; and for this he is assailed by the depraved
paper referred to. The truth is, the arrangement
to give the public printing to the Asylum was in
tended, so far as the Destruc:veS were concerned,
to bestow it indirectly on the Journal office. They
two Adams power presses in the City-one in the
Standard, and the other in the Journal Office; that
IT Mr. Palmer should be elected the presswOrk
would not be done at the Standard office; and that
Mr.. P. would be compelled, as a public officer, to
have it done at the Journal press. The fellow who
nominay conducts the Journal is of course en-
ragged at the failure of the movement and hence
his low abuse of Gen. Mann,
This fellow Spelman obtained the State printing
two years ago by combination and lying. lie was
not able to execute it himself but had to give much
of it out to other offices. The work was thus de-
layed for months beyond the usual time, and the
Courts and the people were put to great incOnve
Eience for want of the laws. Indeed, many laws
were in existence and operation for months which
neither the officers of the Courts the people had
ever seen. 1t natural that those who are on
his bonds, which were given for the establishment,
should have desired to see him State Printer again,
TO enable him TO raise the means to relieve them of
their liabilities OH his account; but after his failure
to do the work of the last Legislature in time, and
because of the odium which attaches to his charac-
ter, it was thought prudent not to press him for the
Office. And now, gorged with his gains, gouged
dishonesty in many instances out OF the State, he
has the impudeucc to lecture the Legislature and
abuse gentlemen. 1t was only the other day that
he presented an account at one Of the departments
in the Capitol, which the Clerk refused to pay,
less he would consent to have it audited; and we
learn that he was not disposed to have that done,
because he knew that the account unjust.
What was done with it or whether it was audited
and paid or not, we do no: know.
OF course, in abiding to those persons who are
on Spelman's bonds, do not include members of
the Legislature. 1t is more than probable that
there are members who are on these bonds, but it
is not for a moment to be supposed that any men,
Der would be influenced in his conduct by such a
consideration.