The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-02-05
For the Hestern Democrat
THE GUBERNATORTAT, OTTEsTroU

Mr. EDITOR: see that the subject of electing Gov
ernor or lieutenant Governor is under consideration
in the Convention 1t is thought by many that North
Carolina will be without constitutional Governor af
ter the lst Thursday in August and urged that the
Convention now in session should elect an officer to
serve from August till January following. The Hon.
Henry L. Clark is Governor ocio (by virtue of
his otilce rs Speaker of the Senate) but his will
expire on the first Thursday in August, he is no
longer member of the Legislature, because his sue
cessor IS elected that day but suppose Mr. Clark
was reelected to the Senate be would be the
Speaker of that body, for the that it would
III an unorganzed condition. and he therefore could
continue to discharge the duties of Governor To my
mind 1t appears plain that the Convention is called up
on to provide for the vacancy that will occur and
suppose that body will elect Gov. Clark
else nave very little acquaintance with Mr. Clark
but think he has endeavored to discharge the
sponsbe duties imposed him by the times faithfully
ana with an anxious desire promote the interest of
the state While entertain feeling of hostility to
Governor Clark do not think it improper land hope
the GoVs friends will not consider il amsS to suggest
the name OF gentleman who would make excellent
Governor aude to VIM. JOHNSTON ESQ, of Char
lofte AS a business man, with great energy and a
constitution used to close application he has Snpe
rlor III the Stae besides, he is not of those who
would be cramped by mpracticable and vague theories
or burdened with multiplicity of words. In short
he is a plain man, well educated, with a varied
p"rience, and not afraid of work. He is the for
the times.
The people of this. section would be pleased to
Mr. Johnstons name brought forward: and inasmuch
as the East has both Senators in the Confederate Con-
gress, it would evnce a liberal spirit in gentlemen
of that part of the State to support from the
West 1t would do much to promote harmony between
the two sections. IREDELL.
We cordially endorse the above, and if it were ne
cessary might add much in support of Mr. Johnston
bnt as the Convention will settle the matter in its
own way, only solicitous to see harmony
and concord promoted throughout the State. How
ever, will say that We think Mr. Johnston would
faithfully and satisfactorily discharge the duties of
Governor He is a native of the State and has always
manifested lively interest in the welfare ana pros
peri.y of North Carolina He is for resisting Lncens
authority long there is a man or a dollar in
the Southern States. When old political parties
existed we were opposed to each oher-he being a
whg, but taking active part more than voting
therefore, by supporting him, accuse us of
adhering to old party preiudices. Hereafter in
tend support the best man, regardless of former par
ty connections. We not opposed to Gov Clark
he has done WELL under the circumstances as any
other could debut when his term expires we
should be pleased see a man like VIM Johnston
placed in the Gubernatorial office.