The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-10-27
A CIRCULAR.

posed the Counties of Roscan Cabarrus Union, Neck
| lsnburg, CASTOR, Lincoln cataao6a and Cleveland.
FELLOW CIT1zENs:-Having length after much n
avoidable delay and with much didence, acceded to
the wishes of my friends, to become candidate for
Congress hasten to the fact and take this
method of publishing synopsis of MY views, the
most prominent subjects of public interest
! was ardenty attached to the Union of our fathers
and labored for its preservation with the untr
ing ZEAL until "the logic of events, and the famous
proclamation of Abraham Lincon left alternative,
in my opinion, but to take up arms, with the seeded
States for the defence of rights. Conse-
quenty acqnesced in the separation OF North Caro-
lima rom the Northern States; and now, holding their
people "as enemies in war, and in peace, friends"
regard vigorous prosecution of defensive war as
the best to national independence and an hon
Orable peace.
christian people, however, should not be too
sitve the subject of honor when principle is not
involved; and brave people should carry the olive
branch of peace in hand and the sword in the 9TH
er. And inasmuch, as Mr. Lincoln has recently an
nounced that any peace compromise shall not be re-
jected if proposed by of those controlling the
army, Think it advisable that the President should
instruct those having this power to open negotiations
for peace; subject however, to the supervision of the
treaty making power of the Government the decis-
ion of the people When our armies are victorious, as
they are propositions for peace the basis of
national independence, may be made and received
with the least prejudice to interests and honor;
but it does not to that those in power cannot
be entirely acquitted of permitting opportunities of
! this sort pass by without proper improvement.
Entertaining the opinion that the necessity alleged for
the enactment Of the Conscrpt laws-if indeed, it
existed the result of want OF forecast the
part of those who managed public affairs aud regarding
those laws of doubtful constuonality and expedien-
cy, could not have voted for them, If had been in
Congress But do not propose their repeal, and ad-
wise prompt and cheerful acquiescence in their re-
qurements for reasons which must be apparent to ALL
Should the continue much longer, it will be ne
cessarY modify if entirely abolish the Exemp
ton acts.
Neither the Tithe the Funding, the Impressment
laws are necessary IN my opinion IN any other sense
than as the result of improvdent legislation. The
.tax in kind portion fthe 1.-THE law, should be mod
flied to operate more particularly those products,
not necessary to the support of animal life upon the
farmer. The surplus should be taken those who have
none should not be forced to give what they
spare; while those who have, should give all if neces
sary. Let the currency be placed upon foot
ing and the Tithe laws will be longer necessary.
If the 1mpreSsment law is not repealed, it will be
necessary to provide, with certainty, that the
provision Of the Constitution which declares that 'pr-
yate property shall not be taken for public without
just compensation, shall be violated. 1t admits of
grave doubt whether property can-be taken for con-
SUMPTION under Constitution which limits its taking
to the ''uss' of that property.
The power of Congress suspend. the privilege of
the Writ of Hadeas Corpus, is limited, but / cannot
to its exercse-the privilege of the writ is too
Invaluable to freemen. Much less would clothe the
President with this power. The personal liberty of the
people should not be in7the keeping of any man,
however pure exalted Mr. Jefferson in favor of
the eternal and unremtting force Of habeas corpus
laws, and history has not yet proven that he was
wrong Let take care how. we part with liberty in
order to ob ain more; in that way may, day,
Lose what have All political power is vested in,
and derived from the people only and their right to
the freedom of Speech and free Press to keep and
to bear to assemble together to consult for their
common good and not to be deprived of life liberty,
property without due process of laval these and
more are constitutional rights, formidable to tyrants
only" to which turn with almost idolatrous devo-
| tiOn-nor can they be suspended abolished by a
/ free people, their representatives.
| There are those-I hope they few-who desire q
strong government-who advocate the closing OF our
Legislative halls and Courts of Jusce-the overriding
OF all other laws by Military lawthe concentration OF
the whole of the people in the hands of militia
~ Chief, and the reduction of the army as near as
| possible, perfect machine-in word, they want
| Dictator, and would obtain Military despo,ism
Whether Of Congress- such views shall receive
| aid comfort from Military law should, and
does apply the army only Civil law controls civil
ans, and soldiers also but Martial law, which means
the abolition of all civil laws cannot exist in the Con-
federacy. Let the laws Civil and Military be enforc
ed within their respective spheres, and their majesty
indicated against all offenders whether of citizens or
soldiers; especallyet to it, that republican o-
erty suffers detriment.
The habit of legislatng in secret, is Incompatible
with that strict accountability of the representative to
his constituents which is of the very essence of free
governments and nothing 1.-The most inexorable ne
cessy affecting the very salvation of the country can
! justify its continuance.
The organization of the Confederate Government
should be completed, possible, by the inst-
|. tut ion, uCon a proper basis, of Supreme Court
This in my opinion, has been too long delayed. Until
1t DONE complaint snOuQ De mace tnat State
| governments interpret the laws flor themselves.
The wages of the soldier utterly inadequate to
his wants, and those of his family especially in
these times of speculation and extortion and am in
favor of their increase: but could the currency be
duced and the necessares of life increased this would
not be necessary. Speculation and extortion, also
would in great measure abate..
The rights of the States should be guarded with
firing vigilance while the powers delegated to the Con-
federate government should be duly observed Hence
demand for>the Legislative, Judicial and Executive
decisions of North Carolina full faith, credit and
spec and regarding her soldiers, in the field equally
! brave and patriotic with any in the world and her
people at home both patriotic and competent, Insist
that they be appointed to fill the offices within the
| stare.
from me- ifelected all proper and due assistance and
shall fail to urge all needful reforms, end hold
the administration up the condemnation of the peo-
pie should it in my opinion, deserve it. To the Army,
shall give every constitutional encouragement, com
fort and succor-to the people every possible protec
ton in their ancient liberties if assaied; and shall
Use all lawful and honorable efforts bring about the
halcyon days and heavenly blessings of peace with in
Dependence
| Induging the hope that some would become a
candidate who would fully represent these views and
| feeling almost nsuperable difidence to undertake
the partial management of the interests stalk
in these appalling times of strife and carnage Il have
too long delayed becoming candidate 10 canvass the
whole district. partial canvass if desirable,
may prevented by Professional duties and obligations
Under these disadvantageous circumstances. must
appeal those who endorse these views see to it
that they widely disseminated possible both
at home and in the
Vota tho of ber I'M he