The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-10-09
October 8, 1866.

and the women and children starved to death or
rendered houseless and homeless, we would prefer
the adoption Of the proposed amendment We are
deeply interested in the welfare of the country
any man, our heart is with the South and here in
North Carolina we expect to live and die-Charlone
Democrat
That is about what Gen. Dockery's letter may
be construed to mean. No one, we presume,
would differ on that simple presentation of a
choice between two evils. But has the Democrat
or has Gen. Dockery pondered the whole ques-
ton -? We think not.-RaLeigh Sentinel.
If Gen. Dockery occupies the position that we
do we beg permission to modestly say that Gen.
Dockery is right. But in forming an opinion as
to the right course to pursue do not take into
consideration Gen. Dockery's any other mans
position-we look at the situation as it is. and
calculate what may happen hereafter; and after
mature reflection repeat that. if the President
fails in the Northern elections to secure power
sufficient to maintain enforce his policy, we
would prefer the adoption of the proposed amend
ment rather than the risk of being left to the
mercy of the next Congress, and having conisca-
ton enforced. provisional Governor appointed
and our country garrisoned and plundered by
military bands.
We do not intend to quarrel with any one
about this matter. We are friend of the Pres
ident's policy-we have done all in our power to
strengthen that policy-but suppose cannot
get What we want, what then ! Is it not our duty
to accept of the least of two evils We are a
conquered people. and conquerors have it in
their power. if we do not accept of the proposed
amendment. to compel US to submit to Mr. Thad.
Stevens scheme of confscation, negro voting.
&c, which will not only degrade but ruin every
man. black and white, in the South.
4 will he romem hera1 hat i'm 1861 we all said
would not do and so, and in 1865 the people
of the South generally declared that they would
never submit to suhjugation and such and such
treatment. But it is certain that we have been
compelled to do the very things said we would
not do; and many who talked most and loudest
about not submitting the first to '.cave in
Therefore, considering the uncertainty of the
times, and our past experience, suggest that
it is premature and imprudent to declare what we
will do and what will not do. Every one of
our public men should remain unpcdged, and be
free to do what he may honestly believe will save
his constituents from trouble and promote their
welfare.
No one ought to proclaim. as some candidates
now doing, that he will consent to the
adoption of the proposed amendment. We are
not aware that Gov Worth has expressly said
he will not, under any circumstances, agree to
the amendment. We hope he will not say so,
and we beg him aud all others to reflect on the
matter and not make pledges that they may here
after find impossible to maintain without bringing
complete ruin upon the State
We do not like the amendment, but if we can
do no better, we would advise its adoption
While we do not propose to discuss its merits,
will make short reply to the following ques-
tions of the Raleigh Sentinel:
''Where is it said in that amendment, that if
the Southern States will adopt it, that that will
settle all disputes and bring about reconciliation!
Where is it SO declared i'm the action of Congress!
What prominent man in the Republican party has
said anything like it! s. Does the
Tribune the Times. or Forney's Chronicle.
say so? Not word of it. Does any Senator
Representative say So who voted for the Howard
amendment Who is he! Where is it SO said!
Not one.'
In reply to the above, copy the following
extract from an Address to the American people
recently issued by Horace Greedy, Editor of the
N. Y. Tribune, and Is others who speak for the
radical party:
That plan the Constitutional amendment
has been maturud. 1t has passed the Senate by
33 to IL, and the House by 1873 to SO. It is now
fairly before the country, having already been
ratified by the Legislatures of several States aud
rejected by none. Under it, the State of Tennes-
see has been formally restored to all the privi
leges she forfeited by rebellion. including repre-
sentaion in either House of Congress. And the
door thus passed through stands inritin ely open
TO all ,rho still finger ciuout."
So the Sentinel will see that the Tribune and
several prominent men of the Republican party
declare that the adoption of the amendment will
bring about reconciliation.
Tp Trade IVA 0uita hyiSk in fhi rEaf