The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-03-06

satisfied that President johnson is DOING all he
can to relieve the Southern people from their dis
tresses and embarrassments, and all soutberr
men now acknowledge that it is their duty to aid
the President by whatever means may be within
their power. Now, the question is, how can We
aid the President!
In what we are about to say we do not mean a
censure Or refection on any mans course in the
late elections. but We merely want to call atten.
ton to facts they exist and inquire if the
pie are willing to do what seems to be necessary
to strengthen real friends in Washington and
at the North.
1t will be remembered that President johnson
(who has now certainly proven himself to be our
friend) declared. through telegraphic dispatch.
that 1.-The results of the elections in North
Carolina have greatly damaged the prospects of
the State in the restoration of its governmental
relations We suppose the President meant that
one '0ay in which we had damaged our prospects
was by electng delegation to Congress who
could not take the test oath. and some of whom
were unpardoned! For own part. if it were
possible. we should be pleased to the gentle
men who have been elected to the House of Re-
representatives. with one exception) admitted to
friends. and all of them with one exception)
would, no doubt make conscientious Representa-
tives and do what they could to restore peace.
But it is evident that these gentlemen can never
take their seats as our Representatives. because
they cannot take the test OATH The President
has always said that Congress has the power to
judge of the qualifications ofits members, but he
insists that when Representatives present them
selves from the Southern States who can qualify,
they should be admitted. AT no time has he con-
tended that member should be admitted who
cannot comply with the rules or test prescribed
by Congress. If representatives could take
the oath. the President would insist on their being
admitted; and the radicals cannot long prevent
The admission of such persons.
This being the condition of things, what ought
we TO dO-what do to aid the President in
his contest with the radicals lead oy such men as
Stevens and Sumner! Would it not be prudent
for the present North Carolina delegation to
sign and permit others to be elected in their
places Would not such a course materially
strengthen the President, and would it not 60 far
towards convicting of falsehooi those who are
continually accusing US of being disloyal to the
Government we think so, and therefore we do
not hesitate to suggest It.
We are not prompted in these suggestions by
any man or set of mens-neither DO we make them
for the benefit of any particular man or favorlte.
God knows our only motive, as a public journal
st. is to promote the interests of the great mass
of the people. and do what can to restore
peace, quiet and prosperity to our own people
We make no claim to having been Union man
III all yUa fnr
and so declared in published article
on the first day U. S. troops marched into this
town. We never expect to live to see the day
when we will deny our position or s. eat our own
Words But times and CIRCUMSTANCES have
changed, and all of US, wise men. must conform
our conduct to changes which have actually taken
place over which we had control. We all
now profess to be loyal citizens of the United
States, and as such we demand the rights and
privileges accorded to citizens. Especially at
this time should we be moderate and careful
throwing off old prejudices-so that our conduct
may sustain President johnson and not embarrass
him. We can do this without sacrificing honor
in the least.
We have said that would be pleased to see
all our Representatives elect admitted to their
seats. with one exception. That exception is MIR
Josiah Turner of the Raleigh District. He is SO
full of party hatred that do not believe he
would make fair or fitting representative. He
became a candidate in defiance offs the provisions
of the Presidents amnesty proclamation. He Sc
cured his election by arousing old party preJu-
dices, and while in Washington claiming his seat
he tried to ngratiate himself INTO favor with the
radicals by cursing and abusing democrats and
the democratic party; thus condemning the Pre-
sident and all the democrats of the North who
have stood up for the rights of the South. Even
the radicals have no confidence in man Of that
sort, and of course he failed to make favorable
impression them. They measured - the gem
tleman from Orange and found him too short.
Mr. Josiah Turner is one of the dead ducks
E We are gratifed to that the Legisla-
ture is about passing law requiring all Insurance
Companies incorporated out of the State, and do
ing business in this State, to deposit money with
their Agents to pay losses.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN SALIsBURY.-A very
destructive fire occurred in Salisbury on Monday
night the Goth ult 1t originated in Tin Shop
adjoining the Boyden Hotel. and consumed some
six eight buildings (store- houses) on that
block, including the Banner and Waterman
printing Offices