The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-04
December 4, 1866.

amended by the so-ealed bogus Convention.
Next we hear him talking rather strangely about
the Howard Amendment to the Federal Constitution.
Now we hear him urging the Legislature TO abolish
the offices of Adjutant General and State Geologist
These last, it is true, if abolished, would produce
little saving TO he State, but nothing compared
with what would be lost if she be cursed with an
other such Convention alluded to above. If
the amended Constitution had been adopted, we
should have had Lieut.. Governor 10 paw. Not
much to be sure, but something while on duty. We
opposed to the abolition of the Offices of the
Adjutant General and that of State Geologis,, be-
we think they important, and as a State
should not be without them
But what is the matter with friend Yates? He is
gentleman of prudence and sagaciry, and usually
right We fear he is wrong salisbury Banner, No
rensber 18Th.
For some time past we have refraned from
writing anything about Federal politics, beIiev-
ing that it would do no good for Southern Editors
to meddle in such matters at present. We have
been content to merely keep our readers posted
in regard to passing events and the actual condi-
ton of affairs, waiting for more proper time to
give our own individual views. The above para
graph from the Salisbury Banner is couchcd in
such polite and friendly terms that ought not
to pass it in silence.
We assure the Banner that there is nothing the
matter with US but earnest desire to see peace
restored TO the country, good feeling prevail
among all our people, and perfect security for
persons and property. We are indiridually.
we'll as generally. interested in this matter. and
without meaning to boast will say that
have much property and as large family de-
pendent on the proper settlement of national af
fairs the majority of our citizens who take
interest in such matters. In the South
expect to live and die. and if any one
were to assert that not fully identified
with the Southern people, we should feel disposed
to say that he was guilty of fal>eh"od. We want
office for ourself and would accept of nome
neither have any particular favortrs to elevate
We were decidedly in favor of ratifying the
new Constitution adopted by the late Convention.
1t was improvement the old Constitution,
and if it had been adopted our Courts would have
been relieved of trying numerous cases that might
be settled by Justice of the Peace. thus saving
the counties heavy expense. Besides, the bust
ness before State Legislature would have
been expedited. and ''l"g-r"ll;ng'' and .bargain-
ing prevented by that provision in the new Con-
stitution which forbid the election of member
of the Legislature to any Office. 1t has been too
much the practice for mrn to 60 to the Legis-
lature for the purpose of having themselves elect
ed to some other office The late Convention
was not a bogus assembuge-if it was bogus,
then have a set of bogus State officers Judges,
&c. because they elected by authority of
that Convention.
We have uttered no strange sounds about the
Howard amendment stand by what have
heretofore said. viz: that we would prefer that
the Southern States should adopt that amendment
rather than have all our State officers turned out
Provisional Government established, negro
suffrage forced upon US. large bodies of L. S.
soldiers quartered in the South. and probably
confscation enforced. We don't like the amend
brt bova tIot t,o
ment was adopted we should have to endure and
submit to great deal worse terms. For express
ing these views have been called timd We
make pretentinns to much bravery. bat
claim to be cautious. and, public journalist,
actuated by sincere desire to promote the COM
mon welfare of our people.
We not disposed to reproach denounce
those who oppose the amendment, but must
be allowed to say that it is easy matter for
many men who have nothing to lose to denounce
and defy the powers that be, and talk big words
We do not claim to be more patriotic, or wise, or
far seeing. than many Others but we respectfully
submit that if the times and circumstances do not
require prudence in language and caution in
,ion on the part of those who must suffer greatly
IT our national difficulties not speedily settled.
1t is said that an effort is being made to effect
compromise between the President and Con-
gress on the basis of permitting negro suffrage.
If such an arrangement is made we shall expect
to see our friend of the Salisbury Banner and
many others who are now decaiming against the
Howard amendment. proclaming in favor of it.
For our own part. prefer that the question OF
suffrage should be left for each State to settle f"l
itself, where conceive that tue Howard amend
ment leaves it, IL the negroes permitted t,
vote, let them understand that of the South
grant them that privilege. and not Congress III
which the South is unrepresented. We believe
that by adopting negro suffrage both the white:
and blacks will be greatly injured.
The Banner alludes to proposition to abol'
ish the offices of State Geologist and Adjutan
General. We still in favor of dispensing
with the services of those officers, because they
are unnecessary in the present condition of af-
fairs. and are expense to the State Treasury
We heur great deal about the Importance o
practising economy. but When suggest how
saving of money tn the State might be effected
friends of the Salisbury Banner and Raleigh
Sentinel object, and will not agree to Cooperate
with US. We respectfully call upon them. Gov
Worth. and the Legislature. to suggest some
mode to lessen public expenditures What is the
of preaching what is not practsed
We are not wrong but we fear the Banner i.
rather mprudent if not wrong.
ApvERTIsING-An unusually large number Of new
advertisements will be found in this issue of on
paper. As the main source of revenue o a PRINTING
Office is derived from Advertising ask the indul