The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-09-10
September 10, 1867.
10TH VOLUME.

lO1 NSbO "
We have entered on the publication of the
Sixteenth Volume of the WESTERN DEMOCRAT
and presume it will not be considered egots-
teal boastfu for say that we are satisfied
with the success which we have met as a news
paper publisher, and gratifed at the confidence
and support received from the people Of the
State. and especially of fhis immediate section.
But, while thanking the public for a liberal share
of patronage, we do not hesitate to say that our
success has been mainly attributable to a kind
Providence in sparing our health, close appfica-
tion to business and hard aCork.
AS to the past we do not feel that it is neces-
sary to say anything in justification of our course
jim regard to political questions and public matters
we are willing that time and experience shall
show whether have been right or not-but
we will take this occasion to say that whatever
we have said or done has been with an eye solely
TO benefit the people generally. without reference
to party or the aspirations Of individuals. We
know that whatever benefits the people benefits
us. and what Injuries them Injuries us--we are
identified with the prosperity or adversely of the
State in every way.
Since the close of the war we have felt anxious
to see national difficulties settled speedily as
possible, and therefore have been ready to ac-
cept the terms offered by the conquerors, be-
lievng that the longer settlement was delayed
the worse it would be for the Southern people.
When the Howard amendment alone was offered
ito the South a basis of settlement, we advised
and advocated its acceptance and adoption by
North Carolina the best terms she could get,
and we did SO when it was very unpopular to
pursue such a course We are aware that we
were denounced and abused at the time, but it
did not cause US the slightest uneasiness. for
felt confident that time would prove the correct
OF. our advice. There but few who
will not acknowledge that it would have been
better if our Legislature had adopted the Howard
amendment and thus prevented the di,fran chiSe-
,nent of large number of white citizens and left
the que >tion of suffrage for each State to settle
for itself.
We never claimed to have been a Union
man" during the war. but, on the contrary have
not hesitated, all proper occasions, to declare
that our sympathies were with the Confederate
But that cause was lost. and hence we
have considered it duty to submit in good faith
and advise prompt acquiescence and obedience
to the laws and orders of 1.-The powers that be-"
Therefore, in favor of speedily recon-
structing the State Government in accordance
with the laws of Congress, but opposed to all
schemes of further prescription any thing that
will stir up strife and i'll will between citizens.
" nave used, and intend TO use. whatever IN
fuence we possess in favor of peace and estab
fishing good feeling between all our people.
For the past six eight months we have not
been disposed to indulge in much .'edtorial''
writing preferrng to publish such facts and in
formation would keep readers we'll posted
in public matters, only making such comments
as seemed necessary. Probably might create
a ''sensation'' by participating in controversies
and using strong language, but do not think
this proper time to say or do anything that
will promote or continue bad feeling. cause
strife and contention. However much may
differ with others about the proper course to pur-
sue we are not disposed to hastily imnugn the
motives of any one or claim more honesty. patriot
ism and far sightedness for ourself than
willing to accord the balance of fellow citizens
We were born and raised in North Carolina
and come veal we intend to stand by her
and do what we can to promote her interest and
the welfare of her people. Among her native
citizens there should be at this critical period no
strife or contention. but all should be Influenced
by spirit of noble emulation of "who
best work and best agree