The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1868-09-30

the future. He went on to say that the the
DRY of social equality seemed to be abandon
ed by the other party, for it never existed
anywhere, Society was like water, left to
itself, it seeks and finds its level and there
rests. Like trade, it fourishes most when
left to free competition.
He went on to state that he should not
stop to enquire whether the heroic struggle
of the South, was one of crime or duty. He
believed the world demanded the extinction
of slavery, and our great error was in not
seeing this and making a peaceful conces-
sion to the moral requirements of the age,
demanded by the family of nations, of which
we arc member, and to which We are, in
some measure. amcnable.
lie therefore thought that wise political
cxpedicncy demanded of us a frank accep
lance of the situation. That true statesman
ship dues not consist in the stern and unre-
lenting demand of what is best and right, in
the abstract, but rather in the demand OF
those rights which are attainable and in the
prudent concession of those we cannot re-
tain without too much hazard. Individual
pride and ambition must give way to public
expedicncy. The nation demands peace,
North Carolina demands peace and tranquil
ity as the foundation of q new prosperity.
Free suffrage was now part of the organic
law OF North Carolina. The reconstruction
measures have done their work in this State,
and whether they were constitutional or not,
they belong to the dead past so far as this
! State is concerned. The people have made
and ratified form of government, the State
is recognized member of the Uuion and in
the quiet and peaceable enjoyment of her
own laws. .'...a XII To a7u
| He was no alarmist but he could not
shut his eyes to the fearful dangers which
surround US and threaten the peace of the
country. Conventions may assemble at
Raleigh and elsewhere, and attempt to gild
over the Blair letter and denounce those who
raise the voice of warning. That was the
game practiced upon him and the people in
1860, but the bloody and revolutionary doc.
trines of that letter are too generally avowed
and justified by the Democratic platform
and press and politicians. not to excite the
mos, serious apprehensions in the minds OF
peace-loving people.
| Mr. Bynum said he should not discuss the
national debt, for both parties agreed to
pay it; nor should he try to frighten people
with its vastness, for that would not Tighten
the burden. How this debt was created we,
alas too we'll know. Whether the Congress
is liable to the charge of extravaganza in ap-
preparations, or the President in the dis,
bursements, he was not familiar enough with
the finances of the country to sey. Such
charges were brought against every admins
tration, and were generally true against all.
Where the administration was divided be-
tween Democratic President and Repub-
lican Congress, it was hard to fix the guilt.
1t is enough to know that the policy shad-
owed forth in the Blair letter and Demo-
cratic platform must vastly increase instead
of reduce the national debt.
Finally, he thought our true policy
noao haue, nerve ourselves with manly hearts,
and enter upon the race for peace and pros
perity, with our new competitors. If the
laws are good they should stand. If they
prove themselves bad, then is the time to
amend them, but not until then. We owe it
to ourselves and to humanity to submit to
them and give the government of North
Carolina and of the Union our firm and con
scientious support.
Mr.. Bynum concluded by saying he should
support Gen. Grant for the Presidency, be-
cause he sincerely believed the success of
the Democratic ticket would he dangerous
to the peace of the country, and that the
election of Gen. Grant would give us peace
and firm government. Because, in war
Gen. Grant was a magnanimous foe, and in
peace he has been conciliating friend. Be-
cause. while Secretary of War, brief pc
Rod, he introduced measures of reform and
economy in that department, and exhibited
a high order of executive talent. And last
ly, because his antecedents leave US no room
to fear that party ties will swerve him from
a magnanimous policy towards the South,
and just and equal administration of the
whole power of the government for the IN
terest of the whole people ..-
Such is about the substance and outlines
of Mr.. Bynum's speech, which was listened
to with profound attention.
Gov. Vance then addressed the audience
at great length. 1 will not attempt to re-
port his speech, because he has addressed the
people in all parts of the State, and all are
familiar with his style and arguments. 1t is
no reflection upon Gov. Vance to say, that
when YOU have heard one speech from him.
in the same canvass, you have heard all his
speeches. The remark applies to all poll
ticians. His speech on this occasion as on
all occasions, gave full satisfaction to his
friends and party, as did Mr.. Bynum's to his.
Mr.. Bynum made brief reply, restating his
points, showing wherein Gov. Vance had
lodged the issues he made and failed to an
swer them.
The meeting then adjourned and the peo-
pie quietly retired from the ground.
P.
| r For the Standard.
Rev. George w. Welker.