Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-11-20
tration be directed 10y the will of the peo-

tration be directed 10y the will of the peo-
| pie.
We view this disposition upon the pal
OF General GRANTS political opponents
with much satisfaction. We did all in oul
power to cause his defeat. We thought,
aud still believe, that his election was not
| for the best interests of the country. But
our opposition was founded upon princi-
pie and not upon personal prejudice. Oh
the man We have the highest admiration.
While we have never thought General
GRANT either the soldier Or statesman his
partisans would persuade US, yet, having
conquered us in actual and political war
| fare, we submit to his claims for superior
merit in the field and the cabinet as be-
comes those who have been overcome. Oh
his honesty of purpose and kindllness OF
heart we are convinced. and these merits
will more than prove a counterpart for any
want of ability and experience in civil
affairs Let the Presidents full and legal
prerogatives and powers be restored to the
incoming officer. Whatever of good OF
evil is brought upon the country, let the
Authority rest with the responsibility.
Bat there are propositions made to
which we cannot give assent. The one is
hardly honest and the other impolitic, ii
not illegal. We refer to the propositions
| to cast the entira electoral vote for GRANT
and CoLFAx, and to increase the Presi-
dents salary to one hundred thousand dol
lars.
General GRANT went into this election
with the advantage of his military reputa'
ton the nominee of the party in power
with the Federal treasury and powers of the
Government to assist him. State and local
officers, in nine-tenths of the States and
counties Of the United States favored his
election. Several States were secured to
him by the Acknowledgement of white men,
and more by the illegal acknowledgment of
negroes Notwithstanding all this nearly
one hundred electoral votes have been cast
for SEYMOUR and BLAIR, and we believe
that the wishes of these brave and patri-
otto men should fud d record upon the
history of the campaign. Certainly their
votes were influenced by no Establishments
OF power. No tempting position CIR remit
neration were held out to them. They were
not even cheered by the promptings OF
hope. Upon principle, unawed by power,
above the corruptions Of promised success,
in opposition to the popular tide, they
deliberately cast their votes for men who
they believed represented the Constitution
OF their country, and whose success would
best promote its real welfare. Any other
disposition of their votes would be unjust
to their courage and devotion to principle.
would be an idle compliment, while any
endorsement of Speaker CoLFAx would be
dishonest and inexcusable. We could see
Democratic compliments bestowed upon
honest and upright motives, but such action
becomes criminal when conferred upon
men who move, live and have their being
in bitter and dishonest prejudices against
their fellow men. Speaker Co1FAx came
into political life by pandering to popu-
lar prejudices against foreigners and Ro-
man Catholics he has been promoted on
account Of his hatred to the South Such
men should not desire, and certainly they
should not receive, the favor of those who
have been the victims of their malice
The proposition to increase the salary
OF President GRANT four-fold, comes most
inopportunely. The whole country is suf-
fering from debt and taxation, and is cry
ing for reform. Other Presidents have
saved money from the present salary, and
at time when the currency was less valuable
than now. Ana then, too, the increase
should have been made before it was known
who was to be the recipient of the bounty.
Any increase Of the salary now would fall
under the spirit, if not the letter, of the
Constitutional prohibition against any in
crease or diminution of the Presidents sala-
ry during the period for which he shall
have been elected. The patronage of the
Office is yet to bestow, and the objects of
the law to prevent the corrupt use of pow
er is more important between the election
and Inauguration, than during the term of
Office. We hardly think this large addi-
ton to the salary of the President is seri-
ously contemplated, though it is advocated
by leading Republican papers. It should
not be made.
| Proceedings of the Trveaty.fIrst Annual
Meeting of the stockholders OF the VIII
mIngton s. manchester Railroad Conn
| pany.
The Stockholders assembled in Masonic
Hall at the appointed hour.
On motion of the President, Mr.. W. B.
Giles, the meeting was called to order by
the appointment of Col. W. S. Mullins as
Chairman, and Messrs. ". A. Walker and
J. J. Ling Secretaries.
On motion, the Secretaries were ap-
pointed committee to verify proxies and
ascertain the amount of stock represented.
After Investigation the committee re-