The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-19
Public Affairs.

We copy the following article from the Bal
egh Standard, Gov. Holden's paper, and pre-
sumo that he wrote it. AS Mr. Holden is to be
our Governor for the next four years, we suppose
our readers would like to know what he says:
1t was hoped that the public mind in this
State would be allowed by the politicians, after
the late elections to become at least comparatively
quiet, and that the thoughts of the people would
now be turned to the best means of improving
their condition. For seven long years we have
had turmoil, excitement and confusion. Much
of this time has been devoted to war, by which
we have been drained of our resources and greatly
impoverished Every interest is langushing,
and Peace and Industry were never so much
needed as they are new.
The first great mistake of the Southern people
vas in not submitting in good faith to the elec-
ton of AIR Lincoln. The second was, in prose
cutting the rebellion after all reasonable ground
Of hoping for success had disappeared. The
third was in not accepting in good faith the
Presidents plan, as it was called-but not as he
subsequently perverted tin 1865. The fourth
was in rejecting the Howard amendment. And
the fifth, and perhaps the greatest mistake, was
the bitter opposition shown by majority of the
white people of the South to the reconstruction
acts of Congress.
But these acts are now fnality. They have
been incorporated into the very political life OF
North Carolina, and there is no power which can
separate them from that life. This has been
done by large majority of our people. Abso-
Lutte acquescence in the will of the majority is
the only safe course under Republican form of
government. AS the first great mistake of this
people was made in resisting the will of the ma
jority declared in 1860, SO they on y repair
that mistake, and lay anew the foundations of
permanent prosperity, by submitting now in good
faith to that will Thus submitting, let it be
done promptly and cheerfully, not merely from
a sense of justice to the majority, and in defer
ence to the great principle that the people alone
must rule, but as matter of policy and common
decency; for nothing in public affairs can be
more impolitic or unbecoming than vain and
fruitless resistance by minority of the people to
those who have, by conclusive majority, and
according to the forms of the Constitution, as
serted their purpose to administer the govern
ment on certain principles.
We confess We are surprised at the bitterness
Of spirit manifested since the election by the
Opposition in this State There is nothing which
justifes this spirit either in the Constitution,
or in the principles and purposes of the Repub-
hcan party.
in former times, when any party success
ful at the polls, the custom for the defeated
party to submit promptly and gracefully, and
judge the successful party by their acts in the
management of public affairs. What good reason
can there be why this custom should not be OBJ
served now?
The State of North Carolina is now, and is
destined to be, Republican State. Its govern
nent viii be administered in all its departments
OF Republican principles. This is settled. The
people have so ordained, and their wishes must
be carried cut. Every Office will be in Repub-
.ioan hands. This is rig ht and proper in itself,
under the circumstances, and was expected dur
ing the late campaign. 1t was indispensable,
because nc otherwise could the State have been
reconstructed and restored to the Union.
But it does not follow that the minority are to
be oppressed, or deprived of any civil or political
right enjoyed by the majority. Republican prin-
.eiples are benefcent. In their operations they
look to the good of all, and they will benefit all.
il one portion of our people prosper in business,
all other portions must feel the benefit of such
prosperity. If the resources of the State are
.deveoped-if industry revives, and receives an
adequate reward-if the State grows and pros
pcrs with the tide of immi gration and capital
which must flow inf, in fine, North Carolina
should realize, as she must, the noble destiny in
reserve for her, every portion of her people will
partake of the benefits and blessings she will dis
pense in her career and all her children, whether
native adopted, will be proud of her prosperity
and of her good name.
There is no real cause for bitterness among
the people either against the Republican party
or the national government. 1t is the peculiar
mission Of that party to restore the State to the
Union, and, having done this. to set about the
great work of building it up anew in all its great
interests. While engaged in this work that party
is entitled to a fair trial. 1t should be judged
in reason, and not in resentment passion.
We appeal to the great body of our people
who not politicians, to discountenance all
bitterness of feeling towards the authorities, and
70 frown from existence every spirit that would
engender diseord and strife, and thus proven. the
return of prosperity. We have had far too much
already of strife, confusion and war. Let us have
peace and good will The nation has spoken
declaring that certain principles and a certain
order of public men shall control public affairs
in this State for the next four years. Let the
voice Of the nation be respected and obeyed
THE powers that be ordained of Cod
Let us remember how terrible our punishment
has been for resisting those powers for the last
seven years; and, profting by the lessons of the
past, let US address ourselves to the future with
better purposes and wiser forecaste. State.
may be destroyed by passion, but they can be
reconstructed On no other foundation than ,ha,
Wild Clover
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