The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-03-31


and hence now he is commttal, many are at sea-
.haltng between two opinions In view of the
startling aspect of the political sky many are anxious
for him to define his position. Where does the Demo
crat stand? Is it for against us? Is it for
Holden or Ashe? Will it lend its influence to crush
out Radicalism, will it dissent so mildly as al
low the enemy of the whites and of constitutional
government and liberty to be shielded from merlted
and contempt under its ample wing! The
community wants to know whether he is for Ashe or
Holden. There cannot be neutrality The
Bible tells u.s. he that is not for us is against u.s. We
have every confidence in Mr. Yates conservatism,
and would be deeply gratifed to the names of
the Conservative candidates floating from its mast
head. Opposition TO some features of the COnstitu-
ton, and a strict neutrality between the candidates
is almost as injurious out-spoken opposition. Will
the Democrat respond to these enquiries In Its next
issue? They not asked in any spirit of captous-
ness, but from sincere desire to beneht the country
nd 0 promote the of Conseryatlsm.-Dd
Times.
Our neighbor is indeed, very complimentary. In
ssmuch the conservative party has three
recognized organs in this city, might have been
justified in supposng that 1.-The party had concluded
it could do without the Democrats counsel infu-
ence, and very naturally made up our mind that we
could DO without those who do without us.
However, if our friends (the people, are at and
huIting between two opinions" must not permit
them suffer if we can help it.
But we think if neiglbor, Mr. Waring, (the
Editor of the Tmes,) had been a constant reader of
the Democrat he would have understood position
he would have that we long since defined
position, (even before he did, and that we are not
'non-c ommittal' neutral and never have been
in regard to any issue principle policy. We
do attend political meetings, but neyerthe-
less decided i'll our opinions.
We cannot suppose that neighbor has done
or intended to misrepresent us, bat we know that
some persons Ito unknown) have been Industrious
in msrepresenting and assigning us position that
We do occupy. We believe this was done for a
and unworthy purpose, though we felt so much
contempt for such conduct and were so confident
that it could injure us. that have not alluded
TO it heretofore We have long since passed the day
when our paper could be injured affected by
stree-corner politicians or under-srappers OF any
sort.
But we appreciate the kind words of the Times
and will endeavor to reply to it in the same spirit.
We say surprised that any intelligent reader
of our paper should not know position In the
Democrat of March the 10TH used the following
language about the Constitution, in reply to a
letter addressed to us by Mr. Stillwell
We agree with Mr. stwel that good Constitu-
ton should be framed and ratified, but we must be
permitted to suggest that Il Constitution which in
creascs the number salaried Offices and thereby
increases the taxes of people; that enjoins the
expenditure of large sums of public money for addl-
tiomal public buildings, &C.. that multples elections
ly popular vote. and in that way gives cause Tor
contention turmoil and collision; that
makes changes in customs and laws which the
white native citizens and tax payers cannot approve
that seeks to place the negro OH perfect equality
with the white and puts white and black chill
dren together i'll the same school and white and black
men together in the militia and which tends to make
the negro Il ruler white men. is not good Con-
stitutOm for NOrth Car0itn0.
Is not that plain enough for the comn+ehension of
any one Is it not apparent that all the talk about
not defining our position is unnecessary and I'M
called for? We have never hesitated, on any occa-
sUn when abiding to the matter, to express oppo-
son to the Constitution. If the Convention had
merely complied with the demands of the Recon-
rruction Acts and gave the negro the right TO vote,
and had undertaken upset all our laws usages
and customs, and enjoined the expenditure of large
of public money, repeat that we would sup
port the Constitution (no matter who was pleased OF
displeased) and await future opportunities to make
such alterations might seem necessary. But, be-
leyne that the Constitution as it is is not a good
one for the people of North Carolina, we say en-
phaticallv that opposed 20 its adoption. This
has been position ever since we saw enough Of
the instrument to form an idea of its meaning. Ger
tainly there is room for any one to misundersant
our position that point
Now in regard to candidates. In the same article
from which the above quotation is made also useC
this language:
I'VE have voe-we are observation-disclosures
therefore shall take part in the scramble of can
didates for office-there good men in the Re
publican party any i'll the Conservative party-bu
we cannot with present notions of right ant
wrong, to endorse and approve Gonstltutlo
for native State that We believe will prov
injurious to best interests and promote error
evil and strife" ''Our opposition to tn
Constitution is not based party feeling for we d
cooperate (beong) with either party, and do
ask expect favors from either party as porty'
By the word s'co-opcrate'' in the last sentence W
intend to that do not belong either party
rs a party.
We cannot consent to aid in promoting bad feclin
by joining in the denunciation abuse of men
either party, as is now too much practised by til
press and public speakers of both parties. The tru
way to defeat the Republican candidates is to yot
against the Constitution and not engage in denuncia
ton of the candidates themselves. vote agans
& the Constitution is vote against the Rcpublica
"a candidates, for if the Constitution is defeated til
candidates will have Offices to FILL if elected. Th
III contention about candidates withdraws attento
from the Constitution, and, if the Constitution shout
be adopted, those who are making fuss about tn
@ Offices will be to blame TO Il great extent.
al Many people will not understand the sense, pr,
y priety meaning of a who asks voters to vo
for him to hold a certain Office and at the same tin
u advise them TO vote against the instrument tn
Ill creates the office: Therefore, say that the trl
81 plan is to stop quarrelling about men, and unite
W showing the people by argument that the Constit
ton is not good one for either blacks or whites.
81 As 70 placing the names Of candidates at the he;
~ of our editorial columns, We long since abandon
III that practice-we have not done within the pa
IN six years, and meyer xpect to do again. Sor