The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-03-10
Letter from Mr.. StillWen.


Of the Delegates to the State Convention from Meek
lenburq We think our friend Stillwell ought to have
sent the letter direct that it might first ap-
near in the Democrat; but that is Of great ;mpor-
lance We copy the letter into columns for the
purpose of letting the citizens of this county see it,
and of making few remarks the political matter
VI which it speaks:
RALEIGH y c., February 81, 1868
Mr.. WILLIAM J. YATEs-Dear SIR After a long
silence my part ] write you few friendly but
hurried lines, to let you know that | well phys-
c,lly, mentally and politically and Go hope that
few lines will find you in the enjoyment of these
inestimable blessings
have no Interesting political news to write, only
such you familiar with therefore, hope YOU
viii excuse me for drawing the curtain Of oblivion
the sorrowful and devastating of the past
nnd then permit me 10 speak word in reference to
the present.
Sir, engaged in framing a Constitution
that Will guarantee civil political and religious lib
crty all men, and political equality before the law.
50 far social equality is concerned it has never
been asked for by heathens, ever will be granted
by Christians Republicans. Social equality
be governed by law, ought not, if it could.
Our Constitution will dcbar no man from his rights
before the law, while it will grant or guarantee
mIicnahie rights to thousands of human beings created
hv the power of God, redeemed by His blood and
preserved by His providence. Now sir | hope that
you will at least with in the opinion that
equal justice can hurt nobody. | am well aware that
there Is dlTerence between your pOlitcal opinions
ind mine; yet believe it is honest difference,
and is compronis,ble the principles of justice,
and under rules governed by strict friendship.
Now, sir, the time is not fur distant when our Con-
etitution Will be submitted the people for raifca
ton, and do hope that you will your influence
help to ratify it. And do know, that when
you think Of the scenes through which have pass
ell even those with which surrounded,
that you will see the propriey of such a measure.
and chccrfully acquicsce in it. | would call your
attention briefly to the condition of State. Our
State banks are dead; our houses and fences in
dIlap!daed condition; our fields. which pro-
duccd heavy crops of cotton and grain. OvCrgrOwn
with brars and broom-sedge: our school houses and
FcminariCs dcScrtcd: rivers, which
tnually pouring down their from the South
slopes of the Allegheny, RAINING useessly to
the sea. We have thousands of strong hands unem-
ployed, working for wages that will not board and
eiothe them; and the energy of the farmer, the me-
chanic and the merchant is paralyz lost. WE'LL
now, what shall we do to restore prosperity to the
detected and suffering citizens of North Carolina
Now sir this is my opinion in regard to this matter:
must frame good Constitutions must ratify
it; return to the Union by the nearest prac-
ticabe route; must place North Carolina in her
original position in the Union. We are in debt, and
nearly out of credit. Is that because State is
poor once No, slr--we have one of the richest
States in the Union, and all want is intelligence
nnd encouragement develop her resources. Well
sir how shall act to attain to those things
desirable to all We rust ratify our Constu-
ton: must guarantee equal political rights to all
men before the law; must employ the colored man
work and must pay him for it. There
millions of dollars in Northern States ready be in
vested IN Southern property soon as our State can
be placed i'll her original position in the federal
Union
Now sir, will give you brief sketch of the course
have pursued in this Convention. First: / have
voted for every measure that strictly Republican
that has before the Convention and have
done this because believed it to be my duty to do
80, regardless of any personal interest. am not
seeking for office at the hands of the Republican
seeking for any honor, than what may
to me from the faithful discharge of my duty
When return to Mecklenburg will not he can
dIdatc for any office in the State or County. All
that ask is to retire TO the peaceful labors of my
little farm, and intend to spend the residue of my
days III agricultural pursuits and in order to place
our farmers, mechanics and merchants in a condition
TO live and to educate their families. and to promote
the best interests of the people at large, am III
favor of all the relief get their old debts;
first by giving heads of families permanent home
stead and secondly, am in favor of scaling down
all debts contracted between citizens of this State
prior q May, 1868. | want all debts scaled to the
present medium value of the bills on the old Banks
e" this State If the war has rendered the Banks I'M
able to redeem their notes. it has rendered the farmer
mechanic and merchant unable to pay theirs. | wish
had time 10 write more, but must close by assur
ing YOU that will do thing that is in my power
10 advance the interests of all my felowcIZens, and
to promote all measures that will tend to develop the
great agricultural mineral, manufacturing and com
m"rcal interests and resources of the State.
Very respectfully, SILAs n. STILLwEIL
Delegate from Mecklcnburg
If Mr. Stillwell has been reader of paper
since the close of the war, he knows that we have
been earnest friend speedy reconstruction; and
TO accomplish that object supported Mr. Holden
for Governor in 1863 and subsequently the Howard
amendment, and also favored holding the present
State Convention in compliance with the law of Con-
grcss. We repeat these statements TO show that
have not been obstructionist i'll any respect.
But, however anxious we may be to see the State
restored to the Union and the people relieved of
military rule, cannot endorse all the acts of the
Convention in session at Raleigh. If the Con-
vention had merely complied with the Reconstruction
Acts of Congress, we would have advised the ratif
cation of the Constitution and awaited future oppor
Iunities to make such changes might seem neces-
sary. But the Convention has went far beyond the
requirements Of the Acts of Congress- and done many
things that do not consider beneficial, prudent
wise.
The number of new offices creatcd--(four or eight
JudgeShps. Lieutenant Governor, Superintendent
OF Public Works, &c. will make an increase cf
taxes necessary to pay salaries There is not the
slightest necessity for increasing the number of pub
tic officers of any sort i'll the State.
The election of Judges by the people will only
destroy confidence in the Judiciary but we fear that
it will elevate trieksterS, demagogucs and bad men
10 such positions. A Judge should be independent
of tdp0rs of any sort and not dependent popular
caprice for his office.
blacks is not only uncaed for, but unnecessary to