Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-08-25
The Political Situation.

The Political Situation.
We publish a letter from Major VII
LIAM A. HEARNE, late editor-in-chlet OF
the Raleigh Telegram, in vindicatlon OF
the recent political course Of those Demo
Gratis who opposed the call of the Conven-
ton. While we cannot admit the justice
of their course, we certainly have nc quar-
rel to make with them. Our differences
ended with the election. We cannot but
think that their course was inimical to the
best interests of the State, which are para
mount, and has proved serious blow to
the integrity of the party. We certainly
have not charged, nor do we believe, that
those Democrats who opposed Convention
upon the grounds of its unconstltutional1-
ty have any sympathy with the Radical
party. On the other hand, we have re-
gard for those who refused to go with their
political friends. being honestly satisfied
that they were violating the most sacred
principles of our system of government.
The defeat of the Convention, and the re-
newed life thereby given to Radicalism in
the State, will, however, enable the people
Of North Carolina to discover those who
were actuated by high and honorable
sense of duty, and those who, on the other
hand, were seeking after the 'flesh pots.
Nor can we ngree with our correspond
ent in regard to his imagined conflict be-
tween Democrats and Conservatives,
Wings and Democrats, as lines of party
distinction we're obliterated North by the
food of Abolitionism which swept over
that section upon the election of Lincoln,
and - the South by the war of invasion
from the North. Since then we have not
known any distinction between them. We
see BROOKS, FILLMORE, ADAMS, CAMPBELL,
at the North-SHARKEY, GRAHAM, JENKINS,
at the South-among the most trusted
leaders of the National Democratic party.
It is true that in North Carolina, in the
distribution of offices, those who were for
merly Wings have got the lions share.
Even if this was the result Of di-
gested plan, which We do not believe,
ii could not weaken our opposition
to Radicalism. Nay. if mono but old
line Wings were to be elected TO office
during the next century, it would not les
sen our hatred of the party which has
brought ruin upon our State, and humilia-
ton upon our people. Our political
principles have a surer and stronger toun
dation than this. We can never join 6
party, or respect those who do, whose
whole object is to band ignorance anC
vice against the virtue and integrity of the
State. There has been no North Cdrolinia'
Of prominence to ally himself acW tn
Radical party achO did not do 50 for III
certainty or the hope Of personal agra"
dizenaent-or{inaily to be only 0b!dinet
through practices ct once diShOnOrd6Le Gmt
criminal. This is sweeping charge, bu
it is true to the letter, and We appeal t
the record. From the chief crimina
Holden to the lowest of the Con
federate deserters who fill hundred
OF minor offices, all have been In
fuenced by the same fell purpose
The motives which actuate the pol
itical conduct of MIR. Phillips are not
whit more honorable than those which
have placed in official position the COW
ardly deserter who murdered the gallan
and chiyalrous MALLETT nor are the par
tisans and admirers of the one more intel
gent and elevated, or more devoted than ar
those of the other. Their political popu
larity and success arise from the same eau
ses and depend upon the same results.
We are second to none in our adherenc
to Democratic principles. We have see
with regret the growing jealousy in Nort
Carolina between Conservatives who wer
formerly political opponents. We believ
there las not been an equal distribution O
offices. Yet we are not prepared to Civ
up our political organization-certainl
not when Radcalism, if not triumphant
Is bold and defiant When we whip an
destroy the common enemy it will b
time to settle our family quarrels
We must organize for the two cam
paigns OF next year. Democrats VIII
voted for or against Convention, an
Republicans who grow weary and sick {
the corruptions of their own party-a
true sons of the State-must unite, to saw
North Carolina and the Federal Unior
We have our preferences for Governor an
Pre- sidenf. We stand prepared to suppo
and work for the nominees. We shall NJ
inquire in regard to their past polite