Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-06-23
To Governor Caldwell.

In directing the special attention of our
readers thereto, we hope we do not take
too much liberty in calling TO the notice OF
His ExeelIency the letter of our CORES
pondent, isPeter Parker" There is much
food for reflection in the facts presented,
not unworthy the notice Of Governor CALD-
WE'LL himself.
The Governor has given the assurance
that he is interested in the welfare of the
State only, and in the exercise OF the high
functions OF his Office ignores his party
feelings. He courts, he says, the opinions
of, and advice from, all good citizens.
Then let him read "Peter Parker's let
ter. He will find how 1.-the situation
impresses itself upon one OF his fellow
citizens-an intelligent and observant gen
tleman-a man who mingles much with
the peopIe-entirely free from party pre-
iudices-who never held political office,
and is in no sense Of the word q politi-
clan.
It will not dc to say that his views are
untrue, preiudiced or exaggerated, how
ever dark the picture is which Is drawn.
Those who think SO do not themselves
comprehend The real condition of affairs
in North Carolina, and to such the read
ing of the letter will be of no advantage.
But those who really love North Carolina
and desire to promote the interests of her
people more than the interests of party,
will find much in the letter which will
prove of value.
If we know and appreciate the difficult
ties by which we are surrounded, our
troubles are already half overcome-the
victory half won. Men who are not blind
ed by prejudice and selfshness, will not
long continue in path which must lead
to ruin. The trouble has been that those
who directed public affairs in North Caro-
lima for few years past have had no real
interest in the welfare Of the State, at
least the very few exceptions thereto, have
been too busy receiving the rewards of
their infamy TO give much thought for a
people they have attempted to dishonor
and then to rob.
Now that the more guilty of these Of
tenders have been punished or fled the
State, and their confederates have been
driven from the control of the Legislative
Department, and there has been time for
reflection and calm survey of the field it
will be we'll for North Carolina if her
Chief Executive will give heed to the
warning voices Of the people and respect
their feelings and listen to their grievances.
They have and are suffering sorely. and
Governor CALDWELL cannot afford to turn
deaf ear to their lamentations because
the offenders are his political friends, and
the grievances partly of his own making.
Most of our troubles, whether the-otend-
ers are white or black, Democrats or Re
publicans, are the Immediate echoes of bad
laws and Of bad officials the results Of o
bad government.
We are not DESTROYS of making Governor
CALDWELL unduly responsible for this
condition of affairs We believe that but
Tor the countensnce and support of such
North Carolinians as himself, ROdman,
Dick, Pearson, Reade, Settle, and few
others, the wicked plot of the carpet
baggers to degrade and rob North Carolina
would have been abortive, and our con-
dition now would have been much better.
Governor CALDWELL must at least be salts
Hed with his course, if Office was his am
bition. He has been promoted, and now
occupies position which ought to crafty
his pride and which should call forth all
the better qualities Of his head and heart.
correspondents letter. 1t will do him no
harm it may do him some good.