National Republican., 1882-08-08
HON. ]. M. LEACH,S LETTER.
His Reasons for leaving The Democrat


His Reasons for leaving the Democratic
Party.
The following letter from Hon. j. NJ. Leach, of
North Carolina TO the editor of the Charlotte o.
Scrptr, has just been made public. II is worthy of
n careful perusal because of the prominence of
the writer and for the reason that 1t shows the
drift OF public sentiment in favor of Liberalism ms
against BUurbonsm;
LEXINGTON, N c., Aug. 8, 1882
Colonel CHARLES II, JONES, Editor and Proprietor
Daily Observer
MY DEAR SIN: Your letter asking me for my
political views nd what action propose taking
III the present canvass, which is likely 10 be very
exciting and animated one, was forwarded TO me
ht New York, where have been some weeks on
professional business j only reached home last
night, and am compelled to leave Ill two hours to
be absent some days, and therefore cannot now
write at length exp essing my views, but viii do
so ut an early day, either 10 you or to the people
ut large. merely say now shall cease TO act
longer with the Democratic party or give the
feeble influence OF my name in further promotion
OF its success; and may add that there are many
thousands of true and patriotic men, who in my
opinion (and speak not without knowledge of
what say, will. be influenced by the same rea-
SONS that impel my action.
III ceasing TO act longer with the Democratic
party ! shall abandon no cherished political prin-
ciple of long public career As II test OF my con.
sstency, invite all t0n comparisono Of my speeches
aud votes for twenty-five wears with that OF any
public man in the State.
l shall invoke the strictest scrutiny of my pub
lie acts affecting internal improvements, educa-
use the word " act" with emphasis for have al
ways been Whig in principle and avowedly so.
should continue to act with the Democratic party
If The same that first inpelled Inc to do SO
still existed, and If the party were progressive
and patriotic enough to free itself OF BoarbontsB-
by yielding to the persistent demand tor resora-
tion TO popular rights i'll the county govern
ments-ior the rights of the East can
pc. protected if necessary, by wise legis-
lation, without DISTINGUISHING all the peo-
pie OF the State, as is done-by demanding an
absolute repeal of the prohibition aet-iu utterly
ignoring the color line OF the races, instead OF de-
filming ii more distinctly, as they did in their re-
cent convention; the engendering anew the strife
and i'll feeling between the races, thereby seem
iHJy encouraging Seciiondlism, so much TO be de-
plored by Ill who desire to see the grand old
Commonwealth grow prosperous and great, and
peace, harmony, and ffaternal feeling restored
between every State of this glorious Union. The
great dominating Ang To- American race will al
ways rule in America but while this is 81, it is
not stating the question too strongly 10 assert that
rthe subhniest mission of humanity, us well as the
highest craftsmanship, should be eXerted in lift
ing up the lowy and eevating the laborlig classes
OF both races to higher plane of mental and
moral superiority
dom is polluted by the tread of slave! rejoice
that this great Union is restored in fact, as trust
il soon Will 9e by feeling Of national pride and
fratcrnal love throughout its broad borders and
thus will sectionalism have 10 yield TO an ardent
love of country. Then Will the South receive her
Just measure of control in the affairs of the na-
tional government; then will North Carolina have
n chance for Vice President Cabinet officer Su-
premc Court Judge, foreign minister, or possibly
President of the United States.
l have no time TO discuss the tariff or education
and internal improvements by the general gov
ernmeut.
Excuse the haste with which this is written and
its brevity, for, as indicated above, shall give
my views and the principles which influence me,
more at length at an early day. Very respect
fully, j. M. LEACH.