The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-10-07
Yours truly.
+. H. WHITAKER.
Wilmington, y. =. Oct. 4. 1902.

"llInlnRIOE. ~ -. oIl-s 70 4so-.
Mr.. F. II. Whitaker, Chairman Indepen-
lent Democratic Party. Greensboro.
y. c.:
Dear Sir:-I have the homer 10 &C
knowledge your letter OF the nrst in
slant. I think the state has reason to
be congratulated upon TIE Split or In
dependence in political thinkin and
acting which seems to lie now so gen.
eral with the people. Ii means criticism
and analysis both OF public men and
public measures. The truth has never
yet been hurt by criticism. ju7t or I'm
Just and it is the truth about both men
and measures that the electorate Of the
state should at all times be Well inform
ed. The negro issue has creatad in the
past an intellectual thralldcT which
prevented the independent exercise or
our intelligence. The constitutional
amendment marks an eca % change.
It's promise is one of political freedom.
| am quite ready to welcome any mde-
ture so that we may I'VE them from
its object. and without regard to Its
temporary effect, in the restsa' assur-
ance that eventually the truth will DOM
mate. Agitation is better than stagna-
ton. I congratulate you gentlemen OF
the Independent Democratic Party.
having for its object the support OF Mr..
Hill and the defeat OF JUDGE Clark.
upon the holiness and dsgressiveness OF
your spirit. I nave 10 sympathy.
however with it's object or its methods.
/ am an admirer and su3porte. of Judge
Clark. He has been "tIentisssly ar
raigned at the bar of public opinion and
he has been handsomely vindiCated by
a large assemblage Of representative
lawyers and citizens of this state when
recently nominated by he democratic
party. He has been accused OF pre-
judice as against CORPORATIONS I'm his
judicial opinions, yet an examination OF
these do not disclose the fact. but show
that a majority Of them have happened
/ am quite readyt to welcome any indie
1t has been fashionable for some years
in certain circles by ~Inuendoes TO ques-
ton his fidelity to public duty. but
these i~nuendoes have come from men,
who would not be accused themselves
Of a sacrifcial love for the public in
terest. and are known to be quite su-
perserviceable in their devotion to the
special interests they represent
A man of natural ability. of exem-
plary habits, a ~tireless worker and a
close student, Judge Clark has attained
state a splendid position as a lawyer
and al a man Of letters lie sss served
his state in war. He has served IL in
peace. He has done splendid historical
work for the state ard he has written
widely upon economic questions. I may
not agree with him at MI tires IN his
opinions o public questions. but I
concede TO him h liberaiity Of judy
mem which he extends to others. and
/ recognize that there IS no man now
living in North Carolina who has
achieved for himself a greater national
and state reputation for brains. char
acter. learning and oitoiic usefulness.
He may not be DeIIecf nor would he
be human IL he We're, Tut all TIA his
opponents have been able to show iT
their criticism of his letters TO cx-Gov-
-rnor Russell is that he simply invoked
the law. I do lot concei"e that this Is
in itself a crime, for tho very life or the
law Is In its execution. and IL were n
pity that there were no. more admins
trative and judicial officers bold and
brave enough to demaad its rigorous
enforcement. Educated 10 respect
character, / have no sympathy with the
attempt to elect Mr.. Hill, an able law
yer and estimable gentleman, Ivy an az
tack upon the personal chracter OF
Judge Clark, whom / esteem and re-
spect. I think the friends of Judge
Clark have no reason TO anticipate his
defeat His enemies naya served him
well thus far in their opposition. I am
quite certain that the wider circulation
of some very strong articles" OF the
character Of your letter would result in
reelection by a great majority. have
/ no doubt Its going to take money and
| lots of it to run this campaign and de-
feat Clark" I question, without Of
fence, but I regret, hat you have no
M to call upon for money, for it might
Increase the circulating medium In the
state. without injury II Clark or the
public, but I am Of the friends
upon whom o may depend in this
cause for voluntary contributions.
am not on the anxious bench, seeking
tn be converted from the error OF my
ways. and 1 do not think II "the stat
viii be damned by such q man as
Clark" hat there Is n immediate
anxiety to be feared from perditton.
Certainly there Is no prevalent seeking
for the glorious opportunity TO avoid
the supposed impending danger Mt.
Pelee Is far away in the distant oceans
-at rest. Yours truly.
IREDELL MEARES.