Year: 1860

= s. THE SPEECH OF THE CAMPAIGN.


Mr.. EDITOR: have just listened to what con-
slider the speech of the campaign-a speech replete
with sound national views statesmanlike arguments,
free from allacy, evincng talent of the first order
in fact the whole speech exhibited clearness of
Thought and perception conversant mastery of the
subject under discussion, and accompanied witha by
an earnestness which could but describe the sincer
ty OF the man. This speech was made by Mr.. VIM.
B. Rodman elector for this Congressional District,
and assure your readers that it was creditable
alike to his heart and head ,s


The weather was very nclement, for it rained all
the day yet the Conrt House was densely crowded,
and Mr. Rodman held his audience in the most dill
gent and flattering attention for over two hours.
say attering attention, for four-fths Of his audi
ence were of the Opposition party, upon whom it
made deep impression, (for should insult their
good sense were to say otherwise, as such speech
must necessarily arouse sensible men, and to whom
it was mainly addressed


Mr.. Roeman's style of speaking is easy and at
tracGve, his manner plain and persuasive, address
ing himself strictly to the minds, and not to the
fancies and passions of men. His arguments are r-
resistible and clothed in chaste and appropriate
language Mr.. Rodman portrayed in a true, logical,
and unexagerated light the present distracted
dlton OF affairs in our country, the irremediable
consequences which must unavoidably follow the
election of a black Republican President, and the
injury and disadvantage such Republican rule would
bring upon the people of the South. He quoted
from Mr.. Stewards speech, in which he advocated
the "irrepressible conflict" doctrine showing the
objects and aims of the black Republican party
quoted from his speech in Massachusetts,, in which
he said the last democrat was born and with the
election of Mr. Lincoln would fall the power of sa-
very in the United States (and could but think
how poorly corresponded such language. with the
very conciliatory and conservative speech of Mr.
Seward made in the Senate but short time prior to
the meeting the Chicago Convention.) Mr.. R. re-
fered to the great difficulty of getting our fugitive
slaves, though the law under the Constitution was
plain and easy ofuflment: referred to the fact that
some of the States had passed laws protecting fugi
tive slaves and preventive of their rescue-passed
too, directly in the face of the Constitution.


He argued that the election of Bell could accom-
plsh nothing; that his party were fighting for no
great principle; that every party must fall when it
ceased to contend for great principles and hence the
downfall of the old Wing party for it had ceased to
to sustain it. That the platform Of the Opposition
was the Union, the Constitution, and the enforce
ment of the laws which meant nothing; for the Re-
publicans interpret the Constitution one way and
the South another and what was Union worth
when disregard for the Constitution and just and
impartial enforcement of the laws was apparent in
fact, avowed? That the platform upon which Breck-
SLOOu great pTlnClDc-aSScf-
ted and claimed a right-a right of protection,
right which no Southern man. or no Northern man.
could justly deny that the South was entitled to- and
upon the election of Breckenridge that great prin-
ciple would be established and peace and quiet
would be restored. That the Democratic party had
always stood upon great principles, and always es
tabshed them and if it failed to establish this prin
cple, it would be the first time that it ever failed
He showed that the doctrine advocated by Mr..
Dnur1oc uac of IN fbo
South. the establishment of which would deprive
the South of her inherent right an6 power under
the Constitution, and be barrier to her future
greatness and prosperity.


1t would be idle for me to attempt to give you a
correct report or synopsis of Mr.. Rodman's argu-
ment, for his speech was argument from beginning
to end Suffice it to say that it produced its desired
effect and only wish that every citizen of North
Carolina had been present to hear it, for in that
event the majority for Breckinridge and Lane would
almost be counted by tens of thousands. In the
language of worthy citizen of adjoining county,
who was present and heard it. "it was speech ad-
dressed to mems heads, and not to their feet" In
the heads of the people of this community assure
you it found place, as the election in November
will unmistakably demonstrate. l would suggest
TO our friends in Salisbury, and other places where
large mass meetings are to he held, that if they
could secure the services of Mr.. Rodman, (Which
fear will be doubtful, as his duties in the campaign
in this District are quite onerous, associated with
his professional duties the consequence of large
and lucrative practice) they would secure speech
which will not fail to accomplish much for Breckin-
ridge and Lane. This much l can truly say, that
never in the course of my life have listened to a
speech with which was more pleased.


Mr.. Rodman replied to by Mr.. w. T. Marsh,
member elect to the Legislature from this county,
and assistant eector Of the Opposition party, Mr..
Clark, the District elector, being unavoidably ab
sent Mr.. Marsh dwelt upon the tendency, as he
considered, of the Breckenridge and Lane ticket to-
wards disunon; endeavored to throw cold water or
ridicule upon the dangers which Mr. Rodman had
so truthfuy pictured; complimented Mr.. Rodman's
speech one of great merit and great ability said
he did not think there man in North Carolina
that could so arouse him said it was enough for
him that John Bell was the bosom friend of Henry
Clay, and closed his speech, which an hour


in length, with TASTEFUL eloquent, and appropriate
eulogy upon the memory of Washington. speak
but correctly when l say that Mr. Marsh did not
controvert single point taken by Mr.. Rodman, and
l might say that he did not even attempt 1t; not
that Mr.. Marsh was incapable of so doing, but sim
ply because Mr.. Rodman's arguments were unan-
swerable Mr.. Marsh certainly made an effective
Speech and one, too, that aroused his party; and
predict that time and experience will make him one
of the most effective speakers of his party.


When Mr.. Marsh concluded it was about night
and the discussion ended.


Washington, N. c., Sept 1s, 1860.