State journal & flag. [volume], October 30, 1846, Image 2

About State journal & flag. [volume] (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) 1843-1846

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From the Franklin Democrat.
Next Governor.
Tho question as to who shall be tun bj
the Democratic party lor Governor of Ala
bama, at the next election, is occupying i
good deal of attention throughout the State
The defection of n portion of our party nl
the last election, has led to much discussion
as to the best mode of restoring that union
and harmony which distinguished the de
mocrocv ol Alabama previous to the appear
ance ol Joshua L. Mm tin as the opponent
of the regular democratic nominee. How
this desirable object may he best attained is
the question lobe considered.
From the best reflection we have been
able to give the subject, we have come to the
conclusion that the breach produced in our
party by the nomination of Col. Terry, can
be most successfully healed by a Stale con
veniion, so gotion up and conducted as to
have the views of the democratic party of
the State tairly and fully represented. In
getting up a convention, lull and ample no
tice should bo given ot the time and place
of assembling the county meetings to appoint
delegates. In conducting a convention the
representation should be so apportioned to
each county as tu give it due weight in the
deliberations of that body. The delegates
should conform strictly to the instruction of
their constituents. A candidate nominated
by such n convention, thus gotton up and
conducted, we believe would receive aim >st
the unanimous vote ot the democracy of the
State. We know there would he clamorers
against him, who would denounce him as
the “caucus candidate but let him be a
sound and tried Democrat, a mnn of talent
and integrity, one who will canvass the
State, and we entertain not n doubt of bis
election by a handsome majority. There
never was a more puerile cry raised against
the nominee of a convention than that of his
being a “caucus candidate.” Caucuses and
conventions has ever been found necessary
to reconcile conflicting interests and opin
ions. They have always been practiced, by
all parties, lor the purpose of sustaining and
tipholding their principles, and will always
bn necessary where conflicting interests or |
personal preferences prevail. Without con
ventions bickerings about minor questions,
nnd sectional andjiersonal preferences, arise,
exciting I earlburnings, jealousies and ani
riiuaiucs, which cuiiunuu 10 grow stronger
nnd stronger, until they become irrecencil i
able, and the great leading principles of the
party are sacrificed in the struggle to ele
vale some particular individual to office, the
accomplishment of some sectional end, or
the gratification o( some personal animosity;
when, had a convention been resorted to, in
the first instance, the bickerings might have
been reconciled, and the principles of the
party maintained in the ascendant. What
would have been the fate of the Democratic
parly nnd its principles in the last Presiden
tiul contest hut for Hie salutary influence
exercised by the Biltimore convention?
There was every prospect of certain defeat.
Previous to its assembling, the respective
supporters of Mr. Van Buien’s and Mr.
Calhoun’s pretentions to the Presidency,
had become almost ns tar sundered as the
Democratic and Whig parties. But by the
wise and conservative course of thut con
verftion, tho friends of the conflicting aspi
rants were reconciled, a brilliant victory
was achieved, and the glorious principles of
Democracy restored to the ascendancy in
the administration of the general govern
ment. Wo think the present position of
the Democratic party in Alabama particu
larly requiring a convention to nominate a
candidate for Coventor, and should one be
gotten up, we shall give its nominee (al
ways excepting Joshua L. Martin; our sup
port.
'Ve ore apprised dint there are many,
sound and ardent Democrats in North Ala*
barna who are opposed ton convention; j
somo from llic opinion that such bodies are |
conducted ofiener for the accomplishment !
of selfish purposes limn the mnintninance of I
principles ; and others because they believe
it is the design of those who advocate a
convention, to nominate a South Alabama
man. The objection of the first would be
allayed, if the nomination of the convention
was manifestly made with the view of heal
ing the present breach in our party ; and
the latter wojld be perfectly reconciled by
the nomination of a North Alabama man.
Jn fact the general sentiment of tho demo
cracy of this section of the Slate, so far as
we have heard it expressed, is that the next
Governor should be selected from North Al
abama. The North has always supported
the nominees from the South, and she looks
upon it as nothing more than her due that
she should have the Governor alternately
with the South. The nomination of a South
ern man would strengthen the Martinets in
this section of the State, and his location
would be the heavist load the nominee would
have to carry. It would give the friends of
Martina lever of great power. They would
instantly raise the cry that the North hud
been deprived of its right. There are many
talented and, in every way, unobjectionable,
Democrats in North Alabama, who have la.
bored ardently and successfully in the cause
of democracy. From among these the
nomination should be made, and being so
made, we have not a doubt it would be tri
umphantly sustained.
In the selection of a cnndilnte, we are
wedded to no man, but desire lo see harmo*
ny restored to the ranks of our party; and
in making a nomination this object should,
be the first consideration after the politicul
sentiments and talents of the nominee. We
believe that Col. Terry possesses every qual
ification requisite to make us good a Gover
nor as ever administered the affairs of the
State; we would prefer seeing him eleva
ted to the gubernatorial chair to any oilier
man in the State ; and would most cheer
fullygivc him our support; hut there is an
other very important question to he consid
ered in connexion with all this—can lie beat
Martin? In our opinion it is doubtful—at
best it would be a close nice. Terry has
undoubtedly gained strength from among
his former opponent; but Img he gained
strength enough to elect him ? We should be
most happy to believe he bad bey nnd a doubt;
but we cannot bring our mind to ibis con
elusion. Will not many of the Wltigs who
supported him in the lust election oppose
him in the next? Wo think they will.
Will not many of (hose Democrats wdto vo
ted for him befpre merely because he was
the party nominee (and they are not a few)
be very apt to abandon him in (lie next con
test ? We believe they will. Will not the
prejudice against voting for n nun whom
they have tnce opposed influence those De
mocrnts win voted ngainst him before gen
I orally to opjose him again. As little as suet
I gentlemen nay be willing to admit that Ihn
i prejudice »»uld have any thing to do with
| their'oppoition to Terry, we believe lhai
it would, hmtertaining these views, and de
| airing ihntthcru should be no doubt about
j iliesucccs ol the next detnreratic candidate
lor Goverior, we would prefer the nomina
tion of seme other man than Col. Terry.
There ac many capable and faithful men
til No: tf Alabama, who could unite in their
support marly all the true Democrats of the
Slate [Here are some tender-footed Demo
crats wh> lake every convenient opportunity
lo oppost their parly—to such we do not al
lude] aid a large portion of the whigs, in
opposition to Martin, The nomination of
one of.hese, would place his election beyond
a doubt. Indeed, we mink it quite likely
that Martin would decline the contest with
an unquestionable popular Democrat opposed
to him.
But who is such a man as we desire—
who can more successfully than Terry,
oppose Martin ? We will name one that we
think cun—the Hon. George S. Houston,
representative from this district in congress.
He possesses all the qualifications requisite
to administer the afluirs of the State with
distinguished ability. He has long been an
active, always an unswerving, Democrat;
is a man of talents, integrity, unimpeachable
private character, and great moral worth.
By his faithful and efficient representation
ol this district in congress, he has won the
esteem and respect of his constituents to a
greater extent than any of his predecessors,
and can now command more voles than any
man in the district. In fact, he po«esses
as much, or more popularity than any other
man throughout North Alabama. Such a
man as him we want as a candidate for
Governor. We know that Gen. Hounton
does not aspire to the office, but wo ulso
know that he is not the rnun to flinch from
nny honorable duty that may be imposed
upon him for the support ai'd advancement
of Democratic principles.
'Ve have proposed Gen. Houston as the
next Democratic candidate for Governor in
a spirit of conciliation ; believing that all
sincere Democrats desire to see the con
flicting sections of our purty reconciled, and
me willing to aid in accomplishing so desira
ble an object. Upon Gen. Houston the late
supporters of both Terry and Martin can rul
ly without nny sacrifice of principle or pre
judicc; and we think the reflecting, who
desire Iho success of the party, will agree
with us that it is better lo make sure of vie.
tory than to enter upon n doubtful contest,
which promises, at best, to ulienute a portion
of our party.
We have thus given our views, on this
subject, frankly, and after mature delibera
tion upon the prospect before us. We can
not hope that they will meet the views of nil
our friends ; but they are our honest and de
liberate convictions, and such as we think it
our duty to express at this time.
From the Mobile Register.
Col. Nathaniel Terry.
The Huntsville Democrat contains a com
munication on the subject of the next demo,
cratic candidate for Governor, the purport of
which is to deny the necessity of any con
vention, on the ground that Col. Terry is
already the regular candidate, according to
the custom of the party. The writer urges
the point that on former occasions, a single
nomination bv convention has been consid
ered without dispute, sufficient to entitle the
nominee to a preference for a second term.
It was so with Gov. Bagbv and Gov- Fitz
patrick.—It is argued tliut the accidental
defeat of the democratic party, upon grounds
so false and fleeting as those which defeated
Terry, ought not to preclude him from the
benefits of the rule which prevailed for Ins
more fortunate, but not sounder or more
worthy predecessors.
ciacwiieie me lummtMiis Ol me
Democrat—a sound and discreet paper in
tlie heart of the mountain region of the de
mocracy—and the more reliable in its opin
ions of the position of Colonel Terry, be
cause its known personal preferences are
for another. Without examining too close
ly the logic of the claim el usage for Terry
to be the candidate, we agree unreservedly
in t he opinion that without n convention he
ought to be a candidate, and will most un
questionably he placed in that attitude by
his friends, with the cheerlul concurrence
of many who were misled into opposition
to the democratic party by the cant and
clamor ol last campaign.
The demoern', ut the same time that it
declares Col. Terry to be the choice of the
mass of the party, according to all growing
indications, adds that "a new state of things
may arise, in which u new nomination may
he desirable, although there is no such case
ut present.” This is said in a spirit of true
concession. We agreo in the sentiment
unreservedly. We will go thoroughly with
the great body of our party Iricnds, for
whomsoever they may nominate or ugree
upon in any sufficient ferm, as the leader
who will restore our party in this slate to
harmony and success- We have none of
that temper which would tear our party in
pieces by opposing its candidates, or affiliate,
openly or indirectly, tviih our political op
ponents, lor the defeat of men of our own
political faith, because they may have been
preferred before our own especial fuvorites.
For such a harmony among ourselves ns will
preserve us the power of maintaining, uni
tedly, the principles of our party fui h, we
will promptly suriender, ut any time, all at
tachments to individuals—even the’ wemny
he compelled to smother the natural desire
to retaliate upon others, according to their
own example.
Ou the supposition, now not probably, that
a candidate might he desirable, who! from
being disconnected totally with the aggra
vations of the last canvass might he deemed
acceptable to the whole party—and seeing
vaiiuus names suggested throughout the
Slate in the same view, we named the oilier
day, John D. l’helan, of Greene county, as
our first choice, in all South Alabama,
wo know no man more worthy, more unex
ceptionable, or more unreservedly popular us
u candidate.
A friend for whose opinion we huve great
respect, has f-uggo ltd to us still another
name—from North Alabama—on the sup.
position that the north will consider itself
entitled to the nomination, if not of Terry,
of some northern democrat- Iiis favorite
is Reuben Chatman, the representative in
Congress from the great sixth district.
which rolls up on a sufficient occasion, elev
en thousand democratic majority
To Mr. Chapman there can be no possi
ble form of successful objection, and we
readily concur with the suggestion of his
name among those of the available candi
dates upon whom, freely and openly selected
by the voice ol the party, union and success
would he certain.
Col. Terry is, however our first choice, as
we believe lie is that of a very lurge major
ity of the democrats of the State—and in
suggesting the alternatives in events which
some consider probable, we are far from
supposing,for ourselvcs.that the public wishes
will take any other direction than his re
nomination for Governor and his election.
From the Democratic Watchlower.
It is evident, from every indica'ion tha1
public sentiment is fast settling down on Col.
Terry as the Democratic Candidate for the
next Governorship of the State of Alabama.
The Florence Gazette, come to us this
week, announcing, in the strongest terms,
its preference for Mr. Terry, in the coming
contest. We notice now among our ex
changes, nine Democratic papers, openly
and avowedly for Terry, some of which have
placed his name at their masthead. We
notice but two lor Belser, and one for VVuj
thaII, three in nil—add the Republican and
the Ureensborough Beacon, which are for
Martin, and we have five, and all told.—This
indication of public sentiment is convincing
testimony of the popularity of Mr. Terry,
and the desire of the Democratic party to
elevate him to the first office in the State—
a position which, if justice hud been pre
dominant in the last election, he would now
be filling. We cannot remedy the past, but
we can guard against such acts of violence
to our parly in future.—We.feel proud that
the people are with us in our efforts to re
munerate Mr. Terry, for the wrongs inflict
ed by an unholy alliance of personal with
political enemies. We see that justice is in
the breasts of our people, and is fast devel
oping itself, and ere long it will huve reach
ed its proper summit, nod in perfect secu
rity, look with contempt upon those who
have lead on the disorgnnizers to temporary
political victory. We have abundant reason
for the assertions \vc make, and in addition
to the many able and dignified articles which
we have hi herto copied from leading Dem
ocrutic Journals in the State into our col
umns, we refer our readers to those upon
the first page of to-day’s paper. It will be
seen that the Press calls loudly lor Mr. Terry
as the candidate, and we feel confident that
the people will no longer withhold that reward
which his able and eificieni public services
so justly entitles him. Uotv contemptible
must those feel, who have, in their efforts to
distroy the democratic party, and its pure
principles ; contributed mostly to dig deep
tire political grave of their champion and
leader. It is dug, and now let them look
into its depths, and quail beneath a conscious,
ness, that they have not only dug his grave,
| hut have aiso furnished the implements to
the people, with which tu prepute alike place
for themselves.
From the Mississippi (Aberdeen) Advertiser,
(O' Tlio following loiters explain Ihe
occiision which drew them out. We have
concluded lo give hut one of the letters ol
the Committee of Invitation; wc should not
do this, had the gentleman to whom it is
addressed been a citizen of our State.—Wo
make the exception in favor of Hus letter in
order to let the people of Alabama under
stand in what light the stern Democracy
of Old Monroe, holdc her distinguished son.
Aiirrdekn Miss., Sept. 23th, 1840.
Col. Nathaniel Terry :
Sir—It is proposed by the citizens to give
a collation on the evening of the 8th Oct.,
at the Mansion House in this city to the
Hons. Jos. W. Chalmers, Jesse Speight,
Stephen Adums, and J. Thompson, and
learning that you would probably visit here
about that time, the undersigned committee
aie instructed lo request that you will so
arrange your time it possible, as to be pres
ent and partake with them, of the festivity
of Ihe occasion. We are also desired by
them to assure you sir, that the machina
tions of the whigs and the disaffected portion
of Ihe democratic party, which effected yout
defeat in the last gubernatorial election of
Alabama, has not one “jot or tittle,” weak
ened their confidence in you as a man, a
Democrat,or a Statesman_That the means
resorted to for your defeat, find as little
favor of sympathy with good and true Dem
ocrats of Mississippi as Alabama, and that
they are proud to believe the Democracy
Proper of Alabama, though beaten were not
dispirited, tho* overpowered were not con
quered, and thnt u day of retribution is hard
bv, when they will arise in their majesty
and again go forth to the conflict for princi
ple, “like giants refreshed with wine,” until
they shall have convinced those w ly adver
saries that truth may be crushed fora time,
but can never lie destroyed.
Permit us sir, in behalfof those we rep.
resent, as well ns ourselves individually, lo
express,the kindest wishes for your prosperity
and happiness. Respectfully,
TUGS. BRANDON.
JOHN A. WILCOX.
LOCK E. IJOUS ION.
Locust Gbove, Livixusmon Co. )
September 30th, 1S4G. \
Gentlemen :—1 liave received your letter
of the i25tli inst., inviting me to be present
at a collation to bo given to your distin
guished Senutors, and one of your worthy
Representatives in the congress of the U.
Stutes, on the 8th of October. I assure y ou,
it would ufford me unspeakable pleasure to
comply with your request. Nothing short
of the circumstances by which I am unfor.
tunutcly at present suirotltided, should pre
vent me from being present on the occasion
referred to. and there mingle freely with the
democracy of Republican Mississippi, w ho
have never been intimidated by open ene
mies, or seduced by false friends, to abandon
or relax their principles for the maintenance
of which their motto has ever been, “prin
ciples, not men.’' I had as you say, intend
ed to visit Aberdeen about this time, but the
continued indisposition of my family renders
it for the present, out of the question.
I thank you gentlemen, unil through you
those you represent, lor the honor conferred
on me by requesting me to be present with
so distinguished a guest, and for the kind and
complimentary manner in which you have
conveyed the same, my thanks are especial
ly due to you. 1 nin very respectfully your
most obedient servant.
NATHANIEL TERRY.
To Messrs. Tuos Hbandon, Jno, A. Wilcox
and Loci E. Houston,
Janrnol & Jflag.
TUSCALOOSA, OCT. 23, 1840.
The G uberuutoriiil Question;
In order to keep up with the movements
of our party friends on the gubernatorial
question, aud io keep our readers advised of
the expressions of public opinion relative to
the gentlemen spoken of in that connection,
we copy into to-day’s paper several articles
from democratic journals in the south, the
east, and the north. We copy from the
Mobile Register an article expressing a de.
cided preference for Col, Terry, but sug
gesting, should a new nomination be found
to be desirable—Hon. Reuben Chapman’
representative in congress from the sixth
district. We appreciate the conciliatory
tone and temper of the Register article,
and most cheerfully adopt as our own the
following paragraph :
“Wc will go tlioromg'y with the great body
of our party fr ieodsj-£h ' whomsoever they may
nominate or agree upot.in any sufficient form,
as the leader whq wilt restore our party, in this
Slate, to harmony and success. We have none
of that temper which would tear our party in
pieces by opposing itaneaudidates or affiliate,
openly, or indirectly with our political oppo
nents, for the defeat ot men of-our own politi
cal faith because they may have been preferred
before our own especial favorites. For such a
harmony among' ourselves as will preserve rs
the power of maintaining, unitedly, the princi
ples of our parly lailli we will promptly surren
der, at any time, all attachments la ind.vidu
als.”
The second article, we copy, is from the
Democratic Watchtower. It expresses a
decided preference, over all others, for Col.
Terry—whom the Wutchlower nllirnis is
loujly called for, by the democracy ol (he
State, to bear their standard in the next
Canvass. The Watchtoiver expresses no
doubt, the opinions of a respectuble portion
of the democratic party in lire eastern sec
tion of ihe State.
inetmra article is irom (Tie Franklin
Democrat ; and is carefully written, with a
view to the adjustment of the conflicting
interests which now disturb the harmony of
the party. The Democrat advocates a con
vention, and suggests Hon. Georgo Hous
ton, representative in congress from the sev.
enth district, whom the Democrat belives
could unite more political strength than any
other man in the North; and whose nomi
nation would insure ceitain success. In pro
posing Gen. Houston to the democratic
party, the editor says, lie is influenced by
a desire which actuates all sincere demo
crats, to see the conflicting sections of our
party reconciled, The suggestions of this
article are entitled to tlyj deliberate con
sideration of the democratic party. The
time has arrived when success must not bo
hazarded, by personal preterenees. It
must not be forgotten, that there are more
interests involved than the election ol a dem
ocratic chief magistrate. Jn IS4T, ocn
ators and members of the [louse of Rep-,
rcsentatives will have to be elected; and un
less all conflicting interests, and rivalries are
harmonized, in the nomination for gover
nor, the democratic majority in both branches
of the legislature will be reduced. It may
not be possible for the whigs to secure a
positive majority by any dissentions in our
ranks, growing out of the gubernatorial
question ; but for all party, and political
purposes, it is as important that harmony
should prevail, as that the democratic party
should have n numerical majority in both
branches of the legislature. Without har
mony, a party in power may be made to do
more injury to its own members, and to ita
own principles, than any direct action of
of the opposition could effect. At the ses.
■ion of 1847-8 it is especially important,
that no dissentions should exist, which will
jeopard, in any way, the hnrmonious ac
tion of the democratic members of the leg
islature.
in common wan a majority ol our demo
cratic cotemporaries we have expressed a
personal preference for Governor, which
we know, to be, also, the preference of rna.
nyofthe most influential and reliable mem*
hers of the democratic party, But we do
not intend that any preference of ours shall,
in ony way, conflict with the interests or the
wishes of “ the great body of our party
fi lends.’' In this, our democratic friends in
North Alabama who oppose a convention
—as is ullcdged by the Franklin Democrat,
“because they believe it is the design of
those who advocate a convention to noinu
nnte a South Alabama man”—have a suf
ficient guarantee, we hope, that no such
motive controls our-action. No man, we
presume—certainly no man who wishes the
party well—would bo influenced by such a
consideration. We expressed the opinion,
soon after Col. Torry’s defeat, that the de
mocracy of Not 111 Alabama would be expec
ted, throughout the State, to indicate their
choice for governor in 1847. We still
think this preference duo to them ; and
whether the man of their choice be of the
South, the East, or the North, he will re
ceive fi om us a cordial and zealous support.
But this reusoti, ullcdged by ihe Democrat to
be urged by a portion of our pnrty friends
against n convention, is not only unjust in
its suspicion of those who are most active
in their advocacy of a convention, but it is
a positive reflection upon the distinguished
gentlemen, of South Alabama, who have
been named for the office of governor.
Those who have been named are, Col.
Walthall, Gov. Fitzpatrick, Hon. James E.
Belser, Hon. Andrew D. Moore, und Judge
l’helan. We have no authority to speak
fnr either of these gentlemen, but we are
sure that no act of theirs will embarrass the
convention in selecting a candidate for
governor; nnd we feel assured, further,
that if ii be the opinion of the convention
tliat the selection should be confined to
any particular locality, that its decision will
meet with the henrly concurrence of each
ol the gentlemen named.
We regret the necessity of having to aU
hide to such an objection us we have here
noticed. We cannot believe it is enter
laincd to any considerable extent by the
democracy of the North. They are too
generous, too confiding, and too candid,
themselves, to impute any action to others
which they would not themselves cheerfully
endorse. We are doubly assured of the
correctness of this view of the subject, when
we look around us and notice who the ad
vocates of a convention are. In Perry,
Andrew B. Moore was the author of a res
olution, adopted at a county meeting, ap
proving a convention. In Lowndes county,
the democracy adopted a like resolution
at a county meeting : in Bibb county,
we find the democracy expressing the same
opinion. The Centrevillc convention, also,
passe,d a resolution approving of State
conventions; which was intcqded os a
direct expression ol opinion in favor of a
convention in 1847.- The press too, we
find has thrown its weight in the same
scale. I he Huntsville Democrat, the Mo
bile Register, the Montgomery Advertiser,
the Marion News, the Franklin Democrat,
the Eufnulu Shield, the Gainesville Pilot—
nnd other jnurnuls are decided in their pre
ference for this mode or selecting a candi
date. The weight of demoratic public
opinion, as expressed thus far, is, therefore,
in favor of n convention, and wc shall look
for other and weightier reasons, from those
who oppose it—than a suspicion of the
motives of its advocates and defenders.
“ Sam. Houston ami his Repub
lic.”
We hare received a copy of this work—
by C. E. Lester of New Yoik. It i9 n
neatly printed volume of 9ome 200 pnges,
and consists ul a biographical sketch of
Houston, and a brief nistory of Texan af
fairs down to the period of annexation- Mr.
Lester, like most biographers, is a zealous
friend of the hero of his book. lie at.
tributes all the disasters—and their name is
legion—that befel Texas, from the decla
ration of her independence^ the end of
Houston’s first administration, to the action
of the party opposed to him. The massa
cre of Fanning’s tnen ; the massacre of the
defenders of the Alamo; and the violation
of the treaty with Santa Anna—are all
charged upon Houston’s cotemporaries;
who, it is ulledged, acted with ill judged
haste, and in opposition to his views qnd
wishes. Gen. Lamar, Gen. Felix Houston,
President Burnett, Gen. Greene, and other
men, prominent in tho early history of the
Republic, are made to appear us a band oT
conspirators , whose only object was to pro
mote their own schemes, regardless of the
interest of the State. Mr. Lester is par
ticularly severe on Gen’s. Felix Houston,
and Lamar. He represents the adminis
tration of the latter to have been little better
than.a series of Llundersfrom beginning to
end—and the General, to have been a wild
and reckless man, destitute of the compre
hension, and forecast, necessary to consti
tute a statesman. It would bo difficult, no
doubt, to write a history of Texas, or a hi.
ography of any of the public men who fi
gured in her early councils, and in her
urmie9, without saying many things calcu
lated to give rise to angry debate ; but Mr.
Lester seems to have become the partizan of
Gen. Houston, and his book, therefore, must
be very objectionnblo to the friends of Bur
net, Lamar, Felix Houston, and other prom
inent men, who have always been arrayed
in opposition to Gen. Sam. Houston. In
order to make up an opinion both sides
should be heard : to those who desire to
“ hear both sides,’’ we would recommend
Gen. Foot’s History of Texas.
Major Iownes, of Ihe Marion News, in
commenting on the North Cnrulina elec
tions, ‘-stirred up a hornet's nest,1' in the
North Carolina editors, who seem to think
that the Major intended to play the very
d—1 with the character ol ‘-Poor old North
Carolina.” We should’nt ho surprised if
some of the whig editors in "the old
North State”were to have the major indicted
for an ussault, on “old Kip,!’ with intent to
kill.—The editor of the Milton 'Chronicle,
finds in "Gen. Townes,” who has presumed
to charge ‘-ignorance” on North Curolinn,
the veritable individual, who on,sundry oc
casions was kicked and cuffed through the
streets of Abbeville, S. C. The editor of
the Cahawba Gazette has come to the Ma.
jor’s uid ; and in the following paragraph
says a few handsome things of him, which
wo are pleased to have an opportunity to en
dorse. It is scarcely necessary to say that
the Chronicle’s tale so far as Maj. T. is con
cerned, is a sheer fabrication.
“Our iriend Townes, it is well known, is 60
fond of a good joke, as never to let the public
lack for fan when a good joke can oe had. Even
at the risk of friendship, lie will often indulge
his playful humor,
A trifling and jocular allusion, to the igno
rance of North Carolina, has drawn down upon
Ins devoted head the spleen, indignation, and
invective of the combined new spaper presses of.
that Slate. Amongst other effusions, we quote
the above, with the Major’s reply to it. A
more perfect gentleman than Townes, perhaps,
never lived. Full of vivacity, great liberality,
and kindness, he would lothc an act in any
man, which could be construed, into an inten
tional insult, llis magnanimity, honor, integri
ty, and bravery are loo well established tosuffer
from the slanders of anyone.
During the recent visit of Mr. VVulker to
New York, the board i>f assistant alderman
voted him [ho hospitalities of the city.
Pennsylvania.
The whigs, throughout the Union, pre
dicted a Waterloo dufent to the democracy
of Pennsylvania. They were to be routed
“ horse, foot, and dragoons.” Even Mr.
VVilmot, the free trade member from an
agricultural district, was not exempt from
] the general destruction that was to ovor
| whelm democracy. 15ut these predictions
| ure not verified : there is still something
left of democracy in Pennsylvania. Al
though the whigs have acquired temporary
strength, in the recent elections in Penn
sylvania, it will, in future conteals, leave
them, until the natural lines of division are
again drawn, as they'were drawn during
tien. Jackson’s administration, between the
democratic and federal party. The local
influences now controlling the public affairs
of Pennsylvania, date back in their origin
many years; and are of easy explanation.
Twenty fire years ago the lending interests
of the Slate were agriculture, and com
merce. Vast fortunes were made in those
days by the merchants of Philadelphia ;
and on aristocracy of wealth, was ns well
known, then in that city, ns it is now known
among the manufacturers of Boston. The
greater portion of the wealth ihen accumu
lated, passed into the hands of men tvho
constitute the active portion of the manu
facturers, and meichants of eastern Cenn.
sylvania. The sons of most of the old mer
chants, who had accumulated fortunes, on
receiving their portion, embarked in min.
ing, iron making, or in the manufacturing
of cotton or woollen goods; and as their
wealth and numbers increased, the charac
ter of Pennsylvania was gradually changed
from an agricultural and commercial, to an
agricultural and manufacturing State. The
Bank of tne United States, in its day, was a
powerful agent, in the facilities it then af
forded the manufacturing capitalists, to build
lip an influence which has aided them in
obtaining the controlling power they have
now gained. Other causes aided in giv
ing manufacturing, and mining, a permn.
ncnt influence over commerce in Pennsyl
vania, but these were among the principal.
The great body of the voters of the State
have always been democratic ; but nearly
all the politicians have bowed to protec
tion—the idol of whiggery'j and, although
the people on the question of the tariff are
really ahead of the politicians—yet the
wltigs, and their democratic allies, who favor
protection—have succeeded in carrying the
State. If the issue had been made during
Gen. Jackson’s administration, the demo
cratic party could have maintained through
out the State the doctrine of free trade.
But now, the battle has to bo fought from
the beginning. The interests and prejn
dices created during the last quarter of a
century have to be contended against; but
we are confident of the result,—the inter,
est of ngriculture is still the controlling
interest in Pennsylvania,-and farmers can
be convinced that protective tariffs are at
variance with the public good, and a vio
lation of the constitution.
But what in reality have the demoents
lost in Pennsylvania ? They bad but one
free trade member at the last session : ull
the other democrats were with the whigs on
the tariff question. Now they have two
ftee trade democrats—and tbfy have lost
three or four districts heretofore represented
by tariff democrats. In addition to this
the ve>te oi the btate, according to tlie
Pennsylvanian, has fallen off some 50,000
mostly democratic. We do not see there
ore, that the wliigt have any thing to boost
of. They will have power for one year,
just as they had under the administration
of Rimer; but Pennsylvania has never
cast her vote, twice in succession, for the
federal party; and we have confidence
that she never will. The candidates fur
office, who have acted with the democratic
party, and at the same time advocated a
protective tariff, and are defeated—will
learn by this, that they have nothing to ex
pect from the vvhigs; and that it is better
to go wherever democracy leads, than to
temporise with principles, for the sake of
office. This defeat will stimulate the de
democracy of Pennsylvania to act with
increased energy ; and two years hence,
the o!q Keystone will be certain to vote
for the democratic candidate for the Pres
idency.
The Montgomery Journal contains a
communication on the subject of our militia
system. The writer notices the fact, that
whilst Alabama was the first State to re.
spond to the call of Gen. Gaines for troops,
that she has had no partin the victories of
Gen. Taylor. He attributes this to the de
ficiency of our militia organization, which
rendered our men “unfit” to take tbo field.
Somehow*Alubama has been unfortunate
from the beginning of this matter. She
certainly hud the mnteriul to a
people answered the call of Gen. Gaines,
and the proclamation of the Governor, shows
that the disposition to do good service was
not wanting. We do not deny that a more
perfect militia organization would [ have
rendered our volunteers more efficient for
immediate action; but we are of opinion
that other causes beside a want of discipline,
contributed to place the volunteers of oth
er States in advance of Alabamians at Mon
terey. If Gen. Taylor, gives the Alabami
ans “a chance” we do not believe any of
their friends will have occasion to plead in
their behalf, fur a wantrof uny soldierly qual.
ideations, that the militia oiganizatioi) of the
Stale was defective.
soldiers, and the promptness with
The Steamer Great Britain.
The 22d ult, was the day od which the
Great Britain was advertised to sail. The
anxiety for her safety is very great, all over
the country. She may not have sailed as
advertised ; or she may have sailed and by
stress of weather have been compelled (•
put into the nearest port. The New York
papers notice that other vessels have, also,
during the present year, made long pnssa
ges. The propeller Massachusetts, was outi
from Liverpool to New York, forty-two days.
The Unicorn made a passage in March last
in twenty nine days) and the Great Britain
herself in May last was out twenty days.
The Great Britain is a first class sea boat*
and we have confidence in iier ability to
ride out the severest gale. There is no
reason to believe that she has encountered
as bad weather as (he Great Western expe
rienced, and the latter came in without se
rious damage.
Since the above was written, we have learn
ed that the Great Britain was driven ashore, on
the Irish coast; and that her passengers were
sent back to Liverpool.
Aaron Burr.—A correspondent of the
New York Telegraph suggests that there
are documents in the office of the Secre.
tary of State, at Washington, prepared by
Col. Burr, and submitted to Napolean, — to
whom Burr offered his services to invade
Mexico, which contain “an accurate descrip,
tion of its geographical position, military re.
sources—its roads, rivers, mountains, de
files, and points suitable for defence. The
mode and directions in which it was to be
attacked—the routes to be avoided—the
places proper to secure and forlily—the re
sources for sustaining the army—the use
that might Ire made of the mines—their rel
ative position, condition, production, and
every other matter useful and necessary to
be known and understood by an invading
general.”
Me suggests that Ulr. Gullantin may re«
member something ubout these documents.
He states in conclusion that he acquired
"his information from the late Count St.
Seari D’Angely, the former attorney gene
ral of France, and once, at the time alluded
to, the confidential counsellor and devoted
friend of -Napoleon” who resided during
his exile many years in New York.”
Open Pouts.—The Czar of Russia has
ordered Sir-Robert Peel’s speech on com
mercial liberty and freedom of trade, to bo
translated into the Russian language, fortho
purpose of general dissemination. From
the English papers it seems that the doc
trine of free trade is becoming very popu
lar on the con'inent.
Feudalism has been finally abolished in
New York by the convention, recently in
session, to form a new constitution. No
leases of agricultural lundjhereafter, to bo
binding for a longer term than twelve years.
Reserved rents or service of any kind is
declared invalid. This of course doOn not
apply to existing leases—but only to such
as shall hereafter be acquired. Anti-Rent
ism. will now die, as Nativelsm has died—a
natural death.
The Mobile Register suggests to tho
whig editors, who are carping at the Gov
ernment, and seeking to embarrass its ope
rations, by decrying its efforts to prosecute
the war with Mexico—wheihcr it would not
be well for them to stop /or a moment in
their eagerness to find food for censure, that
they may clearly ascertain whether they
a re on the Mexican or American side. The
newspapers of Vera Cruz, or Tampeco.or
the city of Mexico, could not be more zeal
ous in their abuse of (he administration gen
erally, and Mr. Polk in particular, than
are some of our whig newspapers.
Whig Victories in Philadelphia.—
The whig* of Philadelphia have carried
Iheir whole tickets for Mayor, Members of
Congress and members of assembly by over
two thousand majority, being a vast gain
I over Inst year. The Congressional ticket
elected iu the county seems to be the same
as last year, two locos, and one whig, and
one native.—Montgomery Journal.
In the days of tho U. S. Bank, 2000 ma
jority would have been a very small figure
for the city of Philadelphia. The city has
always been whig ; and 2,000 is <‘a vast”
falling off, from the whig majority in dqys
past.
Murderer Arrested.—Mr. Walk,
er, Marshal of Mobile, lately arrested a roan
named McDonald, on Middle River, near
that city. The reason of the arrest was a
suspicion that McDonald’s real name was
Cowan, and that he had committed murder
in Pittsburg in 1833, but succeeded in
breaking jail. Mr. Walker wrote to Pitts
burg for information, and received such as
induced him to muke the arrest. The re
mind fin diiwquHwtiension was 91,000.
Special Election in the 3d Distbict,
—Wesubjoin the official vote for a member
of Congress in the 3d District. The vote
is a very small one ; but the whigs have no.
thing to expect, on this score, in future
elections. The district is democratic by
600 or 700 majority, when a full vote is
polled.
Cottell. fieman.
Perry,
Shelby,
Jefferson,
Lowndes,
Bibb,
Coosa,
Dallas,
Autauga,
279 340
335 294
512 324
487 625
354 161
526 543
558 610
248 372
3299 3260
3269
Cottrell's maioritv. 30
.V|