it
1
VOICE OF THE .WHIG PRESS.
OFFICIAL COPY OF THE WHIG PLAT
FORM. Our Democratic neighbors of the "Union"
seem to bo distressed that they should have was!
ted ammunition in criticising one of the resolu
tions forming the Whig Platform, as just adop
ted by th0 Whig National Convention. The
resolution referred to is the eighth of the series,
relating to the Compromise Measures. Ilaving
1 been erroneously printed in the newspapers, the
Union hastily seized thb opportunity to give
vent to Us indignation' on account of the sup
posed omission of the wrds "compromise" and
"final," which words, itmaintainea, were essen
tial to imply an honest and faithful support of
the laws composing the "compromise." It turns
oat, however, that the official copy of the Plafc
form, which we publish below, is in this respect
precisely what the "Union" contended that it
ought to bo; and now; instead of rejoicing to
find that its previous complaint was utterly
groundless, and that both the great parties of
the country have patriotically placed themselves
in the same national position in support of the
compromise, it seems grieved and disappointed
at the discovery, and even impeaches the au
thentic record, because it does not correspond
with what was hastily prepared for the newspa
f pers, under circumstances, as regards this im
portant act of the Whig Convention, highly un-
? favorable to accuracy in the precise words of
the proposition. The report of the Flattorm
which appeared i a the National Intelligencer, to
which the Editor of the "Union" refers with
such annarent confidence, we can assure him
was not verified by the' original copy or by the
journal, as he supposes. It was simply the
work of the Reporter, who, having before him
the platform previously submitted by the South
ern Whigs, notea therein tne aiicrauQns wnnsi
Mr. Ashmdn continued tho reading, with- his
back turned to the Reporters, amidst the noise
consequent upon repeated cheering' and other
outbursts, of applause from tne great muiutuae
. . ,. . WT ii 7 1 1 . f L iL 1 a!
tnat nuea tne nau. w nen tne eigmn resuiuuuu
was reached, the changes of phraseology, with
out affecting the substance, were such as to con
found the ReDorters in their efforts to correct the
copy before them, although they might easily,
' from the slowness of the reading, have taken
down the entire resolution in short-hand, if they
had anticipated the necessity of pursuing that
course. The consequence was, that with one ex
ception, all the Reporters on the left of the Presi
dent's chair entertained doubts as to the correct
ness of their" copies of this resolution, and were
supplied with manifold copies of it by the, gen
tleman who expressed himself satisfied that he
had obtained an exact copy. This accounts for
the erroneous publication iirall the newspapers,
and we trust the explanation will be satisfacto
ry to our contemporary.
, National, Intelligencer.
TIIE WHIG NOMINATION.
In declaring our purpose of supporting the
nomination made by 'the late Whig Convention
at Baltimore, we eannot bo far compromise our
self-respect, or repudiate our obligations to truth,
as to say that we rejoice in Gen. Scott's nomin
ation. On the contrary, wo greatly preferred
the nomination of the present incumbent of the
Exocutive Chair. We did think and still think
that his administration was the best since the i
days of Washiriton, and did think and still think
that a country which he had saved from the very
jaws of destruction owed him a re-election to the j
office which he has so worthily filled. But with
many others, after a hard stuggle, we have been
overruled; not as to principles, but as to the man ;
for Gen. Scott, prior to the ratification of his
nomination by those who had opposed it, placed"
himself on the identical ground occupied by Mr.
Fillmore. , The Whig Convention, unlike their
Democratic predecessors, laid down their plat
fofELj&full Convention, and on a call of the
SmMrprW to nominating their candidate, and
the candidate, in accepting the nomination, ac
cepted also in terms the Platform ; and ' this is
what we have, always contended should be done.
Gen. Scott U therefore bound by every honora
ble obligation not only to abide himself by the
Compromise, but to exclude -from his confidence
and from all official influence all persons who
-wrxnrhi ngitatse en these subjects. Gen. Scott now
stands before the country a representative of j
National Whig principles of principles as broad I
as the Union itself, andnntainW'd with the least
particle of that sectionalism which at one time
threatened so much to the country, and as such
he shall receive whatever support we can give
him. Of his private character we have alwavs
spoken in terms of admiration, and of his mili
tary services the whole civilized world are ap
prized. Of the. nominee for the Vice Presidency wc
shall only say, that if great talent, laborious
habits, extensive acquirements, large experience
and a -spotless character can entitle any man to
the office, the friends of William A. Graham can
make clear his claim to it. We have known
hied since we was a schoolboy in Ilillsboro', N.
C, and he was a student of law in the same vil
lage. 116 is a native of Lincoln County, N. C,
and the son of Gen. Graham, a revolutionary
worthy. He is, we should say, aboul 48 years
of age. In early life he was made a member of
the North Carolina House of Commons, of
which body ho was, for several years, the
Speaker. In 1841 he Was elected a Senator of
the United States, and in 1844 was made Gov
ernor of North Carolina, and in 1846 was re
elected to the same office. On the resignation of
o nuiuuii ne was lenuerea oy jit.
Fillmore tho office of Secretary of the Navy, and
has since that time continued to discharge its
duties with an ability and fidelity which have
won the praiso of all who have had business
with that important department. Pet. Int.
As we read our exchanges and telegraph
ic despatches, the echo of ten thousand guns is
borne to us upon tho Whig nominations at Balti
more. We have heard from the heart of Maine,
from the Lako shores of the West, and from the
great valley of the Mississippi. The nomination
of Scott and Graham is acquiesced in general
ly, and in most parts of tho country with en
thusiasm and hearty unanimity. In the inte
rior of our own State, there is not one of the
advocates of Mr. Fillmore who does not support
the nomination of General Scott with hearty
good will ; while to the advocates of Gen. Scott's
uomination the news has spread a thrill of joy
which time ean-hardly'abate. This feelin g will,
we trust, increase as the time for the election
approaches ; and, if the Whig Party act wisely,
uicre-wm oe a anion ei sentiment n& union
of action that will ensure victory. The Presi
dent of the United States, called from the White
House at midnight, to answer a call of thousands
of his countrymen of the same political faith,
has in the handsomest manner urged his friends
to support the candidate of tho Whig Party.
The Secretary of State declares to us, at the same
hour of the night, and in response to a call from
the game thousands, that he is unchanged, and
therefore always a Whig, and a supporter of all
honorable and proper nominations. Ho adds,
too, that he doubts not that the Convention have
exercised "their wisest and soundest discretion"
in making the nominations they did. No unkind
word has been uttered hy the three great chief
tains, one towards the other. General Scott
himself speaks of Mr. Fillmore and Mr. Web
ster as his 'friendly rivals." There is, therefore,
eood feeling anions tho leaders of the" Whi
Party at Washington, and like sentiments of
respect and forbearance should be cultivated by
the Whig Party all over the country.
. N. I. Express.
TIIE OLD NORTH STATE.
Whether the Whigs or the Democrats triumph
in the approaching election, it is at least ren
dered certain that a son of North Carolina will
grace the chair of the Viee Presidency. The
candidates of both parties are natives of this
State. This is a compliment to the intelligence
and patriotism of the "Old North" wortEy of
distinguished record. It is heightened also by
the fact that in the late Whig National Conven
tion, votes were cast likewise for Mr, Stanlt
Mr. Man-gum, and Mr. Badger, for the same
post of honor, and all of them citizens of qut fa
ored tail. Wilmington Herald,
THE VICE-PRESIDENCY.
The selection of William A. Graham, of North
Carolina, as the Whig candidate for the Vice
Presidency, will meet hearty response from
the party throughout the country. The compli
ment of the nomination was due to the Old
North State, ever truej to the Union "and the
cause, and as unambitious of State aggrandize
ment in the division of office and the dispensa
tion of party patronage as she is solicitous, for
the triumph of sound, conservative and traly na
tional principles. '
Mr. Graham is a native of Orange County,
North Carolina. As far back as our party re
miniscences run, he has been a leading spirit in
the Whig cause, doing service 'on the stump,
and successfully made State Senator, Governor,
United States Senator and Secretary of the Na.
vy. The latter post he now graces with execu
tive abilities of the highest order and a devo
tion to this cherished arm of the public defence,
and has at once been the pride and admiration
of the service and commanded the confidence of
tho President and the Legislature.
Mr. Graham, besides being a statesman of ex
perience and liberal ' education, free from all
narrow, sectional or speculative and wayward
views, is a gentleman of irreproachable private
worth ; and all that cjan possibly be said in this
regard for the veteran candidate for the same
station, on the Democratic ticket, can bo said
of him, with this most important addition or
difference, in a political sense, that he knows
no North, no South, but has an American heart,
large enough, and broad enough, for this wide
spread and happy Union. Norfolk Herald.
That we wero bitterly disappointed in
the non selection of Mr. Fillmore as our stan
dard bearer in the ensuing contest, we are free
to acknowledge. Our regard for the man from
a long admiration of his character and services,
his noble qualities of mind and heart, his incor
ruptible integrity, cool judgement, and broad
patriotism! had ripened as it were into the na
ture of a personal friendship. Defeat would
have been honor under such a champion and
we had imperceptibly brought our mind to the
conclusion that others felt as wo did, and that
his nomination was certain. However, after
manytrials the requisite majority was obtained
by General Scott, and he was declared the nom
inee. The question now presents itself, shall
we support him ? Clearly so. And for these
reasons. In the first place we went into Con
vention, and thereby tacitly pledged ourselves
to abide by its decision. We had equal chan
ces with the rest," and it would manifestly be a
breach of faith, if, disappointed in the result, wo
should declare ourselves independent of its ac
tion and assume a hostile attitude. Suppose Mr.
Fillmore had been nominated, and tho Northern
Whigs, piqued because of the failure of Gener
al Scott, had refused to rallv to his sunnort.
We would have protested loudly against this
breach of faith, and abused them in round set
terms. Aerain, we can support Gen. Scott hear-
ly because he occupies precisely Mr. Fillmore's
position on the great questions of the day. He
stands upon the broad National Platform which
made the chief glory of Mr. Fillmore's adniinis
stration. He has declared that he acquiesces in
the Compromise, and deems that settlement a
final settlement of the dangerous questions they
embraced, and he plants his foot firmly against
the agitation of the slavery issues at all times,
"wlienever, wherever or however made." This is
all that the South demanded. Again we have
in the selection of Wm. A. Graham "for the Vice
Presidency a, guarantee of the honor, intelli
gence) and patriotism, which will direct the af
fairs of the new administration. We are will
ing to trust Graham and- the company that he
keeps, nor have we any fears that the ticket up
on which his name appears, will ever prove it
self untrue to the country at large, or the South
ern section thereof which has been honored in
his selection-, Wil. Ilerald. "
ISSF We cannot say that we are disappointed
in the result, however much we may have de
sired it otherwise. With our fellow Whigs of
the State, we cherished the warmest regard for
C -EVM , "I," . . ,
iur. mimore, ana a willingness 10 uo political
battle under his leadership, no matter what fate
awaited. But we are likewise ready lo acqui
esce in the judgment of tho Convention, which
has regarded success moro sure under another
leader. :Ve know not what developments of
Gen. Scott's opinions followed the close of the
Convention; but we have no dread of hearing
from him; wc have steadily expressed full con
fidence in the soundness of his views on the mo
mentous questions which have agitated the pub
lic mind and disturbed the equilibrium of the
Union. Something must occur to shake that
confidence before we can be brought into n at
titude of opposition or indifference to the gallant
old veteran who has grown gray in his country's
service, especially, when his opponent in the
race for the greatest office in tho Republic is a
new man, without the claims of extraordinary
services, talents, or experience to recommend
him over the distinguished citizen who lays un
disputed claim to all these qualifications.
The nomination of Mr. Graham, the favorite
son of the good old North State, will give satis
faction in itself, and go far to strengthen the
ticket in. North Carolina, in the South and the
whole nation. While Mr. Graham is truly
North Carolinian in all his domestic feelings, he
has a heart and a head for his whole country,
from Niagara to the Gulf, from the Atlantic to
the Pacific. For his wisdom, his talents, his ur
banity, and his purity of character, he is just
such a man as an intelligent and virtuous peo
ple delight to honor.
The Platform, or expose of principles and 0
pinions touching the administration of public
affairs, as it was adopted by the Convention, is
a noble ;paper. Cheerfully and proudly can the
Whigs yea, the whole American people stand
with Gen. Scott upon that platform. So truly
National, and yet so thoroughly regardful of the
rights of tho States, and of the interests of eve
ry section, an instrument of the kind could not
have been more wisely framed for the guidance
of the patriotic citizen in his public duty.
Greensborough Patriot.
The compliment which has been paid to Mr.
Graham, and through him, to North Carolina
is appreciated in that sound Whig State, and
accounts from thero represent that the people
of North Carolina will come out in their strength
in support of the whig nominees. We have al
ready expressed our opinion of the merits of
Mr. Graham, and we are happy to find that its
correctness is confirmed by all who know him.
His excellent' charcter, his unpretending deport
ment, his sound judgement, his honesty of pur-
Eose, his consistency, his integrity, and his a
ilities, are acknowledged even bv his political
opponents. As a member of Mr. Fillmore's Cab
inet, and a warm supporter of Mr. Fillmore's
administration of the Government, his selection
shows the confidence the Whigs have in that
.umimsirauon, anatneir desire that its princi
ples should be sustained. Alex. Gazette.
"William A Graham, or N. C. for Vice Pres
ident." All honor to the Whig Convention for
i .... ai r hjt , . .
giving us vno uame 01 iur. uranam, asthe Whig
candidate for the Vice President of the United
States. We have known him long and well and
thero does not exist a man of higher integrity,
or more reliable Whig principles. The purity
of the man in his private character, and his faith
fulness as a public servant, is everywhere ac
knowledged.. He has experience, ability, judg
ment, devotion to the country, and is one of the
most popular men of the South. He has been
honored with an election to the U. S. Senate.
He has twice received the honors of his State
in an election to the office of Governor which
office he filled with great honor to himself, "his
State and party and many local honors have
been bestowed upon him by his neighbors and
friends. Mr. Fillmore called him to preside o
ver the Navy Department, which office has been
filled by him since the death of Gen. Taylor
with great fidelity to the Government, and with
a high regard to the interests of the Navy. We
do not know a better man or truer Whig in the
ranks of the whig party, and we rejoice hearti
ly at bis omination. A". T. Express.
From the Rochester (N. T.) American.
OUR PLATFORM AND CANDIDATES.
The Whig National Convention has accom
plished its duty. In pursance of its legitimate
authority it has performed two important acts,
binding, and equally binding, fcpon the Whigs
of the United States. These acts are, first, the
promulgation of a platform of principles for the
establishment and maintenance of which the
national organization of the Whiffs as a party
Was effected; and,, second, the nomination of
candidates to be supported lor tne j-rcsiuencv
and Vice" Presidency" in NovffHber next.. The
platform and tho candi&ktes are presented at
the head of this column, and both aro worthy
of the cordial support of every Whig voter in
the Union.
General Scott is nominated distinctly and un
equivocally upon that platform. He has given
it his full sanction. , The platform wipes clean
out from the Whig escutcheon every taint of
sectionalism, abolition, or other odious isms. It
endorses in the most emphatic manner tho prin
ciples and policy of Mr. Fillmore's Administra
tion. If those who were active in procuring
General Scott's nomination in this State will
come fairly and squarely upon this platform
without equivocation or quibble, ho can carry
the State by a decisive majority, and thus se
cure his election. But it must not be forgotten
that the platform is as essential and as indispen
sable as the candidates. It is presented by the
same convention, and announced as the com
mon bond of union among the Whigs of the na
tion. RALLY WHIGS."
One of our townsmen, an old fashioned Whig,
who was somewhat disconcerted at first at the
defeat of his favorite candidate before the late
Whig National Convention, having drawn near
the crowd which gathered to announce the nom
inations on Monday night, was rather an indiffer
ent spectator until the band struck up the old
and well-remembered air of " Rally Whigs,"
when reflecting that he had triumphed in his
principles, if not his candidate, he could no lon
ger resist the stirring note of the patriotic call
but fell into the ranks, and now supports the
ticket of the convention with a will and enthu
siasm. Such no doubt will be the case with
thousands. Republic.
J8jg- Gen. Winfield Scott will be the seventh
President of the United States that jthe State of
Virginia has given to the democracy of Ameri
ca. He will be the seventh Virginian of the e
Ieven Presidents who have been elected by the
people. This estimate excludes Mr. John Ty
ler, who is also a Virginian, and who was some
time President. It is said that General Scott
will be elected by the largest majority that has
ever been given in the country. The ticket is
received every where with unanimity and meets
a cordial response in the heart of the people.
The Old Dominion and the Old North State are
here aide by side as they are united in geograph
ical position, and with such names on the ban
ner of the people as Scott and Gkahah, a feel
confident of triumph. Let every Whig banish
from his mind any regrets which he may have
felt on account of personal preference, and rally
his latent energies in the cause of Scott, Gra
ham and the country. Norfolk Beacon.
A Federalist! A New Hampshire paper
undertakes to stigmatize Gen. Scott by calling
him a "Federalist." It does not condescend to
inform us what sort of a Federalist, "black-cockade'
or "blue light" if either of these, if history
does not lie, and people arc not inconsistent, he
should be very popular in New Hampshire for
the Granite Hills were very prolific of both these
sorts of Federalists.
Oen. Scott was a supporter of Mr. J?flVrson,
and received his first commission at his hands.
He was the friend and supporter of Mr. Madi
son and Mr. Monroe, and received from both
these great men the most distinguished marks
of friendship and honor. He was pre-eminently
the Hero of the War of 1812. and his body
was loaded with British lead. If his support of
Jefferson, Madittou and Monroe and his over
whelming defeats of the British constitute him
a Federalist, be is one of the rankest to bo found:
Pcrhaps tho Now Hampshire Patriot can tell
us what militiamen those were, who, when the
British, on the heights of Qucenstown, by mere
dint of numbers, were overwhelming and butch
ering American soldiers, stood with folded arms
on this bide of the Niagara, and refused to budge
to their assistance, from constitutional scruples.
May bo they were modern Democrats from New
Hampshire! Richmond Whig.
William A. Graham. The news of the nom
ination of Mr. Graham for Vice President was
received here by the Whigs, last evening, with
universal and heartfelt satisfaction. A more
fitting and acceptable selection could not have
boon made. Mr. Graham is one of the most
eminent and influential Whigs of the staunch
old North State. He has served with credit in
Congress, and now fills, most creditably, the of
fice of Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Fillmore
called him to the head of that Department on
the death of General Taylor, and no member of
the present able Cabinet has better discharged
the duties of his responsible station. Mr. Gra
ham is a gentleman of excellent abilities, fine
attainments, sufficient legislative experience, ur
bane and dignified deportment infact, he pos
sesses every qualification requisite in the presi
ding office of the Senate. His position ana par
ty relations are of a character to conciliate the
esteem and support of the whole country. The
Express, of this morning, says: "If strength were
wanted to a ticket headed by General Scott, it
would be found in the name of William A. Gra
ham, of North Carolina, who received the unan
imous nomination for Vice President on the sec
ond ballot. Ho is a statesman that North Caro
lina has delighted to honor, and the people of
the whole Union learned to respect."
Buffalo ( .V. T.) Commercial Advertiser.
All married mew, all who believe in marry
ing or being given in marriage, will vote for
Wm. A. Graham in preference to Wm. R. King.
Mr. King is ono of the oldest of our public
men, having represented one of the North Car
olina districts in Congress for four years before
he moved to Alabama, from which State he has
been in Congress for a moderate lifetime. He
is old enough, therefore, to know better than to
be a bachelor. Mr. Graham is not only a true
gcnjleman, an accomplished scholar, and a
faithful public officer, in his own right, but he
has one of the most agreeable and accomplished
of his country-women for a wife ; and this we
take to be a great recommendation over Mr.
King, the bachelor candidate, oven if there
were not a score of other preferences to com-1
mena air. uranam to the office of Vice Presi
dent. JST. Y. Express.
With such a ticket what mav not thn
Whigs expect ? With tbe greatest Captain of
A.1 il XT f . w
me age, ine iierq 01 tnree wars, and ten pitch
ed battles, the man, whom his country has al
ways delighted to honor, and the world to ad
mire, as the candidate of the great Whig Party
for the Presidency of the United States; and, as
jure a statesman and devoted a patriot as ever
ived North Carolina's well-beloved son our
own GRAHAM, as the candidate for the Vice
Presidency, the Whigs may confidently expect
a triumph, worthy of their cause, and worthy of
their leaders.
We, this day, enter the arena, with a deter
mination to devote our feeble energies to th
support of the Whig Ticket. And we can but
reiiciiate ourselves, that the first battle in which
we engage, is under the Flag which floats at our
aisi xxeaa to-aay. JSdenton Bulletin.
A Celebrated Gambler, after attending a
great revival meeting, experienced, as he sup
posed, a change of feeling, and was finally in
duced to take j his seat upon the 'anxious bench
The minister on examining them on their ex
perience andlthe state of their feelincn. finn
approached the gambler, and asked, well my
friend what do you say ? "Oh," replied he, un
consciously, "I pass,"
From the Observer.
CONVENTION QUESTION.
"No Convention of the people shall be called
by the General Assembly, nnless by the concur
rence of two-thirds of slL the members of each
houso of the General Aisembly."
j ; Art. 4, See. 1, Amended Con.
How is it possible that any one can hold that
a Convention cannot be called except by the
Legislature? I hold that nothing ES unconsti
tutional, or revolutionary, or illegal, which is
not prohibited by the constitution or laws ; be
cause the sovereignly1 is in the people until they
part with it, and if they retain any, they at the
same time certainly retain the power and right
to exercise it. I suppose no one will doubt this.
Then let us see whether it would be unconstitu
tional for the people of North Carolina to call a
convention, upon any subject they choose, for
the amendment of the Constitution or any thing
else. The Constitution does not prohibit it by
any kind of construction. The above quoted
article is the only one that touches the subject,
and it does not say that "no convention of the
people shall be called except by the General
Assembly," as many papers and persons have
it. It is very plain, and only limits the Legis
lature, not the people. Mark the language :
"No convention of the people shall be called by
the General Assembly," &c. Not that no con
vention shall be called except by the Legislature.
The delegates in the convention guarded in this
very article from abridging the rights of the
people, as any one will readily perceive by read
ing the debates upon this very question. Now
it must bo remembered that the old Constitu
tion contained no provision whatever for the a
mendment of the instrument, and I suppose no
person will say that the convention of 1835 was
a revolutionary one, or that the Legislature, in
submitting to the people thft question of conven
tion or no convention, committed an act of rev
olution. The Legislature had no right thon to
call a convention more than now ; hence it was
submitted to the people, they voted for it, and
an election was hela for delegates, &c. The
only difference between the old Constitution and
the present one is, that the former said nothing
upon the subject, and the latter restricted the
General Assembly,
I suppose no ono will deny the right that the
people can hold a convention; und it seems con
ceded on all hands that the General Assembly,
by a two-thirds vote, can call a convention; but
there is hoLhing in the Constitution that says
that the Legislature may call a convention.
The only clause in tho instrument upon this
subject is, that the General Assembly shall not
call a convention unless by 'a vote of two thirds.
Well, if the Legislature has the right to call a
convention, it is only from the fact that the
Constitution does not prohibit it; and if that be
so, most certainly the people, the true organic
law-making power, have The undoubted rirht to
hold meetings and elect delegates, or instruct-
tne uenerai Assembly as they choose and the
ono is as civil as the other.
There seems to be a prevailing opinion, that
the section above quoted means that no conven
tion shall be called except by the Legislature.
I say it is not so, and have been endeavoring
in a hasty,, manner to give reasons. Now for
the proof The Committee of seven, in the Con
vention of 1835, reported the manner of amend
ing the Constitution as it stands now, except
that they recommended tho majority's amending
in the Legislature, when the lamented Meares
proposed, by way of amendment, the present
Legislative mode. There was a great deal of
opposition to Mr. JUeares amendment, but it
was carried finally. Mr. Meare3 also offered,
as will be seen on page 3G9 of Debates in Con
vention, the following amendment, that "no con
vention of the people should hereafter be called
except by a concurrent vote of two-thirds of each
house of the General Assembly," which clearly
did confine the calling of a convention to the
Legislature; for on page 3G9. idem, Mr. Giles
says, or asks rather, "if it was possible that this
body would assume to control the future action
of the people of North Carolina, by adopting
such an amendment? Ho had heard of a pow
er behind the throne greater than the throne it
self; but thia wan a power above the throne. A
doctrine had beeil started in 1824 somewhat a
kin to that inroli ht-the amendment, tlmt the
people were their worst enemies, and incapable
of self-government He subscribed to no such
doctrine," &c.
The immortal Gaston replied as follows, (page
370, idem,) that he thought the question settled,
&c. And that we are now mot by the popular
cry that we are about to limit the" power of the
people. It was not the people, but the creatures
of the people", that the amendment proposed to
limit. That it was recognized in various Con
stitutions, fec. It is to impose a check on the
Legislature, that it may not avail itself of an in
cidental majority to disturb the repose of the
people by frequently calling them together in
convention," Ac.
Several other gentlemen discussed the subject
when (page 372, idem,) Mr. Meares said, "to
satisfy some gentlemen near him, he would
modify his amendment so as to provide that no
convention shall hereafter be called by tho
General Assembly, except by a concurrent vote
of two-thirds of each house." Mr. Giles said,
(page 373,) that he was perfectly satisfiod with
that amendment and it was adopted.
Now how is it possible for any one to contend,
that the people have parted with their right to
amend tho Constitution by the majority? Who
dare preach the doctrine tc-iday, that the people
are revolutionizing when they vote for a con
vention to be called? That the people, tho sover
eigns, have parted with their right to govern?
And that tjie Legislature alone can govern them?
MonstrousRepublican dictrino ? I do not pro
pose for the people themselves, though they have
right, to call tho convention ; but I do
hold, that it is the very essence of republican
principles, for the'people to say whether in the
first instance, they desire a change in their or
ganic law if so, that the Legislature are bound
to respect that voice, and provide the means of
redress. It is perfectly idle to reason otherwise,
for a refusal on the part of the functionaries
would result in a revolution. And if the people
have not still the right, why, by the Legislative
mode of amendment finally submit the proposed
amendments to the people for ratification or re
jection? The majority then settle the whole
matter. And why are gentlemen afraid of the
people m the first instance?
I am for the people first and I am for the
people all the time. Let the people alone, and
they will take care of themselves.
BRUTUS.
JBSP" Bear in mind, that John Kerr, though
frequently a candidate for public station, and
notoriously an office-seeker, has never been e
lefted to any office. Raleigh Standard.
m l:M& .The abovo egregious slander needs no
refutation in this part- of the State, because eve
ry body who knows Mr. Kerr, knows the falsity
of the Standard's alleeations. Mr. Kptt'h
has once twice been placed on the Electoral
ticket of this State, withqat his knowledge, and
he has often been elected. In 1847 he was nom
inated a candidate for Congress in opposition
to Mr. enable, in this District, with a demo
cratic majority of 1000 Mr. Venable was elec
ted by the meagre majority of 153 only ! Mr
K. was averse to being a candidate in this con
test, but yielded to the persuasion of friends.
In 1850 he could have received the nomination
for Governor, but he refused it. And he has
declined an office of high honor and great pro
fit, as we learn, tendered him by the President
or tne u . a year or so back. Such is a brief
.A7?? - 8 C0Dnectl0a with " Office-seeking.
Does it make him appear " notoriously
ilVZ neTer befin electeS
to any office V Or does it prove the Standard
guilty of a mean falsehood I Milton Chronicle
Mr. G., was a most inveterate punster. Ly
ing very ill of the cholera, his nurse proposed to
prepare a young, tender chick. "Hadn't yon
better have an old hen? said G., in a low whis
per, (he was too ill to speak louder) "fw she
would be more apt to lay on my stomach !" G
fell back exhausted, and the nurse fainted.
!i
" Ours' are tlie plans of fair, delightful peace ;
Unwarped by party rage, id live like brothers."
RALEIGH, N. C.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE 30, 1852.
REPUBLICAN WHIG TICKET.
FOR PRESIDENT,
GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT,
OF NEW JERSEY.
FOR VICE PRESIDENT,
WILLIAM A. GRAHAM,
OF NORTH CAROLINA.
FOR GOVERNOR,
JOHN KERR, of Caswell.
ELECT10K ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 5th.
FOR TIIE SENATE,
JOHN W. II ARRIS S.
FOR TIIE HOUSE OF COMM0N3.
SION H. ROGERS.
Maj. WILLIE D. JONES, j
Maj. WILLIAM F. COLLINS.
MR. KERR'S APPOINTMENTS.
The Whig Candidate for Governor will ad
dress his fellow-citizens at the following times
and places, namely :
Salem, Thursday, July 1st.
Huntsville, (Yadkin,) Saturdav, July 3rd.
Wilkesboro', Tuesday, - - " " 6th.
Resolved, That In the opinion of this Convention, whenever
amendment are to be made to our State Constitution, they
hould be effected by a Convention of the people, elected on
the basis ot the Houxe of CommonH, and we are in favor of sub
mitting it to the people, to gay whether such a convention
shall be called pr not, for the purpose of making amendments
to our Constitution."
Whiff State Convention, April 26, 1852
official.
The WUis of the United States, in Convention assembled,
adhering to the great conservative Republican principles by
which they are controlled and governed, and now, as ever, re
lying upon the intelligence of the American people, with an
abiding confidence in their capacity for self-government, and
their oontinued devotion to the Constitution and the Union,
proclaim the following as the political sentiments and deter
mination, for the establishment and maintenance of which
their national organization an a party is effected :
1. That tb Government of the United 8tate is of a limited
character, aud it is roofined to the exercise of powers express
ly granted by the Constitution, and such as may be necessary
aad prvpea, for carrying the granted powers iuto full execu
tion; and that all powers not thus granted or necessarily im
plied are exprewly reserved to the States respectively, and to
the I"eople.
2. The State Governments should be held secure in their
reserved rights, aud the General Government sustained in its
constitutional powers, and the Union should be revered and
watched over as "tho palladium of our liberties."
3. That, while struggling, freedom every where enlists the
warmest sympathy of the Wilis Tarty, wc still adhere to the
doctrines of the Father of his Country, as announced in his
Farewell Address, of keeping ourselves free from all entangl
ing alliances with foreign countries, and of never quitting
our own to stand upon foreign ground. That our mixtion as a
Republic is not to propagate our opinions, or impose on other
countries our form of government by artifice or force, bat to
teach by example, and show by our success, moderation, and
justice, the blessings of self-government and the advantages of
free institutions.
. That where the people make and control the Government
they should obey its constitution, laws, and treaties, as they
would retain their self-respect, and the respect which they
claim and will enforce from foreign Powers.
i. That the Government should be conducted on principles
of the strictest economy, and revenue sufficient for the expen
ses thereof, in time of peace, ought to, be mainly derived from
a duty on imports, and not from direct taxes ; and, in laying
such duties, sound policy requires a just discrimination and
protection from fraud, by specific duiies, when practicable,
whereby suitable encouragement may be afforded to American
industry,' equally to all classes and to all portions of the
country.
6. That the Constitution vests in Congress the power to
open and repair harbors, and it is expedient that Congress
should exercise it power to remove obstructions from naviga
ble rivers, whenever ruch (asmMta unnaaj Aw the
common defcucs or for the protection aud facility of com-
" fbreVfo nations or among the States such improve
ments being, intvery instance, national and general in their
ebtjactcr.
7. That the Federal and State Governments are parts of one
system, alike neaessary for the common prosperity, peace,
and security, and ought to be regarded alike with a cordial,
habitual, and immovable attachment. Kespcct for the author
ity of each, and acquiescence in the constitutional measures of
each, are duties required by the plainest consideration! of Na
tional. ofState, and of individual welfare.
8. That the series of acts of the Thirty-first Congress, com
monly known as the Compromise or Adjustment, the act
known as the fugitive slave law inclndcd, arc received and ac
quiesced in by the Whig party of the United State as a final set
tlement in principle and substance of the dangerous and ex
citing questions which they embrace ; and. so far as they are
concerned, we will maintain 'them aud insist upon their strict
enforcement until time and experience shall demonstrate the
necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion of tbe
laws on the one hand and the abuse of their rowers on the
other not impairing their present efficiency to carry out
the requirements of the Constitution ; and wc depre
cate all future agitation offce questions, thus settled as dan
gerous to our peace, and we will discountenance all efforts to
continue or renew such agitation, whenever, wherever, or
however the attempt may be made ; and we will maintain
this settlement as essential to the nationality of the Whig party
and the integrity of the Union. f
Resolutions of the Whiff Xatianal Convention
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
To the Whigs of North Carolina :
After consultation, the Whig?Executive Com
mittee, appointed by the last Whig Convention
of the State, have decided to recommend to their
friends the selection of one Electoral Candidate
for the State at large, and one from each Con
gressional District. This mode has been ndopt
ed by our political opponents, and will avoid
the difficulty which exists under' the recent ap
portionment of Representatives; - &c. Prompt
action, in holding Conventions in the Congres
ional Districts, is advisable, and it is very ne
cessary that some plan should bo adopted to se
lect the Candidate for Elector in behalf of the
State at large.
ANDREW JOYNER, Ch'm'n.
R. B. GILLIAM,
D. A. BARNES,"
DANIEL S. HILL,
JOS. WEVANS,
ED. J. HALE,
JNO. II. HAUGHTON,
HENRY W. MILLER,
HENRY K. NASII.
June 26, 1852.
ATTENTION ! WHIGS.
We are requested to call a meeting of the
Whig Young Men of Raleigh, at the Court
House, oh Thursday evening, at 8 o'clock, for
the purpose of forming a Young Men's Scott
ANn Graham Association.
There will be a meeting of the Whigs of the
City and County, indiscriminately, at the same
place, on the 10th of July, for the purpose of
torming a Club for the campaign.
We learn that it i a in contemplation to eive
Messrs. Hatwood an.d Miller, our Delegates to
it... XT-a: 1 rt l- -n . .
me auuiuu vonvennon, a Barbecue in this
vicinity, on Saturday next The fact will be
duly announced in our issue of Friday.
Acceptance. The Washington Union pub
lishers the letters from the committee delegated
by the late National Democratic Convention to
notify Messrs. Pierce and King of their nomin
ations to th offices of President and Vice Pre
sident, and the replies of those gentlemen signi
fying their acceptance. We have no room fi.
I these letters to-day, however.
A WORD TO ALL TRUE WniGS.
The Whig ticket for President and Vice Pre
sident is now before the Country. It ha been
received in almost every section heard from,
with an enthusiasm, which if .kept up, will en
sure success. We are well aware that here, in
our own State, there is among some disappoint
ment that Mr. Fillmore was not the nominee. But
such men we believe are too strongly attached
to their principles, and desire! too ardently the
success of the Whig cause, to suffer such disap
pointment to swerve them from the path of duty
and honor. j
In the first place, what did they expect, when,
they consented to go into Convention with the
Whigs of other sections, and "upon what princi
ple did they resolve to act ? Was it their pur
pose to take all the chances of success, with tho
secret preservation of mind, should they prove
unsuccessful, to repudiate the action of the Con
vention ? If they did, was it honorable t Is it
fair and just, after sending fifty or sixty Dele
gates to the National Convention, high minded
men, under the pledge made by the Whigs of
the State assembled in Convention to sustain the
nominee, if he was found true on the Compro
mise, to repudiate their action, and withhold
from what they have done, in good faith, a zeal
ous support ? Can any party long exist which
would act on such a principle ? Are men who
are capablo of such conduct deserving the name
of Whig ?
For fifty odd ballotings did the friends of Mr.
Fillmore stand by him. They exhibited a de
votion of which, any man -might be proud. At
last, some of these very friends went over to
Gen. Scott, and secured his nomination. That
nomination was unanimously endorsed by the-
Convention Fillmore men and Webster men all
sustaining it. There was placed on the ticket
as the Candidate for the Vice Presidency, a dis
tinguished citizen of our own State, who has
ever been true to the Whig cause there was
adopted by the Convention a platform of princi
ples, to which no Whig can object, that plat
form contains an unequivocal endorsement of
the Compromise measures, Fugitive Slave law
and all, and it has been endorsed by Gen. Scott,
and will, no doubt, be by Mr. Graham. Then
we would ask, in all candor, what reason can
any Whig have, for withholding from the ticket,
his ardent support f Where will he go ? Will
ho throw himself into the embrace of locofocc
ism ? If so, then he was all the while craving
an excuse to do' so, however frivolous that ex
cuse might be. But to conscientious and true
men, who may hesitate to endorse the nomina
tions, we would appeal. Is it your purpose to
sacrifice principles to a' mere partiality for men ?
Had you succeeded in nominating your choice,
would you have considered it good faith in the
friends of his competitors, to refuse their support,
or to defeat that nomination, by extending to it
a tame and cold support ? Is it your wish to
dissolve the Whig Party, or bring upon it irre
trievable defeat? Have you sent forth your
Candidate for Governor, who is spending his
time and talents in your service, gallantly bat
tling for your cause, with the faithless assurance,
that you will bring defeat upon him, because
you could not get your favorite nominated for
the Presidency ? We cannot believe it. Good
faith and every honorable consideration forbid
us to believe for a moment that you have deter
mined to act on any such principle !
What then does it behoove us to do? The
path of duty is plain. Let us rally to the sup
port of tne nominees' oT tne iyatlonai CtonvcxTtfon
In so doing, we shall secure the triumph ofthoae
principles which were adopted by that body,
and which have been- dear to all true Whigs.
We shall preserve the unity and nationality of
our Party, the success of which we believe so.
necessary for the preservation of the Union and
the prosperity of the Country.
Can any man believe that the interests and
rights of all sections will not be safe in the hands
of V infield Scott and William A.Graham?.
Will not the long and brilliant public services
of the former, and the known discretion and. pa
triotism of tho latter, afford a sufficient guaranty
that the Republic will be secure under their ad
ministration ? We appeal to the Whigs of the
State to rally at once for the conflict to bury all
disappointments about men to go into the cam
paign with a determination to do their duty to
the cause they have been so long battling for,
and, by union and zeal, we can secure a triumph,
which will be hailed with joy by our brethren
in evcrysection of the Union f
The " Washington Republic," the lead
ing Organ of Mr. Fillmore's Administration,
thus kindly chides some of our friends, who
took the chances in the Convention for their fa
vorite, and now, when another has succeeded,
are disposed to give the nomination a cold sup
port. Do our friends who thus act, remember
the denunciations which they themselves heap
ed upon Allen, Campbell, ' and others, who, after
going into the Philadelphia Convention, with
held their support from Gen. Taylor ?
" Some of our friends (says tho Republic) a
ver that they will not vote 'for the candidates of
the convention. They admit that they have no
abjection to General Scott ; that they rely con
fidently on his patriotism, his independence, and
his superiority to all undue influences but they
are not satisfied with what they suppose to be
his surroundings ; with men who are about him,
and will naturally exercise a control over his
councils. Now, we have reason to believe that
men have sought to create the impression that
they were in the especial confidence of General
Scott that they were his advisers and his cor
respondents, who have never enjoyed the inti
macy to which they have pretended, and who
are not in the way of securing it. But is Gen
eral Scott to be held responsible because bad
men seek to avail themselves of his strength
and popularity; and is Mr Pierce to receive
without censure or comment- the support of
jonn an Buren, Preston King, the Albany
Atlas, and New York Post t
We bee our disaffected and nlnmnnlnt
friends to consider very seriously where they are
to go if they separate from their old associations.
They will inevitably find themselves in worse
company than they leave. They will not only
find worse company, but they will find princi
ples at variance with those which they have ev
er maintained, and at war with the true inter
ests of the American people. The supporters
of the present Administsation are called upon
by the Whig Convention to uphold the policy
and principles to which, through good and evil
report, Mr. Fillmore has adhered during his en
tire term, and to perpetuate that policy and
those principles in tie administration of a man
who never swerved a hair's breadth from the
pledges which he has given to the country.
What more can Whigs demand ? With this, on
what pretence can true Whigs hesitate or falter f
Whigs of 1840 and 1848 ! you have sacrified
Eereonal predilections in past contesta-will yoa
e the victims of partialities and antinath.es in
the .impending canvass?" '
All the Whig papers of this State, with
the exception of the Commercial, that wo have
yet seen, will support the nominees.
THE WniG PLATFOim
It is admitted, even by our political opr ,
that the Resolutionsopted by the &
tional Convention contain a clear and on
ocal declaratiorWif principles, and that enJJT
in relation to the Compromise MeaaBrT?
Fugitive Slave law included, they speak in 1
guage which cannot be mistaken. Tlle
tainly compose a platform around which"'
true Whigs can rally, with a, conviction' tl
should they be carried out, they will secure
prosperity and peace of the Country and r
uato the Union of the States. How noSJ"
they contrast with the unmeaning nerJiZ
and piebald equivocations of some of those wh'T
were adopted by the locofoco Convention ' ?
give to-day, the official copy, signed by the Of
cers of the Convention. We invite the atte f
of every Whig in the State to this creed of T
Party, and ' we can with safety challenge tT
scrutiny and criticism of the locofoco p88
They need no defence or exposition. Thev
too clear and distinct to be misunderstood
assert doctrines which have ever governed ft
great conservative Whig Party of the Nation '
How any Whig can hesitate to go with i
into the conflict, under the banner of Scott
Graham, with such principles to direct them '
incomprehensible to us. Nor do we yet beli "
that any will be found wanting in duty to their
Country, in the hour of trial. Let these ReJ
lutions be circulated by our Whir friend
o "uub into
whose hands they may fall. Let them call th
attention of the People to that Resolution espe.
ially which declares the position of our Partvn
the Compromise measures and the Slavery
tion. It speaks out in bold and unequivocal
terms, and places the Whig National Coavention
on the same grounds which were occupied b
the Representatives of the Whig Party of tu
State in Convention assembled but a short timt
since. Oijr State Convention pledged their con
stituents to, the support of the nominees of th
National Convention, provided they proved to
be sound on the Compromise. Gen. Scott hs
given his unequivocal approval'to the platform.
Mr. Oraham s position is well known through,
out the State. Why then should any AVhig
hesitate ? Let us make up our minds to act
with promptness and zeal. By delayingorganiiv
tion, full and thorough, and action bold arrdde.
cisive, we may jeopard the election of that).
lant champion, who is now devoting his talent!
and eloquence to the vindication of our princi
ples, and the maintenance of our cause !
Whigs of 1840 Whigs of 1844 Whip of
1848 organize your forces, have concert of ac
tion, appoint your Committee men, hold yo
County meetings preparatory to the appoint.
ment ot Electors let those Electors, principal
as well as assistant, go out and speak to the
People, and we shall be fully prepared for th
conflict ; and when that is the case, we have bo
fears for the final issue !
TIIE "STANDARD" MrTgRAHAM.
In an article headed "Mr. (Sraham," the last
"Standard" puts forth a number of misrepresen
tations in reference to tho National Whig Con
vention, which require a short notice. It sayt,
Ir. Crittenden and Senator Dawson declined
a nomination for the Vice Presidency. This i
put down by that print as "full of mcaning,"and
shewing distrust of the action of the Conven
tion. ;
Rather too fast, Mr. Editor. Mr. Cirn3
declined being a Candidate before the Conven
tion, opon the ground that the Sessions of
gress had become so long and laborious that nil
duties of Vice President, if nominated ami elect
ed, would cut him off from the practico of hit
profession, which he could not give up.
Mr. Dawson declined, becauso he could not,
in duty to his friends, surrender his place in
the Senate of the United States. The "Sto-
dard" seeks to make the impression, that thua
distinguished gentlemen declined having their
names brought before the Convention for the
Vice Presidency, owing to their distrust of
Gen. Scott ; but it is unfounded and false : and
the censure whioh is cast on Mr. GitAnm for
permitting his name to be associated with that
of Gen. S. after tho defeat of Mr. Fillhoei, ii
an act of gross injustice to that gentleman, whe
has done so much to elevate the reputation of
our btate. Like the sneersof the "Standard''
at the pretensions and qualifications of the Old
Hero of Lundy's Lane and Mexico,. such things
will recoil upon the head of locofocoism !
TIIE RIGHT SPIRIT.
The " New York Express" thus gives in iu
adhesion to the nomination of Gen. Scott. It
is well known to many of our readers, that th
" Express", has, heretofore, been opposed to hii
nomination!, and has advocated that of Mr. FiB
more with much zeal and ability. Let the '
ample of its Editors be followed by all true
Whi gs, and victory will crown our efforta ! Bat
to tho extract.
" But richt or wronsr the decree is unon w.
We have to select from among men and thingi
as they are, and he who would not choose
a man as Winfield ' Scott, whose life is rich in
experience, and practiced in toil, and who h
-been heartily devoted to his countrv's service
tor a term of years almost equal to the entirt
age of his opponent, in preference fo Franklin
Pierce, a man of yesterday, does not jwj!
rightly or act fairly towards his country. e
say to our friend who asks, "where am 1 togo
that it is better to rest here than go elsewhere,
for no practical change can better your fortnne
or your principles. The" Democratic party
the supporter of principles infinitely worse, and
of men of marked inferiority. What can I
gained by Pierce's eloction that will not be se
cured by the election of General Scott ?"
Substantial Encouragement. A earning"
paper, to be called the Signal, is to be itf"
from tho Office of-the " Washington Republic '
during the coming campaign. We comme'"'
the enterprize to the Whigs of this State.
The Editor of the " Renublio" acknowledges
the receipt of a list of a thousand campaign
scribers from a Western friend. This i fc
right kind oC encouragement. We beg or
friends in different sections of the State to rt
their best exertions to circulate Whig pep1"
but especially their own State papers. 4 v,
will serve us 'the twentieth part as well a
" Western friend" of the " Republic" has don j
that paper?
J- The measure of applause, says the Ale'
Gazette, which he riahly deserves, will beawaP':
od to Mr, Fillmore, even by his political opP
nents, now that he maj be considered as out
the political field, He will leave the high oft
1 l u j .u r,, ;,Tfi?PDn to'
part of the Anjcrican people, that he is one
the best and'most honest Presidents we b J
ever had. Prejudice is already disarmed aDt t
truth and justice will prevail.