The Western Democrat

DEMOCRATS OF MECKLENBURG!
The election is at hand. On Thursday you are called upon to say whether you are in favor of or opposed to Know-Nothingism. We will not reflect upon your patriotism, by appealing to you at a crisis like the present, to attend the polls. You are well aware of the importance of the contest on Thursday, and we are sure, eagerly waiting for the opportunity to cast your votes in favor of your cherished principles, the principles of the Constitution and equal rights. Know-Nothingism is seeking to establish itself in high places in your State. It remains with you to say whether it shall have charge of the destinies of this good old State, and rule over you and yours with its anti American, illiberal, and proscriptive principles, as with a rod of iron, or whether you prefer that the principles of your forefathers, as embodied in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, shall continue to prevail. If you wish Massachusetts and Vermont, and all their fanatical crew, to send up a shout of exultation to reach the very heavens, let the Democrats be defeated on Thursday next, in North Carolina. Why they will exult we leave to your own intelligence to determine. But, that they would rejoice, that Know Nothingism, Black Republicanism, Abolitionism, and all the other isms now united in the North against the Democratic party, would send forth pæans of joy, the roar of artillery, and celebrate your defeat with illuminations and torch-light processions, there can be no doubt.— If such exultations over your defeat, by the fanatics of the North, will prove agreeable to your Southern ears, either stay at home on the day of election, or go to the polls and vote for the Know-Nothing party. Remember, too, that the hopes of the same party are resting upon this election, to advance their prospects of success at the election for President in November. The Know-Nothings are moving heaven and earth, as it were, to defeat you. They are calling, in all parts of the State, upon their secret clans to come forth on the day of election in their full strength, to vote early, and then to labor the balance of the day in getting the careless or indifferent to the polls. We warn you of their efforts, that you may imitate their example, and not be taken by surprise by your secret-moving enemy. Show corresponding efforts, and a glorious Democratic victory will be the result.
James B. Clay, Esq., son of the late Henry Clay, of Kentucky, is out in favor of Buchanan. His letter next week.