Southern Argus

The Columbus Democrat has responded to the nomination made by the Mississippian alias A. G. McNutt, of a candidate for the next Governor and hoisted the name of Michael F. Degraffenreid, of Wilkinson county. Of the abilities of Mr. Degraffenreid we know nothing having never seen him, nor heard of his name before that we recollect of, which we presume is the case with many of our fellow-citizens.— But judging from the source whence the nomination has been made, we presume that he is fully qualified at least to carry out the measures recommended and commenced by McNutt and his particular party, should he be elected.— Having no doubt of this, especially from the sign of the early period at which his name has been placed before the public for their consideration, the issue no doubt is wished to be distinctly made up on the question—"Has the Legislature the right—the constitutional right, to repeal corporations, or contracts to which that body is a party (an interested party)—and thereby trample upon individual rights—the sacred rights of citizens, or not"—rather than upon those questions which have hitherto divided the two great rival parties of the country, on national affairs. This being clearly and unequivocally the case, it will be for those entertaining an opinion adverse to such power on the part of the Legislature, to bring forward a candidate whose sentiments perfectly accords with their own; and to support him—unanimously— that the constitution may be saved from further violation, and the laws be restored to their former purity. On this subject, there can be no division on account of former party names— for it assumes altogether a local attitude—a position directly concerning the interests of the State alone—and so the people of the State are to view it—if they would view it properly.

The next thing to be done then, is to bring forward the opposing candidate. Who shall he be? Who shall that division (not party) bearing the names of whigs and tender-footed democrats as they are called, bring forward to sustain their principles. that the constitution of the State may be saved from further outrage? We ask for information; and will thank any of our friends to make a suggestion. In our opinion, the matter should be disposed of as speedily as possible; and let the candidate, whoever he is. be in the field at once—at least let his name be known. Perhaps, had the opposition made no move in this matter, a later day would have answered as well—without distracting the minds of the people so soon again after one exciting contest had just taken place. But the very fact that they have thus made an early debut for the ensuing canvass is a clear manifestation that some advantage is designed to be taken of the people—either to weary them into submission to their yoke—or to plaster over the odium of their late acts with fine spun sophistry and subtle arguments, that they may loose sight of the enormity of the same ere the next election rolls around. At all events there is an object to be attained! and to the people we say—watch! But cunning as may be this measure; and with whatever pains concocted, it is sure to miss its aim. Too much have honest democrats! too much have honest whigs seen of locofocoism, to be caught by such a trap! "In vain is the snare set in the sight of any bird"!—and much more so is it set in the sight of a people who have been most grossly deceived—nay, disgraced! by men who have not only misrepresented them, but trampled on their rights as citizens!