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Editorial
September 16, 1856
The Western Democrat
Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
Editorial on the brink of a pivotal election between Democrats and Black Republicans, framing it as a contest over Northern and Southern equality under the Constitution, with the South united in demanding rights or facing disunion and potential revolution.
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THE COMING ELECTION.
For the first time in the history of our government we are on the eve of an election on which our very existence as a confederacy depends. Heretofore our elections have involved merely questions of policy, which, in themselves, were comparatively unimportant—certainly never such as to endanger our existence. But now the struggle is at hand which all look forward to with the most intense interest. The Democratic and Black Republican organizations distinctly draw the line—whether we are to be one people or not. They make an issue that is plain and unequivocal. With the exception of a few forlorn Know-Nothings, every party, every faction have merged into these. They all feel and know that the equality of the North and the South under the Federal Constitution, is dependent on the result. By it we are to have Union and peace, or disunion, possibly revolution and bloodshed. Because we have patiently borne with insult and injury, time after time, it is not to be the same always. The South is now united on that point, that we must have equality in the Union or out of it—that our rights are not to be interfered with, or we will take means to redress them.
—[Columbia Carolinian
For the first time in the history of our government we are on the eve of an election on which our very existence as a confederacy depends. Heretofore our elections have involved merely questions of policy, which, in themselves, were comparatively unimportant—certainly never such as to endanger our existence. But now the struggle is at hand which all look forward to with the most intense interest. The Democratic and Black Republican organizations distinctly draw the line—whether we are to be one people or not. They make an issue that is plain and unequivocal. With the exception of a few forlorn Know-Nothings, every party, every faction have merged into these. They all feel and know that the equality of the North and the South under the Federal Constitution, is dependent on the result. By it we are to have Union and peace, or disunion, possibly revolution and bloodshed. Because we have patiently borne with insult and injury, time after time, it is not to be the same always. The South is now united on that point, that we must have equality in the Union or out of it—that our rights are not to be interfered with, or we will take means to redress them.
—[Columbia Carolinian
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
Constitutional
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
Coming Election
Union Existence
North South Equality
Democratic Party
Black Republicans
Disunion Threat
Constitutional Rights
What entities or persons were involved?
Democratic Organizations
Black Republican Organizations
Know Nothings
South
North
Federal Constitution
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Upcoming Election Deciding Union Vs Disunion
Stance / Tone
Pro Southern Warning Of Disunion If Equality Denied
Key Figures
Democratic Organizations
Black Republican Organizations
Know Nothings
South
North
Federal Constitution
Key Arguments
This Election Determines The Confederacy's Existence Unlike Prior Policy Focused Votes
Democrats And Black Republicans Divide On Whether The Nation Remains One People
All Factions Have Merged Into These Two Parties Except Minor Know Nothings
Outcome Hinges On North South Equality Under The Constitution
Result Brings Union And Peace Or Disunion, Revolution, And Bloodshed
South Is United: Equality In Union Or Out; Will Redress Interfered Rights