The North Carolinian

Discussion in Cherokee.
We have received a full and interesting account, from a correspondent in Cherokee, of the discussion in Murphy, on the 8th inst., between Gov. Bragg and Mr Gilmer.

Mr Gilmer opened the discussion. He endeavored to justify the "Western Address," and defended his votes in the Assembly in favor of the white basis, and the distribution of the School fund according to white population. He argued at some length in favor of this mode of dividing the School Fund. He said if Western men had been true to themselves on this question, Gov. Reid could never have been elected, holding as he did to the present federal basis of distribution! Mark these positions.

He said he was not opposed to Free Suffrage, but only to the Convention. He said he voted against the present Free Suffrage act because, in his opinion, if passed, the lands would be unduly taxed. He had offered an amendment, which failed, providing that the lands and slave and white polls should be taxed alike If this had been adopted, he would have voted for Free Suffrage. Now, what will our readers think when we inform them that this amendment of Mr Gilmer provided for an increase of the tax on slaves?

[See Senate Journal, 1844-5, page 100.]

He indulged, of course, in the usual slang about "Americans ruling America."

He said the slavery question was settled under Mr Fillmore; that he left the country quiet; that the two great parties in 1852, had pledged themselves to abide by the compromise of 1850, but had not done so, and hence the present agitation.

Gov. Bragg replied at length, and evidently with great power. We learn that he met Mr Gilmer at every point, completely and thoroughly exposing the unsoundness of his positions and their sectional character. He said he was against disturbing the basis on which the School Fund is at present distributed; that he would say so in Cherokee, and say so in the East: that his opinions were State and not sectional opinions; that he regretted that his competitor had revived this question, because it could do no good, and might injure the Common Schools, now prospering under the management of our efficient State Superintendent; and he then called upon Mr Gilmer to say what he would do on this subject, if elected Governor. Mr Gilmer at first declined to answer; but at length said the opinions advanced by him on the subject were his private opinions, and that if elected Governor he would not recommend any change!! Then, said Gov. Bragg, there is practically no difference between us; but my competitor makes a public argument in order to express his private opinions, and makes it in such a way as he thinks will get him votes in this region.

Gov. Bragg then argued the question of Free Suffrage, the Kansas-Nebraska act, and bore down with much force on the K. N. platform and the opinions and practices of the organization in various parts of the country. His reply to Mr G. was overwhelming. We learn that the Democrats and anti-know-nothings were in the highest spirits; and that Gov. Bragg's vote will be largely increased in the mountain country.—Standard.