HIST-222: Republican Rule Editorial Reconstruction

Republican Rule Editorial (April 16, 1869)

A post-session appraisal of the 1868–1869 North Carolina Legislature from the Raleigh (NC) Daily Standard, highlighting major achievements and offering a positive overall assessment.

Major Achievements of 1868–1869 Legislature (Republican View)

Included a liberal homestead law, amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure, a new school law, railroad charters for economic connection, a revenue law, remodeled public charities, a stable University foundation, support for commercial interests, and a general law for township self-governance.

Overall Assessment of 1868–1869 Legislature (Republican View)

Legislature did well, with daily good works becoming more apparent; critics would be silenced, and the future would vindicate its session.

Conservative Opposition Editorial (April 16, 1869)

A critique of North Carolina legislation from the Raleigh (NC) Daily Sentinel, charging widespread fraud, venality, and recklessness.

Core Charges of Conservative Opposition

Legislation revealed unparalleled fraud, venality, and recklessness, disregarding the people's condition amidst ruin and crop failures, and devising an unbearable system of taxation, especially for landowners.

Specific Criticisms of Conservative Opposition

Focused on wasteful railroad schemes, constant waste of public funds, oppressive taxes, and the blame placed on carpet-baggers and 'native and to the manor born' parasites for exploiting the people and corrupting the political atmosphere.

Rhetorical Tone of Conservative Opposition

Emphasized spoliation, corruption, the destruction of capital and state wealth, and asserted that taxation would drive away capital.