Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1844-12-20

particulars of this memorial, but would invite
the attention of gentlemen to the entire docu.
ment-the spirit that breathes through the
whole, the marked emphasis with which No.
Carolina rs unenviably compared to her sister
States, and the constant effort to dist;nonish
her from the intelligent portions of the earth
in case she sustains certain positions of her
Judiciary. Let gentlemen take this view of
the document before Us, and / feel satisfied
that the ultimate conclusion must be, that this
memorialist has mistaken his tribunal. Ifhe
desires to cas-. reflections upon the character
OF the judiciary of the State and defide her
laws, then he ought to have resorted to the
public priffs of the conntry-certainiy not TO
this Hall, where reposes the dignity of the
State itself.
In my individual capacity this memorial
could produce no other feelings in my bosom
than contempt for its author; but acting here
in part, for the State of North Carolina, no
longer feel at liberty to remain passive but to
express my disapprobation of the memorial
both by word and, when the proper time ar
rives, by action. But we are told in debate,
that the memorialist is Virginian; we are
told so, too, uponthe title page of the memo
rial. Now, Sir, while this fact should not
prejudice him with as, it is no apology for a.
ny insult that he may offer TO our State. But
the memorialist may think otherwise; he may
regard this as warrant for the arrogance of
his petition: aye, Mr.. Speaker, end gentlemen
upon this floor seem little inclined to take
that view of the matter. In yesterdays. de-
bate upon this question, the gentleman from
Rockingham, (Mr. Scales.) believe, took
occasion TO invoke the ilustrious dead Of Vir-
ginia by way of defending this memorialist.
This is no argument with me. There was
time when the name of Virginia bore with it
charm that commanded universal admiration
there was time when all that is skifnl in
the art of war, all that is true in politics or
sublime in oratory, were fixtures of her soil !:
I the time was, too, when she could claim as
her own a long list of heroes, statesmen, and
orators, that would have borne a proud con-
trast with any that history has yet recorded
but it is emphatically true, in her case, that
'' the days of chivalry have passed by" and
those of a less exalted order have succeeded.
But not even from ancient Virginia, with
all her worth, could consent to brook such
an insult to North Carolina as is now offered,
much less from Virginia as she is.
| The habits too common, Mr.. Speaker, with
citizens of other States, upon all occasions, to
cast reflections upon N. Carolina, one of
which numerous instances this petition may
! be regarded. 1t may be true, Sir, that we do
not possess as prominent station in the pub
| lie eye as other States; it may be true. too,
that the modesty and unobtrusive character of
our men of worth may debar them from places
most conspicuous before the world, and con-
fine them to the humber walks Of life it is
true that we have none of those vast resources
Of wealth that erect private fortune into prince
| ly estates, and gid the public State itself with
| splendor and magnifcence; but amidst all our
obscurty, a.. our poverty, and allour humble
ness, there is one thing that we do possess
an honest name and an irreproachabIe charac-
ter. This is a jewel | feel assured will ever
be preserved by the offspring of her soil.
With these views. Mr.. Speaker, am for
ced TO vote against the reference ofMr Rives'
| Memorial to any committee of this House.
MIR. Payne said he hoped the House would
pass directly upon the prayer Of the petitioner,
without reference to the man Or the manner Of
/ his memorial.
Mr.. G. A. Miller In a few brief remarks
supported the motion before the House.
MIR. Cherry opposed the motion. His pc
culiar position towards the memoraist, pre-
vented his entering fully into the debate, were
thought the high legal evidence submitted in
the memorial, such as should be entitled to
the consideration of the House.
| Mr.. Guthrie conceded in the views of the
gentleman from Rowan, mr. EIIis,) and he
moved that the House do reject the memorial.
The Speaker decided the motion out of or
der.
Mr.. Guthrie then moved that it lie on the
table till the 4th of March next.
The Speaker made few remarks.
The question being on the laying on the ta-
BILE till the 4th of March, it was decided in the
afirmative-yeas So, nays So.
The House then adjourned.