Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-02-02


tion. Another step would be taken TO raise
them to political and social equality with
their former owners, by giving them the right
OF voting and holding public offices under the
federal government We see the first step 10.
ward ii in the bill already alluded to--to vest
the free blachS and slaves with the right tc
vote on the question of emancipation in this
District.
But when once raised 10 an equality, they
would become the fast political associates Of
the North, acting and voting with them on al!
questions. and by this political union between
them, holding the white race at the South in
complete subsection. The blacks, and the
profigate whites that might unite with them,
would become the principal recipients of fed
eral offices and patronage, and would, in con-
sequence, be raised above the whites of the
South In the political and social scale We
would, IN word, change conditions with
them-a degradation greater than has ever vet
fallen to the lot of a free and enlightened peo-
pie, and one from which we could not escape,
should emancipation take place, (Which il GER
talnly will if not prevented,) but by fleeing the
homes Of ourselves and ancestors, and by a
bandonlng our country to our former slaves,
TO become the permanent abode of disorder,
anarchy, poverty, misery, and wretchedness.
With such prospect before US, the gravest
and most solemn question that ever claimed
the attention OF people is presented for your
consideration: What is TO be done to prevent
it 1t is question belonging to you 10 de-
eide. All we propose is, 10 give you our opin-
ion.
We, then, are OF the opinion that the first
and indispensable step, without which nothing
can be done, and with which every thing may
be, is to be united among yourselves, on this
great and vital question. The want of union
and concert IN reference 10 il has brought the
South, the Union, and our system of govern.
ment to their present perilous condition. In
stead of Ple,er orlIcre, II iroo trvIT
made subordinate, not only to mere questions
of policy, but to the preservation OF party ties
and ensurng of patty success.
As high as we hold due respect for these,
we hold them subordinate to that and other
questions involving our safety and happiness.
Until they are so held by the South, the North
will not believe that you are in earnest in op-
position to their entertainments and they
will continue to follow, one alter another, I'M
til the work OF abolition is finished. To con-
vince them that you are, you mast prove by
your acts that you hold all other questions
subordinate to it. If you become united, and
prove yourselves in earnest, the North will
be brought to pause, and to a calculation OF
consequences and that may lead 10 a change
of measures and the adoption of a course of
policy that may quietly and peaceably termi-
nate the conflict between the two sections. II
it should not, nothing would remain for you
but to stand up immovably in defence of rights
involving youral!-~your property, prosperity
equality, liberty, and safety,
AS the assailed, you would stand justified
by all laws, human and divine, in repeIling a
blow so dangerous, without looking to conse-
quences, and to resort 10 all means necessary
for that purpose. Your assaiIants, and not
you, would be responsible for consequences.
Entertaining these opinions, we earnestly
entreat you to be united, and for that purpose
adopt all necessary measures. Beyond this
we think it would not be proper to go at pres
ent
We hope, if you should unite with anything
| Ike unanImity, it may of itself apply rene
dy to this deep-seated and dangerous disease
| but, if such should not be the case, the time
will then have come for yoa 10 decide wha
course to adopt.