The North-Carolina standard., 1850-07-17
UNION OF THE srATEs-THEY !. MUST BE PRESENTED


in l776, and has not been amended since l7e9.-
Besides, 1t is proposed to quiet all such fears by the
article which prescribes mode for future amend
ments. 1t is sad however, that the right of the Peo
pie contended for by this recommendation, is found
ed on the assumption that all were born with equal
political powers, %" and that it s' leads to the mon
strous conclusion that majority may impose upon
the minority what Government they please; that they
may abolish the representative republican institutions
of this country, and upon its ruins the most in
toerable despotism." But these objections pass a
sentence of condemnation upon the Declaration Of
independence, and the principles of the American
Revolution; and when we deny this right of the ma
jorty of the People to remodel their Government it
leads to the much more monstrous conclusion that
a minority,-that man may perpetuate the " most
ntolerabe system of tyranny over the rights of the
majority, may usurp all the powers of the govern.
ment, and leave the majority with no rights but to
practice the virtues of tame and quiet subjects. The
people cannot fail to reProbate principle of opPos-
power which binds all others, yet is restricted by no
other, and bound by no forms, must reside some
where. In this country it is lodgedwith majority
of the People.
No objections can be fairly urged agains; the time
at which proposed to take the vote ofthe Peo-
pie, for it is in the power of the Assembly to prescribe
the most quiet and convenient period of the year.
Fellow-Citzens of North Carolina I'm the falr
exercise of right that is common to all freemen In
free State and in the execution of trus which was
conhded TO us by respectable body OF the people
and their representatives, We have laid before you
the complaints which are made against the Constltu-
ton of the State with the grounds of them; and as
far as the limits of an address like this would per-
nit, we have also, considered of those plain and
practicable remedies, which sanctioned by the
principles of government, and have been confirm
ed by the practice of the people in other States
We have endeavored to do this not only with manly
planness of speech, but with strict regard tor the
feelings and pride Of others. We have drawn no
sectional lines, such ought to exist, and We do
not to be responsible for the consequences OF
any attempt to create or preserve them. The People
of North Carolina, ought to be in feeling. as
they are in interest. We put it 10 the consideration
of the people, whether this subject does not author
ize appeal to the justice of the minority, the right
of majority, and the interest of both ! Whether
those who desire reform will not now demand it, and
those who think their demands fair, will not
now concede it I! We sincerely believe, that the
speedy settlement Of these questions, involves the
destinies of the State; that it will restore harmony
where there is dscord that it will be the means of
developing the internal resources of the State with
any resort to additional taxation; that it will
the government, as to bring It's cxpen-
ses below the regular ordinary revenues; that 1t will
destroy the divisions Of East and Wes and disensdge
representatives from the strfes OF sectional par
ty that j, will stimulate them to higher and more
promising exerons, for reviving the hopes and ad-
vancing the honor of the State.
WM. II. HAYWOOD, JR.
X. NJ. PEARSON, | r:..
X. NJ. SAUNDERS, '0"'''''''''
THOS. DEWS, JR.
June ISL 1888.