North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-04-19
: CONVENTION MEETINGS.

CONVENTION MEETINGS. ,
The last Asheve News contains the proceedings
of Meetings held in Henderson and Buncombe Coun-
ties, in favor of an unrestricted Convention Mr.
N. w. Woodfn, who made himself so conspicuous
the late session by his violent advocacy of the pro-
iec appears have been the ruling spirit on both
occasions. He explained the objects of both
Meetings.; but tDhat he really said, and oil he said,
is of course not reported. The following, among
other Resolutions, were adopted by the Henderson
Meeting:
"Resolred, That we regard an unrestricted Conven-
ton of the people the on proper republican me-
thod of amending our constitution.
Resofued, That we will not support any man for
the office of Governor, any other State Office, who
who will pledge himself to advocate the call Of
free and unrestricted Convention.
Both these Resolutions will attract public atten-
tion-the first, because it passes judgment on our
present Constitution and pronounces one of its pro-
visions anti Republican; and the second, account
of the test which it establishes for Office If "
restricted Convention - be the only "proper Repub-
lcan method of amending the Constitution, it fol-
lows, matter Of course, that the provision in that
instrument for amendments by legislative enactment
and the subsequent sanction of the people, is improp
cr and contrary to Republican principles. This is a
large and strong declaration to come from such poll
cians, against the work of Fisher, CASTOR, Swain,
and Daniel. The people of the West, we feel conf
dent, will never either think say any such thing.
But these gentlemen, it seems, will not support
I" any man for the Office of Governor, or any other
State Office, who will not pledge himself to advocate
the call of free and unrestricted Convention. The
Wings of the State will think of that.
We are gratiied to perceive from the proceedings
Of the Henderson Meeting, that Newton Coleman,
Esq, and opposed the Resolutions. He showed,
in this, the "true fire of the flint" We commend
him for his 6rmness the occasion.
The following, among other Resolutions, were
adopted by the Buncombe Meeting:
Resoived, That with view of securing this para
mount object, we will, without reference to former
party distinctions, nominate candidate for the office Of
placing his election this issue, in order that the
people generally may be fully enlightened and aroused
to the importance of this movement
ResOlUed, That those who favor free Convention
are the true Republican party-the party of equal
rghs-the party of the people-that they opposed
to monopoies-against the exercise of the monied in
uence of the State in derogation of the rights of the
people-that they are opposed to restrictions upon
the free expression of the will of the people, and be-
leve that that will should when fully expressed, be
obeyed, and that therefore propose to designate
ourselves as the Republican party of North Caroi-
ma"
This candidate for Governor, suppose, is to take
the stump against the negro power" and I" enEght
- the people of the State on the subject of the
basis of representation. We have fears to the
result.
The second Resolution, above quoted, is strange
and funny tumble of assumptions and generalities.
These politicians, it seems, against the exercise
of the monied influence OF the State in derogation of
the rights of the people -hat is, they in favor
of such mode of representation and such system
of taxation will subject those Counties paying the
most taxes to the absolute control of those paying
the least and when this shall have been brought
about, shall soon witness the passage through the
Assembly of Mr.. Woodin's appropriation of three
millions, to construct Rail Roads beyond Asheville
and g bore " through the Blue Ridge.
But these gentlemen "propose" to b" designate I"
themselves L" as the Republican party of North Ca
rolina." Their principles and purposes, then, will
not do, of themselves; they must have some name
calculated to catch and tickle the popular ear That
is so much like Federalism. They propose to
call themselves the Republicans of North Carolina
Very well. They may call themselves the {" Going
Snake Temperance Society," if they choose or they
may /" designate " themselves by any name they |
may think proper to seect-the people ciH judge them
by their principles and their acts.
Out IL Is not our purpose 70 argue this question
now. We have made these extracts for the simple
purpose of putting our readers in possession of the
facts.
We believe the Raleigh Register, the Star, and the
Times, all in favor of this unrestricted Conven-
ton, the object of which is break down and DESTROY
the present basis of representation. What do they
say to the above Resolutions! Are they for candi-
date for Governor this issuel Will then pledge
themselves to support no for the Office of Gov
ernor, for any other State Office who does not adj
vocate this unrestricted Convention!