Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1851-01-15
THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
The Constitution and the Union OF tho States
''They unjust be Preserved
SATURDAY. JANUARY III, 1851.
THE LEGISLATURE.

Both Houses nave Deen engaged, LOT the most pdrt,
since Monday last in discussing the Reports and Re-
solutions on Slavery 1t will be seen, by our Senate
proceedings of Wednesday, that that body have pass
ed through second reading Resolutions this ques-
ton, embracing the Resolutions of Mr. Speaker Ed
wards, of the Resolutions of the majority of the
Committee of Eighteen, and one of the Resolutions
of the minority Of that Committee.
In the Senate, on Tuesday ,.Mr. Woodfn conclu-
ded his remarks against secession and favor of the
theory of strong Federal Government; and lie was
followed by Mr.. Caldwell, of Mecklenburg, in a
mastery effort in favor of the Resolutions of the Mi
norty and the right of secession. We will not an
ticipate Maj. Caldwell by stating his positions, as
we hope he will prepare his Speech for the press. 1t
is sufficient at present to say, that he planted himself
on the platform of 9s and '99, by the side of Jeer
son, Madison, and Macon; and that he sustained
himself in manner which added TO his already high
reputation public man. Mecklenburg has just
be proud of her able and fearless Senator.
On Wednesday, in the Senate, Mr.. Bynum spoke
at some length the same question. and against the
right of secession; and he was followed by MIR.
Washington, on the same side. Mr.. Pender spoke
briefly in favor of the right of secession and the
ming, just before the taken brief Speeches
were delivered by Messrs. Cameron and Bower. Mr..
Cameron took ground against secession; and Mr..
Bower though in favor of the doctrine, thought it mex
pedent this time declare by the Legislature.
The first Resolution reported by the Minority of
the Committee of Eighteen, and which adopted
by the Senate its second reading, is regarded by
itself, affirming the right of secession. 1t speaks
of the Constitution of the United States as COM
zuct''-and if this be so, according to MIR. Gill
r;rht ,t.hl lv fol
In the Senate, Thursday evening, the Resolu-
tions Slavery referred to above, taken up
their third reading. Amendment after amendment
then offered by gentlemen belonging to the minor-
ty of the Senate but they promptly voted down.
and at iate hour the Senate ad ourned, Mr.. Gilmers
Resolutions being before the Senate substitute
for those already adopted. running debate took
place, during the evening, in which Messrs. Hoke,
Caldwell of NJ, Ellington, Bower, Clark, Haughton,
Cameron, Bynum, Shepard and others participated.
Mr. Ellington spoke at some length in favor of an
amendment which he offered and Mr.. Clark defined
his position briefly the question but to the point.
The impression prevails that portion of the mi
nority of the Senate disposed to EN- barrass the
Resolutions and defeat them, if possible; but We
hope to-day (Frday) will show that this impression
is The people of the State looking with
deep anxiety for the result of these discussions of
this vital question; and they will not fail to hold to
a strict accountability those who may be instru-
mental in sitting their voice, or in preventing the
State from speaking out in fearless and determined
tones.
In the Commons, on Tuesday, Mr.. Barnes of North
ampton, spoke upon the Slavery question and he
was followed by MIR. Rayner upon the question gen.
orally, and particularly in support of his Resolutions,
offered some weeks since. Mr.. Rayner continued
his remarks, and concluded at late hour on We'd
nesdav evening.
On Thursday, in the Commons, Mr.. Erwin spoke
first. His remarks were of the most decided South.
ern stamp. He said the fanatics Of the North had been
encouraged by the concessions made tn Washington Gv
quesons Of Constitutional right, by Southern
He was followed 3y Mr.. Thornton, who was listened
to with profound attention, and whose remarks were
warmly applauded by the members and audience in
attendance. We hope soon to have the pleasure of
laying his remarks before OIL readers.
In the evening of Thursday, in the Commons, Mr.. I
Hill, of New Hanover, delivered a Speech on the
same question: which We have heard spoken Of in the
highest terms. He was listened to with marked at
tention. He was followed by Mr.. Steele, on the
side, affirming the right of secession, and de-
caring that, although Wing in principle he regard
ed this question as infinitely abo party. He took
occasion. in the course of his remarks to alude to
certain letter said to have been written to some one
in this City by the Hon. Nathaniel Boyden, in rela-
ton to the right Of secession; and he denounced him
for the sentiments embodied in that letter, in the Sc
veres terms. Gen. Saunders followed Mr.. Steele in
some remarks, ia reply principally to Mr. Rayner.
Mr.. Hill, of Caswel, has the floor on the same
question for Friday morning, and Mr.. Person, of
Moore, for the evening Of the same day. :