North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-03-22

Mace IN puiIOSOpuiCdl VI ICpuOuCdu tiiuA'
To deiermine mans position in society by the
honest calling he follows ia life, is contrary to
Justice and good sense as it is to the genius
of our political institutions The petty distinc-
t;ons of social rank excite the deserved ridi-
cule of, calm observers from other lands. Moth.
ing can be more absurd than pride of family,
in people who scarcely know the birth place of
their granda.hers; or assertion of superior merl.
bv the lawyer, or doctor, or merchant, over tn e
farmer or blacksmith, carpenter or shoemaker;
or by the professional man either, when he
is in reality the paid servant of all.
We are members of the same body, necessarily
dependent upon, and contributive to each others
welI-being. To look down upon a neighbor be-
cause his way of serving the community differs
from our own, is to despise ourselves.
1t may be said that our Constitution was form
ed for the protection of political rights for the
security OF liberty and equaity-for the advance
ment of science and learning-and for the promo
ton of the social convenience and political wei
fare of the people. We live in a government,
whose basis is the virtue and intelligence Of the
people-whose end their happiness and improve
mPnt.
Let US thenrecognize this truth that "knowledge
is power,;' and religion its beacon light. Let US
know that freedom is bliss - and that its inesti-
nable blessings may be enjoyed by all
Since the days of lord Bacon, the mighty and
invincible truth is fixed, that all things are
subject reason and discussion. This fact is ver-
flied by time and experience. The people are
the keepers ofour polticat treasures-thes overs OF
the great problem OF the fitness of man for self
government.
Political favor is reward from the people; the
forms of the social compact is the work of The
people. They the emanaiions OF that soVer-
eighty whosevoice is expressed by public opinion
1 hold that political power emanates from the
prople-hat it is inherent in them, and cannot be
lawfully taken away-that it may be delegated
for special purposes and at all times is subject to
be controlled in the hands of agents, through the
inaenable right Of instruction; and that a few
primitive principles springng up spontaneously in
the consciousness of free people, are thel: lnfa
lible guides in the exercise of sovereignty. Who
are the people2 Those who have an interest in
the country and its institutions; but whether that
interest be tested by possession OF property,
title in the soil, or BY personal services as chi-
zen, forms no part of my inquiry.
1 believe in free intelligent, and independent
people. This is part of my credentials of ORTIZ
odoxy In the language OF that exrmplar and
poste of Republican Librrty-Thomas Jefer-
son. have sworn upon the altar Of God eternal
hostility 10 every form of tyranny over the mind
of man. How precious the name of liberty
sounds in every patriots year 1t is indrlby
oppressed upon their minds BY all the recollec.ons
of the past, and all the hopes for the future
Carolinians love their liberty,
Their country, and their God.
No kingy power shall make them cover,
They dread no tyran''s nod;
Their happy country's destiny
Is ever to be free,
And they'll fight for every right,
For their land and liberty.
There is charm in the name of liberty which
no other word has the power TO impar. 1t Is the
prelude of concord, harmony and tranquility and
ITS attractive influence is acknowledged by all its
votarirs. 1t is justly entitled to more lasting re-
gard than all other political appei!alions. 1t is en-
deared 10 the people by every consideration which
can excite emotions of patriotism. If any evil
dence were wanting Of the beneficial effect on the
social happiness Of the people, produced by their
perfect political quality, and the invaluable benefits
received under government where they enjoy
equal political rights, it may be found by reference
10 the oldest republic on earth. refer to San Mari
MIA, small republic in Italy, between the Appfn-
ines, the Po and the Adrialic The territory OF this
State is only forty miles in circumference, and its
population about 10000. The republic was foun-
ded more than fourteen hundred years ago on NOR
al principles industry and equality, and has pre-
served its liberty and independence amidst all the
wars and discords which have ragged around it,
Bonaparte respected it, and sent embassy to ex-
press his sentiments of friendship and fraternity
1t is governed by Captain Regent chosen by the
people. The taxes are light, the farm houses are
neat, the fields we'll cultivated; on all sides are
seen comfort and peace, the happy effects of NOR
atty, simplicity, liberty and justice. This is
concise history of one of the Oldest and happiest
Of foreign governments and it is a conclusive
gumenl in favor of political equality.
The expedIency of amending the Constitution
of North Carolina is so evident that it addresses
itself to the serious consideration Of every friend
of equal rights | am aware of the difficulties
apprehcnded from tampering with the Consttu-
ton, but think they are counterbalanced by the
causes which exist. The injustice of deprivlng
free white citizen of any Of his political privileges,
on account of his secular possessions is beginIng
to be ersally felt and acknowledged Is he tn
be excluded from the exercise of the inestimablc
right of suffragr,
Because he owns no acres broad,
And wears a ragged coat?"
Is he to be deprived of the greatest boon of free
dom, and not allowed TO enjoy the blessings which
nature designed on of his situation in life
Has he no political rights because he is destined
TO occupy an humble position in the community ?
Our forefIthers cast off the burdensome yoke i'm
posed npon them by the mother country, that they
might enjoy civil and religious liberty. Taxa
lion without representation was considered one
of the most grievous expressions inflicted by Brit
sh tyranny upon the (then) colonies; it caused a
seven years war with Old England; and is it not
passing strange that old habits and prejudices
should have succeeded in ENGRAVING of the
features of English despotism, so justly detestable
even during colonial servitude, upon the Con-
stitulion of North Carolina II is certainly well