Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1851-01-29


the compromise measures OF the last Congress bui
while say this, am far from being the eulogst o
that compromise. Not even is the distinguished, the
patriotic, and the eloquent gentleman from Cumber-
land more opposed to it then am. | consider that
by that compromise gross and manifest injustice was
perpetrated on the South. 1t only remains for US to
await with patience the course of events and with
prudence and firmness be prepared to meet them.
And should we be forced to the extremity of taking
up arms in our own defence, then let US meet the
shock of battle become the descendants Of Revo-
lutionary sires.
few words more, Mr.. Chairman, and will bring
my remarks to close.
Sir, with the present able and enlightened Chief
Magistrate of this State, hold that the South has
already conceded important rights to the free States,
both by the Missouri compromise and the late COM
promise and she has done this for the sake of peace
and the Union. ask leave, Mr.. Chairman, to read
some extracts from the Inaugural Address of Gov.
Reid. They az follows:
''rhe misguided fanaticism of Abolitonists at the
North threatens the overthrow OF the Constitution
and dissolution of the Union. The slavery ques-
ton is of momentous Importance to the Southern
States of the Contederacy, involving incalcuable
amount of property, as we'll as the domestic peace
and security of people, In the formation Of the
federal Constitution the institution of Slavery was
recognized and provided for in manner just and sat-
sfacory to all the States. Subsequently this ques-
ton deeply agitatsd the country, and the South made
concessions the North and submitted to the Mis-
souri, compromise, with the assurance and expectation
that this exciting element of political strife to be
forever put to rest. After avaing herself OF all the
advantages derived under that compromise, the orth
urged exorbiant demands, which led to the enact
ment of the series of compromise measures passed
by the present Congress, by which the South lost
important rights by again making concessions to the
North The North having availed herself of all the
advantages under this compromise, does not to
agitate the subject; and threatens to repeal the
only of the which enured TO the benefit
Of ths South, accompanied, in many instances, by
violent threats to disregard the Constitution and the
laws, and to forcibly resist their execution.
We have not been Indifferent to the entertainments
that have been made our rights, yet We have pa
tienty suffered them with the hope they would not
be again renewed. We have now just cause to fear
that this hope was illusive. North Carolina, OF
the last States to enter the Confederacy, yields 10
of her sisters in ardent attachment to the Union.
She would regard its dissolution awful caalni-
ty, which she would avoid at any sacrifice connss-
tent with her rights and her safety. She came into
the Union to be governed by the federal Constitution,
and to secure herself against tyranny and oppression
and SO long as the Constitution is faithfully adhered
to and her rights respected, she will be among the
last of the States to desert the Union. But she
gave her consent to enter into Union which
would erthrow the Constitution, violate her dear
est rights, and manacls her with the fctters of op-
preston. TO such Union she owes no allegiance.
solemn of public duty impes me to declare,
that the eneronchmenls Of the North the domestic in
stiItons Of the South, hare already proceeded to the
tarthest allowable point. Entertaining this opinion,
regard it due to canGor that should make that
fact known, that our brethren at the North may be
fully informed that we know rights and know
ing, dare maintain them" and tina, if they proceed
in their aggressions, they must expect to meet the
Consequences
In my opinion, Mr.. Chairman, this language o
Gov. Reid embodes the principles and feelings o
nine-tenths of my constituents, and Of vast major
itv of the people Of the State BY these words stand
Equality and brotherhood in the Union, or safety ant
independence out of it-this, Sir, IS the language
my heart. We cannot the Union by praising
it. Stern language becomes the crisis and it the
Union should survive this shock-as trust in Heav
it wil-the sequal will disclose that its salvation
was accomplished by the determination, the frmness
and the courage of Southern men. If these cannot
save it, then may We congratulate ourselves, ever
amid the caamities that may beall Us, that have
escaped the destructive embraces of usurpng, con-
sodated government, and the utter luin threatened
US by irresponsible sectional majority. In concu.
sion, Mr.. Chairman, let me say that now stand
where have always stood, under the old Republican
flag of '9s, which, though often tattered and torn
has yet been lowered, and, with the blessing
of God, trust never will.