Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-03-21
For the Journal.


(and no doubt thinks the sentiments of this District
with regard to Convention, and re election of Hon
w. S. AsHE. My purpose is not in opposition to the
claims of Mr.. AsHE | only wish to inform Mr..
Robson that he is mistaken in regard to the senti-
ments of in this District. especially upon the
subject of holding Convention.
], for one, say we should hold Convention, and
WILL briefly possible render my for the
same which are conclusive to my own mind if not
to that of RObesOn' - ~.
He says that " MIR. AsHE is undoubtedly the man,
therefore solicit him and let him again be
didate." These are "Robeson's" opinions.
In the first place, will ask who are the persons
to solicit Mr. AsHE The first article in our bill of
rights is follows: All political power is vested
in and derived from the people only If ask,
who are to assume the responsibility of answering
for the freemen of the District in this important
question
In this article wish to be understood as not IN
any wise alluding to Mr.. AsHE. By no If
Iwere, should wrong myself and him. He is man
whom some delight to honor; and one whose po-
ltical career has been marked with success, and
whose devotion to his party has, doubt not been
unsurpassed. feel proud in saying that the Homo
of his District, and more especially of Wilmington,
for his able and patriotic defence of her interest.
But to my subject. Again, ask who are to be
the arbitrators in this controversy Surely some
appointed by the proper tribunal. Of whom is
this tribunal composed? The answer of Robson
seems to DO that some influential man should take
the responsibility (pcrhaps himself and say to Mr..
AsHE, you the peoples choice-or, otherwise,
you my choice and the people shall vote for you.
These are "Royal notions | demur to such logic
myself.
You, Messrs Editors, as many of your readers do,
recollect the principles that were advocated in the
Convention that framed our constitution, and were
sought to be Incorporated in that immortal docu-
ment. There were men in that Convention who
maintained that the rich and well born should gov
ern. They asserted that the common people (the
sovereigns of land) had right to govern and
insisted that they had not retained virtue and intel
ligence sufficient to have voice in public coun-
ellis. But thank Heaven there were pure patriots
there, such as w AsEINGToN and JEFFERSON, who
rebuked this vile spirit and asserted that the people
had retained virtue and intelligence sufficient to gov
Drn and that the rich and we'll born should not gov
ern and such is now our constitution gu&rantying
The principles advocated by some when our country
was, as it were. in its childhood. Then am not
surprised to hear them in this day and age of our
country. But am sorry to say that they exist
in this District.
It is no common thing for few individuals to
ect man, and say to the people you must vote for
him. | say it is humliating fact, that the pride
and arstocracy of land is grand of our
discomfort. hope may be pardoned in saying that
a little of this royalty exists in my county.
feel reluctant in thus speaking my opinions so freely
and so plainly, but the times and circumstances de-
mand that all such attempts to trample upon the
rights of man should be obliterated from land. |
This is country in which merit. and not money, is
the passport to honor anu office, therefore let every
man speak for himself; and as that cannot be done
uoce, let each County delegate their authority
to certain individuals by them selected-then let
those delegates in common council assembled, select
whom they believe to be the choice of the people.
maintain that the poor Iaborer as we'll rs the
rich farmer, the Industrious mechanic the proud
merchant, should have voice in these matters which
affect their interest much any and above all,
that it is an inalienable right bequeathed them,
which they ought to enjoy. This is the first reason
not addressed it to those royal gentlemen only
speak of things they are, and they should not
be. I wish every citizen to know, and knowing
maintain his rights.
The second that wish to advance for a |
Convention. is to ascertain whether or not we are
united and maintain this can be accomplished on
ly by Conventionnot of the royal few but of del
egates deriving their authority Immediately from the
people. And there are Their which urge the
necessity of Convention at this important period in
our countrys history These are portentious times,
and demand that should watch with jealous eye
every movement of our public officers The whole
Union is in comHanti8n. The North is the avowed |
enemy of the South while she maintains the right to
protect herself from all and any insults that may be
offered. We behold in two extremes of this mighty
republic (the brightest that has hecn raised to
cheer the hopes of oppressed man, individuals and
communities and even States, arrayed against the
constitution and the Union. The first act was COM
mitted in Boston, the land of WEBSTER Other !
States avowcd their determination to repeal the fgi
tive slave law violation after violation was commit
ted but still we hear response from the Execu-
tive Department After while South Carolina talks
of secession, she feels the insults heaped upon the
whole South. and talks Of leaving the confederasy
because, she maintains the contract to which she
became a contracting party has been broken. Then
we hear the proclamation of the President to the
BostOnians. We also hear the voice of WEBSTER
speaking in thunder tones the law will be enforced