Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-05-15
THE STAR-THE BASIS. Sc

The Raleigh Star, in replying to one of our articles
of last week, says:
''The Standard knows, or ought to know, that we
are also opposed to disturbing the present basis
Some time last year. we had cause more than once
10 correct the statements of that print this subject
On one occasion we said distinctly, I'VE have re-
Peaiedly expressed our firm and decided opposition
70 any and every attempt to disturb the great eompro
misses of our Constitution. We strictly adhere to
this opinion every days experience serving but to
strengthen the conviction, that would be both un-
just and unwise to make any material change in the
present basis of representation in either branch of the
Legislature"
The Star, then, is for the basis as it is or rather is
against any material change therein; but then the
Star is, at the same time in favor of submitting it
to the people to say, by majority at the ballot
box, whether not they will have an open Conven-
tion-a Convention to be called upon the Federal
basis and with the view of making certain changes
in the Constitution. Will the Editor of the Star
vote for this Convention, provided the question should
be submitted to the people! Is he in favor of or
against it If against it, and if he believes the peo-
pie would vote the proposition down, how he. as
as an Editor protesting to deal fairly by his readers.
advocate the plan of taking the of the people
thereupon? Does he wish to go through this mere
form with the view of defeating Free Suffrage But
ifor Convention, why does he not say so, and ad-
vocate it boldly and openlyl
The friends of the present basis will be very slow
to believe that any is sincerely cooperating with
them, who will lend himself agitation the result
of which, if any given result be anticipated from
it. is to call Convention clothed with po,uer change
the basis and to substitute for taxation and the three.
Jtihs principle the principle of ,Ohite population.
But who authorized the Wing leaders to say. that
the people may, if they choose, call Convention
to alter their fundamental law These gentlemen are
ready to permt-to aAoU the people to vote upon the
question at the polls! What condescension! If the
people want Convention, they aOiH let them say so
But suppose majority should vote Convention
what then! Why these leaders would have to come
back to the Constitution, which declares that no such
body shall be called unless by the of
thirds of all the members of both houses of the Gen
eral Assembly and how is this twothrds to be
obtained Is the Constitution in this respect to be
disregarded to make way for the expected result Of
this majority votes Is it to be ruled and held, by the
conservative " Wing party of North Carolina, that
the voice of bare majority at the polls shall force
into action, in accordance with that voice. two-thirds
of the General Assembly? And if so, what is this
two-thirds requirement worth Is it not thereby sub.
stantaAy abrogated, and rendered useless for all prac-
icnl purposes in all time to come? The Constitution
says twshrds, but bare majority of the people say
otherwise and then the substance changes shad-
ow and the reality becomes mere form! Is not
this so? We have as much respect as any one for
the will of the people, and we will go as far as
any one in carrying out that will, when fairly and
clearly ascertained but could not, under any cir
cumstances, pursue course directly or indirectly in
conflict with the provisions of the Constitution, which
the people themselves have ordained and established.
We look to that Constitution for guidance and in
sructon in all times of difficulty and trial and we
tn 1T, than in any thing below beyond it,
the embodied majesty and power of the people
themselves. We seek to amend it only in accordance
,oiM its provisions and forms and we can find
in it no authority for making any amendment for
taking any steps towards amendments, by bare ma
jority of the people at the polls.
But it is almost useless, it seems to US, to argue
these points, they plain and clear that he
who runs may read.''
We are satisfied that this movement of the Wing
leaders is only device to defeat Free Suffrage, and
to obtain possession of State and Federal Offices and
honors. Party is at the bottom of their action in all
this natter the West is promised great things pro-
vided Convention should be called, while the East
is expected to endure agitation for the especial bene
fit of partLans and demagogues.