Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-05-24
THE CONyEyTIoN QUESTION.


stuton originated with those who desired an altera-
ton in the basis of representation This assertion
is nc guess work-neither is 1t an inference drawn
from any partic ular actons for it is a fact based
upon the open expressions of its originators, VINO
boldly and unequivocaly avowed their purpose
Previous to the session of the Legislature oil
1s5O5I there had been little or nothing said about
a Convention Gov Reid had advocated Free SUI
frage by Legislative enactment and he had been ti-
umphantly elected. The Democratic party had ad-
vocated it by the same mode, and 1t was IN the as
ccndencv The Free Suffrage bill had passed us
second reading in the House before Convention
seems to have been seriously contemplated linen
n meeting was held and after a hasty conception,
brought forth the Western Address, taking ground
for n Convention and denouncing the present basis
as styrannical' From that day to the assembling
of the recent Wing sanhedrim at Raleigh, the advo-
Gates of Convention have been the advocates OF n
change in the basis. But the movement grew weak
err and weaker and the aforesaid Wing Sanhedrlm,
with infnticila hands, crushed the last remnant OF
vitality out of their little sicky banting They
tell the people that they may have Convention
but that they have not sense enough to know what
they should do therein, and must therefore receive
orders from the Legislature. 1t is an insult to the
people-a hunbug--a sepuchre full of rottenness
Within and without the attraction of even being
whtcncd without. 1t is the last resort OF deina-
goyuism grown desperate beyond the point OF dis
erection.
We have never desired to alter our basis of repre-
sentation. Were it a question now mooted for the
first tlme we might prefer some Otner OASIS. Ouf
State is long and narrow, extending from the sea
coast beyond the mountains over GOO miles IN
length The interest of the Eastern and w cstern
sections are, in many respects, different and there
is but little intercourse between them. Hence Jeal-
ousieS hare'sprung up between thcm nursed and
nourished by petty politicians for their own base
ends. The present basis was adopted as compro-
mise, and such we desire to preserve it. The
East has majority in the Senate, but the est
has majority in the House of Commons. The
soonest and the only way to effect change IN the
basis is to extend our system of internal improve
be Increased in value, with corresponding increase
and in this alone power will steal from the East to
the West and equaze any seeming inequalities that
now exist.
What then is a Convention for? The advocates
for it refuse tell Is it for the people to do
they please i'll? No, no; the Legislature must step
in and say, far you may come and no farther.
If it meets will not the basis be discussed? Will
not the power Of the Legislature to restrict It be
discussed? Will not the whole Constitution, in all
its particulars be discussed? And how long will it
take to do all this? What will be the expense? Re
member the Virginia Convention, which sat eight
months and cost the State one hundred thOus-
and dollars. Remember it, and profit by the exam
pie. Shun the snare in which she caught.
Elect to the Legislature that will give you Free
Suffrage by Legislative enactment, for it be OBJ
tanned in other way. VIII any Eastern Wing
candidate for the Legislature plant himself upon the
platform of the Wing Convention? We shall
In Chowan and one or two other counties they re-
pu,iate it. We have not yet heard of any cmbrac-
ingit. Salisbury Banner.