Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-08-13
Election Day.

While we write this paragraph, the Free
men of this great old State, are exercising
the inestimable birthright of American citi-
zens, by depositing their ballots for such of
their follow-citizens as each may prefer as
the Ruler and Law-givers of the Common
wealth. 1t is a high and responsible p@riyil-
ege and duty, and should be exercised with
all conseientiousness of principle, and devo-
ton to the States interests, and for the per-
p~etuity of the signal blessings for which the
American people are so highly exalted above
the other nations of the earth. Upon the
results of the elective franchise do not simp-
ly depend the success of this o. that party,
or the triumph of this or that political meas
ure but every appeal to the ballot box is
but the test of our Republican institutions,
and of the principle of the people being
able to govern themselves.
This latter proposition is still regarded by
the old world, and by many in our own
country, as an unsolved problem. The exis-
tence of this Government for three.fourths of
a century has done more to destroy the idea
of King1y rule and monarchical sway being
essential to well-established government, than
the five thousand years that preceded it,
Tbs egessofatile Observation-Disclosures
of all nations have long been turned hope
fully, confdingly to this western continent
) for the overthrow of this dictatorial infdelity
in mans capacity for self-government. This
long-contested hypothesis is being disproved
here. Kings, and Thrones, and Dynasties
e have looked on and trembled at the uprising
e OF a nation that has in so short a time over
t Swallowed the earth, and bids defiance to
Governments dating back hundreds and
thousands of years. government emphati-
e cally of THE PEOPLE. But whether the next
n quarter of a century will find us a free, eros
a porous and united nation, is a question
al fraught with momentous consequences, and
1T upon which depends the existence of Free.
ID dom throughout the world.
to This question is first settled, in our coun
try, at the ballot-box but alas, if dissolution
if ever come, the ~cartridge-box must take it,
to place. 1t is thought that the existence O
the Union of these States is in imminen
peril, in consequence of the ~fanatical spiri
er of s~ectionalism that threatens to oyerWheln
to conseryativatism and the old landmarks O
constitutional law that have so long held u
together. We confess that we look on til
ID state Of things at the North with much mi:
re giving-the press is largely in the 'majorit
ng there for these disunion tendencies-the j.
lar dietary, the executive, the legislative, an
- the ecclesiastical influences, are most gene
nd ally perverted to accomplish it-but notwitI
M standing all this, we can but feel that Fl
ads hand that rules the d~estinies of Nation
old will guide the Ship of State successful
on through the storms that threaten her. ar
= bring her safely into port. God has raise
up this great Nation for some high and no
purposes of his providence and governmer
and as He gave His chosen people of old
pre- Joshua, so he will give to America a Pre-
our dent that shall rule in righteousness and
nes. the fear of God, to the discontinue and eve
lie throw of bad men who would attempt
lion thwart His allwise designs. Let every m
Itla- act in this emergency with christian cons
ame entiousness and throwing aside party .
OF JUDGES, vote for the men most likely to D
AVE serve the Union, with a firm reliance ur
the Almighty God, and a prayer for his direct
we and guidance, and depend upon it all
OF yet be well.