Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-03-16

that of Wake. make this statement Mr. Speaker,
not to alarm them BY exhibition Of their Weakness
but to induce them to pursue the line Of policy so
clearly indicated by interest, prudence and patri
otism. -. 5t2a ~
But, Sir the last the least urged, but the
greatest real objection is distrust Of tie people
Notwithstanding the government of North Carolina
is the creation of the people, the constitution
was framed by the people, and declares "that all
political power is vested in and derived from the
people only" and stands a towering and glorious
monument Of the intelligence and patriotism of our
fathers and the wisdom of their posteriy there are
still those who distrust their honesty and doubt
their capacity for selfgovernment There are still
those who cling to the old federal idea that the peo-
pie are their own worst enemies, and ought to be
governed rather than govern themselves If they
are correct the constitution which declares "that
the people of this State ought to have the sole and
exclusive right of regulating the internal govern
ment and police thereof" and that no man or set
of men are entitled to exclusive separate emolu-
ments or privileges from the community, but in con-
sderation Of public services instead of being a
monument to the intelligence and patriotism of the
people, is living SANDER upon the truth of history
But Mr.. Speaker, the intelligence honesty and
patriotism of the people, and their capacity to gov
ern themselves, are triumphanty indicated by the
moral grandeur and political power of the best and
s SD til ss example m of free
H. in conclusion, Mr.. Speaker, the people had
the right in 1776 to frame constitution and estab
fish government for themselves and did frame " q
constitution most conducive to their happiness and
property" and that constitution afforded equal pro-
lection to all the citizens and property of the State
and imposed equal burthens upon all; and if the
convention of 1885, in violation of the great prnci-
pie of democratic republican equality upon which
tho lScho
restriction upon the General Assembly in reference
to taxation, discriminating against nineteen-twen-
tieths of the people of the State and if the finan-
cal condition of the State as well just appreca-
ton of the principles of our government requires
the alteration proposed; if the injustice and inc
quality of our revenue laws are the result of this
restriction; is the constitution was ratified without
the restriction being detected by the people if the
people have been satisfied with the constitution be-
cause until recently, the discrimination was not op-
pressiye; if the restriction not one of the COM
promises of 1885; if the public debt was incurred
under the present revenue SYSTEM if the constitu-
| ton should be altered and negroes taxed as other
property al ra1orens if young negroes ought to be
taxed as property because they are property; if it
will not njure the institution of slavery to tax
slaves al ualorem; if the east will not pay more
than its just and fair proportion of the taxes; if il
will not drive slaves out of the Sate if the minor
ity of the people being slave-owners will be well
protected the majority; if there is danger in
altering the constitution; if the people not dis
trusted if AL political power is vested in and de
rived from the people only )" if the people cap
able of selfgovernment; if they fought to have
the sole and exclusive right of regulating the inter
nal government and police !" of the State; if thu
principles of the government, the interest of tht
people and the faith and honour of the State de
mand the passage of the bill, the alteration of thu
constitution the abandonment of the present system
ofrevenue and the adoption Of system of taxation
ralorem, can, Mr.. Speaker, the ingenuity of maj
suggest valid objection to the passage of this bill
by the constitutional majority But am aware o
the opposition with which the bill is to meet Ian
not ignorant of the preudces existing against it il
the minds of Senators. But ] challenge the inves
tigation and discussion of the objects of the bill
either in the Senate or elsewhere. demand to-day
upon the floor of the Senate, for my constituents
that equality at the treasurers Office which is re
cognized at the balotbox, and to which they ar
entitled under the great principles of equality, up
on which the constitution was framed and the gov
eminent established. l appeal to the interests, tn
liberalty, the of justice and the patriotism
Senators in behalf not only of my own constituents
but of the great of the people of North Carol
ma to vote for this bill and strike down discrimiI
alton which is alike unequal unjust and oppressive
If that demand is dsregarded and that appeal III
needed by the representatives Of the people, then
appeal from the decision of the Senate to the sourc
Of all political power, the people themselves.