Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-12-22
MEETING IN GUILFoRp.

According to previous notice that there would be
q meeting of the citizens of Guford irrespective of
parties, to consult and advise together the pres
ent state of affairs large number of the citizens OF
the county came together on Friday the 9TH. The
meeting was organized on motion of Gen. Joab
Hiatt by calling Robert P. Dick ESQ.,, to the Chair
and the appointment of James A. Long Secretary.
On taking the Chair, Mr. Dick made quite an able
and eloquent speech. The speech was quite conser-
vative, deprecatng in the strongest terms, every ac
ton which looked to dissolution Of the Union.
On motion committee of five, consisting of the
following gentlemen: Ralph Gorrell, Jesse H. Lind
sey, j. W. Fields, B. g. Graham, and DR.. Joseph
A. Weatherly, were appointed to prepare business
for the meeting.
During the absence of the committee, VIM. L.
Scott ESQ., was called on. Mr. Scott made strong
Union speech, which was marked with much ability,
and was well received
At the conclusion of Mr.. SCOTS speech, the COM
mttee through their Chairman, Mr.. Gorrell, made
the following report:
WHEREAS, The peace and repose of our whole
country have been greatly disturbed by untriendly
and unconstitutional Legislation, exasperating news
paper discussions, irritating speeches, and unscrp
ural sermons in many of the Northern States of
this Confederacy against the people, and institutions
OF its Southern members; to counteract which,
violent measures of redress and retaliation have
been threatened by the people of the South, whose
rights have been invaded and hasty, and inconsid-
crate steps have been taken by some to dismember
the Government and break up the Union of these
States under which VIC have enjoyed prosperity
unknown to any other people, and reached aposition
of power and greatness unsurpassed by any other
nation. And whereas, persistent and unwarrantable
provocatOn on one side, and rash and hasty inca
Of retaliation the other, are we'll calculated
to bring upon the whole country all the horrors of
civil war; boodshed and bankruptcy, ending in the
destruction of the government and the ruin of the
people. And, whereas, it is eminenty proper in
such alarming state of affairs for the people to
assemble and consult together in regard TO the pub
lie danger and to express their opinions freely to
such measures as will most likely cnure to the pub
lie safety and promote the general welfare of the
county. Therefore,
ReSolced, That the Constitution Of the United
States is the work of pure patriots and sagacious
statesmen; that it is by far the best model of civil
government which human wisdom and virtue have
devised that it has rendered country great,
prosperous and powerful; that II has many checks
and balances, many wise, salutary and conservative
provisions, emincntly calculated to guard against
the encroachments Of power, to prevent oppression,
and to shield the rights of the minority; and tina;
in any crisis which may arise, all constitutional
remedies ought to be fairly tried and exhausted be-
fore resort should he had to extreme measures,
likely to terminate in civil strife and to convert
flouriShing and happy country into scene Of havoc
and desolation.
ReSolred, That we do not regard the mere election
Of sectional candidate TO the Presidency, achieved
as Il has been dsunted conservative parties
sufficient cause in itself for dissolution of the
Union; vet we view this sectional triumph with
anxiety and apprehension. 1t imposes on us the
duty of uniting as one man in making preparations
to maintain honor and our vital interests against
any assaults that may DC made upon them
ResOlced, That NorthCarolina is attached to the
Union according TO the Constitution, and will be
faithful to it as long the Constitution is respected
and naintaned-but no longer. If the Constitution
shall be violated, if any attempt shall be made by
a dominant sectional majority, to administer the
government principles inimical to the rights the
equality, the safety of the slaveholding States
North Carolina will set her face against Union
which will thus have lost its vitality and virtue and
will make common cause with her Southern sisters
against such Union, holding herself free to remain
an independent Republic or to unite her destinies
with other Slavehoding States in 4 Conledera-
ticn.
Res0lred, That the legislation of those States
which have in effect nuliied the Fugitive Slave Law
is inimical to Constitutional rights, and in OPP
position to that spirit of fraternity and friendship
which should characterize the action Of one towards
another of members Of common Union. That as
citizens of North Carolina we insist upon repeal of
all such obnoxious statutes; and that we consider
it the duty of the General Assembly, in session,
to enact such laws if in their power, will lead to
repeal Of these statutes.
ReS0ired, That our militia system should oe care
fully revised and our militia thoroughly organized
and that measures should he adopted to equip and
arm with the best weapons all the volunteer conf
panies now in existence in the State, or that may
hereafter he formed.
ResoLred, That the members Of the Legislature
from the county of Guford, in their respective
bodies, be requested to present these resolutions to
the consideration of the General Assembly.
Mr.. GOrre accompanied his report with very
able speech, during the delivery Of which he was
repeatedly cheercd. The citizens of Guilford are
almost to a man. Judging from the meeting Oh last
Friday, for the Union, and the foregoing resolutions
bat express the sentiments of 1t least nineteen.
twentrthS o. them.
On motion, it ordered that the proceedings
of the meeting be published in the Greensboro Pa
triot with request that all the Union papers in the
State copy.
r. P. DICK, CHM.
JAS. \. LoXG, Secy