Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-01-11
The Present Crisis.

An esteemed friend writing us from nelghboring
County, after frankly giving his own views, says: 81
think every County ought to advise you through
some of its leading men, of its views in the present
crisis, so that your course may not be hampered by
want of support.
Weare much obliged to our friend for his views,
and we thank him for the above suggestion. we
trust every friend who may write to us on business,
or who may feel like writing on the subject wheth-
err he have business with this office not, will frank
" express his views on the present and prospective
condition of public affairs. We have our op op'n-
ions, tits true but we wish to be fully infotAd Of
the views and opinions of the people, I'VE desire to
hear from the people without regard to party, on
the following points:
l. Should North Carolina submit and remain in
in the Unon in the event of the election OF sec
tiona or black Republican President?
2. If not should she await an overt act against
the institution Of slavery, by President pledged to
put the Federal Government permanently on the
side of freedom"
3. What is the best time and the best plan, in
view of negative to the first question, and
either an affirmative or negative answer to the Sc
cond question: for putting the State in an armor and
attitude of defence?
4. What is the best plan for cutting off trade and
intercourse with abolition States for fostering in
our midst manufactures and the mechanic arts, and
for obtaining foreign goods through Southern ports?
5. Should North-C Carolina and the Southern States
in the event of the election of sectional President
propose Convention of all the States provided for
in the Federal Consttution-said Convention if
possible, to reconcile conflicting interests protect
the South in her rights for the present and the f-
ture, and thus re-estabsh the Union on a more en-
during basis; or, failing in this to make provision
for pcaceabe separation -
These are the most important questions which
have been submitted to the people 81 nee the adop.
ton of the Federal Constitution. They deeply con-
Germ every man, woman and child in North-Caroli-
ma; and not only this, but the destiny OF unborn
generations may be involved in the decision which,
within twelve months from this period, may he pro-
nounced upon Them
The minds of our people have been excited by
recent events and in some cases passion may have
usurped the seat of judgment But, it is not SC
much the past as the future that holds out its
ing to most of us. We know what the past is, and
we can bear it, if that is to be all: but the future
What vision. can penetrate the darkness that lies
beyond?
Let nothing be said or done in passion Let ev
ry suggestion be thoroughly weighed and every steE
matureiy considered. Let us be watchful, prudent
firm; let us move unit dscarding all party
feeling when the independence of the State ant
the vital interests of its citizens in jeopardy
Let us encourage and sustain constituted author
ties at home; and let us give our members of Con
gress to understand, differing they may party
issues that they representing firm, determined
and united people.