Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-01-11
The Present Crisis.

a., oStnemed friend writing us from neighboring
County, after frankly giving his own views says: 81
think every County ought to advise you, through
,r,o Of IFS leading men, of its views in the present
Ills 60 that YOUR course may not be hampered by
want of support
We are much obliged to our friend for his views,
,ud uo thank him for the above suggestion. We
.st every friend who may write to us on business,
or who NAV feel like writing on the subject, wheth-
haze business with this office ornOt will frank
/, oxrrcss his views on the present and prospective
:.,,,it;on Of uubIic affairs We have our own opin
os # i true, but we wish to be fully informed of
tba views and opinions of the people. We desire to
bo,r from the people without regard to party, on
the following points:
Should North Carolina submit and remain in
N the Union, in the event of the election of sec
tioraI or black Republican President?
If not. should she await an overt act against
t institution of slavery, by President pledged to
mt the Federal Government permanently on the
side of freedom? ?"
. What Is the best time and the best plan, in
view of negative answer 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?
/ What is the best plan for cutting off trade and
intercourse with abolition States for fostering in
opr midst manufactures and the mechanic arts, and
for obtaining foreign goods through Southern ports?
: Should North carolina and the Southern States
in the event of the election Of sectional President
nropose Convention of all the States provided for
in the Federal ConstitutiOn-Said Convention, if
possible, to reconcile conflicting interests protect
the South in her rights for the present and the flu
tprc and thus rc-establiSh the Union on 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 NAV be involved in the decision which,
within twelve months from this period, may be pro-
nouncel 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 so
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. il 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-
~ suggestion be thoroughly weighed and every step
maturey considered. Let US be watchful prudent,
firm; let move unit, dscarding all party
feeling, when the independence of the State and
the vital interests of its citizens are in jeopardy
Let us encourage and sustain our constituted author
ties at home; and let us give our members of Con-
greSs to understand differing they may on party
issues, that they representing firm, determined
and united people