Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-12-29
A Convention of all the states.


both sections were elected with, and still entertain
extreme views; and these views they feel bound to
maintain They will not abandon them except
under demonstrations among the people against
them of an overwhelming character. Pride of
opinion pride Of consistency, ambition, se6shness,
and fear of the loss of popularity at home are all
operating against any plan of adjustment which
would satisfy the whole country.
What then? Why, the people of the United
States formed the federal Union and the people
alone can preserve it from destruction. The same
power that created must be called upon to save;
and this power be effectually exerted in no
other way than by Convention of the States
The Constitution provides that
1.-THE Congress, whenever two-thirds Of both
houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amend
ments to this Constitution or the application OF
the Legislatures Of twothrds Of the several States,
shall call Convention for proposing amendments,
which, in either case shall be valid TO all intents
and purposes, part of this Constitution, when
ratified by the Legislatures of three ourths of the
States or by Conventions in three-fourths thereof,
as the or the other mode may be proposed by
the Congress"
Now, so far as We are concerned we satisfied
with the Constitution it is, with interpreia-
dsregarded that instrument and large portions of
the people North and South differ materially as to
the true meaning of some of its provisions. In ad-
dton to this large portions of the Southern people
greatly excited account of the election of
sectional candidate to the Presidency and the
probability is, that if some satisfactory adjustment
of existing difficulties should not be accomplished,
and that at early day. several other States besides
South Carolina will secede from the Union The
present period seems also to be favorable to perma
nent adjustment so far as the Northern mind is
concerned. 1t is evident that the great body of the
people of the non-saveholding States are more
thoroughly aroused to impending dangers than they
have been before. We believe they are anxious
to perpetuate the Union, if it can be done at all
compatibly with their feelings and with what they
believe to be their rights and this we are sure,
the wish of large majority of the Southern people
Let Convention, them of all the States be called.
Let the Legislatures of the respective States take
the necessary steps to call this Convention. Let
North Carolina originate the increment Her situa-
ton geographically is SUCH and her character for
moderation, justice and firmness is such that re-
commentator from her, unanimously made by her
Other States would go with her in sufficient number
to compel Congress- if majority of that body
should be disposed to hesitate, to make the call
forthwith. Convention thus called to be composed
of delegates elected by the people of the respective
States-say one delegate for each electoral vote
would assemble at some period during the ensuing
year and meanwhile the whole country would be
giving Mr.. Lincoln trial in the position to which
he has been called This plan, too would give full
time for reaction in the Northern mind. If such a
Convention, meeting under such circumstances, and
remaining in anxious and solemn session for the
space of three or four months, could not readjust
and re-establsh the foundations of the Union on
just and enduring basis, then for one We would
despair of confederated republican liberty and would
be ready to separate finally and forever from the
Northern States. This plan, too, would ef-
fectually unite the slaveholdng States than any
other. If the amendments proposed should be salts
factory to both sections, and should be ratified,
long lease Of life would at once be given to the
Union and all the States, with the new ones that
would from time to time be added, would go forward
together in harmony. But if no satisfactory amend
ments could be agreed upon, then the States could
separate peaceably after having fairly divided the
public property.
This is the course so earnestly recommended by
Mr.. Buchanan in his late annual message. That
venerable statesman trembling for the fate of the
country which he has served so long and faithful
ly, urges this plan of explanatory amendments" to
the Constitution, to originate with Congress or the
State Legislatures may be deemed most advisa-
ble," as the main ground of hope which he enter
tains for the perpetuation of the existing Union.
But, we are answered, the Union is already dis
solved-South Carolina has seeded, and the remain
der of the ''cotton States" will soon follow. But
this, instead of weakening, strengthens sugges-
ton Let Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Mary
land, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina stand
where they are, to be in situation to act as
mediators between the North and the South 1t
may be that the glory has been reserved for these
middle States of reconciiing with each other breth
rem of extreme views and of this preventing the f.
nal overthrow of our system. A movement of this
kind would be any thing but hasty Every step in
it would be marked with solemnity and dignity
While it would give time for reflection both North
and South, it would appeal by the immense inter-
ests to be committed to it to the justice, the Gber
atty, and the patriotism of every true descendant of
our revolutionary fathers. The great deep of the
popular heart would be touched and roused and the
rising pillows, under the guiding hand of the Great
Ruler Of men and nations, would bear the old ship
of State, with new tmbers and canvas, into a Sc
rene and tranquil haven. As it is she pitches fear
fully mountain high with breakers threat
ening her ahead.
We are not welded to any particular views in the
present crisis. We are ready to adopt any course
which will give reasonable promise of good results.
We sincerely devoted to Constitutional Union;
we do not think the period has arrived for North