Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-01-14

Raleigh, Jan. 10th. lSi0.
Gentlemen: | have the honor of acknowledging
the receipt of your favor of the 27th ult enclosing
a copy of the resolutions recently adopted at pub
lie meeting of the citizens OF Chatham County
one of which, urges the necessity of special session
of the General Assembly.
These resolutions manifest, upon the part Of the
citizens Of your county, Zeal in behalf OF the pub
lie welfare deserving of all commentator, and for
which they will doubtless receive the thanks of the
people Of the State.
Like sentiments to those contained in the rcSolu-
tons, having been expressed to me by many intc
gent citizens, consider it as not inappropriate and
indeed but respectful to them to make known, pub
licy, my views upon the subject, and will avail
myself of the opportunity offered by your commu-
nication of doing 1t is not TO be denied that a
of insecurity pcrvadeS, at this time the public
mind TO very considerable extent, arising princ-
pay ont of the fact of a want, in the present dis
turbed condition Of public affairs, of an organization
of our military forces and effective TO place i'll
their hands
Fully approaching the magnitude of the causes
that havc-gvGn rise to these apprehenSionS and SEP
sbe of the persistent efforts of the evil disposed
persons who would disturb our peace, | neverthe-
less entertain the opinion that the public need
apprchend no immediate aggresSions by force of
arms TO my mind our danger lies not in that di-
rcction. The attacks most to be feared are those
coming under the speciOus forms of law,-more qui-
ct and inSidOus in their approaches but none the
less fatal in their results.
have every confidence that our ordinary police
force will be found fully and entre adequate to
the preservation of the public peace until the time
designated by law for the meeting of the LegiSla-
ture; and then, the representatives OF the people,
having fully in view the perilS that threaten us in
the future, will have an opportunity of making am
pie and timely preparations to meet them.
You may rest assured, that could for moment
I'll 81, MT hn
completely protected by existing laws duly admins
tered, would not hesitate with the advice Of the
Council of State, to convene the Legislature.
1t is true, several useful measures might be
adopted were that body in scSSion,-among
them the organization and arming of the militia,
measure required as we'll by act of Congress, as
by the most ordinary prudence. Yet this does not
present case of overriding and absolute necessity,
which alone would justify me in converting the lie
| gSlaturc in special session.
| deem it important too, to avoid all such action
as would tend to increase the excitement now eX-
istng among our people. justly as this excitement
has been provoked; and in my opinion such meas
urc would greatly tend to that result.
When the Legislature meets in regular session,
| we will have an opportunity of looking calmly on
the events of the past year, and the dangers that
| lie ahead of us,-and that real danger does sur
round US it would be criminal in public officer to
attempt to conceal, which frame of mind will be
gislation In times of real public peril, above all
others; legislation should proceed with dignity and
solemnity negativing all suspicion of the influences
of passion, and thereby securing more surely the
obedience of our own people and the respect of all
! others.
This should especially be the case in our State,
for the faith which North Carolina has ever Scrupu
lousy kept with all men, leaves no doubt that re-
solves enacted in her halls of legislation will be
| surely and scrupulouSly enforced.
always celebrating considerably and discreet
ly resolving with decision, and executing those re
solves with certainty, bodness vgor and courage,
is the policy, stated in my inaugural address,
most consistent with the dignified character which
| North-Carolina has ever borne among the States oil
the Union, and one that ought not to be departed
| from.
In arriving at the conclusion that it is not now
necessary to convene the General Assembly, | have
done so after mature reflection and under the most
solemn convictions of the responsibilities resting
upon me, and with every Difference to the opinions
of many intelligent and patriotic citizens to the con
| trary.