Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1860-11-29

and indeed no remedy at all since the constitution which
provides for such cases has been wholly annued by the
State of Massachusetts,.
The fcrbearance with which the South borne these
ndgmes and wrongs has utterly failed to secure cor
responding fobearance upon the part OF our aggessor
The spirit of fanacsm by which they influenced grow
ing holder by its awless riot and Indulgence
has at last far united the Northern masses as to enable
them seize upon the general government with all its
power of purse and sword Two have been elect
dent exclusively the people of section of the
try upon principle hostile to the institutions and domestic
policy of the other. Neither of them received electoral
vote in all the fifteen southern States and neither could
have uttered many of them the political sentiments up
himself the penalties of the local criminal laws
of foreign domination to could well be
presented and that will be hostile domination, past
and the circumstances under which they
been elected forbid to doubt That any people, having
due appreciation OF the principles of liberty could long
submit to such domination, it impossible to suppose.
They tell that this election has been conducted
cordng to the forms Of the Constitution and therefore,
the people of the South should take exception
1act They, who themselves have utterly refused to be
bound by that Constitution hold to bond
osecure US from defending our property and lives asgnat
their expressions
1t true Abraham Lincoln is elected President according
to the forms OF the Constitution it is equally true that
George the Third the rghul occupant of British
Throne yet fathers submitted not to his authority Tney
re6eed not against the man. because of deceit of MS
title to the but against the substantial fact
tne tyranny OF ms ministers and Parliament That power
behind the throne and which the of the throne
atte pied to deprive them of their liberties the with
which they grapped So it is with US. 1t is not the
Abraham Lincoln that regard but the power that ele-
waited him to office and which will naturally maintain
trolling influence in his Administration And it
ably be expected, that who have totally dsregarded
their constitutional obligations and proved dangerous
the administration OF their State Governments, will learn
moderation by this new qualification OF their lust of
and dominion?
When it considered that the sentiment of hostility to
African slavery deeply fixed in the minds of the Northern
peoplethat for twenty-five years formed part OF
their educaton-been incucaed in the family circle,
Taught 10 them from the Pulpit as leading principle OF
their religion together with the duty of its practical
ment " everywhere and every OCCASION must be
1esed that there exists but little ground upon which to
hope that our rights will be secured to by the General
Government administered at their hands.
This condition of public affairs, to have been
gece threatens the most deporabe consequences to the
Confederacy Already, is rendered than probable
That several OF the Southern States IN the exercise of the
mutual rights of nations will separate from the Fedora
Union before the termination of your present
an occurrence would present grave state CT facts
handing your most serious and solemn deliberations
1t cannot for be supposed that submit
TO nave the policy OF the Abolition party upon which the
candidate for the Presidency has been elected carried
in his Administration would result in the destruction
OF our property and the placing the lives of people
daily peril and even though this should not be immediately
attempted, yet, effort to employ the military power
General Government against one of the Southern States
would present an emergency demanding prompt deci
ded action part 1t but be manifest tina blow
thus aimed at one of the Southern States would involve TIE
whole country in civil war, the destructive consequence
of which to could only be led ability
The civilization of the age surely ought be sui
clent guaranty for the prevention of great calamity
intestine war, even though amid political charges Of lh
magnitude OF these going around But, should The
incoming Administration be guilty of the folly the
Wckedness OF drawing the sword against any Sout
State whose people choose to seek that protection
Of the Federal Union which denied them it. then
ties have nhered from our 70 @ P Peace
homes and families, dearer than all governments
to resist it to the last extremity.
Ours government of public opinion and not of force
and the employment of military force control the popular
WILL would successful result in CALLING and memorable
despotism.
peace amongst the great objects which North
lima should resolve upon securing, whatever changes
Government may undergo
In view of the periOus condition of the country,
my opinion becoming and proper that should have
consultation with those States identified with interest
and in the wrongs have suffered and especially those
lying Immediately adjacent to As any action of
would of necessity materially them would be but
consistent win the amcab!e relations that have exist
ed between to invite them consultation upon ques-
ton that deeply affects ALL From calm and delber-
ate consideration of the best mode of avoiding
danger much good might result and no evil could.
In thus proceeding would show to the world dspo-
difficulties, and firm determination to maintain our
rights, in the Union possible, and OF necessary
Such step, too, would be but becoming march of re-
spec to that considerable portion of the people the
saveholdng States, who have been disposed
knowledge equals the Union, who have many
rights.
therefore, respectfully recommend that you invite the
Southern States to conference, such of them may
inclined enter into consultation with upon the
condition OF the country Should such conference be found
mpractcable then would sending of one
delegates to neghborpg States with the view
of securing concert of action
also think that the public safety requires
to people for expression of their opinion
will of the people expressed, will be law action
with ALL and that unanmy necessary in an
gency like the present.
therefore recommend that Convention the people
the State be called to assemble Immediately the pro-
posed consultation with other Southern States shall have
terminated.
The subject of military defences will require your
early attention would recommend thorough reorgani-
cation of the militia the enrolment all persons be-
tween the ages OF Is and 45 years With such regulation
muster roll would contain hundred ten thou
sand
would also recommend the formation of corps of ten
thousand volunteers with organization separate from the
main body OF the militia, and that they be suitably armed
and equipped.
That your proceedings may be conducted in spirit
harmony and concaon and that they will rebound to the
honor and welfare of North Carolina common coun-
try is my fervent desire.
JOHN W. ELLIS.
% EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT