Weekly standard., 1860-09-12
SPEECH OF ROBERT P. DICK, ESQ.


Fellow CITIZENS As member Of the National
Executive Committee Of the Democratic party. is
sued a call for the Democratic people Of North-Ca
olina-the friends of Douglas and johnson, the
regular nominees-to meet in Convention at this
place to-day, to prepare for the Presidential cam
pagn In obedience to that CALL you have left your
homes and assembled here to discharge high and
solemn duty to your country. With all my heart
greet and congratulate you Your presence here
must satisfy the people that the old Democratic par
ty still lives; for the thro5bings Of its mighty heart
now thrill this assembly. Again has it reused it.
self to action, and is ready once more to enter the
free conflict for the Union of our fathers Let US,
therefore, form ourselves into Convention, and do
what duty and patriotism require at our hands. We
nav have some difficulties to encounter, but SIN
cerely hope that a spirit of generous conciliaton
NAV preside over our councils and we may have the
wisdom and frmness to discharge our duties to the
satisfaction of the Democracy Of the Union.
honestly believe that we represent the true na-
tional Democracy Of North Carolina. l believe so
because endorse the principles enunciated by the
regular Convention of that party. We abide by the
rules and usagcs which have always governed its
organization, and we cordially support the nominees
whom it has placed before the American people
The national Convention which met at Charles
ton and adjourned to Baltimore, was the only one
that had any authority from the people to act as
their representative The secession of some of the
delegates could not destroy its organization so long
as there remained sufficient number who could le
gally discharge its appropriate duties. When the
seceders left the regular Convention their delegated
authority was ended, and the power which they as
sumed in forming themselves into another Conven-
tion was entirely unwarranted, and their individual
action can bind no one but themselves.
The first great lessons which learned in the
Democratic school Of politics was, "the majority
shall rule;" the rules and usages of the party shall
control individual action and thnt no laid CON-
FORT" shall be giren to bolters and disorganizers-
In the midst of trials and conflicts from my youth,
have learned those lessons we'll, and always ex
pect to be governed by them, as my judgment con-
vinces me that they arc just, and experience has
shown them to be wise.
As good and loyal Democrat l am therefore de-
termned to sustain the principles and nominees of
the regular Convention of my party, with all the
energy and zeal which may possess, and make no
concession or compromise with those who oppose
them.
have always been Democrat I have true and
faithful allegiance borne to my party, and have
er yet shrunk from any duty or responsibility which
it imposed. l have followed its fortunes through
days of sunshine and darkness have reioiced in
its trumphs, and while have regretted its defeats,
have never yet been dispirited or lost confidence
in its ultimate success sincerely believe that it
is yet the destiny of the Democratic party to pre-
serve the union of the States and thus carry out the
designs Of Providence in making us the greatest.
purest and happiest nation that ever existed. And
although that party has been weakened now by de-
sertion and disorganization, still hope that the
people VIII put forth their mighty power and enable
it to fulfil its glorious destiny.
The great question of union or dsunion is now
before the country, and we have to meet it, The
question is involved in Congressional intervention
or non-lntervention. For more than quarter of
century the question of slavery has disturbed the
councils Of the nation and has frequently seriously
threatened the dissolution of the Union. It has be-
come dangerous by its constant agitation in Con-
gress 1t has been used and is still used by unscru-
pulous politicians as means of elevatng themselves
to power and place, by infaming the worst passions
and prejudices of the people Its discussion in Con-
gress has absorbed all other questions which ought
to engage the attention of that body and thus
weakened the power of the government to foster
ana promote the great commercial financial, and in
dustria interests of the nation, and to check the
enormous expenditures which have made the treas.
ury bankrupt 1t has engendered the vilest fanati-
csm and kindled the fires of sectional hate which
II not arrested, will plunge this country into vor-
tex OF anarchy and dcluge this land with fraternal
blood.
How is this direful catastrophe to be averted
The national Democracy have answered by saving.
rSn'ore the question from Congress and remand it 10
Inc people to regulate it for themselres, under the
Constitution, as espounded By the Supreme Court.
II TINS is DONE peace harmony and prosperity will
oe restored, and the Union be saved But establish
the doctrine of Intervention, and you keep continu.
ally burning at the capitol the fires of sectionalism,
"hch WILL consume every feeling Of brotherhood
ana soon light up the funeral pyre of the nation
with flames Of discord and civil war.
The great 1pnd;n, ,h;o,+
aid in the preservation of the Union. and the great
caronai principle Of my political faith is the doc
trne OF n0'-antersention, and will claim fellowship
with no party which does not secure homage and
realty 10 the one, and will follow no leader who
has not the other blazoned forth upon his banner.
Inc national Democratic party at Baltimore re-
asserted the doctrine of noninterventon, which was
contained in the platforms Of 184s 1852. 1856 and
agreed upon in the Compromise measures and the
nansas,Nebraska bill. It is the bond of union, and
ior twelve years has been the shibboh Of the North
ern and Southern Democracy. It has carried US in
triumph through two Presidential campaigns, and
.onia again have insured US victory but for deser.
ton ~ IN the field Of battle in front Of the enemy.
Ins ooctrine has long been maintained by the
Democracy Of North. Carolina. All of our leading
Puo!c men are fully committed to it, and If We de.
sert II now We will certainly be defeated in this
Stste oy the opposition, and We will deserve to be.
tut VIVA. Is tne democratic PARTY without national.
ity, consistency Of principle, and repnlsr;tv ~ 80
ton! 1t is like Samson shorn Of his locks and r
WIN groPe its uncertain way amidst confusion, dark.
ness, and blindness, to . terrible overthrow. :
common honesty and Justice require us to keen
our pghted faith with our Northern friends and al.
Mes iney have observed their covenant even at
~, u..es. personal and political sacrifices They
~ .t.,% :. osmands upon but only require US
sssnd 70 the bargain made and 20 often solemnlv
so..h .n3 rat'ned. If the Democracy of the
.,d Y.nsss ; sacred and under the
purely .se.or. ths Khett and Others become
North and then dsunon d nevtsS,s H'o, Man :, 'ne o
are you prepared to act TIM. ,.I ~
!he eonsequehces viii be 50 disastrousS ts wne
Is !Hs os:t policy s.good maxim in potes SGss, !,
hss. NJ met sne ,e ordinary transactions Of M w
'' '''' 's's '07aay TO carry out the teachings .
- Es-r
r.