The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-12-18

SIGNS OF THE TIMEs.--The prospect for a
speedy settlement of the present difficulties is not
very cheering either in the North or the South.
Several propositions have been made in Congress
for peace but they appear to be received with but
little favor by either section. The southern MEM
bers of the committee of SO, it seems, do not ex-
pect that anything can be done, and some of them
do not even manifest disposition to do anything.
, In our own State public sentiment is much d.
vided as to what course ought to be pursued by
North Carolina In several counties, two or more
meetings have been held and opposite views ex-
pressed-some for immediate secession, some for
making a demand on the North for final settle
ment of the slavery question and full acknowledge
ment of our rights and in of refusal, then for
secession, and some for remaining in the Union
until Lincoln commits an act against the South or
violates the Constitution in some way. All appear
to be in favor of armng the State and preparing for
future events, and majority favor the calling of
Convention, while there seems to be very decided
majority among the people and in the Legislature
against immediate secession.
The thing greatly to be desired at this time, we
think, is concession and moderation the part of
the two parties which now springing up in the
State. The people should not be too much divided
and arrayed against each other Differences Of
opinion must be allowed and tolerated, for we feel
assured that events will soon transpire which will
unite, to a great extent, the people of our State in
some course of action. The citizens of North Ca
rolina will be found united in opposition to further
aggressions on the part of the North therefore let
us all, at present, agree to disagree until further
events transpire. Let all do what they to pre-
vent unnecessary alarm among the people and pre-
confidence between man and man in business
transactions If confidence between our own peo-
pie be maintained, there will be little or no dis
tress in the South. Produce brings nearly as high
prices it did last year this time-prObaby
there is slight decline in some articles-and the
prospect is that present rates will be maintained
The merchant, mechanic, and laborer will feel the
pressure most though we think their difficulties
will be of short duration. Above all, let US main
tain confidence among ourselves, and exercise lib
erality by acts we'll words.
Be3y- Some of the Republican papers say that
while the North should make concessions to the
South the South ought to be willing to re-enact
the Missouri Compromise. 1t is too late to talk
about that Compromise now--the South will never
agree to its restoration. 1t outrage on the
rights of southern people, unconstitutional, and
ought never to have been acquesced in by the
South We want no more compromises of any
kind The South only wants her rights and moth
ing less will restore harmony. If the North is
willing to acknowledge the rights and equality of
the Southern States, peace may be restored; if not,
there will be peace between the two sections,
and the South will take care of her own interests.
We hope to hear nothing more about compromises.
Had it not been for patched-up compromises here
tofore made, the question would have been peace
ably settled long ago. The only thing that will
restore peace now is concession on the part of the
North, for which we still entertain very slight
hope. However much may be in favor of de-
liberation and moderation, and for preserving the
Uuion if possible, we utterly opposed to any
further concessions on the part of the South Now
is the time to settle the matter, but not by fimsy
compromises.