Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1860-03-01
or the Journal,
Adj ValOfen.

MEssRs. EDITORS 1T of deep regret that q
proposition for altering the Constitution of North Carolina
known the dd Ua0re movement, has been sprung upon
the people at the present time. 1t is imed and uno
nate to say the least of it and it is astonishing us that
it's friends should persist in pressing its discussion when there
is such overwhelming demonstration against its agitation
by both the press and people of the State The signal de-
feat of this movement hands of the last Legislature
should have been sufficient to convince the prime movers
the utter fuity of the project But it they de-
termined to press the matter to the bitter end.
Although in its ncpiency this agitation of the PROPOSE
change in system has already givensgn o
bitter feelings, feuds and sectional jeaousies its further
discussion will inevitably produce. Nor is this all No
sooner was the address of the Wake County Workhg
men Association " issued than the Abolition papers ot
and doubt rejoced in the hope that by this movement
dssensons would be engendered among our people who
should from every consideration of patriotism CHERISH
the present time spirit of harmony and union We dOnn
doubt but that the friends of this ad UdOre project asa
class true to the Institutions OF the South any other
citizens of North Carolina.
But the good motives of do not alter the effect pro
duced by his acts They nay pallate the ofense but
alter the result. We wish deal with facts mo
tves 1t is certain the Abotioniss regarded proclaim
ed this favorable and it is unfortunate
in our humble opinion that should either do, omit
do anything now when we almost in the midst of an
'.rrepressibe crisis, that could in any way directly
Indirectly give aid and comfort to our bitteres enc
mics.
The limits of this communication, Messrs. Editors will
not allow detailed discussion of the proposed alteration
the Constitution for TO indeed, prepOsteOls
to talk about taxing slaves according the dd Ud Sys
TEN, without altering State Constitution In this
III 1907, "nen recommending an approximation 10 lHe al
UdIore system other kinds of property declared that
the Constitution has imposed tdr SaUeS M the tc0t@
chdrGct OF persons and property, and that an al 0aoT
tau cannot be imposed that species Of estate We
with surprise that correspondent of the NORTH Caro
Standard takes different position, and assumes that ses
be taxed according to valuation under the CONSTITUTION
because that instrument does not expressly prohibit not
withstandng there express provision subectng slaves
to capation tax The Constitution having provided and
pointed out particular manner in which slaves should be
taxed departure therefrom is certainly disobedeu
\ and must be violation OF such provision
1t is well known that the existing, we'll as prospective
debt of North Carolina incurred, when there
prospect OF changing the established revenue system Of The
State. This fact which has been mentioned in the columns
of your valuable paper heretofore, should weigh heavily
against the adoption of the proposed change 1t
tanly implied if not actual pledge to the taXeN
of the State that the revenue for meeting this debt
be raised in the accustomed manner. And would in not
violation of this implied faith to effect such material and
radical change in the of raising revenue as pro
posed by the friends of this Gd UGOren1 movement! II So
let not the integrity of North Carolina be comp msed
Our obligations should always be held nvolae, whilst
dangerous to be making unnecessary innovations on the
Constitution There should be urgent necessity as wei
as general demand on the part of the people, to ae
change in that sacred instrument.
But laying aside all arguments against the justice pa2
tcabity Of this ad UaLOre movement the inevitable effect
Of its further agitation should prompt its peculiar tnds
pause ere it is too late. is evident from the spirit aea
displayed that, if persisted in, it will disturb the quiet aA
tranquil repose of our people, and be like Pando'
box, full of evils. 1t does require keen optics to d:
cover, that it will be a bombshe in the ranks of the on
National party of the country-imparng, if not DESTROY!
its organization 1t will array section against section c"
against class and invade destroy the happy OF @
ing, existing between the people of all portions I
State. 1t will disturb the compromises between the E
and West on the basis of representation and other d
questions. 1t will be calculated to engender in the mu'
some unwhoesome prejudice against the Constt1H-
and be the stepping stone for bringing forward otLe pro
positions change that instrument. For these and oIa
reasons it is TO be hoped that those at least in the %
cratic party, who have embraced this movement Will u'
sist and place their shoulders to the wheel of betterc
They may be committed, but false pride should wesD
feather when the quiet of their country and party bo |
imperatvey for the abandonment OF ISSUE traugh w
much danger to the peace and safety Of both We are
ed to the columns of the Standard weekly teemn VIII
letters resolutions &C., in favor of this and uLio.
nate issue. From the Greensboro Patriot and other W
Opposition papers, expected nothing better VI u.
has no time to frtter away Si on such Questions ey
before them high and responsible destny-tha Of dT.
ing the Constitution against dangerous and unscGuI
sectional party whose will destroy the ae""
of government instituted by
Yours very truly, .,