Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-05-11

dened separate State secession rash and precpi-
tate and wanting IN respect to the sister States Of
identical interests; and long there hope of
an adjustment Of sectional differences they were
unwilling to part with the Government and give
success TO the movement for it's overthrow, which
appeared on the part Of some at least 20 be but the
revelation of long cherished design. But the
President gives to the question new alternatives -
These are, on the one hand to join with him in
war of conquest for it is nothing less, against our
brethren of the seeding States. or on the other
resistance to and throwing off the obligations of the
Federal Constitution. OF the two we do not hesi-
tate to accept the latter Blood is thicker than wa
ter. However widely we have differed from, and
freely criticised the course taken by these States
they much more closely united with u.s. by the
ties Of kindred, affection, and peculiar interest
which is denounced and warred upon at the North,
without reference to any locality in our own section
than to any of the Northern States. And withal,
cannot exclude from our contemplation the id, a.
that when they shall be subdued upon the issues
involved in the contest, our turn will come next;
our only exemption above theirs being that, like
the victims of the Cyclops, shall be last to be
devoured. ] do not mean that Mr.. Seward, Mr..
Chase even Mr. Lincoln himself entertans any
present design of extinguishing slavery in the
South Their sweeping generalities, that the Gov
ernment could not endure with a country half slave
and half free, and that there was necessary con-
ict whether freemen should cultivate the fields Of
the South, slaves till those of the North, was the
rhetoric Of the hustings on which they were
vaSSing for freeso votes. But this rhetoric had its
effect in influencing, if not forming public opinion
among the masses and as often happens, those who
blow up flame are unable to blow it out. regard
a war of the Government of the United States upon
the seeded States therefore, with the design of
compelling their submission to the laws and return
to the Union as in its consequence a war upon the
institutions of the Southern States in general
The course of the President has compelled Virgin
ia to sever her conneXon with the Union. contrary
to what had seemed to be the wishes of her people,
and leaves North Carolina other alternative but
to take the same step. Indeed from the action of
Virginia and that of the other States our limits,
this severance is now but matter OF form, Ten
nesSee being the only cotermnous State which has
not declared her separation We must therefore
acqulesce in a necessity which best efforts could
not avert, dissolution of the Government Of the
United States. The announcement of this fact in
spires in feeling but painful sadness be-
lieve great catastrophe to the whole country
and to the world could have been ard ought to
have been prevented, and that nOw if the peo-
pie of the two sections whose armies are being mar
shalled in hostile array, could be allowed to com
mune together and compare opinions in calm delib-
eration il they could not agree terms of reunion,
could at least devise measures for separation in
peace. But let us yield to no feeling Of deSponden-
cy hut grid our lons for the duties imposed on
by the present and awaiting in the future. North
with her vast resources for for peace can
readily maintain her position a separate power of
the earth, or as member of any new political or
ganzaiion into which she may enter. What condi-
ton in this respect she may resolve to occupy must
he left to the future to determine. Her first at
present must he addressed to the impending war; in
which, if it must come she bear neutral part,
but must ally herself with her sister States of the
South at least until the recognition Of her and their
common independence. Until that is achieved let
us postpone any differences which may separate us
the responsibilities and causes of the present
condition Of affairs and the agencies for the
taking care Of our national interests which we may
find 1t expedient to adopt In expressing these
timents have changed no opinions. and entertain
no regrets the recent acton of the people of
the State. concurred in the decision which they
made. and in my opinion wisely made against the
c,ll of a Convention. And whatever opinion NAV be
| held in relation to its wisdom, it was eminenty
decision of the people themselves. The Legislature
the public presses and public men of all parties with
| but exceptions were for Convention, with
very clearly defined ideas Of what it to accom-
psh except on the part Of those who favored imme-
date secession for then existing causes. The peo-
| pie regarded the proposed Convention measure
to effect revolution. and not having exhausted the
means of reconciliation and peace, which in the sim
cerity of their love for the Constitution and the
Union, they desired to attempted, they rejected
the measure at the polls. But it would be altogeth
er aSe Interpretation OF tnat decision 10 say tnat
in it there were any sanction or encouragement to
the of coercive against the States hich
| had withdrawn. On the contrary, such a course
| was universally condemned and pronounced to he
Just cause for resistance by the opponents Of Con-
vention Had the dissolution of the Government
resulted from Convention then called and for then
existing causes, they would have felt that the blame
might be imputable to themselves. Coming as it
! now must from the high handed action of the Pres
ident they feel acquitted from its destruction, and
will meet the issue with no doubling hearts. The
decision and the delay therefore have placed the
| Government of the United States in the wrong and
relieved us from any intestine divisions.
Mr. Graham made other remarks on directing our
whole energies to the public defence, and demon
srating to the world that if had not been swift
to enter the quarrel, we should bear ourselves in
it, that the opposer may beware of us.-Hills6orO
| Recorder.