Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-02-16
For the Standard.

~ For the Standard.
q It seems to be pretty well settled now, that th
question Of convention will be submitted to tn
people. There is no doubt the result of that cleo
ton will depend greatly on the views the voter
may entertain of the probable action of the CONVEX
tion if called. Those in favor of secession will, -
course, vote for a convention, means of accom-
plishing their object. Others, who opposed t.
secession, and who fear that secession will be tn
consequence of calling convention, will oppose il
And it is to be feared that some who opposed
q convention, for any purpose, will endeayor tom,
press the public mind with the idea that secession
and convention, at this time, inseparably con
nected T.
Now am in favor of convention, but not for
the purpose of bringing about secession. What
then it may be asked, can be accomplished by
convention And what should we do in referenc
to our federal relations if we do not secede? /
to me that the great object of the convention
should be to adopt some measures tending to pre-
vent further secession, and also to put matters j.
such posture that those States which have alread
seeded, may be induced once more to take thei
stand in the Union, with all their just rights amp,
secured. Let US take no step looking to immediat
secession. Let the convention of North CAROLYN
calmly, clearly, and in dignifed manner set fort
to the world the grievances of the South. Let
correct statement he made of all laws passed BY
northern States which conflict with the Constitu
ton of the United States and the decisions of tn
supreme ana Such Otner acts OF the North
improperly interfere with the institution of slavery
Let say to the North, give all the rights guar
anteed to us by the present Constitution, and We
will remain a united and happy people. Let us
counsel the other southern States to pause and give
them full time to consider our demands. Let US
give the North to understand that it. after timely
warming they will not repeal their unconstitutional
laws, and if they determined to persist in their
offensive and aggressive policy the North and South
can no longer exist as one government BY pursu-
ing this course we would throw all the responsible
ity of destroying the government on the North
And whatever course we of the South might adopt
the world and posterity would justify US. You per-
ceve that am in favor of planting ourselves the
Constitution as it is, and asking for amendments
We do not complain of any oppressive features in
the Constitution, but of a want of fathfuness on
the part of the North, in complying with the pro-
visions Of the present Constitution Suppose the
Constitution amended and made more favorable to
the South is there any to believe that peo-
pie who violate it now would be more loyal to it if
amended? Let us act with magnanimity, and say
to the North, we ask nothing but what you arc
bound by the Constitution Of our common country
to give. Leading men at the North can then go be-
fore the people ard say to them, 1.-THE South ask
nothing but what We bound to give; let us live
and act up to the requirements of the Constitution
and give them their rights and stop this strife"-
But if we insist upon amendments, demagogues and
enemies Of the South will say to the people. the
South are not satisfied with the strong features of
the present Constitution in their favor but they are
asking farther concessions to the slave power"
If the South will only watch and wait" and
stand firm, the whole subject will be narrowed down
to this simple question-is there virtue and patriot
ism enough ef. at the North, among the people, to
elect honest men to ofice-men who will be guided
by the Constitution when sworn to obey it? am
Of those who think there is. At all events, am
willing to give them time to show at the ballot box
how they stand. We all know and acknowledge
that there are many, very many at the North, who
are anxious to do full justice Let US, then, for
their sake, for the sake Of our happy country for
the sake Of liberty and the best hopes of man in
free government, wait and sec what they will do.
GUILFoRD, Feb LIST, 1861 NJ A. j.