Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-01-05
PUBLIC MEETING IN BUNcoMBE COUNTY.

PUBLIC MEETING IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY.
A meeting of the citizens of Buncombe county,
irrespective Of party, was held at the Courthouse
in Ashevlllc on Saturday the 22d instant and the
proceedings were as follows:
On motion, Capt Charles Moore was called to the
Chair and W. T. Dickinson, ST., appointed Secretary
Col A. B. Chunn moved, that committee OF hve
be appointed to report resolutions Tor the
ton of the meeting the motion having been con-
CURED in the Chairman announced the names OF
the following gentlemen as the committee, VIZ:
Mcssrs. A g. Chunn NJ. Patton, j. ID. Hyman, W.
w. Mcdowell, aud o. Willis.
After the committee retired, Col. J. R. Weaver,
W. II. Graves, Esq, and Hon. N. w. WOodhn,
scveraliy addressed the meeting At the conclusion
of Mr.. Woodfin's speech, the committee unanimously
reported, through j. D. Hyman Esq, the following
preamble and resolutions:
WHEREAS The election of President ana vice
President of the United States, by the Northern
anti slavery party, based, as that party avowedy Is
upon the single idea of hostility to the peculiar IN
stitution of slavery as it exists in fifteen States OF
the Union, although said election was in accordance
with the forms of the constitution, is nevertheless,
vioatve of its spirit and its intent, and is lncom-
patible with the safety and honor OF the Southern
States, whilst past aggressions remain unredreSsed
and the constitution and the laws, as they are now
interpreted by this dominant sectional party, afford
no guarantees for the future. And
WHEREAS The present alarming symptoms OF
anarchy and revolution visible throughout the ma
ton, admonish the people of the Southern States
that they should meet together in their primary
capacity without restraint and without distinction
of party or Sect and declare boldly to the world
their sentiments upon the solemn crisis now so
fearfully agitating the country. Therefore,
Resolved l. That we object to and deplore the
election of President and NcePresident OF the
United States, upon purely sectional issue, by
party whose avowcd declaration of principles and
action prove their hostility to the social organization
of fifteen States of this Union
2 That we feel no less Sensitively than the citl-
zens of the more Southern States, the Importance OF
maintaining the vital energy of every constitutional
guaranty for the protection of our rights; and we
do not hesitate to declare our firm, but calm and
resolute purpose of insisting upon them AL under
all circumstances, the only means OF nSurlng the
preservation of the Union and the perpetuty Of the
government.
3. That the people of Buncombe county have
common interest with every portion of the South;
and they consider that every aggression made upon
the institutions Of any orc Of the Southern States,
is equally an aggression upon the rights OF all.
4. That although deplore, as great national
calamity the result of the late Presidential election
we do not yet despair Of obtaining justice, by CO.
operation with the other Southern States
). That those of the free States that have nufed
have attempted to nulify the Fugitive Slave Law
have deliberately violated the Constitution. and that
flying statutes, and faithful execution by them Of
this law; by the incorporation of the provision for
which in the Constitution, alone could that inStru-
ment have been ratified by the Southern States and
but for which the Ordinance Of 1877, whose pro-
visions far applicable at this time, some OF the
multiplying States still profess to be governed by
could never have been made by the Congress of the
Confederation.
6. That while prctermt an expression Of opin-
ion upon the abstract question, whether State has
the constitutional right to secede from the Union
declare belief in all inherent right of revolu
ton in all governments; but ut the same time We
adopt the language OF the Declaration of lndepcnd
ence that mankind are more disposed to suffer,
while evils are SuiFcrable than TO right themselves
by aboliShing the forms to which they arc accuStom
ed; and that revolution only he justified when
it becomes a settled conviction with the people, that
their safety and happiness would be better promoted
under new or different form of government.
I. That, whatever may be the constitutional pow
Of the general government, in dealing with
State that may secede from the Union. believe it
to be the part Of prudence and wise policy to allow
such State to depart in peace"
8. That in order to secure our rights and obtain
redress Of our injuries the Legislature, now in sCs-
sion, should provide for Convention Of the people,
the federal basis, to be held at early day
practicable to take into consideration the subject
matter Of federal relations and determine what the
interest and honor of " Carolina require her to do
q. That whatever NAV be the determination oil
the Convention, Gf it shall be callet provided its
action be submitted to the people for their approval
or rejection, and they ratify the same, "wc mutual
~ pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and
our sacred honor" to abide by the result.
~. That our militia system should be carefully
revised, and the militia thoroughly organized and
that measures should be adopted to arm and equip,
with the hest weapons all the volunteer companies in
the State this time that may hereafter be formed
IL. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to
our Senator and Commoner in the Legislature with
the request that they present the same 10 The
Sideration of the General Assembly also that copy
he sent TO our Immediate Representative and Sena-
tors in Congress
Mr.. Lyman briefly addressed the meeting in sup
port of the resolutions, and followed by o. Viii
lis, Gen. Il. VI. Edney Col. A. B. Chunn, Capt W.
w. Mcdowell, and Hon. n. W. Woodfn; and, on
motion of Mr. Woodfn, the resolutions were unan-
imously adopted. Also, on motion, the Town pa
pers were requested to publish the proceedings Of
the meeting.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
CHARLES MOORE, Chni'n.
W. T. DICKINSON, Sec'y.
PUBLIC MEETING IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.
At a meeting of the citizens of Franklin County,