Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-01-31
LETTER FROM MIR. CLINGMAN.
SENATE CHAMBER, Washington, Jan. 8, 1st

SENATE CHAMBER, Washington, Jan. g. 1861
Dear r:-Your dispatch reached me last night,
giving the information of the passage of the bill to
arm the State. Had this bill and one to call a con-
ventiOn been passed month ago. thiEk it proba-
bic that a sufficient impression might have been
made on the black Republicans to induce them to
consent to some adjustment of the difficulties between
the sections. But the delay in our State and SINH
lar evidences of hesitation or division in the South
encouraged our enemies They came to the con-
cuSion that they would have to meet no resistance
outside of the cotton States ard they believe that
they would be able to crush that resistance by mill
tary force. Under this impression they as party
took stand against any substantial concession
Having taken that position, there seems to be no
indication whatever that any adjustment is to be
made that will protect our honor or maintain our
rights.
While am, as one of the representatives of the
South at all times ready to accept any proper set
Element, cannot hold out at present any induce
ment to delay action. TIE obvious policy and pur-
pose of the black Republicans is to keep the South
unprcpared and divided until they can get into
power, and then their intention is unmistakeable-
to use all the power of the government to compel
the South to submit to their domination to the ex
tent even of abolishing slavery, should civil af
ford them a tolerabe pretext. If, however, North
Carolina, Virginia and the border States will act at
once they may by preserving a united South, avert
the evils of civil war.
Such | think will be the result, unless there
shall, before the inauguration be military conflict
The black Republicans are endeavorIng by al the
means in their power to induce Mr.. Buchanan to
begin the war. Gen. Scott who is here directing
the military movements is on their line of policy.
have for the last two weeks been satisfied that
unless the President reviewed all his orders we
should certainly be involved in war at very early
day.
The message of the President, received to-day
and ,,p1s Iico, h.
other light than as a message. Though he dis
claims the right to cOerce make war in terms vet
he declares purpose to enforce all the laws of the
United States by military power in the seeding
States. More than this he could not do, for no one
would ask him to enforce laws that did not exist
Lincoln himself would not probably, at this time,
resort to more despotic acts outside of the existing
laws.
Whether, therefore, our purpose be to obtain
Constitutional guarantees, to avert civil war; or to
maintain honor and the property of our citizens
it equally the duty Of the State to ITSELF and
in convention of people take action such the
emergency may demand The sooner that Conven-
ton is called and the fewer restrictions attempted
to be imposed it. the better for the whole country.
Though have frequently expressed these views to
you and to other members ofour General Assembly
yet such is the importance of the subject, that
hope you will excuse my repeating them again
You arc at liberty to make any use you may think
proper of these views.
Very truly, yours, &C.,
T. L. CLINGMAN.
W. II. TnoMAs Esq.