Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-02-07
TIE WILMINGTON JOURNAL
WmmNaToN, n. C., THURSDAY. FEB. =, 1851
The Convention BIII.

Defect1Ve4S Is the Convention Dill passed DY then
Legislature of North Carolina, 1t is possibly the only
or at any rate the best bill which could have been
passed under existing circumstances 1t is the law 1t
is so understood. Let all the friends of Convention
then, rally upon it. By so ralying they may be able
to that concert of action indispensable to success
The first section of TIVE bill enacts that upon the pas
of said act, the Governor is to issue his proclama-
ton commanding the Sherfs Of the respective counties
throughout the State to open polls the 18th ins for
the election Of delegates and for taking the vote upon
the question of Convention or No Convention.
We did not receive any papers from Raleigh yesterday
and therefore do not know what may be found in them
when Received, but yet we have proclamation
from the Governor, but presume that it will make
its appearance if not sent to each Sheriff individually
an unusual procedure, we think.
We have seen various suggestions looking to the cleo
ton of delegates and the assembling Of convention at
some earlier time than that contemplated in the bill of
both houses also at different place. We respect
the motives Of the gentlemen making these SUGGESTIONS
but fear that any attempt to carry them out practically
must result il confusion and be productive of injury to
the cause which their authors have at heart 1t may
contribute to produce such results by dstractiDg the at
tenon of the friends of States rights and may also be
seized upon and made handle of by their opponents,
who will endeavor to misrepresent them as "laWess
men," (see Secretary Holly as "precpitators" as
any slangwharger can easily do having got his cue
from head quarters.
No. let US give our opponents no advantage by any
divisions among ourselves let US give them no oppor
tunity to misrepresent "preciptators," or as
nIawless men :" let us do nothing that might have
tendency TO drive off the most aw-abding conservative
With our rights and equality as our motto, let US
20 for these where they be secured not gong tor
secession for the sake of secession but accepting It, 1t
mist come as a means to secure those rights which
feel tn he no longer safe in the Union and without
further guarantees than we have, our rights are
not safe in the UDon There circumstances now
within the range of probability from which we can draw
any hope that a satisfactory settlement can be arrived
at or that sufficient guarantees will be given upon which
the South can epos security tits the want OF these
guaranees-not the love of secesson-hat operates up
on the public mind most strongly.
Without organization there can be efficient ac-
ton The secession feeling in this State has been a
spontaneous impulse The opposition to any action has
been labored and concerted effort, guided by wiley
politicians although concentousy participated in and
pushed forward by many sincere men. Between now
and the day of election all sorts Of expedens will proba-
bly, be resored to. Pamphlets will be scattered broad
cast orators will harangne and shwhackers "norate
in ncccorners and other places, how the awful seces
sonists intend to ruin the country and be the death OF
every man. woman and child Terrible pictures will no
doubt be drawn all Of which may be fine exercise for
the imagination but hardly valuable reliable materials
for history and scarcely admissible as evidence.
Now, we want fair showing and respectful hear
ing for ALL We need not suggest to the gentlemen of
the Union party what they should do-thot is their
business and will, no doubt be attended to; but to
those with whom we have been acting we would say
Get out your best the earliest possible moment
Talk plain talk to the people, stating the just as it
stands and showing the grOundessnes of the charges
made against the States Rights party We use this
term States Rights ITO designate party under
whatsoever name its present members may have former
" rallied, in preference to Secession, because tie
maintenance of the rights and the equality Of the States
is the ed to the accomplishment of which secession
is only regarded as one of the mems Circulate prac
teal documents showing, frst-Our danger in the Tn
ion gVihout satisfactory guarantees 2d-What alone
can be regarded satisfactory guarantees; 3d-l'he
common interest which all citizens of the South have in
demanding such guarantees and, 4th-The true posi-
ton we would occupy in aSouthern Confederacy in the
cvent-(and think it probable event -of our safe
ty requiring US join such Conederacy. There would
OF course, be many collateral subjects which would
however, range themselves under these heads.
Now as to the candidates. First We need not say
that these should be good and true, and reliable
They ought to be strong men-the strongest before tn
people and as members of a Convention, Good, true
reliable and strong men are wanted without regard t.
cliques localities or former designations. How are they
to be brought out? We put this question to the PEG
pie of this and OTHER counties and should be glad to
ceive and publish any well considered plans, any sug
gestons which might lead to such at once.
IRREvocABLE-Mr Cobb, on taking the chair of th