Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-01-09
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ready for resistance. We stand on the brink Of
Niagara one single step, and We are gone forever
Tbs election Of Lincoln under tie circumstances, BY
thS Nofthef vote alone was Of itself an overt act,
by force Of SECESSION hut by demands for compro;
mise and concession. Yet the supporters Of Lin,
coin in the pride q Stbr ssy thet hsvs ~ conces.
sions to make; and yd1 slopose that the slsvehod-
ing States should go into Convention With tAese
States having majority, where they ssJ f6ey Hse
nothing to concede. They have the power, and We
must ground our arms and submit They, it is true,
are the victors but thank God they not Our con,
querors The battles are yet to be fought Oh the
fields of Guilford Cowpens and Eutaw-fields on
which our forefathers drove our formidable enemy
/ from the State and forced him to surrender.
Again, you say that North. Carolina with the SIX
other slaveholding States that have made no move
towards secession should act as mediators between
the North and South. So say ], but not by uniting
in Convention, where their counsel and advice il
certain to be everruled if not treated as oicious
and with d,sdain. We have had two such joint con-
sultatlons by committee of the House and Senate,
and what has been the results Every proposition,
however reasonable, rejected, and our representa-
tives treated with arrogance ami contempt. No.
Mr. Holden, no more Of your joint consultations
If we are to treat at an, and with effect, We must
treat as equals. We must be prepared vhh our
propositions, jacksonville asking nothing but what
"iu SuouiitI'hS W tuat - Wt0uS~
We must use the language of moderation but firm
ness and say at once, here is our ultmatum-wil
you grant it or not mo equivocation or delay
The issue has been made, and must be met The
South can submit to no further delay. If we are to
live with the North as friends and brothers, let US
know it; if not, let US know it We have had
enough expressions about the Union and the Con-
stitution for BOTH but such as our ferefath-
ers made and lived under This is no time for
words-we want acts. If any guarantees are to be
given, they must be secured before the enemy gets
into power. =, gag
And now for my plan: am for a Convention Of
the seven middle saveholding States and such others
as concur in good faith in our purpose in holding
Convention; the delegates to be chosen by the Leg
slaures of the States corresponding in number with
the number of members in the House of Represen-
tatyes-one from each Congressional district, with
two from the State at large. To meet as early as
the Both January-to serve without compensation,
save only their expenses. The nonslaveholding
States to appoint delegates in the same way to meet
at the same time, where they may appoint; thus to
decide without delay on what may be proposed. If
agreed to, to be ratified and approved by .wothirds
of the Legislatures of the several States or by Con-
ventions, and to become part Of the Constitution.
If the plan shall fail and no better one be proposed
and adopted, we shall then know what is to be our
fate. This is my plan-the best l am capable Of
suggesting. am not vain about it. 1t is offered,
that the Legislature may have something to act on
at once, when they shall reassemble. ] wish for
one to see my native State take the lead, and not
wait to follow. "' z. PUBLIUS.