Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-03-13

on the subject at all He gives to understand that
there will never be peace until that question set
tied; 1t cannot be settled except by amendments 70
the Constitutions and hence he proceeds to tell US
how such amendments can be obtained. de tells
us that these amendments TO the Constitution may
be obtained in either of the modes prescribed in the
instrument the one IS where Congress takes the
initiative as we did the other day, and submits the
proposed amendments to the States; the other Is
where the States take the initiative, and demand
national convention to amend the Constitution.
The President says that he prefers national con-
vention as the most appropriate mode, but he has
no insuperable objections to the other mode and he
will not oppose bet gives us to understand he Will
favor the ratification by the States Of the amend
ment already proposed prohibiting any future amend
ment whereby Congress may be authorized to inter
fere with slavery in the States. de assigns lot ms
preference for a national convention very plausl-
BILE, in fact very satisfactory reason 1t is that
if Congress originated the amendments 1t might not
devise such as the people would like whereas II you
allow the people to take the initiative, they Will
make such amendments as they want. The Presl-
ident stands pledged by his inaugural "to allow the
people to devise their own amendments to the Con-
Sttution and not to interfere WITH but rather to ia
vor their adoption whatever they may be-"
What is the inference from all this lnasmuch
rs all our troubles arise from the attempt on the
part of Congress to prohibit slavery without the
sanction of express provision OF the constitution,
and the counter attempt the part OF Congress to
protect slavery without express provision oil the
Constitution authorizing it. therefore such an amend
must be made as will settle the slavery question by
an express provision and he will not oppose the
amendment. Hence are authorized to infer that
if the people do originate such amendments to the
Constitution as will settle the slavery question
even il the settlement be repugnant to the principles
of the republican party, in violation of the Chicago
PLATFORM and against the right of Congress to pro-
hibt slavery in the Territories, Mr. Lincoln and his
administration will not oppose, but favor 1t.
What more can be asked? If the people, when
they come to amend the Constitution, shall deter
mine that Congress shall have power upon the
subject of slavery anywhere, except to surrender tu
gtiye slave; and to prohibit the African slave trade.
Mr.. Lincoln will not oppose it If the people shall
say that shall be duty of Congress to protect slave
nv everywhere in the Territories, Mr.. Lincoln is
pledged not to oppose that IL the people shall say
in their amendment that Congress shall have power
to prohibit slavery in the Territories Mr.. Lincoln is
pledged not to oppose that If on the contrary, the
people shall say that they in favor of the Crit
tenden proposition dividing the territory by geo
graphical line the principle OF an equitable partI-
ton, Mr.. Lincoln says he will not oppose that. lie
is in fay or of such amendments as will settle the
question forever, by an express provision OF the
Constitution and he leaves the people and their rep
reSentativeS to devise what those amendments shall
be- and he will accept them chcerfully, and not
throw any distinctions in the way of their adoption
Taking these two propositions together, | find
much cause for hope, for encouragement, IN THIS IN
augural. First, his policy will be peaceful and not
aggressive he will do no act that tends to collision,
but will modify his course always with the view and
the hope of a peaceful solution; and, second, in
much as the difficulties arise out of the absence OF
an express provision the slavery question, lac will
favor such measures as will enable the people TO set
lie that question by express provision in the Con
Sttution
Now, sir, far be it from me to intimate that the
President in these recommendations, has not been
faithful TO the principles of his party, as well as to
the honor and safety of his country. Whatever de-
parturc from party platforms he has made in these
recommendations should be regarded as an evidence
of patriotism, and not an act of lntdclity. In my
opinion if | have understood the inaugural Alright,
he has sunk the partisan in the patriot and he is
entitled to the thanks of all conservative men to
that extent. DO not wish 1t to be inferred from
anything have said or have omitted TO say, that
have any political sympathy with his administration,
that | expect that any contingency can happen
in which may be identified with It. | expect to
oppose his administration with all my enc gy on
those great principles which have separated parties
IN former times but on this one question, that OF
preserving the Union by peaceful solution of our
present dIiiicutieS-that of preventing any future
difficulties by such an amendment of the COnSttu-
ton will settle the question by an express pro-
viSion-if | understand his true intent and meaning,
| am with him.
Mr.. President, if the result shall prove that, |
have put wrong construction on the inaugural,
shall deplore the consequences which belligcrcnt
and aggressive policy may ntlict upon our beloved
country without being responsible in any degree for
the disasters and caamitieS which may follow. l
believe have placed upon it its true interpretation
| know have put the patriotic construction on it.
| believe the action of the President will justify that
construction. will never relinqush that belief and
hope until he shall have done such acts render 1t
impossible TO preserve the peace of the country and
the unity of the States. Sir, this Union cannot be
preserved by war. 1t cannot be cemented by blood
1t can only be preserved by peaceful means. And
when our present troubles shall have been settled,
future difficulties only be prevented by conStitu
tional amendments which will put end to all con-
trovcrSy by express provision. These remedies and
representatives. have been clearly marked out by the
President in his inaugural. All ask is that his
Administration shall adhere to them and carry them
out in good faith Let this be done, and all who
join in the good work will deserve and they will re-
ceive the applause and appreciation of grateful
country No partisan advantage can be taken, no
political capital should be made out OF generous
act os noble patriotism. While expect to oppose
the Administration upon all the political issues of
the day, trust shall never hesitate to do justice
to those who, by their devotion to the Constitution
and the Union show that they love their country
more than their party.
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