Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-05-30

Speech Of the Hon. Weldon N. Edwards,
Upon being elected to preside the deliberations
of the North Carolina State Convention, May 20.
1861.
For this unexpected honor conferred upon me- by calling
upon me to preside over the deliberations of this enlightened
and patriotic body, pray you to accept my cordial &C.
acknowledgements. No could prize such dstncoHmMe
gratefully or more highly than do
The best return it is in my power to make beyond The
offerings OF grateful heart is the candid hat
will omit effort within the compass my ability to dis
charge the duties assigned acceptably yO and su
bly, to the high and interesting occasion which calls
together.
1t has been many years since had any connection with
deliberate bodies, and fear that my knowledge Of p
menary law is too limited to justify your kind estimate
my fitness for the distinguished position with whichy
have complimented me- shall need much your generous
aid and indulgence, though am not little encouraged
the persuasion that the task of your presiding officer Will
rendered OF easy performance by the courtesy dignity Su
good order which, will characterize all your pro-
ceedings.
At no period, gentlemen since North Carolina tbreWn
colonial dependence have matters grave and mOm
Gus agitated the public mind those which have gU
OUT OF the present disturbed condition of our c3uu
The most difficult problems in political science are Pe'e
ed for so)ution-the highest interest, the well beng
honor OF our coed old state-God bless her naOu the
freedom and happiness of her people are saked uPon
issue of the day. All these matters are commea bv
1t Is made our duty to confront them, aud am sur
will be met with al the cslmness deberaton and sAw
wis dom in council it may be permitted 70 am
In looking along the path OF duties before u.s. t hove
see that many causes of embarrassment which mgno
pCAou Us nave Ueeu reIuUfeu Ny
the last few weeks North Carolina at this time oGGu
an entirely isolated position; she is cut Oh from az and
graphical connection with the Northern governtelI
interposed between the States of the Southern
breaking their territorial continuity and thereby
new relations, and most delicate duties ana n
Under such circumstances and in view of the Ine b
peris surrounding U.S. it seems to me- and ast1
NIT that our inquiries must be necessarily nlGa e shall
confined perhaps to the single question as Crona and
declare the separate independence of North with
place her in the attitude of selfsustann and With
all its burdens and Dangers connect her al che may
out delay, with the Southern Confederac ina Sonbera
share the fortunes and abide the destiny CT cb the
sisters, whether for veal However Fced upOD
tentative may be to be deplored the choice IS
US BY causes for which North Carolna-sH sd and uD
no way responsible my opinions are hAeu nouDcs
terabe, but do not feel that could becc.ng he great
them from this position. Be that as it may H Assem-
est pleasure in saying that when see before me feel
bage Of much talent, experience, and patrO sent
the most gratifying assurance that the people the
this council chamber safe and faithful hermit
rights, the safety and honor of North Carolina snt
me to add that no one more devouty prays han f
great truth may be confirmed by all The resul" VI
alterations.