Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-01-17
SECOND MEETING

In pursuance OF the call OF the former meeting oil
the 18th inst, very large number of the citizens
of Chatham came together on the 9th inst, at Mt
Vernon Springs, to exchange opinions and express
their sentiments in regard to the causes by which
the peace of the nation is disturbed and the perpe
tuity of the Union according to the Constitution,
is endangered
The unusually large attendance of the people in
dictated that the people of west Chatham fully ap-
precate the perils Of the times and the dangers
which are thickening around orr once happy coun-
try and their earnest desire to avert Them if pos
sble but if the worst should come to be prepared
for the worst
On motion, the meeting was organized by calling
DR.. L. w. Gorrel to preside over the meeting who,
on taking the chair, explained the object Of the
meeting to be the consulting together of the citizens
irrespective of party. the state of the country in
order to free expression of opinion, whereby alone
the true sense of the people could be ascertained.
On motion, Robert Marsh John I. Brooks Oliver
McMath. Brooks Harris and Dr. d. II. Albright were
chosen Vice-Presdents of the meeting, and DIR. W.
d. Watson and Thomas A. Brooks, Secretaries
The committee, through their Chairman, Josiah
Brooks, ESQ.,, in pursuance of their duty, under ap-
pointment of the former meeting of the 10Th inst,
reported as follows:
Whereas In the present excited state of the public
mind, account of the dangers which threaten the
peace of the country and the stability of the govern
ment, it has become necessary for the people to
press their sentiments, therefore,
Resolred, 1st That We do not regard the election
of sectional President sufficient cause for dissolv-
ing the Union.
Cd Yet should the President elect after his in
auguration, commit any unconstitutional act or in
any way violate the Constitution we hold ourselves
ready, with all the power with which the God of
nature has endowed US, to defend the rights and
honor of NorthCarona we'll as the Constitution
Of the United States
I'D That chonld tbn pracapt I-Diop bo diccoIyod
North-Carona ought not to unite herself with any
State States in forming confederacy, until she
is satisfied that in it her safety rights and honor
be fully secured and preserved.
4th. That we request our representatives in the
Legislature to vote for no man for United States
Senator who is not for a constitutional Union
On motion, the foregoing were voted on and adopt
ed separately.
l.. j. Merritt, ESQ.,, was present and addressed the
meeting at some length. He spoke gloomily of the
prospects Of the country. He hoped for the best,
but feared the worst urged that it the duty of
the Legislature to prepare the State for any
gcncy to call convention of the State and to make
arrangements for conference of all the Southern
States, with view of preventing the necessary
fusion and calamiteS of precipitatc separate State
action on the part of the cotton States, and that
thereby the Constitution and the government might
be preserved and all lights secured, and that the
true policy OF the South lay in united State co-ope
Ile on CLOSING MS TeIlaThS Tue
following resolutions, which, on motion of Daniel
Hackney, ESQ.,, were unanimously adopted:
ReSotred, 9Th. That our Legislature should pass
such strong retaliatory laws against those States
which have attempted to nullify the fugitive slave
law, as in their wisdom may seem right and proper
and in accordance with the Constitution of the Uni
ted States.
9th. That North Carolina will stand firmly by
the equality and of the States and the hits
of the people of the States and Territories by every
right which she has under the Constitution of the
United States and the laws passed in pursuance
thereof by her full rights in the Union, under and
according to the Constitution and that she will show
her devotion to the Constitution by standing stead
lastly by these, and that in doing So she will be
firm, WISE moderate and just
Josiah Brooks, ESQ.,, addressed the meeting at
considerable length in an interesting manner.
Daniel Hackney, Esq, was called out, and though
excusing himself from speech, by some remarks
explained his position as constitutional Union
man.
1t was ordered, on motion, that the proceedings
of this and the preceding meeting be sent to the
North Carolina Standard and Greensboro Patriot
for publication with a request that other papers
copy The meeting then adjourned.
L. W. G0RRELL, President.
" " A. D. pn waTs0S' Secretaries.