Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-03-21

hQV
fussy opposition pass along quietly as not noticing It,
We intend to do SO in the future We think in dong
So we will be right But we shall not be swerved from the
firm pursuit of our objects by any of these things
do not think that the present position OF North Carroll
ma is that she permanently occupy consistently
with her declarations in the past or with her safety in
the future. So thinking, shall labor to induce her
to change this position. Whether fail succeed,
we shall at least feel the consciousness of having done
our duty.
We desire to place before the people of the State all
the propositions that may be brought forward upon
questions which interest them and know of ques
lions at present vtay interesting to the people of
North Carolina than those having reference to their
Federal Relations. Until some definite conclusion is
arrived at with reference to these relations there will be
assurance for business men, and solid basis for in
vestment and consequently no employment for labor
IF there had been Convention there might have been
some settlement understanding arrived at Even the
"unionists" and " submssioniss," who were candi-
dates for seats in the Convention wanted to have one
called, but they rather overshot the mark they hum
plugged the people of sections rather too extensive
l and so procured for themselves the barren honors OF
an election to mere shadow of what mi ght have been
body if it had ever been embodied.
We nse the two terms /" unioniSts and submis-
sonists" because, although unfortunately they have
Jointly contributed to the same result by means
class them as being Identical in their positions We
believe there many Union candidates, some elected
and some defeated, who could not be fairly classed as
submissonsts. But are compelled to come to the
conclusion that there among the delegates elected to
Convention who must, in all fairness, be cassed as
submissonsts in the fullest and most obnoxious sense of
the term. We trust that there are few such. We are
sorry to be forced to admit that there are any,
The proposition which wish to bring tc the atten-
ton of the public may be briefly stated. 1t is this -:
The Legislature of North Carolina, in calling a conven-
on made the action of that convention dependent upon
the vote of the people. In plain terms the convention
was thus made mere advisory body 1t had no power
to decide anything finally. By mere nominal MAORI
ty the call of any convention has been defeated although
we honestly think the people for convention and
there is general feeling of disappointment and surprise
that there is not convention. This feeling is shared
by Southern Rights men, Union and SubmissOnlsts
But the delegates have been selected and elected They
have thus the endorsement of their respective counties
There is certainly why they should not meet
as an advisory body-a body of selected citizens who
if rot alegaly organized body at least composed
gentlemen legally chosen, and whose views would neces
sariy have much weight, both inside and outside of the
State This movement would have to be wholly spon
taneous the part of the delegates 1t would have to
be wholly at their own expenses but in truth its adj
visory power and influence would be little diminished
by the fact that accidentally 65l people happened
to vote against than did for it. In any case, the ratf
cation by the people does away with all If
reguarites.
The question is hen will the delegates elected to the
State Convention meet as citizens at point to be
agreed upon and designated, and consult and submit
the result of their councils to the people of the State
To put it in a tangible shape will they meet at Colds
boro on Thursday, April 4th, 1861? How many acilI
meet?
We do not bring this proposition forward own,
or as urging it. We know that it has already been
brought forward and it that it is worthy of
consideration. AS such we offer it. 1t is an important
matter, and we ask expression of opinion At any
rate let the people see it and say what they Think
There is neither treason, satagem, spoiIs in it
there is no usurpation dctation aimed at. 1t is
all plain and honest sailing. The proposition comes
from the defeated party Will the dominant party &C
ceda to it Will they risk meeting?