Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-04-04
Move Promptly!

When any party, founded upon principle, and
aiming to carry out measures naugurate a policy
conscentiousy believed to be right finds itself the MI
nority its first duty is endeavor by all just and hon.
orabe MEANS to make itself the majority and this not for
selfish party ends but in order that it may have
the power to carry out the measures or naugurate the
policy which it believes to be right.
The Southern Rights party voters in North Caro-
lima find themselves in the position of minority. The
result of the election of 18th February 1861 was ad
verse to their wishes Has anything occurred to weak
en- their faith in their princpes? Has anything changed
their views in regard to the policy which the honor and
the interests of the State call upon her to
Nothing whatever On the contrary every day has but
added new strength and given increased force to their
convictions in the soundness of their principles and the
expediency of their policy.
These being the facts of the case it is not only the
right but the duty of the Southern Rights voters OF
North Carolina to all proper and honorable
to change their position from that of of the minority to
that of the majority. How are they to do SO? By
simply remaining Notwithstanding to one defeat
as final? Surely, this would be unworthy of men hav-
ing honest convictions and manness enough to express
and defend them. No-et them organize their forces
for the campagn-arm themselves for the conflict with
facts and arguments-let them attack the stronghods OF
opposition with speeches. addresses, documents private
conversations, &C.
If, in any county, but dozen be got to-
gether the purposes of organization let them orgap
ze-nay if but one man in any neighborhood feels su
fcient interest to move let him convene" and cons-
ute himself committee of one. Because weak
in any neghborhood, is that any why we should
try to be strong? On the contrary is it not one of
the strongest reasons why we should try?
Now, at once, let US 60 to work. Let US work with
will, and the time will soon when the most scep
teal will be convinced that there is reaction, that
there as demand for Convention, and that that Con,
venton is called for that it may do something.
Mark this, our opponents-we mean those who oppose
any of this kind with the utmost virulence will
attempt to sneer at the preliminary movement towards
organization made last week at Goldsboro. 1t is evil
dent however, that they are alarmed They know that
the people there assembled earnest and they
moreover, that all their cherished hopes of being enabled
to place the Southern Rights voters in false position
as lawess men, or revolutionary characters or some
other dangerous thing have totally faded out. The
Southern Rights party Of North Carolina means to
fight under unnecessary disadvantages allow their
opponents to place undue burdens upon their shoulders
We would not be at all surprised to find camor raised
against the GodsborO meeting for not doing something
against which outcy could be raised The shortness
of the resolutions passed will be-indeed already has
been made the subject of empty-headed rdicule But
all that amounts to nothing. We have duty to per-
formWe have to lay before the people of the State
reasons for believing that North Carolina ought not to
remain in her present poston-that her honor and her
best interests forbid it, To perform this duty effectively
must have organizations in eUery county in the State
and we must have meetings held.
AS already said, the initiative has been taken at
Goldsboro. The final and more perfect arrangements
must be made at Charlotte Every county ought to be
there-at Charlotte mean-so that the interest may
be made general or rather universal In the meantime,
the meetings held tor the appointment of delegates will
afford excellent opportunities for awakng the desired
interest and presenting to the people statement
of the actual position of affairs.
In the way of documents there is this to be said =
Long statements elaborate articles are not apt to be
generally read, but for all that it mistake to make
political tracts pamphlets too trite, all of them
very short. Frequently elaborate and aborous poiti-
cal documents only read by very few il any COM
muny, but to these they stand in place of armory-
magazine. They supply them with weapons and am
munition, which is served out according circumsta1
ces.
But the first thing is, to organize in every coun-
ty even if there be but dozen-nay, only two three
ready to begin the work. Organize for work-organ
ize to change the minority Of 28th February, into
triumphant majority at the next trial.
Blg@ We have from the Publishers, Messrs T. B.
Peterson & Brothers, 800 Chestnut Street, PhiIadc