The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-01-22
For the Western Democrat
MEETING IN CASTOR COUNTY.


In pursuance to appointment, very large and
respectable portion of the citizens of CASTOR
county, without distinction of party, met at the
courthouse In Dallas, Saturday the 18th inst,
to take into consideration the dangers which
threaten our country.
The meeting was organized by calling James
Hannah, Esq, to the Chair, and appointing DR. W
w holland to act as Secretary.
The Chairman explained the object of the
meeting in few remarks, saying that he under
stood the object of this meeting be to preserve
our rights and, if possible, to do so in the Union.
That we should first exhaust all constitutional
and peaceable means to obtain our just rights and
let disruption be our last resort. 1t was consti-
tutional Union meeting, and he hoped that if
there were any gentlemen present who in
favor of immediate secession, that they would not
disturb the good order of the meeting.
On motion, committee Of FIVE were appointed
to draft resolutions expressing the sentiments of
the meeting. The Chairman appointed Alexander
Weer, ID. A. Jenkins, VIM. Mckee, DIR. j. S.
Max we'll and David Wells as committee
During the absence Of the Committee, the meet
ing was addressed by DR.. VIM. Sloan-his speech
was marked with calmness and reason, showing
great respect for the opinions of those who might
differ with him. He said that there was an awful
crisis now upon us The cause of this crisis is
the election of Black Republican to the Presi-
dency. The way to meet the crisis was to defend
our rights in the Union and not out of the Union
make our just demands in proper way; after
all constitutional means were exhausted and all
hope Of justice had failed, then let us with unity
of action go out together. He thought the action
of the Southern States too hasty in seced-
ing. The cause of slavery was injured. Secession
was what the abolitionists most desired as being
the most effectual way to exterminate slavery. A
divided action would bring about anarchy and civil
VI ffpr of aIXIlu fha npIa
would become exhausted, would enquire the cause
of this war, which brought so much distress and
suffering. Then wives and children would be cry
ing for bread-this would be appeal TO the
brain through the stomach Men would turn
upon the slave and exterminate him.
The above is only outline of some of the
positions taken by DIR Sloan in his remarks.
The Committee having came in, reported the
following preamble and resolutions:
Whereas, The present momentous crisis imposes
upon every good citizen the duty of sacrificing his
party feelings the altar Of patriotism, and to
adopt such measures may be dictated by wisdom,
moderation and experience, to prevent the dis
memberment of the republic, and avert the calam-
tiles which are sure to follow its dissolution There
fore
Resolved, That regard dissolution of the Union
the greatest calamity that could befall the country
Resolved That we believe that rights, interests
and institutions best be preserved and protected
under the Constitution and in the Union and
of it.
Resolved, That the sentiment of this meeting is that
the North shall furnish better guarantees for good faith
in the future shall repeal all laws which deny just
rights to the South and that reasonable time should
be allowed for this purpose.
Resolved That in opinion North Carolina is
capable of judging of her rights, and that she
prefers do; and that she feels under obliga-
tons and in way bound to follow the reckless
travagance and instruction of others.
Resolved, That sincerely and devotedy at
tached to this Union, and that will oppose any
action having for its object dissolution of the same,
until constitutional mode of redress has been
fairly tried and fully exhausted and we have become
satisfied that rights cannot be respected in the
Union
Resolved That representative in the Legislature
be requested present these resolutions Legisa
ture now in session.
After the resolutions were read, Alexander
Weer made an able and patriotic speech-appeal-
ing to his fellow citizens to preserve the govern
ment of their fathers as long as there was any
hope.
The resolutions were again read, and passed
unanimously.
After a short speech by DR. J. S. Maxwell, it was
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting
be sent to the North Carolina Standard and to the
Western Democrat for publication. 1t also
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are
due to the speakers, and also the officers of this
meeting, for the able manner in which they have
discharged their duties.
JAS. HANNAH, Pres.
W. W. NoLASD Sec'y.
For the Western Democrat.