Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-06-19
Supreme power-mrlItary Despotism.

Supreme Power-Military Despotism.
We have heard the remark made by the way, not
as charge against Gov Ellis, but to apologize for
him, and to explain certain gross violations of the
"bill of rights" under his administration, that he
says, that the last Legislature clothed me with
supreme power" Now, if certain statements which
we have heard be true, it is very plain that in the
exercise of military authority at least Gov. Ellis is
laboring under that hallucnation.
1t is known in this city, that some time ago. Mr.
Wilson, private in the company of Capt Erwin, of
the Randasburg Rifles, was guilty of the high Of
fence of shooting bis Captain-that said Wilson
was tried by Court martial and we are told, was
condemned to six months hard labor at one of our
Forts. The punishment may be no greater than he
deserved, but Wilson in the Volunteer service,
had not been in nor subscribed to the articles
of war, and hence was amenable only to the civil
Courts We are told he is suffering the award of
the Court-martial By what authority does the
Commanderin- Chief keep that man under punish
ment not known to our laws
Again, we have heard it stated, that, in one or
more instances cargoes Of corn shipped by peacea-
bic citizens of the Eastern counties, have been
seized by the State authorities, and taken for the
of the soldiers, without proper remuneration
In one case it is said, the cargo had been actually
sold at so cents per bushel and that it was seized,
and the owner was only allowed 60 cents by the
State.
Again, poor but honest and industrious me-
chanic, in this city, has been compelled, by military
orders, issued to commander, who with ten SOL
diers made the demand, to give up favorte piece
of property against his WILL for the use of the State,
although he demonstrated and begged to be allowed
to retain it. not being willing to sell it at any price.
He told them he would not willingly take $500 for
it, but If the State compelled him to give it up, he
would demand 5000 Under the stress of crcum-
stances he forced to give it up the authorities
promising to pay him $780,
Now, if these things be true will the free people
of North Carolina submit to such despot;sm? We
state them they have been stated to us. Is it
possible that Gov. Ellis, the Military Board, can
for moment believe that the Legislature, if could
do so, intended to convey any such power? \ leg
isatve body has no such authority and it is simply
absurd to suppose that any body or power can con-
Ter greater power upon any one man or dozen
men than it possesses ITSELF
The 18th article of the Declaration of Rights
declares, "That no freeman ought to be taken, i'm
prsoned, or dissezed of his freehold liberties, or
privileges or outlawed or exiled or in any manner
destroyed ordeprived ofhis life, liberty property
but by the law of the land" No article of the Con.
stitution law of the State, rightly construed in
fringes the bill of rights.
Mlrtial-law may be enforced, because a great
public necessity compels it, by commanding Gen.
eral, under circumstances of imminent hazard to
the State, and private property may be seized when
the public good and the public safety i;nperousy
demand it, but all such cases are exceedingly rare
and should never be exercised, but with the great
est caution, and under the most solemn conviction
of its absolute necessity.
But can any one suppose that the condition O.
North Carolina, up to this hour, has been so strait
ened and hazardous, from public or private enc
my as to warrant the exercise of this fearful power
! We think not.
! The people Of North Carolina at with
Lincoln, a military despot, for the protection ant
maintenance Of these rery rights. We shall ant
will resist him with all the force and the means
! God has given us. But the war will be fruiteSs
one indeed when we conquer, as we believe We
SHALL our Northern foes, if the Governors of Nortt
! Carolina are to be invested with arbitrary pow
err if they to be allowed to exercise it I'M
pHOperly, through ignorance or imbecilitv. We
the people Of North Carolina to look closely
to your home interests-watch narrowly the con
/ duct of your rulers