Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-01-02
Terms Of Advertising in Weekly standard.
CHI Stan0arb,.
RALEIGH: SATURDAY, DEC. 20, 1850.
A Convention of all the States.

Convention of all the States.
We do not quite despair of the efforts that are
being made in Congress to adjust the difficulties
between the North and South, yet we fear that the
statesmen and politicians together cannot save the
country. Many of the members Of Congress from
both sections were elected WITH and still entertain
extreme views; and these views they feel bound to
maintain. They will not abandon them except
under demonstrations among the people against
them of an Overwhelming character. Pride Of
opinion, pride Of consistency, ambition, sel6shness,
and fear of the loss of popularity at home all
operating against any plan of adjustment which
would satisfy the whole country.
What then. Why, the people Of the United
States formed the federal Union and the people
alone can preserve it from destruction. The same
power that created must be called upon to save
and this power can be effectually exerted in no
other way than by Convention of the States
The Constitution provides that
1.-THE Congress, whenever twothirds of both
houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amend
ments to this Constitution or, the application Of
the Legislatures of twothrds of the several States
shall call Convention for proposing amendments,
which, in either case shall be valid to all intents
and purposes, as part Of this Constitution, when
ratified by the Legislatures Of three fourths Of the
States or by Conventions in three-fourths thereof
as the one or the other mode may be proposed by
the Congress"
Now, SO far as We are concerned We are satisfied
with the Constitution it is with interpre.I-
ton Of it But several of the Northern States have
disregarded that instrument and large portions Of
the people North and SOUTH differ materially as to
the true meaning of some Of its provisions. In ad
dtion to this large portions Of the Southern people
are greatly excited on account of the election of
sectional candidate to the Presidency; and the
probability is, that if satisfactory adjustment
Of existing difficulties should not be accomplished
and that At early day. several other States besides
South. Carolina will secede from the Union. The
present period seems also to be favorable to perma-
nent adjustment so far as the Northern mind is
concerned 1t is evident that the great body of the
people Of the non-slavcholding States are more
thoroughly aroused to impending dangers than they
have ever been before. We believe they are anxious
to perpetuate the Union, if it can be done at all
com2atibly with their feelings and with what they
the wish of large majority of the Southern people.
Let Convention, then, of all the States be called
Let the Legislatures of the respective States take
the necessary steps to call this Convention. Let
North Carolina originate the Increment. Her situa-
ton geographically is SUCH and her character for
moderation, justice, and frmness is such that a re.
COMMUNICATION from her, unanimously made by her
Legislature, would almost the desired result
Other States would go with her in sufficient number
to compel Congress, if 4 majority Of that body
should be disposed to hesitate, to make the call
forthwith. Convention thus called, to be composed
of delegates elected by the people Of the respective
Slates-say one delegate for each electoral vote
would assemble at some period during the ensuing
year and meanwhile the whole country would be
giving Mr. Lincoln trial in the position to which
he has been called. This plan, too would give full
time for reaction in the Northern mind If such q
Convention, meeting under such circumstances, and
remaining in anxious and solemn session for the
space Of three or four months, could not re.adiust
and re-establish the foundations of the Union on
just and enduring basis, then for one we would
despair Of confedcted republican liberty, and would
be ready to separate finally and forever from the
Northern States. This plan. too would more ef
fectaally unite the slsvehoiding States than any
other II the amendments proposed should be salts.
factory to both sections, and should be ratified q
long lease Of life would at once Do given to tie
Union and all the States, with the new ones that
would from time to time be added would 60 forward
together IN harmony. But if no satisfactory amend
ments could be agreed upon, then the States could
separate peaceaby, after having fairly divided III
| public property. p
| This is the course 80 earnestly recommended BY
Mr.. Buchanan in his late annual message. That
venerable statesman trembling for the fate Of ti
country which he has served so long and SO faithful
~, urges this plan Of explanatory amendments" L
the Constitution to originate with Congress or thu
State Legislstures as may be deemed most adsisa
ble." IS the main ground Of hope which he enter
ta,ns for the pcrpetuation of the existing Union.
But we are answered, the Onion "a already dis
solved-Ssutt Carolina has seeded, and the remain
der Of the, "cotton States" will soon follow. Blu
this, instead Of weakening, strengthens our sugges
| tion.- Let Tennessee. Kentucky, Missouri. Mary
land, Delaware Virginia and North. Carolina stan,
where they are, 30 as to b in situation to oct
mediators 3ltxeen the North and the South. 4
may b that the glory has been reserved for thss
midil States Of rscsnci.ing With sch other birth
rsn u extreme views and II this preventing The z
md osstthrow IL our systean 4 movements Of thi
kind would Be any thing but hasty. Eysryastep 4
.lsitsit lDnaga IN sstv - AReeN
- 4sssa. Is s1,Gsa 49, % e ss32e sSisE ,tui