Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-05-14
SUBSTANCE OF THE REMARKS
ROBERT P. DICK, ESQ.,,
Or GUILFoRD,
Nude on a motion to adjourn tho Contention,
sine die

OF GUILF0RD
Nude on motion 10 adjourn tho Contention,
sine die.
Mr. President Il rise with reluctance to speak
on this much ve1ed question Of adjournment. Tins
motion has been made on divers times and in divers
ways and the pertinacity with which it has been
pressed by a large party in this body, has made 1t
o question of great Importance to the country. In
the discussion, of the delegates protesting TO
reflect public opinion have stated that this Conven-
ton has become odious to the people. Ispeak only
for my own constituents, when say, that they en-
terrain no such feelings. They justly regard this
Convention as the safe guard Of their liberties, in
providing the necessary means for repeng the IN
vasion of the enemy, and in protecting their rights
from wrong and usurpaton at home.
There are now two elements of power in North
Carolina-the civil and military This Convention
represents the civil authority Of the State and if it
is adjourned sine die then every thing becomes i'm
mediately subordinate to military rule. Martial law
will be virtually established all over North Carroll
ma; and if this strong power of force alone controls
public affairs, in my opinion, the liberties OF the
people will be in imminent peril. The military au
thority has already manifested much impatence and
resveness under the occasional control of the civil
power, and its representatives and Journals have
long been buSy endeavoring to influence public
sentiment against this bo1y. Upon the plea Of
necessity the military power Is constantly assuming
the highest functions OF government, and cannot
Willingly submit even 10 Il ulVlSlOIl vi
For one do not believe that the time has yet come
when a military despotism is our only hope Of safe
" from Northern tyranny. Our people are hight
ing and suffering in this great revolution, for some
thing higher and holier than a change OF masters.
1t is further said by the friends of this measure,
that this is no time for calm elaboration. When
can there be time which more requires calm cOun-
sci and deliberate action? AS the storm grows
thicker and the danger darker those who have been
entrusted with the helm of State, should rise with
corresponding calmneSs and courage to meet the
dread responsibilities which surround them. Ii we
remain at our post and fearlesSly do our duty while
the pillars of the Republic are lettering around
us, it will present sublime moral spectacle which
will give confidence 10 or people, and encourage
them 10 sustain us; but if we show ourselves une-
quail to the fearful crisis, then we can but expect
defeat and its consequent disasters History will
show that more States have been saved from ruin
BY the exalted patriotism and courage of their leg
SlaIorS and counSellors than by the daunesS brave
ry of their soldiers; and those States which have
been fortunate As to possess both have never yet
been conquered. Our country needs brave SOLDIERS
and she has them---she needs, also, wise, prudent
and brave cOunSellors and shall we prove unworthy
Of our sacred trust?
1t has been said, that this Convention has done
but little for the public good. Many undcniable
facts repel such assertion. We have supplied
the Treasury with money, and by kindness gene
than fifty thousand volunteers and experience will
show that they are 20 be relied on with more conf
dence than an army Of CoAscriptS If the Conven-
ton has not done its whole duty, who is response
DIE for the failure: Since the commencement Of It's
sessions its action has been continually embarrassed
by this constant question Of adjournment We have
done much, but still much remains 10 be dome
The State and the people need relief from many
threatened dangers and mi>fJrtuucS, and We must
G possible afford that relief Whca our rights are
the greatest peril then the time that they most
need our guardian care They now certainly
in serious danger The enemy Is upon our bOr
drrS--the boom Of his hostile guns is heard upon
our watcrS-our people are Il wing from their homes,
and many smOuldernG pile tells where the ruth
less invader has been. lie must be and checked
in his pathway of ruin. | regret To say that We
have reason TO apprehend danger IN another quar-
ter The recent cunScript has violated the rights
Of the States, and broken faith with our soldiers
1t is justified on the ground of stern necessity. |
submit to the law as a citizen but feel it TO be my
duty a representative 10 enter my solemn protest
against what regard unnecessary and un-
warranted usurpatIon Of power. There Is another
act OF despotiSm which is justly odiOuS to every
freeman. | refer to the recent request to impress
the arms of the people. In my place here, thank
Gov. Clark for the manneSS, fidelity and courage
which he has shown in resisting this threatened
outrage upon the rights of his State and fellow cti
form it may cOme-whether it be clothed in the
panoply of war and invasion, in the specious and
deccitu garb of military necessity" In my heart
believe that a large majority of the good and true
people of North Carolina look upoa this Conven-
ton as the buwark of their sacred rights, and if it
is broken down the public mind will be filled with
CONSERVATION and gloom
Mr. PreSident-it has been truly said, that this
is a dark day IN our history. Many Of our sister
States have been overrun and separated from u.s.
We have scarcely foothold in the garden valley of
the Mississippi; the father Of waters" is now the
mighty ally of our foes; the rich and beautiful
Crescent City no longer guards for her gates to
the sea fort after fort has fallen; many fortified
camp with long accumulated stores has been aban-
doned and our proud and naughty foe, with con-
slant and sleepless energy is marshaling his mighty
armies around our capital-but the unconquered
and unconquerable spirit of the South still remains
and yet there is hope. If our gallant soldiers for
get not the glory they have won and the valor they
have shown upon hundred batle-helds-if We
can crush out the cruel and Unsuitable avarce of the
SPECTATOR who would, if he could, coin the
blood of his kindred into gold-f people will in
all things be true TO themselves and their destiny
if our rulers and counsellors will be just and fear
not" and "et all the ends they aim at, be their
country's. their Gods, and truths'-then may we
confidently hope that kind Providence will save
our loved and beautiful land from ruin.