Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-04-16

arm directly over the barrier Of State sovereignty
into the local Jurisdictions, and gather her forces
and her means without the intervention of the State
governments then let US at once abandon all no
tons Of State Rights: Let us abolish the State
governments and consolidate 1t is vain to hold to
theory and abandon the practice. To my mind it
is clear, If the General Government has power to
raise and support armies the States have the right
to prescribe the in which this is TO be done
The armies must be raised through the medium of
the State governments, and not directly by the
Confederate Government To raise them otherwise,
if constitutional (Which deny) is not expedient.
But of all the questionable mot to say unwar-
ranted) stretches of authority to which l have al
luded, none seems to me to deserve such serious at
tentlon as that of forciby taking pirate arms for
pubic use Such acts are not only palpably un-
constitutional, but they exceedingly dangerous
Dangerous, because they not only evince a total
disregard OF one of the dearest and most ancient
rights OF the citizen, but because such policy, if
rIgldly enforced leaves the people totally unpre-
pared to ward off whatever dangers may threaten
them at their own homes-d eprives them of the
means OF protecting their families and hca; tn
stones. and leaves them open to the assaults and in
suits Of any reckless and lawless set Of men of
whatever character, who may feel disposed to take
advantage Of their defenceless condition.
These things should not be so, nor does the pub
lie safety require it. On the contrary the public
safety requires that in times of war, as well
times OF peace, all the ancient landmarks and con-
stltutlonal guarantees of our liberty should be OBJ
served We should be cautious that in striving
Tor the casket wherein our jewel of liberty is con-
tanned, we do not lose the jewel itself All history
proves that people more in danger of losing
their liberty while struggling to maintain it, than
tney are when their liberty is not threatened from
without. Necessity is the plea of tyrants; and a
people invaded and threatened by foreign foe are
easily led to abandon their individual rights under
the persuasion that only thus the safety of the
whole DC secured.
great calamity is upon u.s. A willy and vndic-
tive foe turks upon our borders watching every op-
portunty, and avalling himself of every means to
rum and suoduc us. Our very existence as in
dependent peopleis in danger. We must use every
legitimate MEANS and make every proper sacrifice
to avert the Impending calamity. No mere forms
OF right should be suffered to impede our efforts.
No necessary hardships and privations should be
avoided No spirit Of discomfort should be allowed
to come in our way. All our strength. all our re-
sources, all we have left but liberty ITSELF should be
cheer!ully brought forward and offered upon our
country's altar But while battling for liberty in
'front.' we must not neg ect to guard and protect her
rear lest when we think have obtained her sub
stance we find but her shadow Then let us emu
late the conduct OF the skilful mariner at sea- who
does not neglect the teachings of his art because he
may he overtaken by storm. On the contrary, he
feels more than usually soictous to bring to his aid
all the advantages of his skill and experience Let
US, therefore, be more than usually socitous in
these times Of trial, to preserve intact all those
rights and privileges, without which liberty itself
Ceases to be enjoyed and independence will be use
less. Let us 1cdtch as well as fight; for efforts
in behalf of our distressed country will be the
less effective because they directed by an en-
ighteHed regard for the rights of the people and
the rights of the States 1t is to awaken this spir-
1t of watchiulnesS, and to caution and not to excite
undue jealousy or distrust that these lines are
written. SEKTO. .
Roxboro', April 10th, 1862