Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-03-05
were adopted, and the ordinance finally passed. II

were adopted, and the ordinance finally passed. 1t
appears in full IN another column
Mr.. Rayner introduced ian ordinance authori-
zing the organization of armed mounted patrol,
in Eastern counties liable to Invasion" which the
Convention proceeded to consider in secret session
When the doors were again opened, on motion Of
Mr.. Brown, the unfinished business Of yesterday,
viz: an ordinance concerning the organization of
drafted militia-empowerin them to elect their
own of6cers-was taken up for consideration.
Mr.. Brown offered amendment to the ord
nance, which was lost-no quorum voting. For
the reason, the ordinance was passed over for
the present.
A resolution was passed authorizing the Secreta-
~ of State to have the resolutions and ordinances
Of this session published in three newspapers in the
city of Raleigh and also in pamphlet form.
resolution of thanks to the President Of the
Convention for the urbane, faithful and impartial
discharge of his duty as presiding officer, was unan
imousy adopted MIR. Reid in the Chair -
Mr. Edwards then addressed the Convention as
follows:
DELEGATES:
l have not language to adequately express my
gratitude for the hattering compliment with which
you have honored me by the resolution Just read.
The heart alone could tell its emotions had it the
power of speech l am able, however, to say-as
do in all sncerity-that shall cherish in fond
recollection the honor done me, as kind offering
by generous hearts to my humble efforts in the
chair. 1t is source Of high qualification to me- to
believe that you accord to me, at least the merit
of having tried 20 discharge mpartially and accept
ably to you the responsible duties of the position in
which your kindness placed me. Beyond such q
measure of approval had not the vanity to aspire
sensible, am of the imperfect,ons which belong
to poor humanity.
In all deliberatve assemblies, the task of the pre-
siding officer is always arduous-often -embarrass
ing-and | but obey my feelings when say, that
whatever Of success may have achieved in the adj
ministraton contided to me, is due to your indul-
gent forbearance and generous support and espe-
caly to the courteous intercourse among yourselves
and the dccorum and respect for ordor exhibited in
all your deliberations.
Gentlemen, we are about to part-some of US, per-
haps,--may it not be too many-for the last time
May not be permitted, in such moment. to ex-
press the opinion-i hope l violate no rule of pro-
priety in doing so-that the large powers intrusted
to us, have been exercised with due care, and with
acommendabe regard to all the high interests within
the scope of our duties; and verify believe, that
suits will show just and proper response TO the
grave exigenccs of the momentous crisis through
which We are passing.
When l reflect upon the extent of the powers
with which this body is endowed, feel fully per-
suaded, that it became our imperative duty to sur
vey the whole chart of the public interest and to
dutitul minds might discover. To have done less
would have been to shirk responsibility, and would
have Justly subjected US to the censure of our const
uents,-nay more-would have given just cause for
visiting upon ourselves the worst of all rcproaches
selfreprouch. l. therefore. feel pride in the
victon, that when it Shall appear-as am sure it
must, to every considerate mind-that our conduct
has been regulated by sincere desire to administer
to the necessities of the public service, and to i'm
part vigor to the prosecution Of the glorious strus
gle in which we are engaged, and to provide in 9TH
er respects, for the general welfare our acts will
commend themselves to public favor, and receive
the hearty sanction of the public voice. To suppose
otherwise would be to greatly underrate the sound
ness of the popular heart and the strength of the
popular mind. Others may, but cannot and will
not so impeach either.
But, gentlemen, this is no time for talking. The
time for action is upon us; there three great
sentials to success. We want action-actOn-con-
slant action There is no heart, | sure, in this
hall that does not cheerfuy respond to this demand
Let us occupy ourselves about the past; let US
not repine at what is DONE Where there is REM
edy there should be no complaint; there cannot be
war without its calamities-they are but mere Incl
| dents, and it becomes US to meet them like men,
yielding nothing to dependency Hopeful antic
patton should be our staff 1t will cheer us ont
will nerve us for the trials ahead. Let us so for
ward then boldly-et us fearlessly march up to our
| dutieS-here and at homeland my word for it, We
will wash out with the blood of the enemy his foul
! footsteps upon our SOIL HiU this and all will yet
be WELL and North Carolina will stand redeemed,
regenerated and disenthralled, by the irresistible
power and indomitable daring of her own noble and
gallant sons.
My fervent prayer is, that when we meet again,
it may be under more propi,ious circumstances and
that every heart in broad land may be gladden.
ed by the penteous influences Of smiling prosper
ty. May each and all of you safely return to your
spective constituencies, with the cheering reward
| of the good and faithful servant Again | thank
you for all your goodness to me. 1t remains for
only to declare that this Convention stands adjourn
ed to the 3rd Monday in April next, unless sooner
convened in the manner provided for in your own
ordinance.