The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-05-21
''' sos.Sr ?. DICK. ESQ.
OF orILf0RL.

n.-s,nEsT: / rise Win reluctance 10
~ On this much vexed question Of ad-
;rarnment. This motion has been made at
3;ysrs times and in divers ways. and the
nert;naeity with which il has been pressed
bya large party in this body, has made it
question of great importance to the country.
In the discussion. some Of the delegates pro-
Tossing to reflect public opinion. have stated
that this Convention has become odious to
the people. speak only for my own con-
stitaents, when I say, that they entertain no
such feelings. They justly regard this Con-
yenion as the safe -guard Of their liberties.
in providing the necessary means for repell-
ing the invasion OF the enemy, and IN pro-
tecting their rights from wrong and usurpa>
tion at home.
There are now two elements Of power in
North Carolina the civil and military.
This Convention represents the civil author
ity of the State, aud if it is adjourned sine
die, then every thing becomes Immediately
subordinate to military rule. Martial law
will be virtually established all over North
Carolina and if this strong power of force
alone controls public affairs. in my opinion,
the liberties OF the people will be in immi-
nent peril. The military authority has al
tiyeness under the occasional control of the
civil power, and is representatives and jour
mails have long been buslly endeayoring to
influence public sentiment against this body.
Upon the plea of necessity the military pow
er is constantly assuming the highest func-
tions of government. and cannot willingly
submit even to division OF authority. For
one, | do not believe that the time has yet
come when military despotism is our only
hope OF safety from Northern tyranny. Our
people are fighting and suffering in this
great revolution, for something higher and
hOlier than chanhe of masters.
1t is further said by the friends Of this
measure, that this is no lime for calm delibera-
ton. When can there be time which more
requires calm council 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 cores
pending calmness and courage to meet the
dread responsibilities which surround them.
II we remain at our post, and fearlessly
do our duty while even the pillars OF the
Republic are tottering around Us, il will
present a sublime moral spectacle, which
will give confidence to our people, and en-
courage them 10 sustain as but if we show
ourselves unequal 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 ex-
allied patriotism and courage Of their leglsla.
tors and cnnnseIlnrs- than hy- the dann flsss
bravery of their soldiers and those States
which have been so 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 counseIlors, and shall we prove un-
worthy of our sacred trust!
Ithas been said, that this Convention has
done bat little for the public good. Many
undeniable facts repel such an assertion.
We have supplied the Treasury with money,
and BY kindness, generosity and justice, We
have raised an army OF more than nifty thou
sand volunteers; and experiences will show
that they are 10 be relied on with more con-
hdence than an army Of conscripts. II the
Convention has mol done its whole duty,
who is responsible for the failures Since
the commencement Of ils sessions, its acton
has been continually embarrassed BY this
constant question Of adjournment. We have
done much, but still much remains 10 be
done. The State and the people need re-
lief from many threatened dangers aud mis-
fortunes, aud we must, il possible, afford that
relief. When our rights are 10 the greatest
peril, then Is the time that they most need
our guardian care. They are now certainly
in serious danger. Ths enemy is upon our
borders-the boom OF his hostile guas -
heard upon our waters-our people are hy-
ing from their homes. aud many a shoulder.
ing pile tells where the ruthless invader has
been. he must be met and checked in his
pathway Of ruin. regret to say that we
have reason to apprehend danger ia another
quarter. The recent conscript act has ylo-
lated the rights Of the States. and broken
faith with our soldiers. II il justified on the
ground Of stern necessity. | submit to the
law as a citizen. but feel il TO be my duty
as 4 representative TO enter nv solemn pro.
test against what regard as an unnecessary
and an warrsnted usurpstion Of power. There
Is another act Of despotism which is justly
Odious 10 every freeman. refer 70 the re-
cent request TO imprsss the arms of the peo-
nj n r.x rl.~a hare n thank (.oy Clark