The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-06-06
The Old North State Coming Round.

The Old North State Coming Round.
The signs of reyiying loyalty in North Car
olina are many and cheering. The state con-
stitutional convention, now in session, clearly
has Union majority, and they are preparing
the way for decided movement. They have
instructed the governor of the state to dis
miss from the service all over 81 years of
age, have voted down by large majority an
act proposed by Kenneth Raynor to punish
sedition against the confederaey, and there
has been some stirring free speech for eman-
cipation in the convention, and not a few
plain hints Of the good time coming, when
the state shall again be in the Union. A let
ter from Newbern TO the New York Tribune, q.
SAYS:
"The most fatal stab that he institution of
slavery has Vet received was given by the
sovereign convention of North Carolina, at
one OF Its recent sessions, in the shape of a
tax upon slaves. The following tax on this
species of property was levied: The annual
tax on all slaves over ) and less than 10
years Of age, is So; over 10 and less than
ID, $40; over - and less than 20, SIS; O.
yer 20 and less 10, $40. As strange as it
may seem. this measure became a law by
large majority, and is now embodied in the
state constitution. Of course. the most ex-
tensive Shareholders opposed this mode of
taxation 'as at war with Christian principles,
and were shocked TO think that such an out
rageous proposition should be broached in
this enlightened century," Kenneth Ray-
nor opposed the tax, and John A. Gilmer
said in reply to him:
1 81 desire to call the attention Of those gen.
tlemen who are opposing this measure to the
fact that they, and they alone, were chiefly
instrumental in carrying North Carolina out
of the Union. Yes, gentlemen. it is YOU who
were in favor of contracting great debt by
carrying on war with the Union. You
claimed that secession was necessary, in or
der TO give better security to the institution
of slavery; hence il was for the exclusive
benefit of yoU property that secession took
place. and this enormous debt was contract
ed, and all of this misery and slaughter
brought upon the country. At the cem-
mencement of secession y0u were exceeding
ly patriotic, and said that the South must Sc
cure her independence, at whatever sacrifice
. of blood and treasure. Gentlemen, you
have succeeded in forcing the state out of
the Union; you have also succeeded in sad
ling great debt upon the state; thus far
your wishes have been realized. You have
had your way. In gratifying your wishes
this debt has been incurred. You have re-
NAMED at Your fresides while this fearful
struggle was going on. and obliged those
who represent no property to fight your bat
ties. Now, that the debt has been contract
ed by You, who represent the slave interest
S of the state, you nevertheless have the cool
ness, with all these facts staring you in the
face, to rise in your places and refuse t. be
taxed. By oljecting to pay Your share of
this great debt you are obliging those who
fought Your battles to pay it for You. 1 de-
sire to know if there can be any thing more
ungrateful and inhuman than ,his99 l had
n no hand in bringing about this unholy war.
d l was not in favor of secession, and am not
now. love the old Union, and long to re-
5 turn to its folds. had no voice in contract
i ing this debt; l have been opposed to it all
), along. Notwithstanding this, am willing
= that nv slaves should be taxed heavily to
: liquidate this unjust debt. Yea, l would
= gladly emancipate them all if it would re-
If store US back as We were before. This slay-
u cry question is the cause of this war, and we
- shall never have peace until a gradual eman-
l. cipation measure is adopted"
d William A. Graham, who is talked Of by
4 the Cnionists as candidate for governor, a.
\ SO advocated the tax. The Raleigh Stand
e ard, in an article nominating Mr. Graham for
N governor, says
4 "Why such anxiety On the part of the per
= sc secession no-party stripe, to know who is
4 tn be the next governor of North Carolina
p We think their anxiety may be releared in
'e some degree by telling them who the people
will not have 10 rule over the destinies oi
+. North Carolina. First, they will not have Z
ge foreigner (meaning the editor Of the Raleigh
Sc Journal.) Secondly, they will not have 4
If, Yankee (meanins the editor of the Raleigh
81 RegisterJ both secess. Thirdly, they will
r. mot have secessionist of the South Carolin