Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-09-09
For the Standard.


y. For the Standard.
This is certainly trying time in the history OF
North. Carolina. The thoughts and feelings of all
her good citizens are deeply exercised, and what
ever extremists may say to the contrary, believe
that the great body Of the people are snxfousl dis
posed to hear and weigh every suggestion, plan, or
argument tending to enlighten them as to the best
solution of our present difficulties, and that too,
notwithstanding such abusive epithets as submis-
sionists cowards traitors, ct I'd onane genus have
been taught that it was the part of good man and
reasonable being to try to see things they really
are and to get at the essential truths oil oil matters
however unpleasant or humiliating such course
might prove. And I. had thought that the same
rule was applicable to bodies of and to States
But there not strong reasons to suspect that this
rule has been for many years. to great extent re-
versed in our country and chat the assumed or ad-
ventious leaders of people, have made it study
to conceal from them important facts to exaggerate
existing causes of trouble, and to create in their
minds disqueting approximations of future wrongs
and scourges, which, in truth, were only the foul
ofsprings of their own distorted imag inations, or
selfish and wicked purposes? And how can
country prosper when such men have sway, and
can press into their service brilliant and ambitious
men of fanatical tempers and unsound judgments ?
engaged originated from such influences, is matter
of controversy. But of one thing We are assured.
The leaders Of it told US that if we would adopt this
course the institution of slavery would be preserved
intact; that we would soon enjoy fair delightful
peace, and glorious independence And now, may
we Judge Of tree by its fruit ?~ds the institution
now intact or is it likely to be SOP And who can
descry the promised peace and independence Ands
it strange now that the people should hesitate longer
to to these false prophets
try to take an observation for themselves, to see
where we are, and whittier we are drlfting3 But
forbear to discuss the details of present status.
Suffice it to say that we are in the midst of most
exhausting, desolating, and bloody war, and that
We are urged by most infamable appeals to press
it until We mplsh-what? Why, the indepen-
dence Of all the slave States, including Western Vr-
ginia, Kentucky and Missouri.
That is what we undertook to do, and it seems
that whoever shall dare to suggest the propriety
of modifying, negotiating or receding in any par
tcular in regard to this huge undertaking. is to be
abused as poltroon and traitor. 1t is true, that
Western Virginia has declared against us, and is
fighting against us; it is true, that Kentucky de-
clares against US, and has sent forth some 3d. 600
soldiers to meet US in deadly strife; it is true that
Missouri repudiates US and our course fights us on
bloody fields and has decreed by organic action
the emancipation of slavery Throughout: her Dor
ders; it is true, (but forbear to mention truths
that are but too palpable and yet we are urged to
fight on to the "last dollar and the "last man
to effect our undertaking. But whittier are we
drifting? Either to success or failure-but failure
may be partial as in reconstruction, or else total,
as in subjugation. But subugation, we are told,
is too horrible to contemplate and in this fully
agree. The idea Of subjugatlon, with its terrible
concomtants, is too dreadful to be entertained for
moment and let US therefore dismiss it And
man shall read this poor effort with him wish to
reason. Well we are told that we must not re-
construct, because it would be humiliating, and
therefore against honor. The humiliation is grant
ed but have yet to learn what true honor is, if it
means any more than to do the best we can under
all the circumstances for the good Of ourselves,
posterity, and the great cause of republican gov
ernment Every other definition must resolve it.
self into the "pride Of life"
But again, it is said we should not 60 back, be-
cause Linc0lns government as it is called, is now
an irrerievable despotlsm. 1t is but too true that
Lincoln with the sanction of his last Congress- has
been guilty of acts of high.handed despotism-but
is despotsn irretrievably fixed upon the United
Statess Ihope not must DC p.-sAi..ad- e Ls-
leve that there Is enough of true conservatism in
the people there-a suficiency OF appreciation and
lcan principles of their fathers to enable them in
due time, and by the ballot-box or in some other
suitable way to crush out despotism, and to par
alyze the arms of despots. Let US do them justice
Though they be our enemies The last Congress
sional elections there turned upon Lincoln's eman-
cpation proclamation, and they returned to their
popular branch, six majority against him and his
measures. And now, suppose the great conserva-
tive masses, North and South, could be combined
against him. where would his despotism find q
resting placer And confess, that to me it would
be some temptation to reconstruct if thereby We
could Danish despotism from the new world and
firmly re-establish great republican principles
Deeply and devotedly do love the South-it is my
home and it was the home of my fathers but still
better do love pure, republican principles "'Tis
| not that love Caesar less, but that love Rome
more" And suppose the Northern people cannot
prevent despotism without our aid-what will be
the fruits of our success? With mighty despot.
ism n-the No-th divided from us by mere ideal
line thousands of miles long, and another in the
South-Mexico, divided from US by similar line,
how could we maintain the integrity of our princ.
| Piles and our institutions P Would it not be abso
lutey necessary, at the end of the war; in spite Of
our exhausted resources and crushing debt, to es
tablsh and maintain standing army of zoo, 00(
men, and a corresponding navyp And can repub
lican liberty live under the pressure of such an ar
we drifting?
But must hasten to conclusion will there
fore notice only one other argument against nego
tiations 1t is said that cannot trust the North
ern people-for that, however fair the terms the!
might agree to, and however solemn the form o
guarantee they might give, yet they would not hes
itate to violate them all. Well, Sir, has it come t.
this Is there no sense Of shame-no principle Q
honor-no obligation of religion left amosg them
Are the coun,rymen of Webster, of Pierce. of sey
mour of Vallandighan,-yea, and of Lincoln, so "a
beneath the pale of ordinary humanity and civizs
ton, as that they are incapable Of making an
treaty or compact with ordinary good faith All
Sir, l fear We had more presumption and sci
righteousness in the beginning Of this contest, an
that we now have more unchartableness than b.
comes Christian people.
But, Mr.. Editor, do not advise reconstruction
In fact, l know not what to favor or propose.
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