Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-04-08
The Planting of Cotton and Tobacco.


The Register expresses regret that the Governor
does not deem it expedent to convene the Legisla-
tune, to take action the subject of planting cotton
and tobacco. That paper thinks that body "igno-
rant and mischievous," yet i1 hoped for good re-
suits from such cody on the subject referred to-
This is in keeping with the reason and consistency
usually displayed by that journal Of course the
members of the body thus characterized as "igno-
rant and nischievous" will feel deeply mortified
when they hear what the Register thinks Of them !;
but they should bear in mind that this is only a
way which that josanal has Of showing its respect
for our character as State. 1t has 80 much State
pride that it copies every article from the Richmond
Enquirer undertaking and vAIfying North Carolina
and it then adds its own quota of abuse and vihii-
cation by speaking of highly respectable body,
which is inseparaoy identified with our State char
acter as Ignorant and mischievous."
The subject of provisions was before the Legisla-
ture at its late session: 1t took steps to prevent
the planting of cotton and tobacco, and this non
action doubt the result of belief that statu-
tory provisions could be Of no avail. That body no
doubt thought that ifpatrotism and public opinion
could not repress the desire for gain among our
Planters statutes could not do it. 1t was right
The Governor has done all he could in bis earnest
and eloquent appeal published in our last issue.
If our planters and farmers will not heed that,
they would not be restrained in their disposition
to amass money at the expense of their country,
though one rose from the dead"
But suppose the Legislature had been convened,
and had passed law on the subject, how could it
have been enforced in the absence of the magistrates
constables deputy sherifs and militia officers p
All these, it is said, to be conscrpted and put
in the army. What will be left of the State gov
ernment, when this shall have been donef We
shall have the frame work, composed of the higher
officers, but all active and effective vitality will have
! departed from the system. The central government
will be all ia all. Confederate troops will be sta
toned in all the Counties to arrest conscrpts and
deserters, and to overawe the people in the free
preston of their thoughts State laws, as gene
raj rule, will be nullity, and the bayonet will take
the place of the civil magistrate. Our Governor
vii, be high sheriff of the State; but he will have
but few if any officers, civil military, to enforce
the laws. as this the entertainment to which We
were invited?'
Plant cotton and tooacco, and ruin your country ,
plant corn, and potatoes, and every thing that will
sustain life, and it. Let that ring like trum
pet in the ears of the soulless and avaricious Aye
let it ring, but we fear that Mammon will still do
his work. The fact that such an appeal was neces
sary by the Chief Magistrate of the State is sad
commentary on the political and moral status Of GU,
| people.
Mr. BADGER.-We are grati6ed to state that Mr.
Badger has so far recovered as to be able to wall
On our streets. If the prayers and good wishes o
numerous friends could avail he would soon be re