Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-08-17
A Few Calm and Friendly Words

&0W jain dnO GIIoAuly WUTuS. 4
We wish we could say or do something to
allay the bitter party strife and acrimonious
personal Ieeling that is abroad in this com
munity. For there is no Disgusting the fact,
that there is the worst of feeling here, that
tends to rupture and personal violence and
i.tais bitterness continues to increase, or if
any thing SHOULD occut calculated to bring
this feeling into practical demonstration, the
most deplorable results may follow. And
what is most remarkably strange in such a
time as we now live in, this state of thing SO
much to be deprecated, is the result of,bitter
political party spirit, jagged ON by the most
intense personal prejudice and hatred.
1t would seem that if ever there was a time
or crisis that ought to unite the Southern
people as one man in the bonds of political
brotherhood, that time is now. Beset by a
gigantic foe, threatening on all sides to de-
prive us of all.we are or hope to be-of lib
erty, property and even life itself-it requires
all the energy, adj the patriotism, all the for
bearance and all the loving-kindness we
can bring to bear, to make as a united and
determined people, in resisting. the enemy,
: and in protecting our country, our lives, our
fortunes and our loved ones from the merci-
less and polluting invader.
Why are we not thus united? It is be-
cause too many have allowed their persona
hatreds to throw them into antsgonisms S,
inveterate as to oppose anything and ever,
thing coming from those they dislike, and t
cause to brand them with every vile epithe
calculated to provoke, to insult, to exasper-
ate, and to inhict. odf6m and shame. We ap
peal to the cool and dispassionate judgmen
of all, if what we have stated is not true.
AS a journalist who has taken no part, il
producing this unfortunate state of affairs
but who has always given his views indie
pendently and firmly, without impugnin
the motives or patriotism of others, we woul
most respectfully and earnestly interpose 70
a cessation of this course of conduct, .wheth
er as editors or individuals. Instead Of usin,
language calculated to estrange and embitte
one another, let an honest effort be made t
%harmonize the views of all and bring tn
people to act as a unit on the great question
now in agitation and which arc ~alienatin,
us into bitter partiess.. COULD not the peopl
"a -aa~-i--aes Of opfufo1,> meet as North Gar
%olinians, true Southern men, and compar
views, and discuss principles and PROPOSE
tons, with a view to a harmonious, peaceful
and patriotic blending of all for the commo
goodF There is not that antipodes of opir
ion, that immense conflict of sentiment. whic
would render these differences irreconcilable
perhaps. But even if this much to.be.ds
sired unanimity, after an honest effort, coul
not be procured, the two shades of opinio
would be the better able to understand eac
other, and award patriotic honesty of pur
pose to each.
AT all events, we think something shout
be@done to relieve the State of North Caro-
lima from the anomalous position she occu
pies before her sister States, as we'll as t
secure peace and harmony among her peopl
at home. God knows we need all the strengt
which undivided harmony can give us. W
cannot afford to, have the spirit of loyalt
and patriotism consumed by the baneful fir,
OF personal animosities and malignant part
feeling. The country cannot bear these bale
ful influences to be at work in our mids
gnawing at the very heat of our cause, viii
our gallant soldiers are battling so manfulI
in our defence-our soldiers cannot bear it.
it is Notifying, humiliating to them, en-
ought to be abated.
->e@~~--
Friday next is the time ap pointed by Pr,