Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1864-02-05
Mr.. Reade,s Remarks.

We take great pleasure in laying before our rea-
ders to-day the remarks of the Hon. Edwin G. Reade,
delivered in the Confederate Senate oh the 8oh of
of thanks to portion of the North Carolina troops
for their patriotism, evinced by volunteering for
the remainder Of the war.
The occasion was very appropriate for these re-
marks. We are glad Mr. Reade submitted them,
and we are more than pleased with their temper and
truthfulness. He tells the Senate and the country
that the charge that North Carolina IS untrue to the
Confederate government is unfounded and he goes
further and says that the proposition to hold Con-
Vention in this State IS best understood by its ad
vocates who declare that it does not mischief
vention or not, or whatever else she may do; will
be so marked with propriety that others in time to
come, as in time past will eyince their high appre
citation of it by claiming that she was not the first
to do it, but that they were" In other words, Mr..
Reade claims for his State the right to take such
action as her own people may consider best for
themselves and the country and he has so much
confidence in the intelligence and integrity Of the
people whom he in part represents that he feels
sure that any action that may be resolved upon by
them will be both proper and patriotic, and marked
by due regard for the rights and feelings of Others
Mr.. Reade does not see the danger in a Convention
which other public men, who might be named,
think they see Mr.. Reade is not afraid to trust the
people in Convention; Mr.. Reade has no sympathy
with those who denounce the friends of Conveu-
ton as plotters of treason and enemies to the COM
mon government; Mr.. Reade can perceive no "new
Hartford Convention" in movement which pro-
poses that the people shall consult together in their
sovereign capacity to the best means of shielding
their vital interests and. obtaining an honorable
peace.
We call attention to the following significant
statement BY Mr.. Reade: Senators have doubt
less heard, as have, that it has been gravely con-
sidered whether force ought not to be employed to
overawe and silence her people" 1t is true then,
that it has been "gravely considered" whether
North Carolina ought not to be coercedl Mr. Reade
very properly omitted to characterize the fact, or
to make any threat. But he reminded the Senate
that North Carolina had held two Conventions -
one at Charlotte Town. in 1775, and one at Raleigh,
in 1861, and both those Conventions were unanim-
Gus in their views and purposes and the inference
to be drawn was that though no State was more
devoted to the Confederate government than North
Carolina, and none would go farther or submit to
greater sacrifices to keep faith, yet there was no
power that could overawe or silence her people,
when they chose to express their opinions whether
in Convention or otherwise We trust, however
that the idea even if gravely" entertained of re-
sorting to force against our people in any event.
will be at once and forever diScarded and that the
States and the common government will continue
to move forward harmoniouSly in their respective
spheres. And the speech of Mr. Reade, as we trust
and beleye, will contribute in no small degree to
this most desirable result