Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1864-01-01
The Path of Duty-The Path of SAFETY. :

Mr. EDnoR;-Ths suggestions and terms Of peace made
MI Lincoln in his late message 70 the federal Congress-
position he does administrator of the laws under the
sancty Of an OATH is extremely questionable whether
ne nAs the right prescribe an oath different from bis
oWn to those struggling for the rights uaranteed tOhen
oy that instrument which he has sworn to support.
speak not of his motives msinterpret his
meaning but if he expects the South 10 the whole
responsibility of this war; and repent in sackcoth and
ashes for an imputed sin, that day is far distant.
Ours is common calamity Every muscle, tendon and
fibre ofthe body polite has been shaken and sunered by
it. It must be treated such. But few of now plead
innocenceof participation either by word deed in
ants Then let bring all the good the evil together
the altar Of the Constitution and there consult When
that suspicious moment arrives it viii be an easy task to
heal The breach between and then either sepeTae
or united people, we will go way rejoicing.
1t is true have laid parrcdal hands upon the Con-
suton, but not until it violated by those now
attempt to dictate to terms of peace We admit that
we gevcd when the citadel of liberty
to those who haye SINCE with high hand and out stretch
ed arm usurped It's authority, but to admit that we had
no for conduct would be false Nor we ever
take any oath not sanctioned by the authority of the Con-
stitution.
There is no such stranger to the truth but he
that The right to carry slaves into the territories
the apple of dscord in this struggle That the Con-
suon guarantees this right and that it sustained bv
the Supreme Court there blind to DENY and
if the opposite party will but admit it, we may determine
its by the effect produces upon those who in
in the ISSUE territories are
property yet times have altered since the
days Of our orehers that are debarred from carving
our slaves thitber let lay down different policy in the
future for ourselves and postery If to exclude African
slavery from the territories will secure peace happi
ness and prosperity ation let it be excluded Whist
is most conducive to the happiness of the
greatest pumber Of those who may be interested the
policy and there is better plan than submit
such the action of the people the ballot box
Much has been said of the personal liberty laws Of
of the Northern States Upon the principle of States
rights they had perfect freedom to enact aBy law for the
good of the people, accordance with the restrictions of
the Constitution of the United States and which did
interfere with the liberty of the citizens of sister State
Their enactments however. not much worse than
those Of he Cotton States both sides occupying opposite
carry the negro where the laws prohibit slavery and
the other that he shall here the Constitution toeraes
and is wanted The people the best Judges of their
interests in all these matters however, and IT is for
them alone to decide.
We are told in doefu straits by the President in his
late message that and France have Knocked
calamity. had thought that the day for such absurdes
lucky foreign Intervention and peaceable secession had
passed and that IN the eleventh hour would hear
of them. Yes, England and France have been
holowheared cold blooded aud hypocrtica in their in
difference woes, and their conduct admits of no
doubt of the motive that prompts tham-pocal agg-an
any other nation would have offered the insult she has
but for the unfortunate ragngf Whatever NAV
be the views Of others erventy desire see that day
when the bower of England France in this Western Cont
nent shall be broken.
And ek the bloody sacrifices of hundred battle
Let invoke the aid of Reason Truth and Justce
let consult upon the subject of peace and laying aside
prejudces aud past Offences convey strfes the
battlefield TO the council hail. aud may Heavenly Faith
give wisdom to shape course that it may
dound to His glory and our happiness. ]. 7. L.