Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1864-11-11

of those States, with the whole power OF
the United State at her back, prepared to
defend her against our attacks.
We should stand ready therefore at all
times to settle the difficulty by reference
of the question of future alliance, to the
States, whose positions may be doubtful
for determination by them in their soVer-
eign capacity.
Our Congress in its manifesto, has vlr-
tually endorsed the great principles OF the
Georgia Resolutions, and the President
has said in his messages, that he desires
peace upon the principles to defend which
we entered into the struggle. L am not
aware, however, of any direct tender OF
adjustment, upon these principles having
been recently made by the treaty making
power Of our government, to the same
power IN the Federal government. re-
greet that the wish of Georgia, as expressed
through her Legislature, has not been re-
spected in this particular. Such direct
tender made through commissioners by
President Davis to President Lincoln,
would place the question fairly and pro-
perly before the States, and people of the
North, for discussion and action. Had it
been done months since, it could not have
failed to have had a powerful influence
upon the Presidential election in the North
which may have much to do with the
future course and conduct Of the war.
1t may be said, however, thatthe pro-
position to settle our difficulties upon these
terms, made by President Davis to Presi-
dent Lincoln would be letting down of
the dignity of our government, and might
be construed as all evidence Of conscious
weakness on our part. l confess my ina
bility to see how the direct tender of set
Element upon these great and correct
principles by the treaty making power in
our government, to the like power in the
United States government, could COM
promise the dignity of our government,
any more than an indirect tender of the
same proposition, through the irregular
channel of an Executive message, or a
Congressional manifesto.
There is certainly more true dignity in
a direct, open, manly tender trough the
constituted channel. But nice questions
of official etiquette and false notions of
personal dignity, should be laid aside, when
they intervene To prevent action upon
which the blood of thousands, and the
happiness Of millions may depend.
The democratic party of the North,
which is the only party there claiming to
maintain State rights principles, and which
has great strength and power, whatever
! may he its fortunes in the coming election,
: has declared in favor Of a suspension OF
: hOstilities, and convention of all the
( States, as the best means of adjustment.
And l see no good reason why the treaty
making power in our government should
not tender this proposition TO the govern,
ment of the United States. There can
certainly be nothing like humiliation OIL
depreciation i'll proposition to leave the
settlement ofa question which the general
governments, which are the creatures Of
the States, can not agree upon, to then
creatureS-the sovereign States them
selves.
However much the idea may be ridi
culed 70 prejudice the popular mind by the
enemies of State sovereignty, the Conven
ton, if called, would no doubt be one O
the most able and dignified assemblage
that ever met upon the continent. In s,
trying an emergency, involving issues o
such immense magnitude, the States woulC
doubtless select their wisest, ablest anC
best men to represent them, men who's
passions have been subdued by age an,
reflection, and who are alike distinguishes
for love ofSfustice, balance of mind am
dignity Of character. Such Il convention
composed Of the greatest and best men O
the country, of mature age and large ey
perience, with the scenes of blood, car
mage and desolations through which w
h.nN- IL
and the present and prospective conditio
OF the country well known to them, coul
hardly be expected to decide in favor of
continuation Of the war, with all its bligk
ing effects upon both the North and til
South, or adjourn without submitting
plan of settlement honorable and Just (
the people of both Confederacics, and t
all the States.
All questions of boundary and inian
navi CATION, and all treaties of amity, con
merce and alliance, and all the agreement
necessary to preserve in future the jus
balance of power upon the continen
: could be properly shaped in such col
vCntion and proposed to the treaty maxim
powers as the result Of its deliberations
J Or it might be agreed in advance by tn
treaty making powers that the conventio
: settle the whole question, and that its az
} ton be final and conclusive when submit
ted to the people of the several States, an
t ratified by them respectively.
In that event it must of course be ur
| derstood that each State would enter tn
/ convention as separate, independer
: sovereign-the equal Of every other Stat
, and that the action of the body, as i
f case Of the convention which formed til
| Constitution of the United States and
, the Gnnfederntn States wnnll only l.