Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-01-24
Peace Movements in the legislature.

considered and passed.
Peace Movements in the legislature
The resolutions introduced in the Senate 10y Mr..
Pool, at the session of the Legislature preceding
this, providing for the appointment OF hVe commis-
sioners to treat for peace, still on the table IN
the Senate and similar resolutions, introduced by
Mr.. Carter in the Commons, have been made the
order of the day by that body for Thursday next
On Friday last Mr.. Hanes, of Davidson, intro
duced in the Commons resolutions providing for
State Convention, and for Convention of the Con-
federate States. And on the same day Mr.. Smith,
of Johnston, introduced bill in the Commons pro-
Tding for Convention of the people OF this State.
Mr.. Hanes accompanied the presentation OF his
resolutions with very able and interesting
sneech which was listened to with marked at
tentiou. He took ground boldly and unequiV-
ocally in favor of reconciliation with the people
of the North, "under the Constitution OF our
fathers as the alternative to be preferred to suou-
cation which seemed to him to be inevitable II the
war should be continued as be took it for granted
it would be. by the federal government. We learn
that Mr. Hanes' speech will be published, when the
people will have an opportunity of reading and
judging for themselves.
Mr.. Hanes' resolutions were laid upon the table
by vote of 80 to 40.
The bill introduced by Mr.. Smith provides for
submitting the question of Conventlon n or no Con-
vention to the people at the polls, and at the same
time for the election of delegates to take their seats
and act in case the people vote for Convention
This proposition is not only called for by the con.
dition of the country, but it seems to to be IN
every respect reasonable. After four years Of vast
ing war it appears to be highly reasonable and pro-
per that the people of the State should have op
portunity, in Convention assembled, to deliberate
upon their condition. and to take such steps may,
in their Judgment be best calculated to promote their
happiness. Surely, surely in country like this
there can be no risk in trusting the people That
is the question after ALL which is involved in this
bill introduced by Mr.. Smith,-Cdn the people be
trusted? Every one sees and admits that the pub
lie men of the country are unable, with all their
skill and wisdom, to close this ruinous war and re-
store repose and prosperity to the people. Let US
at length go to the fountain Of poWer-tO tie people
Themselves But one may say, it is not expedient
to call Convention-a Convention is unnecessary.
Very WELL say so, and vote that way at the polls,
if you wish; but let the people have an opportuni
ty to decide the question. II Convention is mex
pedient and unnecessary, they will so declare at the
ballot box but if necessary and expedent, and
they should say so when they come to vote upon it,
who will gainsay their right or their wisdom in so
declaring? He who is afraid to trust the people,
at any time any question, is unfit to represent
them. -.
We think it would be a good plan to pass Mr.,
POOLS resolutions, and also to submit the question
of Convention to the people, for the reason that if
other States should decline to unite with North.
Carolina in the peace movement, she would have
Convention in exist ence through which she could
act for herself Let her discharge her obligations
to her sister States by offering to unite with them
through commissioners, as proposed by Mr. Pools
resolutions; and then, if they should decline to CO.
operate with her, her skirts would be Olear and it
could not be said that she had proved faithesS to
her CO States But if the Legislature itself should
decide not to appoint the commissioners, let them
Be chosen by the people The memorable Peace
Conference, which, as many think, ought never to
have been held, failed mainly because the commits
soners to it were appointed by partizan Governors
and Legislatures, and not BY the people Let u5
profit by this example. The commissioners under
Mr. POOLS resolutions could be chosen by the peo-
pie on the day set apart for Votirg on the oOnVen
tion question
We know not what is going on at Richmoud.-
We know nothing of the mission of Mr.. Blair or
of its results. We hear many rumors, but in grave
matters like this we can hazard no opinion except
upon facts We fear, however, that Mr.. Lincoln
and Mr. Davis will not make peace. The States must
act. Under this government, as indisputably
shown BY Mr.. Hanes, they are sovereign and have
right to act. Ifany doubt as to when they should
act, and how, LET THAT DOUBT BE SOLVED BY THE 4,
PEOPLE THEMSELVES There is no higher, there is
no safer tribunal in this country. The demand for
peace is loud and incessant 1t browns all other
sounds. Nor is it confined to any one party. 1t is
heard in both parties and among all classes. 1t
soiU not be silenced Like rising cloud, it rolls ;
itsthdnders in our ears with increased volume every
We tell public men, who hesitate as TO
their duty-we tell the Legislature that the people
are terribly in earnest in this matter. We know
something ef public sentiment in North Carolina
and we are not mistaken Sooner or later, unless
the advance of the enemy should preVept it, Con-
vention SoW be called and this Legislature will take
steps to.call it Why not now? Delay is danger
BUS. We may lose every thing by delay. We may
ave much by action, and aetiQn-PRONPT ACTION Ii
rhAt the people want.