Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-01-13

the question, "What will they do with Us ?" III
the. event the South is conquered by the federal
government in the present struggle. That paper
is, therefore, looking to such probability, for it
would hardly discuss such question if it did not
think that the success of the old government was
within the range of probability. For one, we can
not answer the question-we do not know what
they will do with US if we are conquered. If we
hold out until we are successful, or until we are
conquered as we expect to reap the benefits of the
one we must be prepared for the consequences Of
the other. The conqueror would have the right to
impose his own terms. But is it sound reason to
wait, before we make terms, until the heel of the
conqueror is on our necks? If there is q strong
probability that in the end, we will be overrun,
and subjugated, and held down by our enemy at
his mercy, would It not be wise to avoid that un-
speakable evil by compromising our difficulties at
once, on the best terms that can be obtained For
our part-and we believe we utter the sentiments
of large majority of our people-as anxious as
we have been for Confederate success we would
prefer restoration of the old government to the
subjugation of the South, if such an alternative
should be presented Such WAS our view in August,
1858, and such is our view now. We would rather
live With than live under the Yankeea, If fore
ed to it we would cut off an arm or q leg to
save the body. Bot slavery is said to be in
the way. Depend upon It. no matter how this
contest may terminate, African slavery has seen
its best days this continent. As a perma-
nent institution it is, in all probability, gone
That is our belief and do not hesitate to express
it We are unwilling to see another white man
slaughtered, or another white child beggared on
account of slavery. If the greater portion of the
white race is to be sacrificed on account Of the
negro, we say let the negro CO. If we cannot ain.
tain our own freedom rs against our own rulers,
while the contest is going on for the perpetuation
of slavery, then let the contest cease and let the
two sections make peace.
We do not believe even if we should be subiu.
gated, tbakthe federal government will deprive our
people of their houses and lands Such a thing
has not been done by any nation conquering anoth.
er, in modern history. There may be con1scations
here and there, and punishments may be inflicted
on certain characters,-th things are probable,
not certain but the property of the great body of
our people in houses, and lands, and gold, and sill.
yer, and cattle and horses and the like, would be
respected, even if subjugation should be our lot
That is opinion, and we give it for what it is
worth.
We did all we could, in our humble way, to pre-.
vent the dissolution Of the American Union and
we took part in the formation of new government
against our will, and under the force of circum-
stances we could not control. The border States
were not free agents in the beginning of this revo.
luton. But We have been true to our section, and
true to this new government We went with our
State in 1861, shall go with our State in the
future. Whatever she says we will do. 1t is not
for to say that she should do, now or hereafter
Her destiny is in the hands ofthose whom she has
clothed with official power. If new issues should
be raised as a citizen we expect to express our
opinion upon them and to cast vote at the polls
but, as We are not clothed with any official power,
and as we have heretofore been mobbed and hunted
like wild beast on account Of our opinions we must
be excused (by those of friends who have writ
ten US on the subject,) from making our paper
medium for the propagation Of extreme views
There is time for all things. Great events move
slowly. We cannot tell what few months may
bring forth. Let all of do all We can for peace
and all can for the protection of civil liberty and
be ready meanwhile to avail ourselves of any suit
able opportunity which may present itself to in
prove the condition Of our suffering country.