The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-09-05

cases concerning freedmen that are proper for
t the consideration OF the Convention. w hether
there ought to be any alteration of the rules
concerning their competence to depose; and if
so, to what extent, and all other questions aHec-
/ ting their status, are matters which have ever
been considered by the Legislature. shall
oppose the consideration in Convention of mat
tiers purely ola Legislative character; and if
contrary to ms opposition, any such should be
considered, [ shall eGdeavor to reflect your SEN
timents. The people have been not q little i'm
patient at the delay of the Convention. | shall
not complain Of it. l know the obstacles and
difficulties attending the execution of the Presi-
dents plan to rc-establish the State 10 the Un-
ion. | know also that there has been, On the
part of the Governor, no lack of industry, zeal
and ability In the business ] shall not critieise
the mode adapted Since it was begun, [ have
advised all persons to faithfully aid 10 carrying
it through. Perhaps its conclusion may show
it to have been the best proposed. But in vim
dication Of my own former views which have
been publicly assailed, take this occasion to
say, that when Johnston's army surrendered, [
regarded the rebellion at an end; and, in the
language Of Gen. Schofeld, that there was
peace between the State and the United States
My anxiety very great that the State should
return into the arms OF the Union, at once, and
view with Gen. sherman, he freely announced
his ideas Of proper policy for the State; which
were that the Governor should convene the
Legislature, and that bsdy forthwith proceed
for calling Convention; aud that the Conven-
ton should procee5 to re-establish our federal
relations. | fully concurred with him.. AS a
part of its duty, l supposed that there would
be an appointmentterr election Of new Govern
Or and an election Of new Legislature.
[ had every reason to believe that Union
Governor and a Union Legislature would be
triumphantly elected. | had no purpose to con-
tnue in power the Governor or Legislature
longer than was necessary to- use them, mere
constitutional instruments, to reform the gov
ernment Of the State. If, from this, any deduc-
ton can be drawn, that was in sympathy with
secession, | am honored by sharing the disloyal
affection with the distin guished General.
L have, gentlemen, in a long life witnessed SO
much political tergiversation, that am slow to
bestow confidence any but tried men. What
President johnson hay eventually prove to be,
[ know not; it is but candid, however, in me to
say that | daily become better satisfied with his
policy, and more convinced that the South may
expect kindness at his hand. She needs it;
and he may fill land with thankful hearts by
freely bestowins it. The innocent and guilty
are alike overtaken and overwhelmed 10 COM
mon calamity and disaster. He will not, be-
lieve, withhold his charity, because it may fall
on the guilty; the sad fortunes of our people
are so interviewer, that whomsoever it may
fall, both parties will enjoy it.
Our destiny as a,peopie must be one. We
shall act but the part of folly by cherishing un-
kindness towards another. We cannot
mend our own fortunes nor impair the fortunes
of others, by brooding oyer our own losses and in
dulging in spites. Our State will gain nothing
by such condoct, and we shall but nourish, i'll
our bosoms, animosties which may become the
bitter inheritance of our children.
rejoice with my fellow citizens, that the
spirit Of peace and quiet is lowering over the
chaotic waters Of strife. Submission to the new
order Of things is almost perfect throughout the
State. Let US resolve to carry through our re-
organization before We allow any political excite
ments to disturb the progress OF the work. I
deeply regret that there amongst US persons
who delight to alarm the public sensi5iliy by
continual cries Of disioyolty aud outrage My
and associations with the people
assure ME Of general quiet and submission
over the State; and ksipcerely believe that if
every outrage by the citizens were noted, so
many have not occurred within two months
past, as have happened in the city of New York
within half that time. ...
Let our virtue be equal to our calamity and
Heaven will smile upon US again.
am, very respectfully, yours,
b. F. MOORE. |