Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-02-14
Union and Harmony =.


In the first number Of the Confederate, Of this
City, issued after the publication of the interview
between our commissioners and Msssrs Lincoln and
Seward, that paper said:
Before expressing the sentiments with which
these propositions impress as we wait to see wheth.
er those who have heretofore differed from US, will
offer US hopes of united action"
And before the Standard appeared, and before it
could have responded favorably to this overture,
even had it been disposed TO do so, the following
was posted on the bulletin board of the COnfeaer-
ate, as a sort commentary on some news from Kin.
ton:
"The STANDARD and Progress; the ring-leaders OF
the croakers in North Carolina, chiefly respon-
sible for the invasion of our State by the enemy in
force at this time"
The foregoing was transferred 10 the Confederate
oGfhs subsequent day, Friday, and that paper OF
yhs$ame date contains the following:
=" Taking it for granted that all united in
the determination to resist to the death the igno-
minOus and degrading terms, which the invader oi
our country dictates us; and that the true-heart
ed people of North Carolina will emulate the hardy
and invincible resolution of Virginia, we propose
to our cotemporaries of the Press, in Raleigh, to
unite in an invitation to the people adjacent to
Raleigh to assemble in mass meeting, in order to
give expression to the sentiments Of loyalty and the
determination of patriotism that our delegation IN
Congress, and such other distinguished citizens OF
the State as hold the confidence OF people
without reference to political affiliations or dnerS
of opinion-be invited to be present, and sd-
dress the people on the condition of the country
and that steps may be TAKEN to harmOnze and unite
all the elements of society in common effort to
defend our threatened liberties. We ask response
from them"
The public will perceive from the foregoing the
terms on which union and harmony in this crisis is
proposed The Standard, with the "hideous mark"
upon its brow, placed there in 1861 by the State
Journal, in pursuance of orders from the Destruc-
tive leaders, and with this fresh insult thrown in
its face is asked to unite with those who have thus
treated it, in a more vigorous prosecution of the
war. We may be subjugated, but We will never
lick the hand that smites u.s. We will never unite
with set Of men who have pronounced, and who
still pronounce US traitors to our native land, and
who, judging by the past would sneer at any saeri
fee We might make in the cause of the country, If
we did not happen to agree with them in every
thing and concede to them the right to hold all the
offices and conduct the war in their own way. The
liberties of the people of this State were never
"threatened" until the cotton States, for no good
them. We have much less liberty now than we
enjoyed under the old goVernment; and, so far as
Democracy and popular rights are concerned, they
are dead, dead, dead! The PEOPLE are treated as
myth. They are no more consulted vt the ballot
box than if they did not exist; and even if the
ballot box should be opened and their voice asked
for on the question of peace or war, we have no
assurance judging by the last election in this State
that they would be allowed to vote free men,
| influenced by threats and undsturbed by bayosets
We know of but two modes by which our people
can be reused and united front presented. Let
the government abandon all idea of arming the
slaves, and submit TO the people at the ballot box
the question, whether they will continue the
indefinitely for independence resume their fer
mer position in the Union under the Consultation
and laws Of the United States Let the authorities
see to it. by the strong arm, if necessary that the
vote the question is free the last election
this State forced and despotic. they decide
resume their former position, the whole question will
be settled; but if they decide to fight on and fight
ever that decision will be fnal and eUery one will
make common cause to the very DEATH Or, if this
mode is objected to- let the following be adopted Let
/
sioniSt and every war man, from seventeen to six
ty at once volunteer, Gil up depleted regiments,
or tender themselves in companies or regiments for
service. Let them do this, and word for it the
peace men will join them. There will be rattlng
among the dry bones, and the flesh and Sinews will
again come upon them, and they shall live, ard
"stand upon their feet an exceeding great army"
Fhe result therefore, for veal for VICE. is in the
hands Of our opponents. Let them as one man set
the example. Let them no longer say, "gO Uovs"
but "come boys" Public meetings, resolutions,
e3horta.ions to duty VIII be of no avail if those
who take part in them do not themselves set the
example Mere talk will not suffice. They who
would advise in this crisis must themselves act If
thousands more must be slain, let them take their
chances with those thousands. Let them go to the
front Let them go at once, for the enemy presses,
and few months hence may be too late.