The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1866-10-03

ton. of the fact that we are placed face
to face with some of those whom we
have heretofore delighted to honor
With many of us it was a sore trial to
believe that any man who had done
good service in camp, orin political ac-
ton in civil life, during this struggle OF
four wears could prove false to his prln-
ciple. 1t was severe trial to us to be-
lieve that it was possible that pledges
given, principles stated, doctrines avow-
ed. adhered to for long time, pro-
claimed to be necessary as the basis OF
safety and security, could then be aban-
doned, and by any one, more especially
by one who, from his position, was nat
urally the great leader of the nation
1t was not pleasant to find ourselves
brought face to face with this fact; but
now, seeing that the fact is so, seeing
that we are pledged to recognize the
truth, that it has extended into
the mind of some to exalt the Execu-
tive Department of the Government into
despotic power, and to abase the repre-
sentative portion of our Government
into the mere tools of despotism; learn
ING that this is the case we now, as
heretofore know our duty and Showing
dare maintain it." The citizen soldiery
of the United States which organized
our great army and which showed its
great craftsmanship in providing the
means for the support, and adherlng
firmly to it's determination that, come
what would, the Union must and would
be preserved. Isay the citizen soldiery
of this country recognize the Congress
of the United States as the representa-
tive Government of the country. APP
plause.] I think only interpret the
sentiment of all my comrades when l
say we believe another thing to be true,
and that is that this Government is the
Government in fact of the whole coun-
try; the Representatives and Senators of
the people in Congress assembled now
as an organized body, recognized by
us and the whole world as the Congress
of the people, and the only persons
who may rightfully, by the powers
given them by the people, determine the
mode and manner in which their success
ors shall take their seats in other words,
that It's only by the Legislative action Of
the law-making power and obedience
to the laws as they exist at present that
there can be any provision made with
regard to the organization of a succeed
ing Congress. We say that if every
one within the Union-those high in au-
thority as well as the humblest citizen
will thus submit to themselves to the
law of the land, there need be no trouble.
Anappealto the citizens ofthe countryis
always open to those who are dissatis-
fed with the existing condition ofthings.
Ifthey can succeed in changing the opin-
ions Of the people so that representa-
ton in Congress different from that
which we have heretofore sent, be sent
there under existing tests, we should Of
course bow to the will Of the people.
But we know, and all traitors know,
that the will Of the people has been ex-
pressed in the complexion and charac-
ter of the existing Congress, and that
freely spoken will only be more loud
and more perfectly distinct on this SUBJ
ject. [Great applause But I will not
detain you to discuss further these gen.
eral questions. We have expressed
our faith that the proposition which has
been made by Congress for the settle
ment of all difficulties in the country, is
not only wise policy, but one so truly
magnanimous that the whole world
stood in wonder that a people could un-
der such circumstances be so magnani-
nous to those they have conquered.
And when, therefore, we say we are
ready to stand by that decision of Con-
gress, we only say, as soldiers, that we
follow the same flag and the same prin-
cipals which we have followed through
the war. Now, my comrades, without
OBTAINING you further, I must beg your
assistance in the performance of the du-
ties which you have imposed upon me-
The army is not good place to learn
parliamentary tactics, whatever else we
may learn, and, therefore, it becomes
necessary for me to appeal to you that
you will have such regard for my inexpe-
rience and shortcomings as that the Con-
vention may run itself and that 1 may be
here in some sort as the figure-head in
representing this body. APPLAUSE