The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-06-21
REMARKS OF MR.. WARD,
OF EDGEcoMBE, ~

MIR. PRESIDENT "A few days ago, when
we had what delegates were pleased to call a
p" love feast" over what they considered a
just and fair compromise of this question,
feeling that it would be useless to attempt
to stem the conlmingled tide of Eastern and
Western influence, and thinking that In
few moments vote would place the terms OF
the adjustment on record. T arose simply to
enter my protest against it either as COM
promise or as enibodying the true principles
of sound conservative government. l should
have been content with this simple express
ion of my dissent, had the matter proceeded
to its collsummation. But it did not, and as
I find the Convention disengaged, while the
delegates from Lincoln and Orange are set
Ting the details OF this : treaty OF amity and
peacc,", hope l shall he pardoncd for set
ting forth the considerations which shall in
fluence my vote.
Before doing so, however, will candldly
admit that when first came to this city, and
before had fully Investigated and well COLI
sidered this question, did express to Eas-
tern delegates probable willingness to ac-
cept the provision about to be adopted. And
will also state that still believe, that the
West under the new apportionment OF pow
er, will be incapable of infiicting wrong upon
the East, except by the desertion of her own
representatives induced by the honors or
emoluments of Office. .H.
Were this then, a simple matter of State
policy, would add nothing more but in
my opinion, it is not only no compromise,
but the unjust disturbance of compromise;
not only desertion of the great, conserva-
tive principles of government, but rejec-
ton of every principle upon which a just, a
fair, successful resistance can be made to
radicalism.
Before the Convention of 1885, there was
much agitation in this State upon this sub
ject, and justly so. The Convention met,
and after mature consideration, by mutual
concession effected compromise. Consid
cred as a mere distribution of power between
sections, a compromise wise and just for it
gave to each section branch of the General
Assembly. Either poweriess for ag-
erosion on the rights of the other; both
must evince kindness and good will to effect
the many objects of legisiation-a majority
of numbers and ma jority of interest must
concur. This was compromise indeed, IN
substance as we'll as name; hut it was much
more than a compromise. Il was perfect
embodiment of the highest, conservative
principles of representative republican gov
ernment. Let us examine its principles. The
Senate was based on taxation, the Commons
on population Adopting the we'll consider
ed and established division of the political
character of the slavcs-a class combining
the rights of persons and property-they
were allowed representation as population,
three fifths, as property two ftths-whlle
every freeman or freedman was fully repre-
sented.
The rights of person and the rights of
property are the two crest interests of So
ciety. The government which affords the
surest protection tn both is that which is
most entitled to the admiration, the love,
and adoption of mankind Disregard the
rights of persssns and the popular heart
swells with discomfort until physical power
upheayes the foundations of the social and
political fabric Disregard the rights of
property and that equality" which the
delegate from Lincoln SEEMS approvingly to
evoke, shakes its rcd cap in the face of au-
:lIority and trampeS beneath its desecrating
tread every material Interest which. man has
enslrined in his heart and consecrated by
his affections The distribution of constitu-
tional power should harmonic aud protect
ALL This is true conservatism, and most
happily is it adjusted in our present Consti-
tuition. Yet founded in justice, approved by
experience, binding as a compact of compro-
misc, it is preposesl now, when every South
ern voice should be raised for the sacredncss
of constitutions, to abrogate and annull it
and for what
Mr.. President, let us examine the PROPOSE
ton of the delegate from Lincoln. Analyse
and view it 1t is monstrous. Insert it in
the constitution and it amounts to this-the /
negroes shall have no power. either primary
or delegated-the whites shall constitute a
and the will of the numerical ma
jority shall be the law of the Land. Not a
check with which to defend the rights of
or the rights of property-an alb
solute negation of the essential purpose of
Well might thc delegate from
Halifax say, they dare not adopt it if they
could
Constitutions are not, except In a deiega
ted government, to confer power but to re-
strain it. Without constitutions the ma
jority rule Such are the purely Democratic
governments of history. hoped that such
governments at this day found no advocates, |
save amoRg the reckless, the bankrupt or
the revolutionary The delegate from Lin |
sentiments as these why should property |
he less secure or Justice worse administered |
when copfded to the ajority of the people !
of the whole State 2' Our government is |
based upon .fdath in majorities-" The context |
shows that he speaks of numerical tnaiorities |
He can find no such sentences among the !
writings of the recognized statesmen of |
modern times and i'm sure they accord !
not with the settled convictions of the dele !
gate himself. The able manner in which he |
has discussed this question shows too clear |
ly that he is too wise and [ know he is too |
to desire the adoption of such |
principles. What is it but the rejection of i
all constitutions Yet the pride and l,oast |
Of our land baEe been that those e,nbodi- !
ments of checks and balances in the exercise |
Of power have welded an influence more
of the rights of minorities and
property, more powerfuito prevent the wrongs
which passion, or prejudice or mistaugllt !
or unchecked fauatieism could
nflict, than all the "pomp and circun-
stance" and authority OF royalty. And to-
lay westand powerless, unprotected, beneath
he impending wrath OF q numerical ma
ority, if this shield beld by powerful hand
ieryed by indomitabIe will, is stricken from
lhoye US. Our only help now is in God and
me broad, fundamental, constitutional prin- !
:iples ofjustice and right established by our
athers. -.t... .s.
But Mr. President, did not arise to reply
70 the delegate from Lincoln. This has been
most happily done by my friend from Hall
ax, with the marked ability which he always
displays and with that thoroughness and
close adherence to principle which dispense
with the necessity of an ally, ,.s7..
4 Will now consider this compronise;s but /