Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-07-05
From the Raleigh Standard.
REMARKS OF JUDGE HOWARD,
OF EDGECOMBE,

Conce,tion, Jane 18Th, the proposed change IN the
Basis Of Representations
Mr.. president A few days ago, when we had
hat delegates pleased to call Il Glove feast "
what they considered just and fair compro-
mise of this question, feeling that it would be
.~eless to attempt to stem the commingled tide of
Eastern and Western influence. and thinking that
.l a few moments vote would place the terms of
the adjustment on record, [ arose simply to enter
" protest against it, either compromise or
embOdying the true principles of sound con-
-cryative government. I should have been con-
Int with this simple expression of my dissent,
mad the matter proceeded to its consummation.
l;ut it did not and rs [ find the Convention dis
nngaged while the delegates from Lincoln and
Orange are settling the details of this treaty of
,unity and peace, [ hope I shall be pardoned for
,tting forth the considerations which shall infiu-
nee my vote.
Before doing so, however, will candidly admit
nat when [ first came to this city, and before I
tHd fully investigated and well considered this
question, did express to Eastern delegates pro-
hahe willingness to accept the provision about to
ha adopted. And will also state, that still be-
Icve that the West, under the new appOrtion-
.nnt of power, will be incapable of infiicting
omg upon the East except by the desertiOn of
aor own representatives induced by the honors or
monuments of office.
Were this, then, 4 simple matter of State poll
~, would add nothing more but i'll my opln-
N, it is not only no compromise, but the unj Just
tleturbance of a compromise, not only desertiOn
the great, conservative principles of govern
ltnt but re- lection of every principle upon
hch just, a fair, successful resistance can he
made to radicalism.
Before the Convention Of 1885, there was much
citation in this State upon this subject and
Justly The Convention met and after mature
conslderahOn, by mutual concession effected
"omprOmise. Considered as q mere distribution
Il power between sections, compromise wise
..ud Just, for 1t gave to each section a branch of
the General Assembly, Either was powerless for
.ggressiOn on the rights Of the other both must
eyince kindness and good will to effect the many
"lIccts of leglslatlOn-a majority OF numbers and
"a ma jOrity of interests must concur. This was a
Compromise indeed, in substance as we'll as name
nut 1t was much more than compromise. 1t was
perfect embodiment of the highest, conserya-
I've principles of representative republican gov
.rnment. Let us examine its principles. The
Senate was based on taxation, the Commons on
population. Adopting the well considered and
established division of the political character of
The slaves-a class combining the rights of per-
sons and prOpecty-they were allowed representa-
uon as population, three-ffths property two
h1tls-wlile every freeman or freedman fully
represented.
The rights of person and the rights of property
are the two great interests OF society. The gov
GfnLlent which affords the surest protection to
o"th is that which Is most entitled to the admra-
non, the love, and adoption of mankind. Disre-
~'iI the rights of persons and the popular heart
5"eIs with discomfort until physical power up
HGiIeS the foundations of the social and political
i"oHc. Disregard the rights of property and that
equality which the delegate from Lincoln
sGenS apprOvingly to evoke, shakes its red cap in
sle lace OF authority and tramples beneath its de-
Il"tll8 tread every material interest which man
rS eishfined III his heart and consecrated by his
INJECTIONS. The distribution of constitutional pow
- should harmonlze and protect ALL This is true
,onSefVatlsm and most happily is it adjusted in
'"i present Constitution. Yet founded in justice,