The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1866-06-27
From the Memphis Post.
Sensible Remarks Of a Southerner.


Here and there the truth is not only break
ing upon the minds of leading and thought
full men in the South. but they are given
voice to utter it. Mr.. Robert P. Dick, of
Guilford, N G., said to the convention now
in session at Raleigh:
There are times when great questions are
to be considered, North Carolina is upon
the verge of ruin. Rebellion has nearly
wrecked all her hopes and if rebellion is
still to prevail sheis ruined now and forever.
Her reputation and principles are gone with
out a full and unequivocal connection with
the United States. They can be nothing till
relations are restored between the State and 1
the General Govcrnment-until, in his opln-
ion the spirit of rebellion is entirely crushed
in North Carolina They are the representa-
tives of people that expect them to do
something. The high duty which they have
to perform is fully understood. The posi-
ton OF affairs requires that they should rise
equal to the emergency. They were now be-
fore the country. They stand before the
bar of public opinion. The eyes of the Gov
eminent and the people are upon their &C
tions. They are closely watched, and they
were not to allow themselves to be controlled
by minorities-not to allow themselves to be
| controlled by selfish ambition or private in
terests. A new destiny is before them, and
! is to be determined by their action, whether
it shall be for veal or for woe. They were
placed in this position by the late rebellion,
and to ameliorate their condition they must
meet the responsibility and the confidence
imposed on them in a calm, dignifed, liberal
and conciiatory spirit. In the great duty
they had to perform they were surrounded
by many difficulties and endorsements
They were to examine as to what is the true
| position of North Carolina. They must know
that North Carolina can never have peace,
prosperity and happiness, or freedom, until
she is again connected with the Government
OF the United States. This proposition can
not be denied. She must take this position
before she can enjoy the blessing and privi-
lege of free government and equality among
her peers.
Before the rebellion they had a constitu-
ton, handed down to them by their fore
fathers, which secured to the people all the
] rights and blessings of freedom. Then she
had public credit, and held high posi-
ton among the money markets of the world !;
then she had u system of good, wise laws,
speedily and justly administered; then she
had school system, which was rapidly in
creaslng and operating for the virtue and in
telligcnce of her people, taking grand and
making rapid strides in the march of i'm
proyement and progress of art and science !;
but, in an evil hour controlled by inevitable
circumstances and unwise counsel, she broke
loose from this wise government, and for the
last four years of her history involved her
| ,,fo hot h,x,n
ly cost her ruin, and sent fifty thousand of
her best and bravest men to untimely graves.
Their school-houses were closed; their mag
niicent colleges, founded by private gene
rosity, were swept away, and her whole pub
lie credit is bankrupt Her labor system is
Overthrown; her fertile soil no longer yields
its accustomed. treasures; while private for
tunes, accumulated by years of patient and
economical industry, lie in ruins. This is
the condition Of North-Carolina. They
should meet the questions under the new or
der of things as patriotic men. and not as
partisans. There is great duty to perform
and upon their actions depends the ISSUE
What is this great duty to perform in order
to restore the State to the Union? 1t is to
restore peace at home; to commence right
here; cease from quarreling; lay sectional
prejudice aside, our own private claims and
injuries, cease our political wrangling, oul
elimination and recrimination, dismiss party
feeling and enter into the dignified duty O.
restoring the State to her full privileges t.
3 the federal government
These feelings are by no means inconsis
tent with the feelings of true patriotism. ant
he said there as he would venture to say il
the halls of the Congress OF the United
States, or in the presence of the setting sun
lie loves North Carolina better than an,
| spot it shines upon; at the same time h
claimed to be loyal to the Government o
the United States. In the formation of thei
laws they must adapt their constitution It
the exigencics and requirements of the times
they must not be constrained by persona
feelings nor by the hallowed memories of tn
past. They must act equal to the prcsen
time; they must see that laws of both Gen
eral and State Governments are enforced ant
obeyed. They were to adopt good syster
of laws-they must stimulate industry, G
to work in earnest. They have lost every
thing except the grand storehouses God ha
given them, out of which their fathers du
their wealth. To set the State in order the
must invite foreign capital and industry
they must build up the waste places Of tn
country-they must give men-yes, an
Northern men, cordial welcome; accor
them full protection under the laws and II
cognize them in society. If we do thes
;. things we will rescue the State, now bowe
down in sackcloth and humiliation. W
can raise her from the dust to the proud pr
sition she has occupied among her sistt
States If they do their duty as men, either
and patriots this work can be accomplished
and before another decade North Carolin
will be memorial of sincerity, honor an
fidelity to the Union and the Constitution
Do not these sentiments find some respons
in every truly patriotic heart9 Could tt
South stand up as one man to this declar
ton, and show corresponding effort, ho
soon mutual confidence, and consequent ha
mony and peace, would be restored. Evel
noble purpose prompts it. All classes of il
terests urgeit. Only prejudice, passion an
folly oppose it. Men who trust tile fieetin
hopes inspired by their feelings may gal
some momentary advantage, but no perm
nent good. The great cause can afford the
loss. 1t ever sings the song of the brook:
: "For men may come, and men may go,
But 60 on forever" M
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