The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-10-22

datlOn OF the State, as In Onlo;) tnan In tins
State, where they constitute one third OF the
population, and the generality are necessarily,
from their recent condition of slavery, in the
grossest ignorance?
1t is derogatory to the Congress of the United
States, to presume, that for negative vote On
this question, which would be but respectful
remonstrance, they would think of visiting the
electors of State with punishment and if, in
the excitement of the fever, they should, their
constituents in the great States already men-
toned as well as others, who have manifested
no disposition to make the coveted change in
their body of voters, would be quick to perceive
that what is ours to-day may become theirs to-
morrow; that precedents accumulate and con-
stitute law and that as their representatives
shall have done to others, SO may it be done to
them However this may be, the change propo-
sed is in fundamental article of the State Con-
stitution, deeply affecting the security, safety and
peace of society, and the promotion OF the civil
cation and happiness of its members; it is do
nestle and concerns ourselves only, and We must
act upon it in the choice allowed us according
to our convictions of duty. The elective fran
chise is not necessary to the protection Of any
of the rights or immunities of the freedmen be-
fore the law. By the present Constitution, and
the Bill of Rights which has stood untouched
since 1776, the free colored man is now, and al
ways has been, entitled to all the guarantees as
to life liberty, security and property, which are
vouchsafed to the white men-as much so as
women, minors and adults of the white race, who
have not paid public taxes. The question be-
fore us therefore is not one Of protection to him.
but whether he is qualified for the exercise OF
political power here, which is denied to him
in SO many States of the North / have no pre-
JUDGES against the colored race. AS member
of the Legislature in years gone by, voted for
their liberation on all proper applications accor-
ding to the then state of law; in the practice OF
my profession l aided several in establishing
their claims to freedom against white men hold
ing them as slaves, and prosecuted and defended
their pleas as for white men; and since their ber-
alton recommended to the Legislature in apub-
lished communication, in reply to inquiries from
certain of it's members, promptly to concede to
them the right to testify in the courts of justice
which was done. l wish them, now, all the
happiness and prosperity which can flow from
an upright and virtuous course of life In their
new condition But it is better for them and
for u.s. that the elective franchise shall remain as
heretofore, with the white race, ensuring stable
tranquil and salutary state of society, In which
every individual, of whatever complexion, shall
be protected in all his rights, rather than incur
the hazards of the anarchy, disorder and insecu-
rity which will ensue from the change in question
Deeply solicitous as I am to see the old and
constitutional relations of the States of the South
to the Union restored, and general harmony re-
established, [ cannot consent to overthrow the
organism>of civilized society in vain and Quix-
otto attempt to effect that result. prefer to ask
Congress to reconsider the propriety Of the
course which has been adopted and would pray
them to remember that the destruction OF State,
which will be the effect of the measures proposed
can never be the means of its restoration; and
that to compel her adoption of a change In her
Constitution by striking out provision which
stands conspiouously, as we have seen, in those
of other great States of the Union and which
they Indignantly refuse to remove is to affx a
badge of inferiority utterly inconsistent with
their ever hereafter being considered an associa-
ton ofequals.
There are two modes of making such an appeal
without any disrespect to Congress-: LIST, BY
electing Convention which shall frame such
a Constitution as is deemed fit for the people Of
North Carolina, and asking appreciation thereof
Ind BY voting against convention. And mas
much as the only specified requirement of the
Act OF Congress is as to provision In the Con-
stitution for negro suffrage, which we consider
it ruinous to adopt, l should prefer the latter
Conventions, with power over the fundamen-
tai law of the State, not called Of choice, ex
cept in cases where change is desired, but if the
alteration proposed is not approved, there is no
occasion for the call. To me, who concurred in,
and most heartily approved their decision, it was
a sublime spectacle in February 1861, to see the
people of North Carolina reject the proposition
made by the Legislature to call Convention to
consider the subject of secession. The presses
and politicians of various shades of opinion were
in the confusion and uncertainty of the times
nearly unanimous in favor of the call. But the
people, seeing the critical condition of affairs
rejected it by decisive majority, at the same
time taking care to elect delegates who would
represent their sentiments, provided the afirma-
tive had prevailed. Thus two months were
gained, before, causes, not then anticipated, and
which were regarded when they occurred as a
necessity, precipitated us into war already COM
nenced.
These are some of the views I should have
attend. | think the subject has been less con-
sidered, by the people, than, from its transcen-
dent Importance, it deserves. ga
l disclaim any purpose of disrespect or contut
macy towards any department or authority of
the Government of the United States, and still
more at aiming to promote the interests Of party
A Wing from principle, never having had any
other party connexion, now past the meridian of
life, will gladly forego all his interest in party
provided he can be assured that he yet has
Country. Our own CASTOR long years ago, in
the Halls Of Congress, speaking of faction which
is but party in excess, exclaimed Faction out
of power is demon in chains Faction clothed
with the attributes of rule is Moloch of destruc-
tion." In our present situation what is party
IN ne or NO to p.rtv To odonf ,,l.tf,r,,,,