The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-07-10
Respect for the Nations Birthday.

We hear much from the Democratic press
of this State about their disposition to "ac-
cept the situation, and their respect for the
Constitution" &c. This sounds very well,
but when these gentlemen are tested it is
found that their acts do not accord with
their professions. If they do not love the
Union and if they do not hail with pleasure
the return of the anniversary of our indie
pendence, it is vain for them to say they sac
cept the situation" in good faith We make
a few extracts to show their feelings
The Wilmington Journal, noticing the or
der of Gen. Sickles, says:
'sThe time was when a united people assem-
bled around the national altar upon the national
Sabbath to show respect to the national flag. The
fact that it now requires military orders to secure
its display on public buildings is sad reflection
upon the patriotism of the people or the tyrrany
of the government question which history
will settle. We would have been pleased If
Gen. Sickles should have ordered reading, by
his officers, soldiery and subjects of the DECLA-
RATION OF INDEPENDENCE There are some
wholesome lessons taught in that document, by
which even the commander himself might pro-
fit"
The Newbern Journal Of Commerce says:
"We intend to observe tomorrow, the ami
versary of our wedding, as holiday. To our
compositors we shall extend the privilege of en-
joyinging it as best suits them"
The Charlotte Times, after dwelling IRON
ically on the rebel spirit of the authors of
the declaration of independence. says:
''This parchment roll still stands, monument
frf ba vr,ou, IF re mt and irpa md s,
direct conformation to the acts and doing of the
mighty men who now bear away. Shall it longer
stand, libel on all the glorious achievements in
arms and legislation which has shed undying lus-
tire on the last six years of our national life !
N0!!! That government is best which governs
most. Let new clerical force be called in-the
press be set to work, and :" No. 999'' be issued,
cOnsigning this document and the fame of its au-
thor and signers, to the bonfire, and amid the
shouts of patriotism, the waving of the :" Star
spangled Banner''-the gorgeous ensign I" of our
nationality" the booming of cannon and cheers
from thousanps of reconstructed threats, ming
Cling with the acclaim of the " Enthusiastically
loyal" let it be burnt thus every vestige of this
REASONABLE incubation perish. Eye la Republi-
que Vive Ia Reaper ~
The Raleigh Sentinel, the organ of Gov.
Worth, says:
"But why is it that, at this time, the advent oil
the anniversary is hailed rather with feelings of
sadness than with pGans of joy?
The answer is to be found in the Declaration
of Independence" itself, which we publish, this
morning, as appropriate to the day. The docu-
men still es,-but its vital ideas vanished.
The portions which we have italicized, read amid
the events of the present time, are calculated
more to stir mournful emotions than excite proud
or happy reflections"
The portions italicized in the Sentinel are
intended to charge that Gen. Sickles and the
general government are as oppressive and
tyrannical towards the people of this State
as King George was towards the Colonies.
This is certainly seditious conduct. We call
the attention of our military commanders to
it. The Sentinel of the 9th advises the col
ored people to read the declaration as pub
lished by it on the 4th: Why should they
read it, thus published, if not to receive the
impression that the national government is
an unmitigated despotism The very best
proof that we are free people is to be found
in the fact that these journals are permitted
thus to make seditious appeals, and to treat
with every sign of contempt the flag of the
nation and its birthday.
So far as we are concerned, we could not
accept the aid of such persons as these in the
work of reconstruction. They may be vo-
tiers under the Sherman act, but they might
vote with such sentiments till doomsday with
out budging peg in the work. They are
+ still Sin the gall Of bitterness and bonds Of
iniquity." They appear to have no idea
even of 'srepenting and doing their first
works." So true it is but few of the adult
generation will ever change. They will die
in their sins.