The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-03-13

ton act OF Congress. The mode suggested
seems to, us the best that could be adopted.
One hundred and forty OF our most loyal
citizens have been designated and requested
to meetin Raleigh on the 9th ofthis month,
to consider and mature plan to call . Con-
vention to take the necessary steps to re-
store the State to the Union. We have the
pleasure of Knowing personally nearly every
gentleman named. At least one-half of them
can take the iron-clad" test-oath, and all
of them can take the test-oath in Mr.. Ste
vens' bill. In a word, they are loyal, un-
conditional Union men, who have long la.
bored and looked for this suspicious day,
and who, if not prevented by the hand of
power, will soon see to it that our beloved
State is placed in such condition as will Sc
cure its return to the Union.
It will be observed that the Chairman has
designated three natives Of the State, resi-
dents of Washington City. This is de-
served compliment, and, under the circum-
stances, is eminently proper. Mr.. Goodloe
and Mr.. Hedrick have lived to see their
cherished views on the subject of slavery
carried out; and as they are natives ofthe
State and devotedly attached to our people,
it is peculiarly proper, it seems to us, that
they should be here, to advise and consult
in beginning anew the work of sclfgovern-
ment for this neD people. Dr. Powell, with
Mr.. Goodloe and Mr.. Hedrick, adhered un-
ainchinglyto the United States during the
rebellion. He is well known as the faithful,
efficient and obliging State Agent during
the provisional government, and he has
many friends in the State. We are sure our
loyal people will be glad to see him here at
the time indicated, with the other devoted
sons of the State resident in Washington,
above named.
1t is obvious from the act itself that it il
for the people in their primary capacity to
perform this work, without regard to the
existing rebel organizations. Congress ex-
pressly omitted machinery, in order that the
people might do the work in their own way.
With people schooled and skilled as ours
are in the work of self government, there can
be no difficulty in complying with the terms
laid down by Congress All we ask is that
the military commander who may be as
signed to this State, will extend protection
to our loyal people while engaged in this
work !; and that those rebels who are not
disposed to accept the act of Congress and
submit in good faith to the will of the ma
ton, will not come forward to distract and
embarass the people.
We happen to know that the authors of
the act of Congress, with all the leading Re-
publicans OF that body, entertain the views
we have given above. They hold that the
people should act in this matter for them
selves, and we have no doubt they will see
to it, if necessary, that the fullest protection
is extended to the people while engaged in
this work.
1t will be seen that the Chairman of the
meeting was requested to confer with the
colored people, with view to cordial CO.
operation of the whole loyal people in this
Important work. The colored people are
the only reliable political allies and friends
the white Unionists of the South have here :;
and, on the other hand, the latter are the
only real friends which the colored people
have in this quarter. This fact is felt and
realized by both races. If Union principles
shall prevail, and be firmly established in
the organic law of the State, every interest
and every right of the colored race will be
protected and cared for; but if the princi-
piles which led to the rebellion shall prevail,
or obtain foothold in the organic law, the
colored people will be again reduced to a
state Of slavery. Under secession rule in
these States, the colored people would be, at
best, only nominally free. They are fully
aware Of this fact. They are, therefore, de-
termined to act en- nsasse with the white
Unionists. They will do this not only from
the impulse of patriotism, but from the die
tates of self-interest and selfprotection.
We trust that every one of the gentlemen
named by the Chairman will attend. It is
! the most important crisis in the history of
the State since the Congress at Halifax, in
177e. Come up, friends, fresh from the peo-
pie, prepared to act promptly and judici-
| ously for the good of the State, and for the
| restoration and perpetuation of the Union.
The eyes of the country are upon us. Let us
omit nothing which may be deemed neces-
sary to restore our State to the Unreasonable
benefits and blessings which werelost by the
l rebellion.