The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-07-02
THE DUTY OF THE PEOPLE.

We sometimes hear doubts expressed as to
the duty of the Southern people in the present
crisis, and even some 90 so far as to counsel in
action Some are led to this course by an idea
that in taking part in the work Of reconstruction
they voluntarily accepting the dishonoring
and degrading terms offered US; others de-
tered by a vague, undefnable, but ever pre-
sent fear, that those who proposed and their
agents no conduct the reconstruction measures,
intend the Southern people no good, but are
ever setting traps to catch unsuspecting victims
in fact, that the whole scheme is merely
"springs to catch woodcocks." Whether the
one or the other of these reasons or indeed any
cause, shall prevent our people from registering,
the effect will be equally fatal to the welfare of
the State.
There can certainly be nothing dishonoring
and degrading in accepting the terms Altered US
by Congress If choice is left to US, it is the
"deliver or die" option, which the highwaymen
gives to the unwary travellers who fall into his
power; and in purchasing life at the expense of
the pocket book, we could hardly be charged
with compromising our honor or approving his
Conduct, nor are we estopped from bringing him
ultimately to justice.
Nor on the other hand, when the District
Commander has specified definitely and distinct
ly who can register, whether be acts under in
struotions from Washington or upon his own
opinion, there possibly be any danger in
following the direction laid down. In such a
course there cannot be unknown troubles or
masked batteries.
There cannot be one good reason urged against
registration, and many, nay, the most vital, rea-
sons exist why all should do so. BY registering
the right to vote will be secured whether it is
exercised OF not and the power to control events
will be retained, for as We have often endf avored
to impress upon readers that after all prob
able or possible disfrancbisemcnt under the Re-
construction acts arc made, the whites in the
State will command large ma ority, which the
Radicals cannot overcome, except in few local
tiles And then, if it is not desired or thought
polite to exercise the right of suffrage at pre-
sent, the weightiest moral obligations to-the
State and posterity may hereafter demand its
exercise, aud the neglect to register now will
prevent the right to vote in the future.
Those who have the right to register and vote
owe duty to those who are denied the prvi-
leges of free citizen merely for having been
true to North Carolina in the pasta duty they
must perform with zeal and jealous care, or the
injustice of the acts of Congress will also dis
grace the statutes of our State-and those
whose only shortcomings have been vrtuous
and worthy defence of their State will become
the innocent victims of its perverted and mali
oious government.
by prompt action, also, will the design to
pl-o. the political power of the S:ate-the
power to tax and dispose of the revenue and to
disfra1chise-in the hands of the few Radicals
aud their misguided tools, tie negroes, be pre-
vented. The fate of Vest Virginia, where a
profigate minority, by aid Of test oaths and pun
ishments, is driving from its borders the worth
and intelligence of its population, and of Ten
nessee, where wicked aud tyraunical Governor
places the lives and property of its citizens at
the mercy of tgenty thousand armed and organ
ICED troops, will be saved to North Carolina, if
the people will come forward and pEapp,ly dis
charge the duty imposed upon them All minor
considerations must be cast aside, and when the
time arrives our people must address themselves
with one accord to the great work of saving the
State Wiinaingtoa Journal.