Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-09-27
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL
Conservative Meeting.

We desire to call the attention of our
readers to the proceedings of the Conser-
vative meeting in Goldsboro'. 1t has been
suggested by several of the State papers
to hold Conservative Convention in Raj
eigh in October, and this meeting inaugu-
rates movement looking in that direc-
ton. We nave long felt that there should
be some concert of action on the part of the
Conservative element of the State. Whether
it represents the majority of voters or
not, it certainly does embrace nine-tenths
of the intelligence, social and moral worth
and property of the State. When we con-
template that is the base object of our op-
ponents to place all these under the con-
troll of penniless adventures and ambitious
rlace-hunters, who have no interest in the
country and no sympathy with its people,
no stone should be left unturned to thwart
their nefarious schemes.
We believe, however, that the COnserva-
tive vote of the State will be in the majori
ty, and that North Carolina can be saved
from The terrible fate of Tennessee, by
unity of action and feeling, and an effort
any way worthy the noble object to be at
tanned. An extended trip to the Western
sections of the State enabled rs to learn
that the whites Of those counties, where
the negro element is weak, are fully ap-
priced as to the nature of the contest about
to be inaugurated in this and the other
Southern States and will unite with any
party favorable to the continued suprem-
acy of the white race. In fact, we think
we discovered quite as much, If not more,
feeling upon this question there, as where,
by their numerical strength, the negro vote
will decide elections. Local majoritles
may have the effect of sitting the energies
of the minority, but when we consider that
the white maj ority in the State will be from
twenty to thirty thousand, there is much
ground for confidence, and certainly rea-
son for active and hopeful exertion. in the
face Of local majorities. Our experience
teaches us that more frequently than other
wise great elections arc decided by the Ia
bors of minorities in maintaining and in
creasing their strength.
In the face of the great negro majority
in this county, for the Radicals have In et-
feet reduced the contest almost entirely be-
tween whites and blacks, the Conservative
party can have but little hope of local
triumph; but even in the advanced stage to
which Radical legislation has gone, it is i'm
possible to fasten party measures upon the
State except by the consent of majority
of the registered votes, and the minority OF
Conservative voters in New Hanover will
have decided, and probably decisive, in
fuence upon the general vote of the State.
Is it not therefore our duty to organize
for the approaching campaign ? Will not
our vote and our influence be increased by
united action ? If SO, it is our duty by all
means not to delay for day an organiza-
ton which may bring such beneficial re-
suits. Nay, our labors, notwithstanding a
powerful local majority, will have salutary
influence throughout the State. Our IN
wayering determination to maintain the
Constitution of the country in the face OF
our immediate difficulties, will force into
action the sympathy of our more fortunate
white brethren, who will manifest it at the
ballot-box, and save us from thraldom
worse than any to which men haYe ever
been subjected.
We ask, therefore, that our thoughtful
and wise citizens will give this subject grave
consideration. Let their views be express
ed in some public manner, and whatever
course is considered most prudent and best
to be pursued, let it be acquiesced in by
all. It seems to us better to organize, and
by meetings and conventions consult with
our neighbors and our friends throughout
the entire length and breadth..of the State
for our mutual good All minor consider
ations should give way before the ail-im-
portant question of preserving the State,
with its noble people and honorable his
tory, from the political vultures who seek
to destroy it to batten upon it's carcass.
Shall We unite to prevent it {?