The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-03-30
EVENING SESSION,


EVENING SESSION.
The Convention was called to order pur-
suant to adjournment, the President occupy
lug the Chair.
Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Hood, colored dele
gate from Cumberland.
The minutes of the morning session were
read and approved.
Mr. G. L. Harris presented the proceed
ings of Union meeting in 1ancey County,
whereat he was appointed proxy for that
County. His name was ordered to be SO
enrolled
The names of several delegates, included
in the above list, were presented and &C
cepted.
A communication from Mr.. A. w. Tour
gee, Editor of the Greensboro Register, was
read, expressing regret at his unavoidable
absence, but also setting forth his reasons for
not approving of the assembling of this
| Convention or transaction of business by it
as constituted.
Mr. Settle offered the following letter from
w. Morgan Powell, Esq, which was ordered
to be read:
"GRovE HILL, Warren County, N. c.,
| March Goth, 1867.
To the Loyal Union citizens Of the State to assemble
in Raleigh on the 27th instant.
| regret very much that circumstances render
| it inconvcnient Tor me to meet you, on the day
named, to consult in regard to the best mode of
reconstruction; but having the utmost confidence
in any decision that you may make, therefore, l,
as member ofyour body, will cheerfully concur
with you in whatever it may be.
| l have ever been an avowed Union man, from
the commencement of the rebellion up to this
time, and expressed myself SO at all times. And
l cannot say that there another open Union
| COunty-Warrcu, Ii Ii
Guilty that one could escape with his life and cx-
press himself in favor of the Unon or for Holden
and the STANDARD during the rebellion. But l
did both all the time, and was threatened with
| mob law and violence in various ways in and out
of the county-(hansing, &c) opposed seccs-
sion in every way | could, but it cost me fifty
thousand dollars So much for secession.
| With the highest regards, DC.
WIN. MORGAN POWELL"
The following letterfrom Tod R. Caldwell,
| Esq, was also read:
"AIoReASTos, N. C., ssd March, 1867:
possible for me to meet my friends in Raleigh
the 9th instant, but the condition of my wounds,
| OF which apprlsed you some weeks since, pre-
vents my attendance. | beg, however, to assure
our friends through you that though absent in
| person l will be present with them in spirit. |
trust your conference will rebound to the lasting
advantage of our good old mother, and have the
effect of speedily restoring to our lost estate
| in the Union, and that such measures will be de-
viscd rs will forever prevent those persons, who
sought to destroy the best government ever
vouclsafed by God to man, from again participant
| ing in the management of our political affairs,
until they shall have heartily repented of their
SINS turned from the error of their ways and given
| unmStakable evidence of change of heart and
| determination to demcan themselves us loyal men
| for the future To bring about results So dcsir
able is worthy of the best efforts of our best men,
and here pledge my feeble aid in the laudable
! enterprise Hoping that your gathering may be
hpr,,,
subscribe myself your hearty co-laborer in good
| cause, TOD r. CALDWELL"
| After these various communications were
read, Mr.. w. +. Henderson, of Davidson,
proceeded to address the Convention.
He said that it had assembled to take into
consideration the condition of the country.
Let it mature everything and proceed with
delberation. If it complies with the act of
Congress in all respects, no difficulties could
intervene to hinder the return of the State
There are but two parties in this country,
said he, the Republican party. and the anti
Republican. The former is the friend of the
government, the latter is against it. Let us
act with the Republican party-with the
| friends of the Union. (applause)
Two years have elapsed since the surren-
| der. At that time, we were nearer reconstruc-
ton than we now are. Why is this so Be
cause the rebels were then humble, and only
wished to save their lives. But when
| leniency was exercised, the secessionists
took the reins in their own hands and
controlled things their own way. We
wont eat any more dirt said they. But now
they must eat it by the bushel. Applause.
They must stand back-let loyal men rule,
and the old State will be so restored to the
Union of our fathers. repeat, let us act
with Congress. have proclaimed it on the
stump in Western Carolina, proclaim it here
tonight that am for Congress and opposed
to Andrew johnson and secession Great
| applause. He attempted to resurrect the
Democratic party from the foul grave of Sc
cesslon, and am opposed to him. What
we now need among Union men-Republi-
cans of the South, is long pull, and "a strong
secession out of the question! Laughter and
cheering.] Not only must we leave Andrew
and secession out, but we must set aside
the latter, day-war-saints also! [Cheering. !
Especially those obstinate men, who de-
nounced every friend of Congress as con-
tcmptable mean white man! There are those
too who started well, were Union men up to
the close of the war, who are all wrong now.
We must not include them when we count
the elect, for they are those who falter be-
tween the porch and the altar Let US carry
| out the act of Congress ingOod faith, against
Andrew johnson and secession to the strict
letter of the law! [Great applause.] Let
US have no chickering's in our camp, but act
cheerfully and unitedly.
Mr. J. II. Harris moved to lay the letter of
Mr.. Tourgee on the table, which was carried.
DR.. Jordan of Person, arose to respond
to the sentiment of the gentleman from Da-
wilson, who said we had come here for the
good of the people. That was his purpose.
Mr. Jordan continued. These are exciting
times. When I remember my losses by the
war, Sir, including two sons, can scarcely
restrain the emotions of my heart. I can
scarcely control my indignation against
those who brought this ruin on our coun-
try. do not desire, nor will indulge. in
elimination, but those two who brought
about this rebellion, thank God, one of them
is now in his prison, I think the most
wicked of men. But we must be calm. Let
us proceed quietly and determinedly, for
| Sir, say that those who were instrumental
in getting up this war, should never hold
Office. 1 always opposed the rebellion and
favored egotiation to put an end to it, and
when it ended I rejoiced to learn that jeff.
Davis was captured and on his way to For