The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-10-29
The Raleigh SentinePS Position.

We called the Raleigh Sentinel last week to de-
fine its position (since the publication of Gov. Gra-
hams letter. on the Reconstruction question. We
copy, below, the Sentinels reply, because we pre-
it speaks for what is called the conservative
party 1t will be that that paper differs with
Gov. Graham about opposing a Convention, and
thinks there ought to be organized opposition to
a Convention. But we let the Sentinel speak for it
SELF follows:
Our PosITIoN.-Our friend of the Western Demo-
crat, abiding the publication in the Sentinel of
Gov. Graham's recent letter. comments upon what he
is pleased to term ''retieence, and invites the
expression of views, ''now that Gov. Graham has
spoken, Or something to that effect. In another
part of the same paper is the statement, made in
terms of commentator, that the Sentinel has advised
that there should be no organized opposition to the
calling of Convention. The nference,-which, we
trust the Democrat did not really designs that
the Editors of this paper prepared to surrender
their convictions at the bidding Of Gov. Graham.
Certainly, there is no man in North Carolina for
whose opinions have higher respect than for
those OF the distinguished gentleman referred to
Such is perfect confidence in his sagacity
statesman, and his exalted purity of character
man, that we should weigh any counsel he might
give a very long time, before opposing views to
the suggestion of his ripe judgment But we hope
that are incapable of yielding deliberate and we'll
matured opinions, because we may happen to find
that they adverse to those entertained by gentle
men to whom we have generally looked up for gui-
dance and direction.
Really however. there is but solitary point of
difference between Gov. Graham and ourselves. He
thinks that all qualified men should register, and
that they should vote against Convention not
vote at all on that question. We think that every
man. who is entitled to do so, should register, but
that it will be mistaken policy to make concerted
show of opposition to the call of Convention either
by action non-acton. In the first place, we
persuaded that such opposition will be useless
There are thousands of Conservative men in the
State who cannot be Invested of apprehension grow
ing opt of the silly cry of conscation who will vote
for Convention: and do not think that can be
defeated. We propose to leave TO every mans hon
est conscientious convictions of interest and duty
his course in this matter: yhile we appeal to all
lovers of Constitutional liberty and Union to leave
Legitimate stone unturned in order TO secure the
cendancy in the Convention ~-s-~--
Here ceases the only discrepancy between our own
and Coy Grabams views. In all else that he says
We heartily concur.
We you'd have the Convention, when it meets
frame such Constitution would best promote the
honor and interest of North Carolina, and enable all
her people white and eolored, to live in peace and
prosperity. r
If a Constitution, proscriptive and oppressive in
its character, is attempted to be fastened upon
people, We trust that all good citizens will rally,
las we believe they WILLY for it's rejection
That is position.