The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1867-04-24
Tho Republican Reconstruction Con.
ventiOn.

venti0n.
It was our good fortune to be an eye-wit-
ness and participant in the late Republi-
can Reconstruction Convention at the capi-
tai of the Old North State. We felt that it
was good to be there The two days delib-
erations were fraught with questions of the
deepest solicitude, and of paramount inter-
est and Importance. But the men there as-
sembled were equal to the Importance Of the
occasion. Impressed with the responsible
ties resting upon them in taking bold and
manly step in the right direction for the re-
formation and redemption of a wayward
and prodigal State, they seemed to be anima-
ted and fred up to the work by the surround
ing Stars and Stripes which decorated the
old Commons Hall. On the Flag immedi-
ately over the Speakers chair, were inscrib-
ed in large letters the following words
Union, Liberty and Equality. The motto
thus inscribed characterized the proceedings
of the Convention from beginning to end.
Every face beamed with courage and hope.
The object in calling this meeting was to
make it preliminary to the calling Of Con-
vention to restore the State to the Union un-
der the provisions of the Sherman Recon
struction act. Fortunately, however, at the
earnest solicitations of the Unionists in
Washington from the unreconstructed States,
Congress passed the supplemental act, ad-
| ding the necessary machinery for carrying
out the original act, thereby relieving the
| loyal people of the responsibility Of taking
control of the work by devolving it upon
the General commanding the District
The meeting thus relieved, deemed it impor-
tant to proceed and deliberate together, and
take such steps as would aid Gen. Sickles in
restoring the State to the Union; and to
adopt platform in accordance to the dec
laration that all men were created free and
equal" and that just governments derire
poaoers from the consent Of the gouerned." The
resolutions adopted speak for themselves,
and embody platform upon which all good
and true men can plant themselves, fully as
sured that it is based upon the everlasting
principles of Truth and Justice.
We have said this was meeting of great
importance. The earnestness of one hun.
dred and fifty of the leading Unionists Of
the State, one hundred white and fifty color
ed, representing fifty-six counties. meeting
upon the same floor, on the same footing
and CO, cooperating in the most cordial and
harmonious manner, was spectacle well cal
culated to arouse emotions of gratitude and
patriotism in the bosom of the most callous
minded lockers on. The Hall was crowded
to its utmost capacity, both in the gallery
and on the floor and the deepest interes
pervaded the whole assembly. The earnest
ness, honesty, tervor and eloquence of th'
| participants of both races were of such ar
impressive character as to expel all inten
tions-if any existed-to mar the feelings o
any. or to interfere with the proceedings.
The Convention was a strong and abl'
body-strong in graphing with the grea
questions of the day, without evasion or sub
terfuge-able, because it was honest and il
earnest. 1t was composed in the main, o
deep, unaffected, honest, earnest, patriotic
fre-tried loyalists, who had gone through
the furnace of rebellion untarnished.
1t was determined by the Convention II
nail to their flagstaff the banner of the Re
publican party. Only by strict adherenc
to Republican principles can we overcom
the mighty barriers and impediments tina
will beset us on every hand Onward ant
upward must be the battle cry of Union
Liberty and Equality-of civil, political ant
:. religious rights. With these mighty wea
pons of Truth and Justice, glorious victor
awaits our cause. The loyal and Union loy
ing people of the old Democratic and Viii,
parties, have struck hands in good faith, an
have flung the glorious banner of the grea
Republican party to the breeze.
Republicans of the blue mountains G
,, North-C Carolina, we summon you to you
duty to your country. Come up and plan
yourselves firmly under the folds of the bar
; ner of our party, upon the everlasting priI
ciples of Union, Liberty, Truth and Justic
!, -Henderson Pioneer.