The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-03-28
The First Step to "the Music
Of the Union!!!!!

The hour of 10 NJ, Wednesday, the 9th
inst, having arrived, the delegates were sum-
moned to attend at the Commons Hall in
the Capitol building by the ringing of the
bell. The indefatigable Secretary to the pre-
vious meeting, Mr. w. r. Richardson, hav-
ing obtained permission to use the Hall,
which by his efforts was also tastefrlly deco
rated with national banners, draped upon
the galleries and over the Speakers stand,
above which place was extended this motto,
in large letters, "UNION, LIBERTY,
EQUALITY"
Among these banners was that of the list
N c. Union Volunteers, which had been
borne triumphantly throughout fourteen bat
ties, and now reposes in peace and beauty,
an honored relic of the past, dear to the heart
of every true North Carolinian.
The galleries soon became densely packed
with colored people. who maintained the
most perfect order and decorum during the
whole proceedings, and who evinced unusual
interest in the deliberations of the honorable
body. The Hobbies beneath were also crow
ded to their utmost capacity by both whites
and blacks, who pressed far into the main
aisle, seeking positions for the purpose OF
hearing what was said and seeing what was
to be done.
The delegates having been seated for the
most part, many being compelled to stand
for lack of chairs;
Mr.. C. L. Harris, of Rutherford, as Chair
man of the meeting of loyal members of the
Legislature, called them to order, when
Hon. Alfred Dockery, of Richmond was
nominated for temporary chairman, and
unanimously elected.
Hon. r. r. Dick, of Guilford, (white,) and
J.H. Harris, (colored) of Wake, were delega-
ted to conduct the Speaker to the Chair,
which being done,
Mr.. Dockery proceeded to address the
Convention in his usual forcible and eloquent
manner, as follows:
He said although he would not make set
speech as presiding officer of this meeting, he
begged leave to submit a few remarks.
We recognize, gentlemen, in this assembly
a large number of the most Intelligent and
trusty Union men of the State, coming to-
gcther from the sca-shore to the mountains
for the purpose of consulting as to the most
efficient method of cooperating with the
general government in building up loyal
State government here, and checking the
downward course of events. We desire to
restore North Carolina to her full relations
to her sisters in the American Union. Let
others sneer and ridicule as they may. we
regard the movement as patriotic IN the
highest degree (applause)
To be a member of such a body, convened
for such purpose, is an honor to any man.
To be selected as its presiding officer is
distinguished honor, gentlemen, for which
tender to you my highest appreciation zap
plause)
After four years of war, after the most 81
pantic rebellion known in the annals OF man
kind. the rebel armies surrendered to the
victorious forces of the general government.
As consequence the legitimate and constl-
tntional authorities of that government de-
clared all civil government In the rebel States
suspended. The conqueors were in full pow
er. They remain so, and now, although we
have had sessions of the Legislature and Con-
vention. we find all the work of reconstruc-
ton, upon our part at least, yet to be done:
The important question now is, how snail
we do it Look to the recent acts OF Con-
gress. They are our textbooks, the guides
to lead us back into the Union. Carry out
their wholesome requirements, gentlemen, In
letter and spirit not merely as submlsslonlsts
but acceptors in good faith, by passing
laws Just and proper in every particular; let
this be DONE and the work is accomplished.
When the new constitution is in formation,
great care should be taken to guard it against
insidious attacks from within and without.
No door, which can be closed against such
assaults, should be left open. Otherwise the
disaffected and evil disposed will enter the
citadel. -.--.--
Without any desire to excite or agltate
parties at present, no one will deny that we
have been ruined by party combinations III
the past To prevent the recurrence OF SIM
liar disastrous events, let us sustain the acts
of Congress; and keep sufficient num-
Der of the leaders of the rebellion out OF or
fee to do 20 successfully. For, gentlemen,