The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-10-15

Bern Ltepu0Llcd7a, In us ttuie ah,' Ooi iiee'
port of Republican principles, meets with
our hearty approval, and that werecomment
it to the support of the friends of our cause
The committee appointed to wait upon
the nominees of the Convention then re
turned and reported the presence of all the
Candidates. Hon. David Heaton being
called to the stand, amidst great applause
spoke as follows:
Mr.. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN OF THE
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION Permit me to
offer you my sincere thanks for the nomina-
ton, as one of the candidates for a seat in
the coming Constitutional Convention.
cordially approve of the resolutions
passed Ivy your body, but must say that con-
sidering all the circumstances by which we
are surrounded, no influence other than the
vital and overshadowing Importance OF
speedy and thorough Reconstruction would
| prove any temptation, whatever, in my be-
coming candidate. can say truly that [
do not covet the position named. but should
your proceedings to-day be crowned with
success at the coming election, I shall GER
tainly enter for one upon the discharge of
the duties assigned with deep sense of
their delicate and responsible character
(Applanse)
The formation of Constitution under Or
binary circumstances is always duty of the
greatest importance; considering the pres
ent extraordinary condition of public affairs,
the weight of this duty is doubly increased.
a Constitution being properly the written
expression of the will of the people, every
word, sentence. and principle therein con-
tanned, should receive the most ample con-
sideration.
1 am entirely aware of the deep sol1ctude
and anxiety pervading the public mind in
relation to the action of the approaching
Convention. Several years of intercourse
with large mass of the people of all classes,
races and conditions in this State, has added
new strength to the conviction that the ut
most frankness should be observed in dealing
upon the important questions of the day
At period like the present, duplicity and
prcvarication should have M countenance
among honorable men.
Let us, therefore, deal with one another
in such terms and in such a spirit, as will, if
possible, dissipatc all uneasiness and appre-
hension.
Deeply impressed with the absolute neces-
sity and Importance of speedy restoration
of our natural relations with the National
government. we can see no other way by
which such a desirable object can be consum-
mated, than through full and faithful COM
pliance with the Reconstruction plan and
policy of Congress. 1t Is we'll enough here
to remark, that so far as the much agitated
subject of confscation is concerned, we not
only have believed but do now entertain
the opinion that that matter will be effectu-
ally and completely disposed Of by COM
pliance with the measures of Congress No
gentleman of respectable legal attachments
will attempt to dispute that in the event the
Congressional plan is ratified, not one dol
lars worth ofproperty can or will be confs-
Gated The adoption, then, of the measures
presented to us by Congress, is the clearest,
shortest and most certain way of render
ing obsolete all idea of confscatlon. Gap
plause)
Upon the other hand, it should at all
times be distinctly understood that while
confscation was thus intended to be aban.
doned in the framing OF those measures,
the most important rights ever extended
or youchsafed to an emancipated people,
was meant to be given to the colored
man.
Among these inestimable rights was the
free use of the ballot tor themselves and
their descendants, and the comforting upon
them of all other civil and political privi-
eyes to which the white man is entitled To
place these rights in position of lasting
security by incorporating them in the |
fundamental law of the State is one of the |
strongest obligations resting upon the COM
ing Convention.
Let us then proceed with steady purpose |
so far as our power and influence extends,
IN the accomplishment of the great work be-
fore us. In securing to the colored man the
enjoyment of those rights, for which so
many patriotic men offered up their lives on
the battle field, let it be kept in mind that
the responsibilities of the Convention by no
means ceases here.
no rirrIt
entire State, indiscriminate of color or race,
must be fully regarded, and as far as posi-
ble, provided for in spirit of fairness, gen
crosby and undertaking justice. Applause
w lille the utmost tirmness should be exercis
eel IN the distribution of that equality of
rights provided for in the Congressional pol
icy, no such feeling as revenge or malice
should be countenanced or tolerated The
occasion for bitter contention and strife, GER
tainfy passed away with the close of the re-
beliOn.
Early restoration upon the broad princi
pies OF human rights as prescribed in the
congressional policy, will be the most
certain and speedy course to secure the re-
urn oil our lost prosperity. From the hour
ull restoration is authoritatively proclaimed,
we are sanguine in the belief that new era
II Vlgor and progress will dawn upon our
cherished State. [Applausel
Under the impetus given to the great
'ause OF free labor, the vast natural resources
ying within our boundaries will undergo
rapid process of Development. Let US
With reinvigorated hope look forward to the
bright day when, in gazing upon our nation
u flag, we may discover that among the
tars symbolizing our Union, the one that
hines the most brilliant shall stand to the
mperishable name of North Carolina -
Loud applause.
Capt. Sweet then took the stand, and
n accepting the nomination, made an
ble and eloquent speech, which is as fol-
ows:
MIR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN OF THE
CONVENTION: A Committee representing
his Convention waited upon me few mo-
nents ago with the information that you
lad nominated me as one of your candid !
ties, to represent the county of Craven in the
Constitutional Convention soon to assemble ]
n Raleigh. {
appear before you in response to this in {
ormation for the purpose of returning my {
incere thanks for this unsolicited mani .
N&a&