The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1868-05-13

1t was hoped that the public mind in this
State would be allowed Ivy the politicians,
after the late elections, to become at least
comparatively quiet, and that the thoughts
ofthe people would now he turned to the best
means of improving their condition. For
seven long years we have had turmoil, ex-
citement and confusion. Much of this time
has been devoted to war, by which we have
been drained of our resources and greatly
impoverished. Every interest is anguish
ing, and Peace and Industry were never so
much needed as they are now.
The first great mistake of the Southern
people was, in not submitting in good faith
to the election of Mr.. Lincoln. The second
was, in prosecuting the rebellion after all rea-
sonabe ground of hoping for success had
disappeared. The third was, in not accepting
in good faith the Presidents plan, as it was
caled-but not as he subsequently perverted
tin 1865. The fourth was, in rejecting
the Howard amendment. And the fifth,
and perhaps the greatest mistake, was the
bitter opposition shown by majority of the
white people of the South to the reconstruc-
ton acts of Congress.
But these acts are now fnality. They
have been incorporated into the very politi-
cal life of North Carolina, and there is no
power which Can separate them from that
life This has been done by a large majority
of our people. Absolute acquiescence in the
will of the majority is the only safe course
under Republican form of government
As the first great mistake of this people was
made in resisting the will of the majority
declared in 1860, so they can only repair
that mistake, and lay anew the foundations
ofpermauent prosperity, by submitting now
in good faith to that will. Thus submitting,
let it be done promptly and cheerfully, not
merely from sense of justice to the MAORI
ty, and in Difference to the great principle
that the people alone must rule, but as
matter of policy and common decency; for
nothing in public affairs can be more impol
itic or unbecoming than vain and fruitess
resistance by minority of the people to those
who have, by conclusive majority, and
according to the forms of the Constitution,
asserted their purpose to administer the
government on certain principles.
We confess we are surprised at the bitter
ness of spirit manifested since the election
by the Opposition in this State. TAere is
nothing which justifies this spirit either in
the new Constitution, or in the principles
and purposes of the Republican party.
In former times, when any party was sue
ccssful at the polls, the custom was for the
defeated party to submit promptly and
gracefully, and judge the successful party by
their acts in the management of public af-
fairs. What good reason can there be why
this custom should not be observed now (?
The State of North Carolina is now, and
is destined to be, A REPUBLICAN STATE.
Its government will be administered in all its
departments on Republican principles This
is settled. The people have SO ordained, and
their wishes must be carried out. Every office
will be in Republican hands. This is right
and proper in itself, under the circumstances
and was expected during the late campaign
1t was Indispensable, because no otherwise
could the State have been reconstructed and
restored to the Union.
But it does not follow that the minority
are to be oppressed, or deprived of any civil
orpolitical right enjoyed by the majority.
Republican principles are benefcent In
their operations they look to the good of all,
and they will benefit ALL If one portion of
Our people prosper in business, all other por-
tons must feel the benefit of such prosperity
If the resources of the State are Developed
if industry revives, and receives an adequate
reward-if the State grows and prospers
with the tide of immigration and capital
which must flow inf, in fine, North Caro-
lima should realize, as she must, the no
bic destiny in reserve for her, every portion
Of her people will partake of the benefits
and blessings she will dispense in her career,
and all her children, whether native or
adopted, will be proud of her prosperity
and of her good name. .,
There is no real cause for bitterness among
the people either against the Republican
party Or the national government. 1t is the
peculiar mission of that party to restore the
State to the Union, and, having done this,
10 set about the great work of building it
up anew in all its great interests. While
engaged in this work that party is entitled