The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1868-01-04
For the Standard.

In an article on the Bankrupt law which
appeared in the Sentinel, few days ago, it
is stated that the Radicals have held out the
Involvement of Reputation to certain voters
under theimpression, one wOuldsuppose, that
such consideration would he sure guar
antee for the support of the unrepentant
rebel. For one having entered the ranks of
the Republican party, ask the privilege to
enter my solemn protest against Ii.
The Convention should find its opportu-
nifty in restoring, and not in destroying the
safeguards of the federal constitution; in
rebuilding the temple which secession has so
annihlated in the hearts and consciences of
our countrymen, and not in scattering its or
naments and jewels. Secession having
raised the fratricidal arm, seems willing to
commit all the lesser crimes against that
sacred instrument, not the least of these in
my opinion, is that of reputation, or the
enactment of stay laws designed to impair
the obligation of contracts. Such laws are
not only immoral but absolutely injurious,
as the experience Of the past few years will
fully demonstrate. We might point to the
very popular stay law of the last Con-
vcntion, and ask what benefits has it confer
red either upon meritorious individuals or
upon the people at large? For two years
we have seen certain characters flourish like
the green bay tree; drive fine horses, attend
tournaments, balls and bar rooms, with an
abundance of this worlds goods. The next
few months will pass and we will ask where
are they? One certain class will not be able
to answer those who are so unfortunate as
to be their sureties. Hence, we hear all kinds
of predictions that the Convention will pass
a seven year stay law or that Gen. Candy
will interfere to save the dear people, dc. 1t
ho that, -,
latures in their folly re-enact stay laws,
many of US will go " over the falls of Mag
ara, but go we must, at some time, and the
sooner the better, that we may seek in the
bubbling body beneath, some escape from
the terrible anxiety which attends our jour
ney in the rapids above. Our hitherto plain
and honest farmers have been taught by
these acts, utterly to disregard the obliga-
ton OF contracts, tor the truth of which as,
sertion we need only call on any merchant
who has been reckless enough to do credit
business for the past two years. Formerly
the jury box was great school not only of
law, but of morals what is it now? Let
the records CT our Courts answer
Let the Convention rather wipe off these
stains from our law books, open our courts,
cheaper the ways If justice. purge the
jury box, restore that great school of law
and good morals, and then they may chal-
lege their enemies with the proof that they
are willing to do equal and exact justice to
all men, at least to creditor and debtor
Can one be Radical and repudiator?
Let us examine that question. What is
Radical of 1867? One who is in favor of
totally Graduating slavery. of not only
taking up its roots, but destroying its sup
ports; the means, the ideas, the princi-
pies and the power of their propagation-
On the contrary, a repudiator favors the en-
actment of laws which will enure to the
benefit of a certain class of men, who they
say have lost already too much by the action
of the general government in the destruc-
ton of slave property-they favor the hus-
handing the means of the very men who are
the main stay of the ideas and principles of
slavery. We will venture the assertion, that
nineteen in every twenty dollars paid for the
support OF the orators and the presses now so
vigorously maintaining the power and pres
tige of the old slave oligarchy, is Justly due
some creditor, and is withheld from him by
the operation of stay laws, military orders.
&c. You may say this is strong language,
your Court dockets will answer that it is
true.
The Convention, if 1t is truly Republican.
will certainly not leglslate for the benefit ot'a
class. Lands subject to sale under Sheritfs
executions should not be sacrificed if posi-
BILE to prevent it, and should be divided and
to suit the means and desire of
purchasers, and if there be no purchasers ex-
cept the creditor, let them be leased for his
benefit until such time as they may come
into market. Such proceeding would GER
tainly meet the wishes of the Congressional
Union Committee. That the owners of large
estates should divide and sub-diyide their
lands and sell them at reasonable rates to
those who need them and can improve them
And this will be confiscation sufficient to
satisfy any reasonable desire or necessity
1t is the confscation which the Constitution
provides decentralization to satisfy Just de-
mands. FIAT JUSTITIA
Jackson, Dec. Oath, 1867