The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1868-08-12


chamber. Shall we then be continuity
delayed by motions to reverse our solemn
conclusions, and the well settled decisions OF
the majority on this foor9 It cannot be,
sir, that such motions will prevail. l repeat
it, sir, it cannot be- And l hold that I'M
der these considerations, even the opponents
of the bill would be justified IN voting
against the motion to reconsider. APP
peal to them to beware what precedent they
establish on this occasion. Their votes al
ready tell of their opposition, but are they
to oppose the law to the bitter end? do
not believe they are under any such obiiga-
tions to their party or their constituents
Yet that is q matter for their consideration
and not for mine.
that there is a law of right, which no in
structions from constituents can Destroy
The peoples voice should he obcyed; but
the Master has told lis that when the blind
lead lie blind, both fall INTO the ditch and
are lost. Sir, there is q dividing line here.
Let us mark it well, and without a viola
ton OF honor or act Of bad faith to our re-
spective constituencies, determine that we,
each and all, will do that which is right,
though temporary complaint follow our
footsteps and the tongue of SANDER pursue
us to the heartnstOne. | stand here to-day
and appeal for the right. appeal for pro-
lection to the weak-to Jew and Gentle,
Conservative and Republican-to all! lap
peal for that principle which goes hand in
hand with its sister, the principle of allegi-
ancc. Strike down the one, and the other
falls. The fabric of government is demolisll-
ed The friends of the Constitution being
oppressed under its sway, will become its
enemies. The free, being made slaves, will
plot for its overthrow The weak will ask
God, who has never denied their prayers
that the authors of their sufferings may re-
ccive Just reward for their crimes. Yes
Mr.. Speaker, the people of North Carolina,
her officers, and the strangers within our
gates, demand protection! We cannot deny
it. We dare not deny it. We cannot per-
petrate so foul a wrong. No, sir We must
pass this bill, and establishing ourselves on
the everlasting basis Of right, defy our enc.
mics.
They tell us it will cost three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars Let me ask what is
gold compared to life, peace and prosperity.
A wiser than any who now lives, said
"all that Il man hath, will lie give for his
iilC. NpiNi. IdItt.
fade from the view, when we walk in hourly
danger and sleep with fear and trembling
Show me Il prosperous land. free from debt
and dedicated to the Christians God, and |
will show you Il land where life is secure,
where allegiance and protection walk hand
in hand, where the ruttian stands in fear Of
the law, and the murderer trem5leS at the
gailows. Let this bill cost all that has been
tod - i,..1g i
that if it brings one scoundrel to justice for
taking the life OF his fellow-man, we have
washed our hands of blood and the people
have been amply rewarded Mark it well.
| do not refer to Conservatives or Republic
Cars, but to the people, who, when without
protection, arc at the mercy Of outlaws.
thieves and assassns; and, therefore, sir,
say that neither the Conservative or Repub-
lican, who fails to vote for this bill, in my
opinion, discharges his whole duty to the
people. We must make lite secure through
out this grand old State. Without such
security, the barbarian and the savage will
regain control Of the soil, and every vestige
Of civilization depart. Let US then so regu-
late our internal police, that the orphan
and the widow shall slumber in their little
cot, as sweetly as the titled baron in his
castle hall.
have already asked what State of this
Union is without militia pause for
reply. Do you tell me, then, that our State
should not have such a force Why, pray
tell? Because she is too poor9 All, sir,
il NORTH Carolina is too poor to Sustain q
militia, she is too poor to be Il State She
has been reconstructed too soon, and her
HI ;,
OF opposition. But she is not too poor She
has men who will spend their money and
their blood in defence of her Constitution
against all unconstitutional attacis-men
who will die ere they behold the powers
that be, driven from Office by armed mobs,
and who are determined to maintain peace
and order here, and keep treason and re-
bellion under their feet. No, sir, North
Carolina is not too poor to be State
There is danger of a national character
which is imminent, unlt IS we take the pro-
per precaution The rebel candidate for
Vice President tells US that our State gov
ernment is unconstitutional, that it was es-
tablished by the bayonet, and must be over
turned by the same weapon. Sir, l shall
resist such unconstitutional measures, If he
be elected. am in favor of preparing for
resistance to-day. If bayonets are summoned
to coercG me- without the shadow of one
constitutional right for such coercion, would
summon resistance to such usurpation and
stand by my rights though fell III their de-
fence. To be forewarncd is to be forearmc(l.
Though rebels may cry peace, their leader
says it is war. They told US secession would
be peaccable, but there was war We are
not to be deceived again. When Seymour is
elected, if there be such curse in store for
my country, the next gale which sweeps
from the South, will bring to our ears the
clash of resoundlng arms Our brethren are
already in the field. Why stand we here
idle! What is it that gentlemen wish
What would they have9 Is life so dear, or
pcace so sweet, as to be purchased at the
price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Al
mighty God I know not what course Others
may take, but as for me, give me liberty or
give me death ?" Yes, sir, I repeat, g is life
so dear as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery % Shall the slave once
more clank his letter in our streets Is
there no arm to strike for liberty or fall in
death defending freedom? Loyal men of
North Carolina, | ask you, has not the hour
come when you are prepared to uphold your
own government? Ay. that hour, thank
God, has come, never to depart-comc, to
bring with it the light of liberty, the thous,
and years of peace and all the gories which
the Father of our country anticipated =
Away then with craven fear and cowardly
words. Let us arise in our majesty and grid
our armor on. The bugle calls us to the field
to one more fight and one more victory
The issue is upon US. The contest has be-
gun. May God defend the right, "but as
for me- give me liberty Or give me death p