The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-06-02
A Noble Spirit.

A full account of the memorial ceremo-
MES will be found in another part OF the
STANDARD. But there is one subject con-
nected with them which is worthy scpa
rate place. for it is the record of an act of
which those who participated therein have
good reason to be proud. Against the adj
vice of many of our friends we requested
the business men of Raleigh to close their
stores between the hours of two and five as
mark of respect for the dead We had
confidence in the courtesy of our citizens
and we are most glad to be able to state
that our merchants generally closed their
places of business. Nearly every store on
Fayetteville street was closed and business
suspended. We did not make the request
that any political character might be given
to the act, and now that it has been so nobly
performed have nothing but thanks to offer
to those who have thus set an example of
which they may well be proud. This act
is the dawning of better state of feeling,
one that will restore our beloved State to its
former prosperity than all that has been done
before. We do not ask any man to abjure
what he believes to be the right political
principles nor do we intend to be intol-
Grant in our course. We believe we are
right in our maintenance of Republican
principles and shall do all in our power to
advance the interests of our party by argu-
ment, but NEVER by intolerance or per-
secution. The right of free thought,
free opinion and free action is the founda-
ton of the government, and we are dis
posed to deny no man that right which
we claim for ourselves. We can respect and
admire political opponent personally and
socially, while we may consider his politics
injurious to the welfare of the people. We
say frankly. that VIC wish to do away with
that bitterness which has too long disgraced
North Carolina politics, and which has
greatly injured every interest ofthe State. In
so wishing, we have no Interior motive, no
thought, save of the incalculable good that
will result to our distressed people. Wesay
let the dead past bury its dead, and let the
work of the men and women of North Car
DINA, regardless ofparty be to build up our
noble State, and to aid i'll increasing the
general happiness. This can be done so
easily that no general effort is needed, and
no preparations required. 1t simply needs
the individual determination of each man
and woman to bring about a better state OF
feeling, and the work is done. Let us throw
aside the bitter remembrances of contest
which was forced upon us by politicians,
and labor for the common good, and the
glory of Americans. We are all Americans.
Divided as we have been by political combi-
nations, there is not heart in the whole
country, North or South, that does not swell
with pride at the remembrance of American
valor, or feel with JOY the glory of our ma
ton. 1t is indeed bitter ordeal through
which we have passed, but like gold from
the fire of the refiner, we shall become purer
and better for it Let US then throw aside
those feelings which scar the heart
which cherishes them, and find our duty and
our pleasure in doing all that we Can to
build up our State and to benefit our people