The weekly standard., 1870-08-03
M|ttklt StaMhath
Gov. Holden,s Opinions.


4th, 1868, that he distinctly and emphati-
caliy announced that, if necessary, the mi
litia would be used to suppress insurrection
and enforce the laws:
'The Constitution provides for organ
izing and arming the militia to "execute
= the law, suppress riots or instructions and
to rcpel invasion" The opinion of WASH
ington, uttered in 1890, that free people
ought not only to be armed, but discip-
hncd," and that well organized militia sis
certainly an object of primary Importance,
whether viewed in reference to the national
security, to the satisfaction of the ccmmu-
nifty, or to the preservation of order," is not
less weighty or important now than it was
then. The militia should be organized at
once. 1t is the duty of the Executive to
see that the laws are faithfully executed
and to preserve peace among the people.
This duty will be performed promptly, fear
lessly and firmly Every citizen must submit
to lawful authority, or refusing to do so,
must expect the penalties of the violated
law. In the language of our great Gen
eral, second only to him who was first
in war, first in peace, and first in the
hearts of his countrymen, ,"l'LET Us HAVE
PEAcEm The sword, which would not
have been drawn but for the criminal folly
of the recently insurgent States, should
never again be welded by Americans gainst
Americans. Every interest that is dear to
US, and every hope that we may indulge for
the future, is indissolubly bound up with
peace and tranquility among ourselves. But
there can be no peace without law, and
there can be no efficacy in law without obe-
dlence. The law is over all The p99Eand
extent as Others need dsdi6fe than 9TH
ers this protectiS5hiIa Every one must be free
to use what is his own, not trespassing on
the rights of others; to follow his particu-
lar calling or employment; to labor and to
enjoy the fruits of his labor; to speak freely
his sentiments and to vote as he pleases, and
not to be injured or questioned by any for
doing any of these things. The people of
North-Carolina are proverbial for their law
abiding disposition. 1t is not apprehended
that disturbances will arise, or that combi-
nations will be formed to resist the laws;
yet it is known that many hold the opinion
that the reconstruction laws of the United
States are unconstitutional and therefore
null and void and it may be that this may
lead, if not to open resistance, to a forcible
denial in some localities of the rights guar
anteed by the Constitution of the State,
formed and adopted in pursuance of said
laws 1t is also known that disposi-
tion exists, among no inconsiderable por
tion of our population, to oppress the
poor whites and the colored race on
account of their political opinions. The
magistrates and the Courts will be sus-
tanned by the whole power of the State, in
such action as may be deemed necessary to
protect those who may be thus wronged or
oppressed; and the magistrates and the
Courts will be sustained by the whole power
of the State in giving effect to the Consti-
tuition itself, as having been fairly, justly and
properly adopted, and as binding in all re-
spects on every citizen until changed or
modified in the mode prescribed in the in
strument itself. Differences in political SEN
timent are to be expected, and are not cal
culated in themselves to endanger the State;
but purpose to subvert the Government,
on the assumption that it is not properly de
rived, has not been constitutionally adopted,
and is illegitimate and not binding, should
be narrowly watched aud promptly checked
on the first manifestation of any overt act
on the part of those cherishing such pur-
pose. The Constitution of this State is,
under the Constitution of the United States,
the supreme organic law. The Government
which itestablishes, and the laws passed in
pursuance of it, will be maintained and en-
forced. To render resistance, therefore, i'm
practicable, if not impossible, and to main
tain the peace by executing the laws in
spirit of justice to all, it is deemed essential
that portion of the militia should be well
disciplined and armed, and should be thus
ready at any moment, under the orders of
the commander-in-chief, for active duty"
sFellow-citizens, let us come out of the
caverns of the past, and forgetting whatever
is not worthy to be remembered, let US re-
solve to do our duty in our day and time,
as North-C -Carolinians, as Americans. In
climate and with soil for which Providence
has done so much, let US resolve TO do some
thing for ourselves and our children. Let
us devote ourselves to the arts of peace. Let
us improve this great inheritance. Let our
children and our childrens children, when
they shall come to take our places, say of
us. "Our ancestors remembered and did
what was wise, and what was good for US.
Behold, the beautiful country they have left
to US the Just and equal laws that are over
us, and the hope that their work has made
strong in US that we can do even more for
our children than they have done for u.s.
Let US at least unite upon the one great OBJ
ject of improving and building up the State.
Let US welcome capital and immigration,
furnishing as they will the indispensable
means to our progress and prosperity. Pre-
,,1s Of e
the rebellion, are not worthy to be cherished.
Let US discard such prejudices. We are
once more Americans all. Let US receive
with courtesy and kindness every citizen of
the Northern or Eastern States who may cast
his lot among US, and measure him as we
measure sthers, according to his personal
and moral worth. We cannot hope to i'm
prove our condition if we repel capital and
immigration, either by so acting as to pro-
duce the belief that it is not safe to settle
among us on account of the want of law
and order, or unpleasant, because of rude
or uncivil treatment to the immigrant 1t
should be remembered that our ancestors
were, originally, as much "adventurers" as
others. Of the three signers of the Declara-
tion of Independence for this State neither
was a native Richard Caswell, one OF our
greatest Governors, and sometimes called
the WASHINGTON of North Carolina, was
not native; nor was Joseph Caldwell, who
built up our University and led the way
with Murphey, Yancey, Stanly, Saunders
and others in internal, Improvements and
public instruction.
We want the best people from Europe,
and from all parts of the United States, to
10 fhof, oIra
State Let them come, with their enterprise
and money, their muscle and intelligence;
and when they get here let the rivalry be
as to who shall do most for the good and
the glory of our beloved State
The government of the United States, in
the prosecution 1.-THE warr.A-espfress-t the
rebellion, and in the measures it has adopt
ed to reconstruct the Union, has exhibited
extraordinary clemency and magnanimity.
1t has taken no vengeance for the past, but
has required only security for the future. 1t
has deprived no man of his property save for
war purposes during the progress of the
war; it has exiled no man; it has punished
no man for the crime of REBELLION. It has
simply required that those who have been
in rebellion should renew their allegiance,
and that such guards should be placed in
the organic laws of the States and the ma
ton as to prevent future rebellion. Instead
of defining or restricting suffrage perma-
nently, it has left it with the respective
States, to be determined and settled as they
may choose; and this State, following in
full measure the example of the national
government, has made suffrage free to all.
But the war to suppress the rebellion has
in its results, necessarily changed as it has
settled the theory of construction previously
held by by large portion of the people.
Our liberties have been consolidated, and
the Union can, in no event, be dissolved. 1t
is to endure always. 1t must increase, but
never decrease. For all great national pur-
noses the GoYernment of the United States