Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-06-16
The ColOred People.

II the colored people OF North Carolna
could be induced to examine carefully the
subject of calling Convention by the peo-
pze. we are satisfied quite number. If not
majority of them, would be found acting
with the friends of the measure.
It is unfortunate for the cause OF truth,
as we'll as for this class Of our fellow citi-
zens. that Influences have heretofore been
brought to bear upon them, which have
been calculated to divert their minds from
the true issues inv olved in pending olec-
tons, to instil preiudices, to infuse gar
TALLY, and to distract attention until many
of them have thrown aside their true, lnde-
pendent manhood, and followed bhndly
some leader whose only purpose was to
| mislead for his own advantage. There are
many among them who see through, and
vet are unable to extricate Themselves
from, the tolls.
The Act Of tho Legislature which sup
presses the Ku Klux AID all other secret
political societies, covers also the Loyal
| League: and those who were oath bound
by that originator Of all The troubles IN
our Stale, are absolVed from their oaths,
and arc at liberty to take O new political
stand on true and just grounds. The &C
| ton of the Legislature which makes 1t
criminal to hold these meetings, frees
every one of the members from allegiance
| to the League, as it is impossible that they
will elect to violate law rather than dissolve
such connection. Some there may be 50
defiant of law Ito continue this criminal
course, but we hardly think any colored
man who has any regard for his character
or future welfare can hesitate. On the one
| hand is obedience to law and honor, on
| the other, crime and disgrace. Standing
| at this point, absolved from all the VOWS
which bound them to the League, We call
upon them to consider calmly and dispas-
sionately what course they will pursue for
the future. It is we'll here that We should
also remind them that the laws
and constitutional amendments which
have been made AMI adopted by Cngress
and the States, since the war, for the os-
tensible purpose OF protecting the former
slaves from the undue exercise of influence
over them by former masters, have two
fold action. They not only protect from
former masters, from Southern men, from
Ku .Klux- KIans, bat they protect from
carpet baggers. from Northern, Eastern or
Western men, from Loyal Leagues; in
fact, from ALL improper influences, come
from where they may. So that to-day, IN
North Carolina, the colored man stands
in position from which he can calmly
survey the issues involved in the approach
ing election aud cast his influence on that
side which is battling earnestly, heartily
and truly for the protection and deliver
ance of the State, and for the enactment
Of such laws as shall secure the well
being, peace, security and happiness Of
every citizen, without regard to color,
race or previous condition. Such a party
is that which is now urging THE PEOPLE
mot the Legislature to call Convention.
We are glad to know that many who
have heretofore been opposed to the call
of q Convention and who have been acting
with the Radical party have boldly taken
a stand in favor of q Contention. Let
none hesitate or be afraid. The subject
is too important and affects too much the
4ulGfSSLS OF HI SOOu ClGIZ2DS 10 DC 1IRQLIy
laid aside or in the least undervalued. |
There is no power that dare lay its hand |
upon, or even threaten you for the stand |
you take. Come, then, bravely TO the front
and aid in securing such Constitution as
shall be blessing to you and your chill
dren so long as the State ehall stand
Almost every day brings news of some
prominent Republican who, having care
fully considered the position, has come
out for the people calling a Convention.
We are glad to see this and TO know that
they acknowledge it is the Only way to ex-
tricate the State from her present dificnl-
ties without disaster and perhaps ruin.
THE RALEIGH TELEGRAM, OF the 7th in
slant, contains a long-winded communica-
ton on the Convention question. intended
as reply to the Hon. B. T. Mooro's I'M
answerable opinion. It is signed "Usus,"
doubtless with reference to the authors
atSe of ink and paper. We suggest its
publication in extra form, for the special
use of vendors of brown sugar and mack
erel
The CONVENTION which is to assemble,
if ratified by the people of North Caro-