Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-09-25
'E'2gz. NEW YORK EaE2sA..D AND
TIE SGJTEg


The New York Herald is devoting
its attention just now to the advocacy
OF q Federal Convention to consider
specially the condition Of the South
We do not exactly understand whether
the proposed Convention is to be call
ed under the provis ons Of the Federal
Constitution, OK whether it is to be q
mere unofficial assemblage OF private
individuals. II the latter is the kind
of Convention proposed we shall ex-
pect no good from it. The Philadel-
phia farce was sufficient to satisfy us
of the folly Of that kind OF thing. Ii,
however, a Convention shall be order
ed and held under the provisions Of
the Federal Constitution we shall be
much mere hopeful of good results,
for the reason that it will afford the
West and South the much to be desir-
ed opportunity to unite their strength,
modify the Federal Constitution to
suit their wants and wishes, and to
take immediate control Of the Federal
Government. We say now, as we
have often said before, we see no per-
manent peace or prosperity in store
for us that shall not come from a more
perfect union between the people of
the West and the South. A Federal
Constitutional Convention from this
stand point promises well. We are
glad, therefore, that the Herald has
begun to agitate the question.
Exactly what measures Of relief the
Hcra1d proposes we have not been
able to learn. Probably something in
relation to the State debts and
something in relation to remu
neration FOR the loss Of slaves
which shall not, however, amount
to compensation to Individual own
ers, all of which is exceedingly in
definite. But definite or indefinite,
this may be the beginning of the end
of many OF orr troubles and in view
of this possibility few words concern
ing the matter may not be amiss this
morning.
The white people Of North Carolina
DO not seek or propose to seek the
restoration of slavery. They do not
seek any Limitation of any right of
life, liberty, property, or TIE Lursuit
OF happiness on the part of the negro.
They have a very decided opinion as
to the right ct the Federal Govern
ment under the Constitution to take
from them their slaves, but they have
no expectation of ever receiving any
compensation therefor, nor, indeed, do
they ask it.
In regard to the assumption by the
Federal Government of the public
debt of their State, the white people do
not desire any portion of it assumed
or paid except that portion which was
lawfully contracted, if they are ever to
be called upon by that government to
make good the debt thus assumed. |
The people CT North Carolina never
intend to pay the carpet-bag bonds,
issued in the naL,e of their
State, except at the point of the bay
met.
But the unfortunate condition of
fairs in the South does not result
Together or mainly from the burden
# the Public Debt, or from the mere
act of the emancipation of the slaves.
t results from the constant and IN
interference of the Federal
Government with the people of those
tates, for partizan purposes, and for
le further purpose of forcing a COM
of the white and black races.
he whole people of the South. {
lough they accord to the negro every
ght of citizen under the Constitu-
on, demand that they shall
i've the right to keep them g
Ives unto themselves in their
lprches, in their hotels, in their =
aces OF amusement, in their schools, !
ID while travelling. They regard the i
gro as an inferior, with whom any t
cisl contact will certainly be in;rri- T
Is. This sentiment is SO deep.rooted :.
TO be immoyable, and it is idle to a
peet continued peace and quiet until a.