The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-05-28
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We are of that class Of native North
C~arolinians who love devotedly, the old
great state. If we could nave chosen
our natal place we would have been
born wher we were born and in this
dear 'Old North State" A Virginian
editor a few years ago told us that he
rather liked North Carolinians better
thar he did the people Of either his
own state or South Carolina. He sim
ply reflected our own sentiments"
We think that there is good feeling
existing all over the state and in the
different sections for other sections.
The sad experience Of the past-the
black, hateful days Of reconstruction
and later-the rough trials, the fire.
quent disappointments and grave ap-
~prehensions, have served we'll in
uniting the people of the whole state
more heartily and provoking kind and
sympathetic feelings. The people are
nearer together han in 1870 or 1880.
The west has sy~mpathized with the
east in her many trials and grievous
oflictions. The east can stretch out the
hand of reciprocal sympathy and
friendship and help the west in devel-
oping her splendid and build
ing up her highways Of commerce.
While all along the west has had the
larger white vote necessary for wise,
salutary legislation the east has paid
the greater share of taxes and because
she had more developed wealth, and
had, therefore, more of material means
for the rapid development Of the d
wealth of the maniicent west, with it's
unsurpassed scenery and attractions.
That was certainly the condition
twenty years ago., and it continues so
to the present if in not 50 pronounced
difference Of situation.
What we rejoice in is the growth Of
a North Carolina spirit. We do not
think this is to be doubted. With this
increase of that noble spirit there must
come as a necessary outflow n con-
comitant a true, broad North Carolina
policy-a policy not forgetful of the
past, but broadening and stretching
forward and upward hat will bring
untold blessings. with a esult in build
lllS Qp dlIo 1iiolS ioAiS
tions, in fostering and charging our
industrial resources, and in taking from
the state the we'll coddled reproach
that there is more ignorance among her
white people in proportion to numbers
than are to be found in any other state
in the Union. But great and dense as
it may be, it is not greater than Eng
land had fifty ago after more
than a thousand years of opportunity,
or that Spain now has with only me-
third of it's population capable of read
ing. All hail the suspicious day! All
hail to an united people!
The time is suspicious. Now, we
may believe from the two extremities
Of the state, and ramifying all the
counties, there is a spirit of union, a
spirit Of state pride. Of conservation to
it's service, an unbounded zeal for good.
Let every heart feel this, and every
arm be strengthened, and let all Of u
people pull together" work harmoni-
ously and successfully we hope, for the
highest good for the dear old state
this blessed spot" as Shakespeare
wrote of England-"this other Eden,
demi-paradise."
We would not like to see our people
filled with insufferable arrogance. with
a foolish, Wanting state pride that
would render them obstrusively and of
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