Newspapers / The Weekly Standard (Raleigh, … / April 6, 1864, edition 1 / Page 2
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-A- - i' -.'V THE NOUTtt GAKiiLIN A pTAIWATU) : WEDNlfibAY. APRIL 6. 1864.. lutti-Caruliiia f tataii-; Abstract of the SpchTf Hon. A. - The Columbus. (Ga.). jpMf igj lowing abstract of a. speech dwS'V mL Stephens in'the hall of theffoose of Rep-. resentatives, at Milledgevilie, .. .i.,t'j : .-vy prinesuav eve- rung, Marco iu., t ,uft hWof M .7 ox i KiTRnpecn a The M was crowed ... u-JTif lfift i.p.fisiaiura and .citizens .Wim.nieiiiur-- - -.-- ........ : ,,,:, ffeneral!vre,c DeinS among me "-"J - Si anxious-to get another sight of one :L, ni0 nf Opnrffiahad often honored, and 'uTwhom they had often locked for counsel hi times . .i til VmA arl at an earlv hour, in com- pe.y with his Excellency, the Governor of Georgia,. Sd had not been observed until he Hfndfjrh . Speaker's stand. Then there was a burst of hearty applause that seemed to come from all present, testifying how truly, andlrith what regard, he was called upon to speak. - -i- it that Wis nhiect was to speak .v.. it .iWi nffairs at this present crisis. tin biic oioio u- auwv . The lime had passed - when the measures ich ,.hr n th war should be discussed; the great question to determined by legislators was. the proper husbanding and management of all the re sources of the country. The country was environed by dangers and perils within and Without i but though the times were perilous, he did not regard the cause as hopeless. If true to ourselves and to our cause, we must ultimately succeed. The enemy had not as yet inflicted any vital blow on our interests, though they gained some important advantages, the chiel of which was their success from their gunboats. We could not resist their attacks successfully from this source any more than a lion could" successfully attack a shark. If asked whether we Bhould ultimately triumph, his reply would be yes, a thousand times yes, if we properly managed the resources of the country. On the currency question he did not intend to speak further than to say that he regarded it as an nnwisc measure, though it might have been the best that could have been adopted with the conflict ing opinions on the subject ' On the Military Act the second Conseription Act as he termed it he was more severe. Hi thnnirht it nut too larire a portion of "the fighting men in the field. Only one third of the fighting men of a country, it had been demonstrated by history, could be safely put in the field. Whenever this proportion was exceeded, there was danger to the country in long wars, from the want of means of subsistence of the army. He feared that suffi cient regard had not been paid to the fact when the bill was under consideration. - As to the question assumed in the Act that all the mechanical, manu facturing and agricultural labor of 'the country could beut under the control of the President, that was a question left for the Courts to determine, and he would be satisfied with their decision. " The next important question that would be sub mttted to the Legislature, was the act suspending the writ of hobett torpus. He contended that while Congress had the power to suspend that writ by an implied grant in the Constitution, it did Tiot have the power to do that which the act did, which was to authorize the arrest of persons without a charge being made against them on oath or affirmation, or probable cause' of some person. That right Con gress had not the power to take away, lor it was expressly" granted .in the Constitution.' - The act contained thirteen specifications, in any one of which the writ might be suspended. There was no need of the act so far as concerned persons guilty of being a spy, or- of treason, or of cutting telegraph wires. The entire spirit cf unity of the people io ihe pronation of this war, forbid the entertaining of anyiNNiopinion. It could have reference to but one clais, which is styled persons seeking to avoid military service.' ..' .' : . "The great liability to abuse of this power, so far as that class of persons is concerned;' was:'-dwelt upon with great-earnestness and force. - Instances were advanced in which the power would be likely to be abused. One was the case of a man who was put into military service in the field whom the family record and other evidences showed to bo . above foriy-five-yeara of age, because under a recent order the person's age had to be computed accord ing to tbe last census, and the person referred to hid had bis age wrongfully given in. Another instance was adduced of a person seeking to get his Kon into the army as a volunteer, as under the act he had a right to do, and having that son suddenly Arrested and put into prison as " seeking to avoid military service." " .- .. Mr. S. thought it Ihe duty of the Legislature to (;ive public expression to their opinion as the most likely to effect the repeal of the act by the' next Congress. lie favored the free expression of opin ion, and thought it as much a duty to disapprove a .treasure that is wrong, as to approve of. one that is right '-' Be considered the great-question involved in the war to be independence and constitutional liberty. Without one he did not' want the other. lie would j..jt desire to survive the defeat of either. Ex President Fillmoke on the War. The Northern pa pera bring us the. first expression of opinion on the war that we have -seen from Millard. Fillmore. At the opening of the great Central Fair, at St James' Hall, Buffalo, he is reported to have spoken as follows: .. ,, Three yea rs-of civil war have desolated the fair est portion of our land ; loaded the coantry with an, enormous, debt that the sweat of millions yet . unborn roust be. taxed to pay; arrayed brother rgunst brother and father against son in mortal conflict; deluged our country with fraternal blood ; whitened our battle-fields with the bones -of the slain, and, darkened the sky. with the pall of inourn-i-g. Yet these appalling calaraities-which as yet have touched our city more lightly than any other in 'the land have imposed -upon us new duties, wiich must be promptly met and generously dis ci, arged, and new burdens which must be patiently ai d cheerfully borne. We cannot, in our humble capacity, control the. events of thisdesolatihg war. YVe hear its thun ders apd mark the track of desolation, and we must ni't the emergency as best we jean, but never des-. p if of tho republic. It is no time now to inquire whether it might have been avoided. Let those , who seek light on this subject read Washington's Farewell Address. Nor are we now to criticise the co lduct of those who control -it, awarding "praise hee and bestowing eensure there.- The impartial historian will do this when the passions engender . ty tbe strife have , cooled, and partisan prejudices, petty jealousies, maliguant envy, and intriguing, . st ilish ambition shall be laid in the dust, and, it is hoped, buried in oblivion. And much less are we called upon to predict when or how this war will end. Let those who beek light ea the subject -read Gen. Jackson's Farewell Address. Bui-Jet ushepe C-at an allwise and merciful Providence will incline .. tLe beaits of the people, ' North and South, to .. pcace-io a lasting peace,with a restored Union, cemented by fraternal affection, under our well tried nd glorious Constitution; m Nor is this the time or place to express an opin ion as to the policy that should bo pursued to reach desirable a., end. But one thing is clear, that , iroch must -he forgiven, if not forgotten, on both S-des, before th Union can ever be restored;, and, rTS'Sf -to be hPed tbat 811 unnecessary acta of cruelty, or wanton destruction of private rarfr T"; ,or Linso,ence in Wumphing over a fallen foe should be avoided; for all such acts ....ly fire the heart of ohr adversary with resent n.ent and revenge and thus protract the "war in crease its horrors, and leave a sting which will ren oer re-union more difficult if i: mnt be apparent to all -that the first step to- . ward brmgmg this war to a close is to conauer ruuei array. . Affy negotiations for peace before this is done . H JT aborU"! an7 Professed clemency m FT anr- power would be riWhnh.W0U be treftted with ridicule and ontempt But whn we have conquered their .. armies, and disposed of their leaders, then let us !,,'!rtrVTin,,,ty ,od generosity. y winning h ick the deluded multitude who have been seduced or coerced into this rebellion, by extending to them- ery act of clemency and kindness in pur power, ML rf?tor"'K them to all their rights under the Constitution. This I conceive to hi christian for-' r veness,and the best policy, and the only one v.uch ci;: ever restore this Union. ' y Pot the Standard. - .'Ifoiiiliiations i for the Legislature. -: Mr. Holdkk : As the time is near at hand when the Conservatives of the State will find it necessary to nominate candidates for the Legislature, and it is very important that we should ..carry twu ooay, trust they will permit one wtu wishw thecause well, to make a few suggestions. k -Xi 1st Let them avoid all association ith Destruc tives. I do not see how any Conservative who i pos sesses proper self respect caji act politically with the Destructives.- They have denounced us and held us up as traitors, and we may know Ibat every effort they make to unite themselves with us proceeds from selfish motives.. They want the. offices, and the opportunity to tji-annize over us,' here in North Carolina, and they know that they are so complete ly in a minority that their only iope ot auecess is in insinuating themselves into our ranks. " Touch not pitch, lest ye be defiled." It is not possible to fuse or unite the Conservatives and Destructives. Their principles areas wide apart as the poles; and vefl if their principles could be reconciled and made to awee. the Destructives are so selfish and intolerant that they would rule, if they could not use such Conservatives as. might unite witn mem, with ft rnrl nf iron. . 2i Let no man be nominated or supported for office who is not a Conservative "after the straitest sect" I have more respect for a downright De structive who carries his principles in his hands so that every one may see them, than I have for a tuny, trading. Hesitating, naii-neartea ixwiseivauva The ereat mass xf our people are Conservatives, and they have a Hcht to the services of men who will carry out their wishes. To continue to honor prominent Conservatives who have proved false to their bledees. to their principles, and their friends, and to prefer fishy Conservatives for of fice to true Conservatives, will be to humble our selves at the feet of our enemies and destroy- our party. The right of the people to govern, and the preservation of civil liberty itself, depend on the Conservative party. Therefore. any man who would break down tbe Conservative party by merg ing any portion of it with the Destructive party, or who treats .both parties in such a way as to obtain the votes of both, or who runs with the Destruc tives and professes at the same time to hold with the Conservatives, is not only a political hypocrite, but an enemy to popular rights and civil liberty.. Let no such man be trusted. . . 8d. Let no man be nominated or. supported for office who-thinks it "wrong" to trust the people on any subject or in any event Consolidatiooises and monarchists are numerous in the land. We. hear the declaration frequently made, and we see it more frequently acted out, that popular govern rrient has failed, and that we must hare a strong government of privileged orders, supported by the bayonet I would w.arn the people in the most earnest terms against the constantly increasing ten dencies to a kingly or imperial form of government. It is a monstrous calumny a fatal delusion" to say j that free government has failed. Trust no man for office who will not pledge himself to the great prin ciple tbat tbe people alone "have the right to govern ; and if he hesitates to make this pledge, or if he shows a disposition to favor a strong or kingly gov ernment, avoid and reject' him as your most dead- -ly enemy. ' . 4th. Let no man. be nominated or supported who will not pledge himself to' tbe most rigid economy in the administration of our State affairs. Our , State debt is already heavy, and rapidly increasing ; and while every proper expenditure should be made, and our soldiers and their families well provided for, yet no money should be squandered on favorites or doubtful schemes., '. 5 th. Let no man be nominated or supported who admits or holds: the Lincoln doctrine, that in any event the State may be coerced by .the'Confederate government' And let no man be supported who is hot in favor of negotiating for peace while we are fighting for it Our peopfe desire peace if they can obtain it on honorable terms ; and they look to the States as well as to the common government to makevjery proper effort to secure this great bless- 8.-.:.. . L j 6th. The people are tfred of 'caucuses, "conven tions, and packed committees. These agencies had no small influence in- breaking up the old govern ment and involving us in this awful war. .Let mass meetings be held, and let each Conservative present have the privilege of voting for the man of his choice. The humblest .Conservative has as- much right to vote in selecting candidates as the most ex alted and influential. Nominations made in this way will carry more moral weight with them.'and give more satisfaction than if made as the result of the deliberations of a committee. . These suggestions proceed from one who is.'de votedly .attached to Conservative principles, and who is most anxious that those principles may con nnue to prevail in JNortn-Oarolina. There is no danger of division in the Conservative ranks, if those who are really and honestly attached to the party win aunere io ineir principles, ana maKc common cause againBt the Destructives. Our party has a very large majority .in the State. We can afford to stand by our own men and .by our own principles, ana proudly remse to toucu or conhde in any candi. .date who is- the choice of the Destructives. We may- lose some votes and a few selfish leaders bv adopting this course, but- we shall carry the State inumpnanuy, ana at toe same time punry,ano:. in prove ou'r party. ' PUBLIUS. . March 25, 1864. .; From the Raleigh Progress. . ' Mr.1 Edjtok: I see that, the Destructives of Pitt and New Hanover counties have nominated Gov. Vance for re election. Mr. Fulton, of the Journal, ' leads in New Hanover, and Dr. Blow leads in Pitt These gentlemen, and others of the same stripe, de clared in 1862, that Gov. Vance and his supporters were then disloyal, and that his election was a Union triumph. Who has changed? .And the Confederate and other Destructive journals are supporting Gov. Vance and assailing Mr. Holden. A man is known by the company he keeps. Every .Conservative who votes for Gov. Vance, will vote with James i'UltOn, UT. W. J. Blow. D. K. McRft ' Jnhn Kf,l. man, W. K. Lane. William Robinson, n. IT. no'ff.M J. A. Spears, John U. Kirkland, H. ICNash, Jim. Morris, Zeke Jones, and men of that stamp. Is there not "something rotten in the state of Den- markT!' I also observe that the Confederate of the 23d March,' which seems to be the' leading orgau of Gov? Vance, urges the Vance men or Destructives of the State to adopt as their platform in tbe meetinea nrhlK than I. 1 J il. . .. - . " "'r uuiu, iue resolutions ot tbe .New Hanover meeting drawn up by Mr. Fulton. The Governor is thus cordiaHy embraced by the Destruc tives in all parts -of the State. OBSERVER. . GOVERNOR VANCE. As we foresaw, the speech of Governor Vance is regarded as a wonderful production, and has already I'tamped him with a national renown. We regard ed it at tbe moment when we read it, as in the main a wise, logical, patriotic effort abounding in sound though, wholesome instruction, and couched in terms of jest, humor and sublime eloquence, admir-" ably adapted to his audience, and displaying a mind of varied and .splendid attainment We thought it thereat stump speech' w had ever -read and-our estimate has no? been depreciated by the press of the country. We are no polilicfc'l or party supporter of Gov ernor Vance. He has .een in party matters a party man. If we support h,;,nv it is as a patriot, who has served his Stats, and V"l serves her well in the great cause. We support b'm nofas a conservative, but, as a member of the co)n'0erate'P'rty- -We support him .against disloviL'. against a party whiah, when organized, will bes essentially a Tory Party, and which will be known her. f, " 8Uch-- Confederate, (Deilruetitie,) March 16, I864- - We have heard that Gov. Vance at " 6tte8Til, urged the vigorous prosecution of the w 'V 10 H! 8 most glowing terms. The Goven.or' posses y 406 power of language wonderfully, and it would b , an liciparing trouble to apprehend that a vine so p lific in blossoms, will not be abundant in fruits. " or oxirselves- we have no fear. The luscious grapes from this fruitful vine are even now melting in our moutJu Confederate (Detbhiethe,) Feb. 29, 1864. But the agitation must stop! There must be no tnore appeals for Convention openly, or hy et eret petition. Men mutt eeau to tpeakin private; Folly has long enough had avty.-Confeden ate. Mitrth. 2, 1864. . ' ' , '.- ,'';.,-.--.-JF the 8tean'rI, Itfit'ErtiAiW reading and studying the Governor's WUkesbbYough Speech attentively, his arguments and reasoning have failed to convinceJ 0 . . . . . I . It J I Ail- CA it. tit- Anil? 1 mj jndgmenv mattne moouy dihio-mwu " ""v tlv whera an tMnorable peace can", be obtained. Tbe Governor's speech-is a .good-n3, b.ut badly di- sted ; it contains all that Dis most aevowqjruun sirrf. and then enoueh more to spoil the nod.. It was well calculated to tickle the ear and,captitate the fancy of his hearers, but I doubt whetner ne was as successful in satisfying the minds and con vincing the judgment ei nis tiearers upon me ties mode of obtaining peace, sureiy rae serpen u not beguiled bis Excellency, though he is an insidi ous, wilyr malicious' animal, that crawls upon his belly, and feeds upon the public pap. -1 would Bug- . v . A lmnAraniA gesl te-tne uovernor me propriety uu ui. of putting on a coat of mail, to-sbield bimirom the venom of theanimat l aon i wins ww wuf discussed the topics of WS speech in the order of their importance. ? 4 think ff oe naa naa tne pro Densities of our animal nature shoved off by the serpent, his intellectual faculties and christian feel ing would have suggested a ainereus rranSouini. of the heads of bis discourse, l nave no uouoi, uo would have talked as fluently upon peace y nego tiation an ha did noon war. Unfortunately, the moral atmosphere tfiat the soul breathes has about as inuch to do with the moral principles of or na ture as the putricLatmosphere from a poUuted stream has to do with the Dhvsicaf or animal faculties: of our. nature. We should endeavor to shape pur views and conduct in this world, in leferencetojhft glorious and sublime principles and teachwigs ef tne meeK ana lowly jesus--peace wivu vw, w irood will towards man. The better feeline of our nature seems unfortunately to have been lost sight of by his Excellency, in his thirst for popular ap? nlaiise and human clorv. ' . It. would seem from the reading of the Governor, s speech, that he not only regards the bloody strife we are now involved in an important one, but thai it was susceptible of a double showing; he admit; ted that he in common with his fellow-citizens was anxious for peace, but that the bloody battle-field was the only blace where we could obtain it' and that we must fight it out now, while we had a gov ernment and an army. Surely'the Governor did not wish to be understood that before negotiation could be instituted that it would be necessary to break tin the government disband the army, and prostrate ourselves, spaniel like, at the feet of the federals ! If the Governor supposes any sucn a a sire is entertained by the Conservative party, let mp disabuse his mind on the subject, by saying we de sire no such terms of peace at his. President Davis : or President Lincoln's hands. While we hold the sword in one hand, let us hold the olive branch in the other; let the war, if possible, be transferred from the bloody battle-field to the council cnamoer, where much of the outside pressure tnat operates in bringing on and perpetuating the war would be shut out and reason assume lier supremacy over me minds of those who deprecate war as a national curse. and desire peace as a national blessing. We are all aware of the fact that there is a constitutional mode pointed out by which not only -peace may be made, but war also ; jet it so happened that the present war was not made in pursuance of law. or the Con stitution. . We will not controvert tne uovernor s views on that point, but the Constitution does not say no other mode shall be. resorted to ior tne accomplishment of peace : tbe mode pointed out by the Constitution is- only a formality. If the same desirable object could be obtained bf other means, 'would it be less beneficial or desirable to those in terested in the important issue ? Surely not To supiipse such a thin, would be an insult to reason and common sense. - In the settlement of this cruel war we must bring to bear the better feelings of our nature; we must not only exercise physical force, but we must exer cise moral courage ; we must be permitted to think, speak and aot as becomes freemen, christians and patriots' upon our unfortunate condition, without the bit in our moaths or the fear of a halter around our necks. To act differently would not only be physical, but it would be moral cowardice ; and he that would attempt to suppress free speech, or muz zle a free press, is a despot and a tyrant at heart The Governor seems to be a little old fogyish in -hisirotions orr points of law, though 'I dSn't attach any blame to him, as it seems to be the bent of his nature. J would be so too if circumstances would justify it, Cut it will not We are cut loose Horn the moorings of our fathers, and are now being tossed upon the angry billows' of a bloody civil war, with the anxious cry from sea shore to mountain top let us negotiate while we -fight for peace. Will those who brought on the bloody struggle still interpose an insuperable barrier to the accomplish ment of so desirable an object by a stoical indiffer ence, or the exercise of bad law ? We trust not I had supposed that the Confederate and State governments were co-ordinato and co-equal, and that neither could Infringe upon the reserved rights of the other without impairing the validity of the terms upon which the compact was entered into. It is -a problem now being solved that the States should watch with jealous vigilance. If the cause we are now struggling for loses its vitality by the abuse of power either by the Confederate or the States' governments, what is it that will compensate for the sacrifice of blood and treasure, the . suffer ' ings and sorrows of our; people, when this bloody strife shall have ended ? : , - Let us hope andpray that Go4in. his wrath may not longer afflict us with blindneSLIo? our past foHy and weakness. LEACHBURG. We publish in another column a communication from "A Citizen," criticising the recent message of Gov. Brown to the Georgia Legislature. While there is forte and pertinence in some of " Citizen's " reflections on the tendencies of the times, we are free to confess we had rather see the extreme run ning in the direction of over-Vigilance in respect to the rights of the States. History is said to be phil osophy teaching by example, and the precedents bf the past deduce no more unfailing truth than that i,ue procnviiy oi power is " to gradually steal from tuo uiiuiy iu me rew. it was once a linitntA amongst political theorists whether thera was mnrfl ' danf?er in confederacy ."from tyranny in the head ' than tro.m "nwchy amongst tbe members." His torv' wit0 ltB solemn examples, has put the ques- tion forrver at rest The temper and tendencies of aI1 central uthority are towards absolute and on-' questioning obedience which is the pyre of public . J'berty. . ' There is much sound sense and sagacious reflec- Itnn in P.nn . 1 1-1 . "". VJ,V " uiwaage mucu-wnicn, at mis ' tiw' '8 wwth. tbe attention of our people. As we OBderstand him, he contemplates no counter action pn ,he part of the Georgia Legislature against the hill t f Congress suspending the habeas corpus, only proposing that a grave legislative protest shall be' entereV against the exercise of the power by the President- The measure has been so unfavorably received through the country, and there really ap pears to b so little occasion for it, tbat we have no doubt Cohg.ress will, at an early day, during tbe coming session, repeal the act . What Gov!, Brown says about peace is not only true but wise, and stamps him a sagacious states man. The uer.d and the olive branch mvst aeeom plith the icori conjointly neither alone can effect it. 4 He. urges t'jv-1 the war be vigorously carried on, and that the kt man and the last dollar he voted for its ener&tic prosecution. At the same . time he suggests .that ur moral sympathy be tbrdwn in favor of tbe party at the North now engaged in a great struggle to exoi'I Lincoln from office He advocates holding out t&e olive branch to that par ty, expressing a willingness should they get into office to treit with them kr an honorable peace. He goes farther and acquits I'hese conservative men at the bar of history of the great' crime against Christianity, and civilization o hawing brought on this war, and bids them God speed in their good work of ousting Lincoln and ibia co-devils from nower. . In this particular, the points 'or Gov. Brown's message are well taken and will do &'0od. - We can not believe he meditates any collision" with the au thorities at Richmond;, or will fail to dv all that lays in bis power to. strerrgthen and snppov't the Presi dent in a -most earnest prosecution of ihe war. A vg of ISngland has an interest in preserving ihefrVdomof the press, because it is his interest to knew the true state of - the nation, whictH the courtiers would fain conceal, but of which aree press aloitcsn 'nrorm nun. Laeon. -TrtlitBftBoV .-' -Ma. Editor: In the Confederate of the 15th' in stant, is an article headed, " Dry Leach,'- i which , the uncalled iunior Editor, wnfr characteristic vul garity, and obscenity that l$gioe AJet, attempts to'stigmatize ine(s aft ignoramus and a traitor. The so called junior Editor, ne doubt en joys this low and calumnious. flinr of unadulterated billingsgate, but sucn is tne legitimate rruu oi iow breeding and those vulgar associations that have already pointed his path to perdition. Ignorance iS bliss when not attended oj ail tne degrading pro pensities of the lower brute creation, as is the case with tbe so called junior Editor ,ot tne vonjeaeraie. He is yoe'.of the spared monuments of God's mercy, without brains ana less decency. I have no recollection of the so-called junior Edi to'ref 'Wrrectfng any communication from me, except one intended for his special benefit, " The Whittitf -Cooking gUUr Had he received a tew mot auch productions, I have no doubt, but that his journal would have been a more popular one, and its Editor a better man. If the junior Editor pretends to say or to intimate that he made any material alteration in "The Whiskey Looking glass, he perpetrates ari act that truth does not sanction, as I am abundantly able tc prove. If the so-called junior Editor had any of the milk of human nature in his com position, be ought to thank me for that pamphlet on the evils of intem perance.' I would suggest to him the importance -of reading "The Whiskey Looking glass" in. the morning and the Bible in the evening, as the one would be just as essential to his temporal happiness as the other Would be to his spiritual welfare. Talk about treason indeed 1 . You,Sir, have box ed both the' moral and political compass oftener than comports with either decency or patriotism, and to-uay lue nignesi price uuuer lue uauiuier iui nuivu either could be sold, would be a bottle of bad whiskey. "The junior Editor of the Confederate shares with theeble senior Editor tbe duties, responsibili ties," &a No doubt, Mr. Junior, for you and the "able Senior " are both' coin it it bare back upon the nag of infamy, and the world will be the better of it, wneu you gei uirougu jruui juuiucj. j ivu, -", are such a pigmy of Insignificance and contempt that were you removed off the stage of existence, your presence would not be missed on earth nor recognized in eternity. - J. T. LEACH. March 28, 1864. ; '' For the Standard. ' Pablic Sleeting, In Harnett County. At a large and respectable meeting of the citizens of upper Little River District, Harnett County, held at Fineville, on Tuesday, 23d of February, 1804, on motion of James S. Harrington, Esq., Capt James M. Turner was called to the (Jhair, and John McJU. Harrington requested to act as Secretary, XUO VUttiiiuaii ii ca ivn viut ibiuaiao vaiuiiivm the object of the meeting, when on motion the - . i . t c a r. i .. tions for the action of the meeting, when, the fol lowing gentlemen were appointed: James S. Har rington. Esq., John M. Morrison, Esq., Henry Stew art. Esq., Henry Faucette and Rev. Daniel McNeill On motion the Chairman and Secretary were added to the number. The Committee then retired, and after a short time returned and through their Chair man, James S. Harrington, Esq., introduced, the following preamble and resolutions : ' Whereas. The Constitution both of the State andof the Confederate States does guarantee to the common citizen the right to peaceably assemble' themselves together and consult for the common goftd, and to appeal to their representatives icr redress of grievances, whenever such grievances in their opinion does exist ; and' whereas, in our opin ion. grievances to an alarming extent doth at this time exist: Therefore be it . - Retained, That this is a cruel, unchristian and uncalled for war; that it has lasted long enough to satisfy every thinking, fair mindod' man ; that it cannot be settled by tbe sword alone, and that we. believe it to be the duty of all good citizens to meet and consult, and see if something cannot be done that will settle our national difficulty with honor and satisfaction to the South. Retolved, That we believe in v the time honored republican doctrine t!at the will of the people 'shouldtehelaw bflhe land, and with tBafsenti-" ment settled on our minds, we do most earnestly appeal to His Excellency, Gov. Z. B. Vance, to convene the Legislature at an early day for the purpose of submitting to the people the question of Convention or no Convention, that the public mind may be fully ascertained oh that subject Resoktd, That a Convention called by the peo- ' pie could and would do much toward the settle ment of the difficulties under which, our beloved country is now laboring, and that we' are in favor of a Convention of all tbe States in the Confederacy for the purpose of making some propositions to the Not thern Government for a lasting and an honora ble peace to both sections of our once united but now divided and ruined nation. Retobed, That we believe it to he the boun- den duty of the representative in all cases to be. governed by the will of those whom - he represents, and, therefore, we will not support any man for any office, either' State or Confederate, who will not pledge himself to be governed by that will when made known to him through any proper channel. Resolved, lnat we highly approve of the course taken by his Excellency, and his firmness manifes ted in sustaining the Judiciary in North Carolina against the unprecedented stretches of .the military over the civil law in our beloved State, and that we pledge" ourselves to sustain him in all such positions taken by him, and looking to him as our great poli tical head, wa hone he will maintain the civil law. of North Carolina at all hazards against any and all encroachments, come from .whence it may. Resolved, That we approve pi tbe proposition made by the Conservative citizens ot Jonnsion Cotkity to call a mass meeting of the conservative citizens of the State sometime in April or May, and we moat respectfully suggest fearly in April, as we koiio.. !t ;n en nlnmlv show the state of public reeling in North Carolina as to satisfy any doubting, mind on that subject, and may enable our rulers to shape their course of conduct &J' Retolved, Tbat -we regaru ... . - the great champion of the- people's rights, and as true and loyal a citizen as the Southern Confedera cy contains, and we believe but for his wise and timely admonitions td both uovernment anasoi- diers in the neia, our armies wuuiu nun uo what they how are in point of numerical force, and we do pledge ourselves that as long as his political conduct j ustifies these opinions in us, to sustain, ntnteetand defend him; and we also feel under ma ny obligations to the editor of the Raleigh Progrett for the manly and proper course he has taken in this our great struggle for personal and political liberty. . ' " ' ' Retolved, That a copy of these resolutions be Bent to his Excellency, "Gov. Vance, with the hopes thai tbey meet his approval, and that a copy be sent to the editor of the Raleigh Standard and the Daily.FVoflTM for publication, with the request that all the papers in the State friendly to the cause publish them. 1 ' . On motion, the meeting adjourned. - JAMES M. TURNER, Chra'A ' Johs McL. Harmsgton, Seo'y. - Letter from Mb. Vallakduthak Retaliation Advised. The following letter from Mr. Vallandig ham is published : ' ' . Windsor, C. W., March 7, 1864. Messrs, Eviblard Brothers, Dayton, Ohio : Gbstlemes I read several days ago the telegraph ic announcement of the "riddling" of the Empire. offiice by "furloughed soldiers." I offer you no sympathy, for that will avail nothing now or here after. , I do express to yotr my profound regret that, you were not prepared to inflict on the spot, and in the midst of the assault, the complete punishment which the assailants deserved ; bat I am gratified to learn that, some of them did soon after receive their desert. . But these cowardly, acts caonot always be guarded against And they do not primarily come frpin the "soldiertC , There is, therefore, bat one remedy for put and preventive of future injuries; and that is,, instant, summary and ample reprisals upon the persons and property of the men at home, who, by language and conduct, are always inciting to these outrages.. No legal or military punishment .is ever, iqflicted upon the immediate instruments. Retaliation, therefore, is the only and the rightfal remed in times like these. , I speak advisedly, and reccr-amend it in all cases hereafter. It is of no av-; to announce the falsehood that "both nartiM cv. lemn it," after the destruction has been consum-' mated. 'rThe time has gone by for obedience witn out protection.. I speak decided language; but the . continued recorreneewoi taese outrages irequeitujr attended with mnrder, and always without redress -i-demtnds it. . They must be stopped, let the con sequences be .what they may. Reprisals in sucn cases tie now tbe eniy way leu ior reu w mw and order. . . C.-L. VALLAJNUIUUAM. Then and Now Extract from the Message of Gov. Vice, Jf the General Assembly oj jsorm-varotiva, j.ivwm. Uth, 1862. . -V-' -' - "I have not seen an official cotry oFlMact, hat learn from the newspapers that Oongness hasxon- ferred upon the President the power to anptiw ui. writ of habe-u corpus. in all cases of arrests maae by Confederate authority. . If this be once admitted. no man is sale iroin tne power oi uuo iuuit He could at pleasure, seize any citizen p the State with or without excuse throw him into prison and perrnii nun to mnguisa uiw wimv power that I am unwilling to see entrusted to any living man. . To submit to its exercise would in my opinion be establishing a precedent daijgetousand pernicious' in the extreme. Among a people so united and faithful to their cause-as ours, where disloyalty is the rare and solitary exception to the general rule, i can. see Dut mugwu, v tide of inflowing evil from these inordinate stretches of military power. which are hut disgracing- us equally with our northern enemies. . A free Repub lic that must neeos cast on its n-eouuin .m -; time of trouble, will Soon cast it off forever. .Free dom Mnnot he embraced to day and spurned to morrow : a steadfast and constant worship can aione. secure her countless blessings. Her chosen instru ments the Constitution and the laws were maae the sure covenant of her everlastingresidence among os ; our delight in times of peace and prosperity, nd our cmirle and shield in the day Of trouble and calamity. Now, if ever, is the time When we should abide strictly by their stern decrees, and walk up rightly in the narrow path they have marked out tor our ioocsieps. we snouia, least oi mil, lurstaas the helm and the compass, when the vessel is driven by the tempest, and clouds and darkness obscure the way." Ertract from Gov. Va.tce Wilkesborough Speech, delivered neontary via, 100. - ?There.is talk of the writ of habeas corpus be--ing suspended in the Southern States. I understand it has already been suspended by Congress; but tbe suspension of this wnt may not De m contraven tion of the Constitution: for the courts have de cided that Congress can suspend the writ within certain limits. I regret to see the suspen sion of the writ It-is evidence of wrong existing' somewhere either of a desire upon the part of the government to assume more authority than belongs to it or of a state ot affairs'in some parts of the country that argues ill. But in tbe name of-com-mon sense, if we are a law abiding people, if we regard the King's name as a tower of strength, we must not make a commotion because a law has been -enacted which our jurists announce as within the limits of the Constitution of the country that we have sworn to support We ought to bowing to sianu up to our own wonsuiunon ana ourowws. Specimens of Gubernatorial Literature. Extracts from Gov. Vance's Wilkesborough speech. x'FelloV:Citizbns, LADIES and Gentlemen ! I do not know how it is nossible for me to make my self beard by this large audience, unless I adopt the plan of the one armed soldier who could not bug his sweetheart all the way aroand, and so was forced to cbalk the distance he could reach on' one side.- and then turn and hug as far on the other. . (Laughter.) - - - - . "Yon will pardon me for a funny Ulustration of so senoss a subject, but 1 am somewhat like the old lady, who, in company with her 'old man '; used to visit a country store kept by one Major Smith, (as tbere are no Majors and no Smiths jn this section, there is no danger of identifying him;) The Major kept some fine samples of wet Roods in the cellar. to which'he treated his customers before displaying his dry goods up stairs,; ibr he knew, as you doT that A Ib&B lQ lgrliin tta pf f Thil.tmn LiMpiMk he can buy two or three counties, to say nothing of goods and groceries. (Laughter.) . And the afore said old couple were about the best customers he had. On one occasion, after repeatedly going up and down stairs, they got in such a rood humor. itbaLwhen they started home the Major could barely lilt tuem on the saddle the old lady behind in tne good old fashioned style. She was in ecstacies with the Major. He was "the finest storekeeper she ever see in all her born days.' Bless that Major, what nice samples he. does put up to be sure, and bow he sweetens !" Gripping the old man with one hand and gesticulating, with the other, she pro ceeded to expatiate on the Major's charming quali ties, until "they came to a branch, bp the opposite bank of which the old man managed to ride, while the old lady unconciously slipped off quietly into the stream. The old fellow rode some distance be fore he discovered he had lost something, and rode back to the stream when be ascertained what it was. There she lay in tbe branch, flat on her back, and bad damned up the water until it had just begun to run into the corners of her mouth. She imagined She was in the cellar, talking to tbe Major, and "sampling." Rolling .her eyes, pursing up: bet mouth, she would say every now and then, "not any more 1' thank you Major, not another drau i Major, unless it is sweetened." (Continued laugh ter ) Just so witn your numoie servant m regara to secession: Not another drap Major, if you please, sweetened or not sweetened;.. (Laughter and ap plause.) -. ; " You know when Saint Paul went to tbe city of Ephesus and announced the. true God, he ratted quite a rote with. Demetrius 'and the rest of the artists in the place, who had been accustomed to make their living by manufacturing shrices for the Goddess Diana; and they were about -to massacre Saint Paul for bis interference, with their profits. At the height of the excitement which was about to break out into actual hostilities,' tbere appeared among them a fellow; the town clerk, whose name is not given, (and I regret Hie omition,for I think he was the smartest uninspired man mentioned i Hcripture,) who got upon tbe court house steps or " the stump " and spoke to the people." Extract from a speech delivered in Richmond, Va.; by Gov, William Smith, March 18th, 1864. " The Governor then referred to the substitute- principals who bad been required by Congress to report for duty. I know, he said, (addressing the soldiers.) what a frolic you wilt have over them when they arrive in camp. (Laughter.) You will put tnem turougn. (Renewed merriment) Toe- Governor told his hearers that he wanted them to win new laurels, and then, at the close of the war. wnen tbey returned borne perhaps with a leg 'or an arm gone, tlfey would talk to the " old woman," and tell tbe children, who would clamber around their knee, how they had put it to the Yankees here, or put it to tnem there. (Laughter.) They tell me. Said the Governor, that I am getting old, but where there is a Yankee or a woman to be met, I wish it to oe understood tbat l am only twenty Hoe. (Laugh. From the Standard of December 2d, 1S88. Pbovidb fo the Soldiers' Pahimbb; We will Soon be in the midst of a cheerless winter, and the families of our brave defenders will suffer from its rigors in various ways. They will want bread, and meat,' and clothine; and- firewood. ' Those who formerly provided these things Tor. them are either iu cawpB, ot in tne nospitais, or disaned oy wounds, or in their graves. She tithing law which takes all the farmers have to spare, and the impressment law which demands more still, will render it exceeding ly hard for those who have made little or nothing, barely to live. But, by tbe blessing of God and the am oi aucn as nave, tbey may go through tbe win for, though their sufferings will be great It is the duty of every -slaveholder who has anything to spare, to divide it 'among: iris needy neighbors. See to.it, that the needy white people are as well pro vided -for as tbe slates. Itis a burning shame to reflect that some of our negroes have their meat one-, ana twice, ana even three times a day. and all of them a eertain allowance ot meat per week, white wnasaaas oi wmte people, wno lived comfortably before the war, do not. taste meat for weeks, and some of them not at alL If thin w in tn h coni tinned for the negro, to the Impoverishment, starva tion, and ruin of any portion of the white race, it is certainly time to take steps to close it honorabW. for, deyoted as we' are to this necnlUr inBtint;! cannot be insisted thatit shall stand in the way0f of the existence of the white race. It is to thetn. mo Bieuoiuer w aitena to the wantsW his needy neighbors. .' If he refuses to do HO who er from a spint of indifference or the promntines.f whirlwind." .w, us win ww w iuo wiuu ana mui We learn that Dr. J. T. Leach, of Johnston rvl j, iu memoer elect to uonaress. sent Mb hands last winter, and is doine-so this wint. toe nouses oi tne families of soldiers, to cut ... for them, so as to keep the women and childrJ warm, wu in us relieve tnem irom tne beavv UK TimiiIm it .1 1 .1 1... . u w vumiB uicuisviTea iu lue Hieet ana Snow i miImmviiim'II Int.. Al-t .1. 1 . V.l shoulders. This is practical patriotism. True 1 nevolenceJs always thouehtfuL Who willmu... Dr. Leach's example' Every slaveholder will do H who has a heart in his bosom, and who properly an. predates the condition of the families of those brar mefa, who are staking their liyes in our defence.-. -Send your negro men, gentlemen, or negro man, tt their condition may require, and cut down, the wood and cut it up near their houses, so that they eta have a supply .in the dead oi winter. Do this, and spare them besides what yoq can of meat, and met! WIU MVUIIIlg, MiU 1UO 1TUU UI IUC1 MJ W UI UteSS Vn and many a noble-hearted soldier will thank you for it as long as he lives. and" if he should die in battle r in tbe hospital, it will be a consolation to him in his last moments to remember that he leaves hit iamuy among tnose wno will wins ot and providt ' - ior mem. THE TAX BILL. A!f ACT TO LAT ADDITIONAL TAXIS FOR TUB COHHOS DKFENCB AND SUPPORT OF. TAB GOVERNMENT. Sec. 1. The Congress of the Confederal Stsit of Amerien do enact, That in addition to tbe taxes levied-by the "act to lay taxes for the common defence and to carry on the government of the Con. .federate States," approved 24th of Anril. 188a there shall be levied from the passage of this act, on the subjects of taxation hereafter mentioned, and collected from every person, copartnership, . sedation or corporation, liable- therefor, taies ta toiiows, to wit : - : L Upon the value of property, real, personal and. mixed, of every kind and. description, not herein, after exempted, or taxed at a different rate, five per cent Provided, That from this tax on the mine of property, employed in agriculture, shall e de ducted the value of the tax in kind delivered there from, as assessed under tbe law imposing it, and delivered to the government' Provided, That no credit shall be allowed beyond five per cent it un tne value of gold and silver wares and plate, jewels, jewelry, and watches, ten per cent - iii.. xue vaiue oi property taxed under this sec tion shall be assessed on the basis of the market value of the same, or similar property in the neigh borhood where assessed in the year 1860, except in caseS where land, slaves, cotton or tobacco have been purchased since the 1st day of January, 1S62, , in- which case tbe said land, slaves, cotton and to baccoo so purchased, shall be assessed at the price actually paid for the same ty the owner,' Sec. 2. On the value of all shares r interests held in any bank, banking company or association, canal, navigation, importing, exporting, Insurance, manufacturing, telegraph, express, railroad and dry dock companies and all other joint stock companies of every kind, whether incorporated or not,' fire per cent ; - The value of property taxed nnder this section shall be assessed upon the basis of the market value .ot such property in. the neighborhood Where as sessed, in such currency as may be in general use there, in the purchase and sale of such property, at the time of assessment ' Sec. 8. Upon the amount of all gold and silver coin, gold dust, gold or silver bullion, whether held by the banks or other corporations or individuals, five per cent; and upon all moneys held abroad, or upon the amount of all bills of exchange, drawn therefor on foreign countries, a tax of fire per cent; Buch tax upon money abroad to be assessed and collected according to the value thereof at the place where the tax is paid. IL Urtoo the amount of all Solvent credits, and of all bank bills, and all other papers issued as cur rency, exclusive of non-interest bearing Confederate treasury notes, and hot employed in a nwatered business, the inrodoi. derived from which is taxed five per cent . Sec. 4 Upon profits made in trade and business, as follow: : - ; . . L On all profits' made by buying and selling spirituous liquors, flour, wheat, corn, rice,' sugar, molasses or syrup, salt, bacon, pork, hogs, beef or beef cattle, sheep,' oats, hay, fodder, raw bides, feather, horses, mules, boots, shoes, cotton yarns, wool, woollen, cotton or mixed cloths, hats, wagons, harness, coal, iron, steel or nails, at any time be tween the first of January, 18C3, and the first of January, 1865, ten per cent in addition to the tax on such profits as income under the "act tohay taxes for common defence, and carry on the Gov ernment of tbe Confederate States, approved April II. On all profits made by buying- and selling money, gold, silver, foreign exchange, stocks, notes, debts, credits, or obligations of any kind, and any merchandise, property or effects of any kind, not enumerated in the preceding paragraph, between the times named therein, ten per cent, in'additioo. to the tax on such profits as inlorae, under the act aloresaid. HI. On the amount of profits, exceeding twenty- five per cent, made during either of the years 1863 and 1804; by any bank or banking company, insu rance, canal, navigation, importing and exporting, telegraph, express, railroad, manufacturing, dry dock, or other joint stock company of any descrip tion, whether incorporated or not, twenty-live per cent on such excess. Sea 5. The following exemptions from taxation under this act shall be allowed, to wit : . & I. Property of each head nf a . family to the value; of five hundred dollars ; and for each minor child of the famiiy to the further value of one hundred' dollars ; and for each son actually engaged in tne army or navyciwho nas died or oeen aiued in toe military or naval service, and wbo was a memoer oi the family when he entered the service, to tbe fur ther value of five hundred dollars. II. Property of the widow of any officer, soldier, sailor or marine, who may have died or been -killed in tbe military or naval service, or wbere tbere w no widow, then of ihe family, being'minor children, to tbe value of one thousand dollars. III. Property of every officer, soldier, sailor or marine, actually engaged . jn the. military or naval service, or of such aa nave been disabled in sucn service, to tbe value of one thousand dollars, provi ded, that the above exemptions shall. not apply to any person whose property, exclusive of nousenoiu furniture, shall be assessed at a value exceeding one thousand dollars. IV. That -where property has been injured or r destroyed by the enemy, of the owBer thereof hia V been temporarily deprived of the use or occupancy v;v thereof, or of tbe means of cultivating the same, by . ' reason of tbe presence -or proximity of the enemy, tbe assessment on Such property may be reduced, . in proportion to the damage sustained by the own- -v er, or the fax assessed thereon may be reduced in .v the same ratio by the district collector, on satisfM tory evidence submitted to- him by tbe owner or :. -assessor, ' i v- Sec. 6. That the taxes on property laid for the -, year 1864 shall be assessed as on the day of the passage of this act, and be due and collected on. the first day of June next, or as soon after as prac ticable, allowing an extension of .ninety days west . ; of the Mississippi river. The additional taxes on incomes or profits loathe year 1863, levied by tbi' '; act, shall be assessed'and collected forthwith ; and the taxes oh incomes or profits for the year 186 - J shall be assessed and collected according to tbe pro visions of the tax and assessment acta of 1863. ' . . Sec. 7. fSo much of tie tax act of the 24th day April, 1863, as levies a tax on incomes derived fro property or effects on the amount or value of whicH a tax is levied by this act, and also the first section, of said act, are suspended for the year 1864, and no estimated rent, hire, or interest on property or credits herein taxed ad valorem, shall be ass6SA or taxed as incomes, under the tax act of 1863. r. .. Sea a That the tax imposed by this act on bono of the Confederate States heretofore issued, shall ia . ho case exceed the interest on the tame, and sucn bonds when held by or for minora or lunatics shut be exempt from the tax in all cases wbere the inter . est on. tbe same shall not exceed on; thousand dollar ex is wi " ii It U ol 41 A- it ?4 n
The Weekly Standard (Raleigh, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
April 6, 1864, edition 1
2
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