The Hillsborough Recorder

SUBSTANCE
OF
THE REMARKS OF
ROBERT DICK, ESQ.

For political
Made on a motion to adjourn the Convention, sine die.

MR. PRESIDENT: I rise with reluctance to speak on this much vexed question of adjournment. This motion has been made at divers times and in divers ways, and the pertinacity with which it has been pressed by a large party in this body, has made it a question of great importance to the country.

In the discussion, some of the delegates professing to reflect public opinion, have stated that this Convention has become odious to the people. I speak only for my own constituents, when I say, that they entertain no such feelings. They justly regard this Convention as the safeguard of their liberties, in providing the necessary means for repelling the invasion of the enemy, and in protecting their rights from wrong and usurpation at home.

There are now two elements of power in North Carolina—the civil and military. This Convention represents the civil authority of the State, and if it is adjourned sine die, then everything becomes immediately subordinate to military rule. Martial law will be virtually established all over North Carolina; and if this strong power of force alone controls public affairs, in my opinion, the liberties of the people will be in imminent peril. The military authority has already manifested much impatience and restiveness under the occasional control of the civil power, and its representatives and journals have long been busily endeavoring to influence public sentiment against this body.

Upon the plea of necessity the military power is constantly assuming the highest functions of government, and cannot willingly submit even to a division of authority. For one, I do not believe that the time has yet come when a military despotism is our only hope of safety from Northern tyranny. Our people are fighting and suffering in this great revolution, for something higher and holier than a change of masters.

It is further said by the friends of this measure, that this is no time for calm deliberation. When can there be a time which more requires calm counsel and deliberate action? As the storm grows thicker and the danger darker, those who have been entrusted with the helm of State, should rise with corresponding calmness and courage to meet the dread responsibilities which surround them.

If we remain at our post, and fearlessly do our duty while even the pillars of the Republic are tottering around us, it will present a sublime moral spectacle, which will give confidence to our people, and encourage them to sustain us; but if we show ourselves unequal to the fearful crisis, then we can but expect defeat and its consequent disasters.

History will show that more States have been saved from ruin by the exalted patriotism and courage of their legislators and counsellors, than by the dauntless bravery of their soldiers; and those States which have been so fortunate as to possess both, have never yet been conquered. Our country needs brave soldiers, and she has them—she needs, also, wise, prudent and brave counsellors, and shall we prove unworthy of our sacred trust?

It has been said, that this Convention has done but little for the public good. Many undeniable facts repel such an assertion. We have supplied the Treasury with money, and by kindness, generosity and justice, we have raised an army of more than fifty thousand volunteers; and experience will show that they are to be relied on with more confidence than an army of conscripts. If the Convention has not done its whole duty, who is responsible for the failure? Since the commencement of its sessions, its action has been continually embarrassed by this constant question of adjournment. We have done much, but still much remains to be done. The State and the people need relief from many threatened dangers and misfortunes, and we must, if possible, afford that relief. When our rights are in the greatest peril, then is the time that they most need our guardian care. They are now certainly in serious danger. The enemy is upon our borders—the boom of his hostile guns is heard upon our waters—our people are flying from their homes, and many a smouldering pile tells where the ruthless invader has been. He must be met and checked in his pathway of ruin. I regret to say that we have reason to apprehend danger in another quarter. The recent conscript act has violated the rights of the States, and broken faith with our soldiers. It is justified on the ground of stern necessity. I submit to the law as a citizen, but I feel it to be my duty as a representative to enter my solemn protest against what I regard as an unnecessary and unwarranted usurpation of power. There is another act of despotism which is justly odious to every freeman. I refer to the recent request to impress the arms of the people. In my place, here, I thank Gov. Clark for the manliness, fidelity and courage which he has shown in resisting this threatened outrage upon the rights of his State and fellow citizens. I am opposed to tyranny, no matter in what form it may come—whether it be clothed in the panoply of war and invasion, or in the specious and deceitful garb of military necessity. In my heart I believe that a large majority of the good and true people of North Carolina look upon this Convention as the bulwark of their sacred rights, and if it is broken down the public mind will be filled with consternation and gloom.

Mr. President—it has been truly said, that this is a dark day in our history. Many of our sister States have been overrun and separated from us. We have scarcely a foot-hold in the garden valley of the Mississippi; the 'father of waters' is now the mighty ally of our foes; the rich and beautiful Crescent City no longer guards for us her gates to the sea; fort after fort has fallen; many a fortified camp with long accumulated stores, has been abandoned; and our proud and haughty foe, with constant and sleepless energy, is marshalling his mighty armies around our capital—but the unconquered and unconquerable spirit of the South still remains, and yet there is hope. If our gallant soldiers forget not the glory they have won, and the valor they have shown upon a hundred battle fields—if we can crush out the cruel and insatiable avarice of the speculator, who would, if he could, even coin the blood of his kindred into gold—if our people will in all things be true to themselves and their destiny—if our rulers and counsellors will 'be just, and fear not,' and 'let all the ends they aim at, be their country's, their God's, and truth's'—then may we confidently hope that a kind Providence will save our loved and beautiful land from ruin.