New York Times, “A Sensible Proceeding,” December 20, 1860

A SENSIBLE PROCEEDING. – The State of North Carolina, while neglecting nothing which it may deem essential to the protection of Southern rights, is resolved not to enter upon the grave business of dissolving the Union with indecent haste, nor to permit a hot-headed minority to plunge the State into secession. A Joint Committee of the Legislature has recommended that a State Convention be held on the 18th of February, - and a bill has also been introduced providing that

“Nor ordinance of said Convention, dissolving the connection of the State of North Carolina with the Federal Government, or connecting it with any other, shall have any force or validity until it shall have been submitted to, and ratified by, a majority of the qualified voters of the State for members of the General Assembly, to whom it shall be submitted for their approval or rejection.”

This is eminently sensible and dignified. Secession is the most important act which any State can attempt, - and it should never be undertaken except upon the clear and unmistakable requirement of a decided majority of her people. South Carolina has shown no clearer proof of the conscious weakness of her cause than in the hasty and inconsiderate action by which she has endeavored to precipitate the disunion issue. At no stage of her proceedings has she shown the slightest willingness to let the voice of her people be heard.