10. What proclamation was issued by Governor Caswell? Who was the western leader of Governor Caswell's cause?
11. How did the whole matter end? What position did Colonel Sevier afterwards occupy?
12. What other State in the Union originated in this way?
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
FORMATION OF THE UNION.
A. D. 1787 TO 1790.
1. The new State of North Carolina now became divided and excited as to her position in the confederation of States. Each day was demonstrating more clearly the failure of the confederation. Its poverty and weakness were exciting the contempt of all civilized nations, and the General Congress amounted to little more than an arena for the display of jealousy and selfishness on the part of the individual States.
2. In North Carolina, as elsewhere, the people were divided as to what should be done to remedy this great need of a central and general government. Many were opposed to any change. Others were for creating a strong and overpowering central government that should overawe and control all of the States. These latter men were called the "Federalists."
3. Another, and a larger portion of the people of the State, were in favor of adding to the powers of the general government; but at the same time for going no further in that direction than was necessary for the general safety as against foreign nations, and for the execution of such regulations as pertained to all the States. These "Republicans," or "Democrats," were willing to empower the new government to carry the mails, control commerce, carry on war, make treaties, and coin money; but they insisted that all other powers should be retained by the States themselves.
4. In 1787, in consequence of the action of the General Congress, a convention of all the States was ordered to meet in Philadelphia to prepare a new Constitution.