Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-17
THE LEGISLATURE

Both Houses have been engaged, for the
most part, since Monday week in discussing
the Reports and Resolutions on Slavery
The Senate have passed through a second
reading of Resolutions on this question, en-
bracing the Resolutions of Mr.. Speaker Ed
wards, and the Resolutions of the majori-
ty Of that Committee.
In the Senate, on Tuesday, Mr.. Wood
fin concluded his remarks against secession;
and he was followed by Mr.. Caldwell Of
Mecklenburg, in favor of the Resolutions
of the Minority and the right of secession.
On Wednesday, in the Senate, Mr.. By
mum spoke at some length on the same ques-
ton, and against the right of secession; and
he was followed by Mr.. Washington, on
the anne side. Mr.. Fender spoke briefly
in favor Of the right Of secession and in
the evening, just before the vote was taken.
brief Speeches were delivered by MessE.
Cameron and Bower, Mr.. Cameron took
ground against secession and Mr.. Bower,
though in favor of the doctrine, thought it
i~nexpedient at this time SO to declare by the
Legislature.
In the Senate, on Thursday, evening, the
Resolutions on Slavery were taken up on
their third reading. Amendment after a.
mendment was then offered, but they were
voted down, and at a late hour the Senate
adjourned, Mr.. Gilmer's Resolutions being
before the Senate as a substitute for those
already adopted.
In the Commons, on Tuesday, Mr.. Barnes
OF Northampton, spoke upon the Slavery
question and he was followed by Mr.. Ray
ner upon the question generally, and partic-
ularly in support of his Resolutions, offered
some weeks since. Mr.. Rayner continued
his remarks, and concluded at a late hour
on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, in the Commons, Mr.. Err
win spoke first. His remarks were of the
most decided Southern stamp. He was fol-
lowed by Mr.. Thornton, who was listened
to with profound attention, and whose re-
marks were warmly applauded by the mem
bers and audience in attendance.
In the evening of Thursday, in the Com
mons, Mr.. Hill, Of New Hanover, delivered
a Speech on the same question, which is
spoken Of in the highest terms. He was
listened to with marked attention. He was
followed by Mr.. Steele, on the same side,
affirming the right Of secession, and declar-
ing that although a Wing in principle, be
regarded this question as infinitely above
party. Gen. Saunders followed Mr.. Steele
in some remarks, in reply principally to Mr..
Rayner.
The debate on the Slavery Resolutions
was continued in both Houses on Friday
The free suffrage bill was rejected in the
House, by a vote of ayes 6S, noes 42-the
requisite number of three-6fths not having
been obtained for the measure. A motion
to reconsider, however, prevailed, and the
bill passed its third reading on Tuesday
Its fate is thought to be doubtful in the
Senate.
Nearly the whole of Saturdays sitting of
the Senate was consumed in the consideration
of the Slavery question.
Both Houses were busily engaged in the
transaction of business on Monday. A
number of Bills were put upon their third
reading, and finally disposed Of.
The House Of Commons held an evening
sitting and will continue to do SO until the
end of the session. 5
1t is pretty generally understood that the
Legislature will certainly adjourn on next
Friday, the oath.
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