North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-01-11
THE LEGISLATURES.

THE LEGISLATURES. -
Both Houses have been engaged, for the most pari,
since Monday last in discussing the Reports and Re-
solutions Slavery. II will be seen, by Senate
proceedings of Wednesday, that that body have pass
ed through second reading Resolutions This ques-
tion embracing the Resolutions Of Mr.. Speaker Ed
wards, of the Resolutions of the majority of the
Committee of Eighteen, and one of the Resolutions
of the minority of that Committee. 5s3 81
In the Senate, Tuesday ,.Mr. Woodfn conclu-
ded his remarks against secession and in favor of the
theory of strong Federal Government; and he was
followed by Mr.. Caldwell, of Meckienburg, in
mastery effort in favor of the Resolutions of the Mi
nority and the right Of secession. We will not an
ticiPate Maj. Caldwell by stating his positions,
hope he will prepare his Speech for the press. 1t
is sufficient at present to say, that he planted himself
the platform of '9s and 49, by the side of Jeer-
son, Madison, and Macon; and that he sustained
himself in manner which added to his already high
reputation as public Mecklenburg has just
to be proud of her able and fearless Senator.
On Wednesday, in the Senate, Mr.. Bynum spoke
at some length the same question: and against the
right of secession; and he was followed by Mr..
Washington, the side. Mr.. Fender spoke
briefly favor of the right Of secession and the
ming, just before the taken, brief Speeches
were delivered by Messrs. Cameron and Bower Mr..
Cameron took ground against secession; and Mr.
Bower, though in favor of the doctrine, thought it mex
pedieDt at this time to declare by the Legislature.
The first Resolution reported by the Minority of
the Committee of Eighteen and which was adopted
by the Senate its second reading is regarded, by
ITSELF as affirming the right of secession 1t speaks
of the Constitution OF the United States com
pact"- if this be SO, according to Mr.. Gill
1I,or irrbt 40 hlv ell
In the Senate, on Thursday evening, the Resolu-
tions Slavery referred to above, taken up
their third reading Amendment after amendment
then offered by gentlemen belonging to the minor
ty of the Senate but they promptly voted down,
and at late hour the Senate adjourned, Mr.. Gilmers
Resolutions being before the Senate as substitute
for those already adopted. running deba tie took
place, during the evening, in which Messrs. Hoke,
Cald we'll of NJ, Ellington, Bower, Clark, Haughton
Cameron, Bynum, Shepard, and others participated
Mr. Ellington spoke at some length in favor of an
amendment which he offered ; and Mr.. Clark defined
his position briefly the question but to the point.
The impression prevails that portion of the mi
nority of the Senate disposed to embarrass the
Resolutions and defeat them, if possiole; but we
hope to-day friday will show that this impression
is The people of the State looking with
deep anxiety for the result of these discussions Of
this vital question; and they will fail to hold to
strict accountability those who may be instru-
mental in sitting their voice, in preventing the
State from speaking out in fearless and determined
tones.
In the Commons on Tuesday, Mr.. Barnes of North
ampion, spoke upon the Slavery question ; and he
was followed by MIR. Rayner upon the question gen.
orally. and particularly in support of his Resolutions,
offered some weeks since. Mr.. Rayner continued
his remarks, and concluded at late hour We'd
nesday evening.
On Thursday, in the Commons, Mr.. Erwin spoke
first. His remarks of the most decid ed South
stamp. He said The fanatics Of the North had been
encouraged by the concessions made in Hashingfon City
questions Of Constitutional right by Southern
He was followed BY Mr.. Thornton who listened
to with profound attention. and whose remarks were
warmly applauded by the members and audience in
attendance. We hope soon to have the pleasure of
laying his remarks before readers.
In the evening of Thursday. in the Commons, Mr.
Hill, of New Hanover, delivered Speech the
question: which We have heard spoken of in the
highest terms. He was listened to with marked al
tenton. He was followed by Mr.. Steele, on the
same side, affirming the right of secession and de-
claring that, although Wing in principle, he regard
ed this question infinitely abo party. He took
occasion, in the course of his remarks, allude
certain letter said to have been written to
in this City by the Hon. Nathaniel Boyden. in rela-
ton to the right of secession and he denounced him
for the sentiments embodied in that letter, in the
verest terms. Gen. Saunders followed Mr.. Steele n
some remarks, in reply principally to Mr.. Rayner.
Mr.. Hill, of Caswell, has the floor The same
question for Friday morning, and Mr.. Person, of
Moore, for the evening of the same day.
We refer readers to the proceedings of Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, in another por-
ton of this paper.