Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-11-25


| principles, is demanded by public policy.
In conformity to Act passed at the last session
of the General Assembly, I appointed the Hon.
Thomas R1ffin of the Commissioners to revise
and digest the public statute laws of the State, but
he declined to accept and the duties of the commits
sion were completed by Messrs. Moore and Biggs,
and investigation. The result will in due tue be
communicated to the General Assembly. This sub
ject will require careful examination and must ne
cessarily protract the length of the session.
| The Charters of two of the principal Banks of the
State will soon expire, and it becomes theduty CT
the General Assembly, either to recharter them or
TO establish others to- supply the deficiency in the
paper circulation, that would result from closing the
business of these institutions. The amount of bank
ing capital best adapted the convenience and sub
stanal prosperity of the State is difficult question
to determine. 1t is believed, however, that the a.
mount at present employed, is not adequate to the
wants Of the public. Banks or branches, are need
ed at some points where, at present. there are none
and at other places where they already exist an in
crease of capital, and in some cases. an addition to
the number of Banks, would seem to be demanded.
| Undue contractions and expansions of the amount
of the paper currency ought, far as possible to
be avoided. The circulation of notes of a less de-
nomination than three or five dollars, should be pro-
hibited and wholesome restrictions imposed, to pro.
tect the public against the evils of deprecated
j currency. -
A well regulated Judiciary system is necessary to
the security of the rights of persons and OF proper
| ty. North Carolina has been prc-emnently blessed
in the wholesome administration of justice in her
courts. This has doubtless been more the result of
the integrity and wisdom of her Judges, than Of the
perfection Of the system itself 1t is believed that
the Supreme Court ought to consist of four Judges,
instead of three. With the present number, when
the court is divided and the majority are for over
ruling the decision of the court below counting the
Judge who tried the case, the weight of authority,
far the number of judges is concerned is equal
on both sides Yet in such cases, the decision be-
low is reversed and important legal questions final
ly adjudcated. fthe consisted of four Judges,
then equal division of the court, the decision
below would stand. To adjudicate the question and
reverse the decision below, would require the con-
| Court.
1t is believed that public convenience requires that
| two additional Judicial Circuits should be formed,
| and the corresponding nGDnber of Judges and So
| licitors appointed.
| The Attorney General is at present required to
perform the duties of Solicitor of the third circuit
He ought to be relieved of those duties and So
| licitor appointed to perform them The Attorney
General for the time being should reside i'll Raleigh;
and in addition to attending the Supreme Court
required he should attend to the business of the
Public Boards in all the Courts. 1 would also sug-
gest that it be made the duty of that officer to
perntend the enrolment Of all bills and resolutions
passed by the General Assembly and when reques-
ted to give written opinions to the heads of the De-
partmentS.
1t is important to collect the statistics of Crime in
this State. This might be easily done, by making
it the duty of the clerks of County AMI Superior
Courts to make annual returns to the Attorney Gen
General Assembly.
Since the last session of the Legislature the Hon.
Thomas Settle, one of the Judges of the Superior
Courts of Law and Equity has resigned. With the
consent of the Council of State the Hon. Samuel j.
Person appointed to fill his place. 1t becomes
the duty of the General Assembly to supply the
vacancy.
The Lunatic Asylum is advancing towards its COM
pletion. This institution will be open to the
reception of patients. The Commissioners appoint
ed to superintend the construction of the buildings
i xl.k IL
have discharged their duties. Without compensa-
ton, they have performed much labor and incurred
heavy responsibilities
The establishment of Scientific and Military
School is subject of Importance, to which beg
leave to call the attention of the General Assembly.
The training of the Militia and additional encour-
agement to the formation of Volunteer Companies,
are sub ects worthy of consideration
The report of the State Geologist giving detailed
account of the progress of the work committed to
his charge, will be transmitted at early day.
is but justice to state, that the Public Treasurer,
the Secretary of State, and Comptroller of Public
Accounts, have performed the duties of their res
pective offices, with ability, industry and fidelity.
A Circular from the Secretary of State of the
United States, is herewith transmitted. l am not
prepared to endorse the recommendation contained
therein.
Herewith is transmitted the proceedings of pub
lie meeting held in Philadelphia, in relation to
Monument in that City, in commemoration of the
Declaration of Independence, and in honor of the
sgners thereof which have been requested to lay
before the General Assembly.
would respectfully suggest the propriety of err
Getting, on the Capitol Square, in the City of Raleigh
two small but neat and appropriate Monuments
to the Memory of the Officers and Soldiers of the
Revolution; and the other to the Memory of the
Sgners of the Mecklenburg Declaration of indepen-
dence.
The bright prospect of our State affairs, regret
to say, is somewhat couded by the reckless spirit
of fanatcism, which threatens the violation of the
Constitution and the dissolution of the Union The
conviction IS growing deeper every day, and the
Abolltionsts OF the North determined that the
South shall not repose in the quiet enjoyment of her
domestic institutions. The politicians and clergy
who lead these fanatics, not purer wiser than
were the contemporaries of the trainers of the Fed
eral Constitution. Then the Statesmen ann Dvines
were content to take the Bible and Constitution as
the touchstones of their faith, and the North
and the South could meet in a spirit of harmo-
ny, and unite in common effort to secure the
blessings of civil and religious liberty. But how
changed is the picture of the present day! Now
these higher law men disregard the compromises
OF the Constitution, and are mschievously endeav-
oring to violate the rights of property and de-
stroy our domestic peace and security. This is
question ofparamount Importance; and recommend
the General Assembly to declare firmly and decid-
eddy, that we shall require the compromises of the
Constitution to be observed in good faith on the
part of the North, and that North Carolina knows
her rights, and will maintain them.
close this communication with the expression of
the sincere desire that your deliberations may be char
acterlzed by harmony and that the result of your
action may be calculated to advance the prosperity
and promote the happiness of the people.
DAVID S. REID.
Executive Department,
Raleirh Nov 90 1874