Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1854-12-13

for that position. He was opposed to the bill in
every shape.
Mr.. Myers supported the bill and stated the inus-
tce OF the present system, which compelled planters
who came into town upon private business to stay
at their own expense, perhaps for several days in
attendance as tales jurors. There could be no OBJ
lection to this measure, the Magistrates compos-
ing the Court would see that no improper payments
were made. His constituents were deeply interest
ed in the matter, and he would support the bill
Mr.. G. NJ White wished to lay the bill on the ta-
BILE for further consideration.
Mr.. A. H. Caldwell moved that the bill be refer
red to the committee on the Judiciary.
After some remarks by Mr.. s. H. Williams against
the bill
The motion to refer to the Committee on the Ju-
dietary was agreed to.
The Speaker presented report from j. NJ More
head, President of the North Carolina Rail Road
After some debate the reading was dispensed with
and the report sent to the Senate with proposition
to print.
A message from the Senate proposing to enter
forthwith upon an election for Solicitor of the fourth
district was concurred in.
The House voted as follows For Mr.. Ruffin, 53;
Mr.. Stedman, 81.
The joint committee to superintend the election
reported that Mr.. Rufin had received 81 votes and
Mr.. Stedman 81 votes, and that Mr.. Ruiin was duly
elected. Report adopted
time.
Mr.. Smith objected to the bill-there were too
many free negroes at present in the State.
Mr. Myers, from his personal knowledge of Jerry
for twelve years. considered him worthy of freedom
BY the kindness of his master and his habits of
industry he had accumulated considerable property
and it to enable him to hold this property that
the present bill was introduced.
Mr.. Darsan bore testimony to the excellence of
Jerry's character.
Mr.. Barringsr spoke in favor of the bill; Jerry
had been his body servant for fourteen years, and
he had no hesitation in giving him the highest char
acter for fidelity and honesty, and considered Jerry
as well worthy of the favor which was granted by
this bill
Mr.. Shepherd was anxious for Jerry's emancipa-
ton.
Mr.. Smith took for granted all that was said
in Jerrys favor, but still opposed to the BILL
there were hundreds throughout the State who could
| bring forward the same claims.
Mr.. Myers replied to Mr.. Smith and warmly advo-
| Gated the passage of the bill.
Mr.. Norment advocated the passage of the bill as
| a reward for Jerry's conduct when among the Nor
| thern abolitionists.
Mr. Jordan submitted the remarks he was about
| to make with much reluctance. II consistent with
his duty to his constituents it would afford him plea
sure to support the Dill. Tho unexceptionable char
acter of the slave in question, proved by those
who knew him, appealed strongly to the humanity
and benevoence of the legislature, and were many
arguments addressed to the kindness of their hearts
But there were other and weighty reasons which
ought to be taken into consideration which address
ed themselves to the sound judgment and good
of the House. To emancpate and leave him here
to drag out miserable existence a false phan-
throphy-mistaken benevoence, by which grievous
| wrong would be done to the slave; leaving him
without master protector subject to the incon.
venences which necessarily accompany his altered
condition. Such proceedings fasten upon a state
of things which ought to be opposed and dscour-
aged, and increase the difficulty of shielding our
selves in of insurrection the disruption OF
the ties which bind us to the North.
Mr.. Jordan spoke at some length in support of his
views, and stated tina. he had objections to offer
against gentlemen freeing their slaves, but he insis
ted they should be removed out of the State Self.
preservation demanded that stop should be put to
an increasing evil, which daily gathers strength
being Sounded on feeling of mistaken humanity
He entreated the House not to be led into course
of proceeding which must necessarily lead to disas
trous consequences. They were legslatng, not for
themselves only, but for posterity, and he trusted
they would bequeath to those who came after them
a policy unclogged by any measure which would
weaken the blessings which twas their duty to pre-
serve Under the influence of these feelings he
would vote against the bill.
The House divided-Ayes 49, Noes II.
The bill passed its second reading.
A message from his Excellency the Governor wa:
received, and on motion of Mr.. Barringcr was sem
to the Senate with proposition to print
House adjourned.