Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-06-05
Mr.. Reid moved to refer the resolution to the mill

Mr. Reid moved to refer the resolution to the mill
tary committee. So I
4 Mr.. Arlington thought it ought to be acted on
now that there is great dissatisfaction in regard to
the management of the military affairs Of the State
that owing to the condition Of the Governors health
he could not give the necessary attention to the du-
ties devoying upon him, and the appointment OF
Secretary of War might give satisfaction and restore
confidence ..r ,ei.-lEl. .ts- ~ =.
= . Mr.. Rayner desired to ask Mr.. Graham, who he
doubted not, was fully capable of giving the desired
information how the military affairs OF the State
were managed from the commencement of the war
of the revolution to the adoption of the federal con-
stitution in 1889.
Mr.. Graham replied, giving clear and explicit
answer to the inquiry. He said, that while he was
up, he would venture the suggestion that one in
telligent, responsible head of the military opera
tons would be better than military board, where
the responsibility and the counsels are divided
That the Convention ought to act in this matter at
once. He thinks the General Assembly, in conse-
quence of the revival of the old Constitution, by
the abrogation of the Constitution of the United
States has the sole power to appoint all military
officers, except those Of companies which are elected
by the rank and file, and that the elections for field
officers under the act of the late extra session. are
null and void, and that the Convention ought to
take steps to legalize these elections
Mr. Biggs asked if the adoption of the Provision
al Constitution of the Confederate States does not
modify the State Constitution on this subject
Mr. Graham thought not, because the troops that
have been raised, are independent OF the general
Southern army-they are North Carolina troops.
Mr.. Badger said he hoped the resolution would
lie over for consideration That the creation of the
office of Secretary of War will be of no practical
utility; it will only be creating another salaried Of
ficer, without the effect of removing the dlssatis
Ca &c kho sc IN he anne
that imparts power to the officer.
Mr. Arlington insisted on the passage of the res
olution. He said the language Of the resolution
was plain, and the duties of the office clear
There is dissatisfaction throughout the State at the
manner in which our military affairs are conducted.
He thinks the effect of the resolution will be to give
satisfaction that this office shall be first created
and then the Military Board abolished. This Board
did not answer the end designed; that a man might
seek information on any subject relating to military
matters and be referred from one to another until
he would spend the day in his efforts and be about
as wise at night as he was in the morning. lie
then moved to refer the resolution to the military
committee.
Mr. Bachelor opposed the resolution. He was
unwilling by implication to cast censure upon the
Military Board who had not yet had sufficient time
to show what they would do. Give them a chance,
and if they do not perform their duty, then take
steps 10 remove tHeln. NE uOeS not tltIlh just 10
arraign men thus mere rumor.
Mr.. Badger said he did not oppose the object of
the resolution, but in its present form, he thought
it would not accomplish the object. 1t does not
define the powers of the Secretary, and hence there
will be doubt as to whether the Governor is sub
ordinate to the Secretary, or the Secretary to the
Governor. He thought it would be better to let it
lie over
Mr. Jones, of Rowan, thought all this discussion,
and that on other matters, this morning, ought to
have heen in secret session. He had never voted
for Gov Ellis and never had his confidence, but he
thinks he has not had fair play, nor has the militia
~ Board. That this discussion is calculated to
create distrust in public officers, and therefore,
ought to have been conducted with closed DOORS
Mr.. Badger said, his friend from Rowan was ZEN
tirely beside the cushion he had not said word
disparaging to the Governor, nor to the military
Board. But it seems the public has not confidence
in the management of our military affairs yet there
is proposition fo1 a vote of censure. One of two
things should be done-either to get clear Of those
who have given so much dissatisfaction, to vind
cate their actions. He was not responsible for the
discussion being conducted in open session.
The motion to lie on the table was then adopted.
A message was announced from his ExceeEcy,
the Governor, transmitting information in response
to resolution adopted in secret session, Friday
last. Laid on the table to be considered in secret
session.
Mr.. Ashe presented the resignation of Mr. Cowan,
delegate from New Hanover to take effect from and
after Saturday next, and the same was read and &C
cepted and writ ordered to be issued for an cleo
ton on the 1st day of June next to fill the vacancy
Mr.. Graham offered a resolution requiring the
Secretary of State to furnish to this Convention,
transcript Of census returns of 1861 and the resou
ton was adopted.
The hour for the special order (the ordinance for
tie adoption of the Constitution Of the Confederate
States, having arrived,
Mr. Smith of Halifax, moved to postpone the spe-
cal order and to 60 into secret session, and the
ton prevailed.
After some time spent in secret session, the doors
were opened, and the communication from the Gov
ernor, with the act of the General Assembly, au-
thorizing the appointment of Military Board, vas
ordered to be printed.
The Convention then adjourned tomorrow MORN
ing II o'clock.
TUESDAY, MAY %, 1861.
The Convention met, and was called to order by
the President at II o'clock. Prayer by Rev. j.
w. Tucker
The Journal of Monday was read and approved
Mr.. Ashe moved to reconsider the vote of yester-
day fixing the hour of the daily sttings at IL ocrk
Lies over under the rule.
Mr.. Holden introduced resolutions, requesting
Of the Governor information concerning certain ru.
of the invasion Of the State by Northern forces
state of defences, &C., which were read in part and
on suggestion Of Mr.. Biggs, were withdrawn, to be
considered in secret session.
Mr.sBattle, of Wake, introduced resolution, re.
questing the Governor to file and keep the Exec
utive record the reasons for granting pardons, &C.,
to be transmitted to the General Assembly. Re-
ferred to the committee on Constitutional reform,
and ordered to be printed.
By Mr.. Battle, of Edgecombe an ordinance to
amend the Constitution of the State, concerning ap
preparations, and the Indebtedness Of the State
Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed
By Mr.. Thomas, of jackson, a resolution for the
appointment Of committee of Z, to inquire into the
propriety Of amending the constitution in regard to
the appointment of Justices Of the Peaee-adopted
By Mr.. Thomas, of Carteret, resolution to
instruct the Military committee to inquire and re-
port concerning the state of defences at Beaufor,
Harbor and of the propriety of furnishing arms to
the Militia in that neighborhood. Adopted.
By Mr.. Smith, of Halifax, an ordinance to pro-
vide for the tho hoa ri nv