The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-08-27
DOWN ON THE CONVENTION.

ceeding FIVE thousand dollars.
DOWN ON THE CONVENTION.
It seems that the members of the Legislature
have no very good opinion of the State Convention
lately in session, and which is to meet again on
the Sd Thursday in November. We quote from
the proceedings Of the House of Commons on the
18th:
"Mr Foy introduced bill for the purpose of
taking the sense of the people of North Carolina
whether or not the Convention should meet again.
The bill provides that at election which is to
be held on the 10th Of November next the people
shall vote "Convention" or ''no Convention" If
they vote "no Convention" the Convention ceases,
if they vote "Convention" why, of course the Con-
veution will meet again.
MIR Clark, Of Craven, did not understand who
introduced the bill, but the author of it was emit
tied to his most profound thanks for its introduce
ton. 1t certainly was move in the right direc-
ton and he hoped the bill would pass He NOV
ed that the rules be suspended and that the bill
be put upon its second and third readings.
Mr. Meares, rising to make remarks,
called to order by Mr. Clark, upon the ground that
he had no right to speak, being personally inter
ested, he being member Of the Convention
(Laug liter
The bill was read second time Mr. Merri-
before passing this bill. While there was ne
member of this House who was more indignant
than he at the action Of the Convention towards
this Legislature, yet he hoped hasty action would
not be taken. He would move to refer the bill
to the COMMITTEES on the J Judiciary.
Mr. Waters said he was ready to vote now for
the bill. His constituents thought the Conven-
ton hip-shotten concern and We're anxious to
get rid of it at the shortest notice.
P,lrr a, L
of duty to his constituents and to the State. The
Cow ention should meet no more 1t had done
all for which it called into being, and much
more. 1t had undone what the Legislature had
well done, but did not have practical ability to
pair what it had undone. If we want practical
legislation, we must not depend upon the Conven-
ton; but if we would have great North Carolina
Debating Society why, the Convention ought, by
all means, be allowed to meet
Mr. Meares spoke at length in vlndication Of the
action Of the Convention in reference to the vol
unteers, but did not attempt to vndcate its in
reference with the General Assembly.
Mr. Foy said he had offered the bill in good
faith Not because he had any i'll will against
the Convention, but because he thought the peo-
pie should have the opportunity OF saying whether
the Convention should cease or last always.
Mr. Fleming thought the bill should not be
hurried through Some were of the opinion, he
his office by virtue of being Speaker of the Senate
will expire on the lst Thursday in August, 1862
If that be true, the Convention ough to meet to
supply the intc1Tegnunl At any rate, the action
of the House should not be precipitate.
Mr. Hill said he was not one of those who
thought it coulG be lowering the dignity of this
House by authorizing the people to put an end
to the Convention. In the first few days the
Convention did all that it was authorized to do
l. IL Cd ho.o
what the Legislature had done, The Legislature
at its recent sitting, had put the State upon a
complete war footing. The Convention had I'M
done all this by disbanding the volunteers on the
10th inst. He thought it his duty to refer the
matter to the people. Mr. Hill spoke at length.
The question to refer was decided in the mega
tive-yeas SO, nays 81.
Mr. Mebane moved to have the bill printed and
make it the special order for Friday next. Not
adopted.
The bill being upon its I'd reading, Mr. Bridgers
said he coui, not vote for it in its present shape
He thought it disrespectful to the Convention lie
would vote, however for simple resolution reterr-
ing the matter to the people.
Mr. Ferebee thought the tendency of the pass
age Of the bill would be to give aid and comfort
to enemies, at the North, who are already
boasting that the people Of the South are divided
He opposed the bill, Also because he thought it
ordinance Of secession.
The bill was further debated by Messrs Foy,
Rogers, Galloway, Clark of Craven and Batche-
lor
Mr. Mebane addressed the House in opposition
to the bill. He thought the passage of the bill
would inaugurate dangerous controversy in North
Carolina. He did not think the Legislature
should make block heads of themselves because
the Convention had. He thought the Convention
should meet again to remodel the Constitution
MIR NJ. spoke at length this point
Mr. Clark Of Craven replied to Mr. Mebane at
considerable length.
On Thursday the House passed Mr Foy's bill
by large vote.
Brigham Young has thrown off his allegiance
to Lincoln's Rump Government and declared the
independence of the territory. The Mormons are
arming in every direction to maintain their indie
peudence at all hazards. So says an exchange.