The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-06-18

.i"s tns CONVENTION Iabsacleu any Important Ousf-
ness the past week. 1t was understood that mem
bers of Congress were 10 be elected, but we learn
that the election was postponed till to-day.
81 The following resolution, offered by Mr. Ferebee
is under consideration, and we hope the Conven-
ton will adopt the suggestion: 81
That committee be appointed to inquire into
the expedieucy of establishing a Court TO be styl-
ed court OF Claims and that they report by ordi-
nance or Otherwise The Court shall have powe err to
hear and decide all arising from the loss of slaves
and other property, occasoned by the brutal ar
ed on the South by the Northern Government:-to de-
cree payment for said losses of any funds in the
Treasury Of North Carolina apart for the
of the DEBTS due the citizens of the North from this
State or any corporation in it. Provided the same
do not amount, any year, than the liza
bilites of the State the North demandable for
that year Such payments, SO made must be held and
decreed to be in satisfaction thus far of the debts and
liabilities due to our Northern enemies
Mr. Badger thought that the ordinance should
not he passed that it would commit the State to
the payment of all losses sustained by private
individuals during the Mr. Ferebee men,
toned occurrences of the stampede of slaves in
Virginia and Florida, to the enemy s camp, and
thought this measure would have a tendency to
check 1t. Mr. Craige opposed the endorsement of
the principle that the State is responsible for
property lost by war, he believes this ordinance
does. MIR Ashe did not understand the ordinance
measure of retaliation to prevent injuries to the
private property of citizens. Mr. Badger
commented on the ordinance to show that it would
be an endorsement of that principle Mr. Gorrell
said he was in favor of the object contemplated in
the ordinance but thought the details might be
better shaped, SO as to meet the views of gentle
men, and that the committee might put the mat
ter in the right shape. MIR Rufin opposed the
ordinance and gave reasons why he thought it
Il h., IL
by the State the slaves that may be exposed
and make the owners less careful TO remove them
out of the way. ......
The hour having arrived, the special order was
taken. up, being the Jewish disability BILL Mr.
Biggs gave notice that he would offer an amend
ment, it should be in order, to strike
the section on the subject from the Constitution
The amendment of Mr. Rufin, which strikes
out and inserts words in the section so as to render
eligible to hold Office, any who believes in
God, and does not deny the divine authenticity of
the Old and New Testaments, &c, Was read for
information
The question was then put on Mr. Rayner's
amendment, and it was rejected-yeas Is, nays
46. Mr. Rufin then offered his amendment Con-
siderable discussion ensued thereon, when the
question on the amendment was pat Mr. Biggs
asked division of the question. The vote was
taken striking out, and it was carried-yeas IS,
nays 10. Then inserting Mr. Ruffin's amend
ment, and it carried-yeas A. nays p. MIR
Biggs then offered his amendment, which strikes
out the section, and declares that no religious test
shall be requisite to hold Office in the State and it
was rejected-ycas 33, nays 60 The ordinance as
amended was then adoptcd-yeas 50, nays 10.
Mr. Reid, from the committee to whom was re-
ferred the resolution concerning the adjourned
meeting of the General Assembly, reported an
ordinance providing that the General Assembly
meet in regular session the 10Th June 1861,
and shall have full powers to elect Senators
to the Confederate Congress and do all other
things pertaining to regular sessions of that body.
Mr. Fcrebee, from the same committee made
minority report on the subject, submitting an
ordinance providing for an election on the first
Thursday in August for members to meet on the
third Monday in November.
Nv Arlington introduced resolution to allow
privates hereafter enlisted in the volunteer corps
fifteen dollars per month. Mr. Graham an ordi-
nance to provide for the transfer Of the army and
navy forces of the State the Confederate States
Government, and to suspend enlistments under
State authority. Ordered to be printed aud made
the special order for Friday.
Mr. Rayner. from the committee of Finance. re-
ported back resolution to create Board OF claims
with an ordinance shaped in accordance with in
structions of the Convention The ordinance
gives the Board cognizance Of all claims for the
sustenance, unforming and transportation of
troops, arising prior to the Goth of May 1861,
and of all claims since that time not provided for
by law. The Board is to consist Of three members,
elected by the Convention, at salary of six dol
lars day, while engaged in their duties and
Clerk, at four dollars day; to be appointed by the
Board; to continue until the 18th of December
next. The ordinance was then read the third
time and PASSED.
Ar Badger offered a resolution that seat in the
Confederate Congress, and seat in this body
incompatible, aud that the acceptance of the
former vacates the latter. Lies over under the
rule.
Our COAST OFFENCES The Wilmington Jour
nal has timely and proper article regarding our
coast defcnces it suggests that better preparations
should be made to defend the coast of North
Carolina. This is matter deserving the imme-
date attention of our State authorities.
The alarm last week. about federal troops land
ing below Wilmington, was false one The Jour
nal says that every man in Wilmington who had
gun turned ont, ready to meet the enemy, but no
enemy appearing there was no fight.
In compliance with resolution asking for in
formation, the following message from Gov Ellis
was read in the Convention last week.
To the Honorable the Presdcnt and Members Of tie Con-
rentioa
Gentlemen-In compliance with the annexed resoln
of your honorable body have to state that the