The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-06-11
N. G. STATE CONVENTION.

when the members were about as well prepared to
vote at the commencement as at the end of d, dis
cusson. The sold men" of the Convention do
not expedite business any better than the young
men" of the Legislature.
On the 3lst Mr. Holden introduced resolution
that committee of ten be appointed to prepare
and report an ordinance providing for the election
of ten delegates to the Confederate Congress by
the people, one from each Congressional District
and two from the State at large. Mr. Craige, as a
matter of economy, advocated the election of FIVE
instead of ten-that extravaganza had been the
curse of che old U. S. Government, and If IT had
not broken down on the slavery question, it would
have done from its own corruption. Dir Ashe
thought that we ought to have full delegation
there would be more wisdom in ten heads than five
H. was in favor of appointing them by the Con-
yention. Mr. Holden defended his resolution aud
contended that there time for election by
the people. Mr. Badger thought the number too
large, but that the people ought TO elect. Mr
Green agreed to the right of the people to elect
their public officers, but he thought in this in
stance they did not expect or demand the exercise
of it. Mr. Barnes concurred with Mr. Ashe. Mr.
Rufhn said that in the Congress the vote on ques-
tons was frequently taken per capita, although
by the rule each State entitled to but one vote
he therefore thought it better to follow the ex-
ample of the other States aud send the number to
which we were entitled, electing them by the Con-
number by the convention on the score of economy
Dir Patterson was in favor Of sending full dele
gaton-that all the other States had sent the
numbers to which they entitled under the
late U. S. Government and he thought North Ca
rolina should follow the example On motion of
Mr Ferebee the subject postponed.
Mr. Badger introduced resolution instructing
the committee of Finance to inquire into the pro-
priety Of modifying, altering or aboshing
p3ssed at the late of the General Assembly
for the issue OF treasury notes He stated that it
would take the proper officers about three years to
sign the bills and prepare them for circulation,
even it they were now ready, but that the plates
for striking them eff had not yet been prepared
The resolution adopted
MG Smith of Halifax moved to take up his ordi
nance for the better protection of the seahoard
providing for the raising of six regiments of nfan-
try and of cavalry from the counties east of the
Wilmington and " eldon Railroad, TO be armed by
the State Mr. Reid opposed the ordinance be-
cause he thought the Convention could not pro-
perly conduct the details Of Mr. Howard
stated that Gen. Gwynn had called for seven regi-
ments to defend the coast Mr. Bad ger opposed
the ordinance. Mr. Houston Of Dupln said he
opposed to it because it was calculated to embar-
the Military Board and the Executive, as we'll
as the military officers who already engaged in
planning the means of defence which the resolu-
ton contemplates. Mr. Rufin and Mr. Rayner also
opposed it. After considerable discussion the or
dinance passed its second reading
On the LIST inst, Mr. Ruffn offered a resolution
which was adopted, to raise special Committee to
inquire whether the Constitution should not be so
amended as to require that all bills shall be read
three several times on three several days before
they become laws; I'd, to invest the Governor with
the Veto power; Sd, to elect the Governor by the
Legislature; 4th, to create the Office Of Lieutenant
Governor.
Mr. Johnston introduced an ordinance to repeal
the Jewish disability clause of the Constitution.
The subject discussed till adjournment, but
no one particularly opposing the ordinance.
On Monday the 3d. Mr. Osborne offered reso-
luton directing inquiry to be made as to the ex-
pediency of amending the Constitution SO as to
require the Legislature to meet annually, holding
elections annually, and fixing a period for each
session. Mr. Graham offered resolution inquir-
ing whether 1t is cessary to continue the enlist
ment of State troops, or whether the levies should
not be volunteers to be mustered into the service
of the Confederate States
On Tuesday, June 18th, the President announc-
ed the following Committee: To inquire into the
expediency of amending the Constitution so as to
restore annual session of the General Assembly
aad restore annual election of Members-Messrs
Osborne, Howard, Battle Of Wake, Thornton and
Gilmer.
BY Mr. Hicks resolution of inquiry, that no
person under the age of 20 shall hold seat in the
House OF Commons, and person under 81
seat in the Senate. Adopted. By Mr. Speed, a
resolution 10 reduce the humber of the Senate 30,
and to elect onet third every year. that the entire
body will be changed six and election for
the House of Commons be held that shall
be elected every year and the entire body be changed
every four years; and to reduce the number of the
House of Commons to 100. Adopted. Mr. Houston Of
Duplin offered a resolution that this Convention adj
journ on Monday next to meet again the 25th of
July. Mr. Pettgrew moved to refer the question to a
special committee Agreed 10. yeas SO, So A
Communication from the Governor motion of Mr.
Eraige was read in secret session.
After some time spent in session. the doors
opened and the unfinished business of yesterday
taken up, being the ordinance adopt tho per-
manent Constitution of the Confederate States Mr.
Graham addressed the Convention at some length in
opposition to the ordinance adopt Mr. Graham said
We acquire no rights By the ratification of the Cons-
tuition to representation in the first Congress- the
frst election for President under the permanent Cons
tuition. Mr. Badger desired to reply Mr. Graham
has the floor Tomorrow
Committee the Machinery Harper's Ferry.
aessrs Woodhn, Craig and Graham.
Mr. Rayner from the Committee Finance, to whom
was referred an ordinance 10 create Board Of claims,
reported substitute and recommended MesSrs billiard
OF Rockingham Sawyer of Buncombe and Eorheet Of
Buneombe, to constitute said Beard. Objection.
were made By Mr. Spruil of BERTHE and the Ordinance
was not read the I'd and Sd time.
On Wednesday, June 5th, Mr. Jno. L. Holmes delegate
from New Hanover, appeared and took his
Mr. Stewards resolution offered yesterday. that no
member shall be allowed TO speak more than twenty
minutes On any question until after the adoption Of
the permanent Constitution of the Confederate States
of America and the election of delegates to tie Coufed
crate Congress, resulted, yeas so, nays so. The