Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-08-21
GOV. CLARK'S MESSAGE


1t is the duty of the Executive at the meeting of
the General Assembly to lay before them state
ment of the affairs of the State and such suggestions
as may aid them in their deliberations.
Having so recently taken charge of this Office,
with an extraordinary pressure of business upon it,
and with such limited opportunities for preparing
statement of this kind l might well be excused from
| this duty
But the very great respect have for the Legisa-
ture, and my earnest desire secure their aid and
| CO operation prompt me to make this communica-
tion however imperfect unsatisfactory it may be.
For the first time in the history of this State VIC
have to deplore the death of a Governor The Hon.
John W. Ellis late Governor of this State, died at
the Red Sulphur Springs, Virginia, on the 7th of
July last.
This communication might afford an appropriate
place for tribute to his worth and merit; but his
| public and private virtues have but recently been
canvasSed through the State and their thorough
dorsement by the people constitute his highest re-
ward while living and rich legacy to survive him.
The great struggle which now RACES throughout our
country exctes the most intense interest at home
and abroad it is needless to argue to ourselves or
the word, of the justice propriety of our course.
We patiently yielded to every expedient and listen
ed to every promise in behalf of that Union around
which had long chung interest and dearest aec
tons. But suddenly the mask raised, and
saw before US the sword of the tyrant, and hence
| forth there was no hesitation in our course.
An Extra Session of the Legislature Immediately
convened, and with no dissenting voice, submitted
the issue to the people in Convention which unan-
imousy passed the ordinance of separation and de-
liyerance and that act has been sustained and rati
| fed by the people with an unanimity unparalleled
in the history of the political struggles of the world
Men who but yesterday were fronting each other
in fierce and angry debate this very issue, are
| to-day marshaled side by side in the same ranks,-
banded like brothers, and stalking theirlires their
| fortunes, and their sacred honor" in the common
| cause.
The unanimity of North-C Carolina in this great
struggle, while it must ensure success, enbelliShes
page in her history as brilliant as the victory
which achieved her independence.
Suddenly thrown into this great struggle, without
an army or the organization to support one find
| offered to army of volunteers, who have come
forward with brave hearts and willing to enlist in
the cause of their country.
To sustain this course and make it effective in the
field, the Legislature have voted ample powers to
the Executive, and devolved those entrusted with
the administration of affairs fearful responsibility.
| The Convention which assembled soon after, not
foreseeing the increasing demand for troops, and
disappearing of the provisions of the Legislature for
raising and equipping volunteers, repealed them
without providing substitute.
| Under the influence of the Convention, compa-
MES were disbanded and check was given to vol.
unteering, which was likely to prove Injurious
These circumstances, with a certainty of call for
more troops, induced me to vary somewhat from
the policy prescribed by the Conventions change
| which | think they themselves would have sane
toned under the changed aspect of affairs. | might
safely say that the defence of the coast, and the
call for troops from Virginia rendered it necessary.
| The Convention, with ample powers from the
| people, repealed this law of the Legislature. But
they did not repeal or modify the power of legsla
ting granted by the Constitution to the General AS
sembly and as it was only concurrent power ex-
arpIS hN- tha nnfiN fhn AccnD NV
have still the power to legslate on that par
tcular sub ect as before; and the Convention max
ing its repeal to take effect only after the meeting
Of the Legislature, seem to indicate design or ex-
pectation that something should be done. | must,
therefore, press it on your immediate attention.
In connection with the subject of volunteering, |
will suggest the proprety of some regulation where
by it may be equalized among the different districts
| of the same county. Some counties and parts of
other counties have already furnished more than
their full quota, while others have been tardy
in their movements, and thus have not the envied
| privilege of serving their country. This could be
done by selecting those counties which have furnish
ed fewest volunteers, and pointing out the mode of
enrolling them from those counties. 1t is fair and
equitable, that in each county Just proportion
should be observed, between those who remain to
take care of the homes and make provisions for the
absent soldiers and those who so forth to risk their
all for the country.
The expenditures of the State have been and con-
tinue to be very large. The great and hurried de-
mand for troops in Virginia has strained every point
to equip and send them forward as rapidly posi-
BILE, and it has been the aim of the authorities to
furnish our troops with every comfort consistent
with our means. If we have not been entirely sue
cessfu we have at least been attered with the COM
pliment of sending the best equipped troops that
have gone to Virginia, and we are taking every
means of continuing these comforts. The subject
of blankets and winter clothes for the troops have
occupied our attention, and we making efforts
and appeals to accomplish this necessary object
and medical aid for the sick and suffering shall be
extended by every means in power.
| should like to communicate to your body the
whole defence and armament of the State the force
which has been sent out, and that which is still
equipping in the State the state of the COAST de-
fences, and the plans for giving them still more
strength 1t is your right and duty to know these
facts, but from prudential considerations, consider
it best such information should not be communicat
ed in public message.
With your committees Invite full and free con
ference, and, through them, hope to communicate
every information that may be desired.
will here call your attention to a heavy source
of expense in the equipment of troops Modern
warfare has made a large demand for cavalry ant
flying artillery, and the furnishing and equippine
of horses exceeds all prudent calculations made fol
the war, and runs our expenses further than wecar
meet them in justice to other branches of defence.
Ii the cavalry regiments-one authorized by the
Legislature and the other by the Convention-art
to be fully equipped this Legislature must provide
more means than we now have the control Of
The great length Of coast that now requires guard
ing, has already drawn largely on our fund, but no
larger than their immense importance deserves anc
whatever amount of men and money they need
must be furnished. In some parts of the coast W,
have been unfortunate in obtaining proper officer
and engineers, but better management 1 trust i:
now prevailing This properly falls under the car,
and direction of the Confederate Government Tn
State, naval armament has been transferred pursuan
to ordinance of the Convention, and is now bein,
properly manned and transferred to the defence o
our own waters and feel great confidence that
it will contribute materially to their defence Al
| Of tho Carfoda-ats