Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-11-27
The State Convention.

This body so far has done but little. The men,
bers come in slowly, and some days must elapse be-
fore it gets fully to work Weregret to already,
similar indications to those which embarrassed the
Convention and consumed much Of its time the first
session. We mean suggestions to adjourn at an
early day.
The Convention ought to have met at this time or
it ought mott has work to do-important work, or
it has not. That it ought to have met more
before final adjournment every thoughtful, con.
siderate mind will admit. Its work was left incom.
pete at the first session. Several amendments to
the Constitution, small in themselves, but necessary
to the perecting of that instrument, ought to be
made. Provision must be made for supplying the
interregnum in the Office OF Governor after the ex-
piration of Gov. Cark's term in August next There
is very general desire believe, among those who
have considered it, to provide also for the election
of Lieutenant Governor at the same time the Gov
ernor is elected, who shall be the Governor, in the
event of the death resignation &C., of the Governor
thus securing in that Office an officer chosen by
the people. Again, our present Constitution is in
patch-work-in three or four parts. We have heard
the suggestion made and We believe it is generally
approved that the Constitution should be rewritten
entire clothed in the most definite and ineligible
language, so that all the people can understand it
and that it should be adopted as a whole by the
Convention and submitted to the people for their
ratification.
We have taken some pains to ascertain the views
Of the people. We believe it is the general desire,
that the existing Legislature shall not assemble
again. Equally plaiu is it the wish of the people,
that the existing Convention shall not meet again,
after its present session. We heartily endorse that
view. We believe the Convention should do all its
work, wisely and promptly, and dissolve. .
But since the present session OF the Convention
was appointed, the exigences of the times have
forced upon it additional work to the above which
cannot be omitted without great detriment to the
public interests and to the people. The people are
clamorous for a repeal or modification of the Stay
Law passed at the late session of the Legislature
They also demand in loud terms from the Conven-
ton protection against the oppression of the specu
lators in salt bacon grain and other necessaries OF
life. The Convention cannot-must not resist this
call. We are glad to see that Mr.. Badger gave no.
tice on Tuesday, of his purpose to bring in an ordi-
nance at an carly day bearing upon spectators.
But besides this, the Public Treasurer has paid
out since January last upwards of $3,O0O,0 900. He
will be compelled to appeal to the Convention to
make provision to meet demands upon him for a
large amount If the Legislature should not meet
again and the Conve ton be dissolved, no body au.
thorised by the people will he in existence before
the next Legislature meets in 1862 to examine into
the manner in which the public money has been dis
bursed. 1t is important therefore that full in.
vestigaton should be had by the Convention before
it is dissolved Three millions of public money and
upwards have already been paid out Much more
must yet be expended. All Of it must come out Of
the peoples pockets, and they have right to know
by whom and for what purposes it has been expend.
ed. Disbursing officers and agents will desire to
have their accounts approved by the Convention,
and all the officers Of government can but desire to
have Il said, Well donc." Here then is work--
most important work for the Convention. Let 1t 60
forward and do its work wisely, coolly, promptly,
and fearlessly, without favor or aectien ailr,ie.