Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-06-01
Mr. Reid moved to refer the resolution to the mill


now that there is great dissatisfaction in regard te
the management Of the military affairs of the State
that owing to the condition Of the Governors health
he could not give the necessary attention to the du
ties devolving upon him, and the appointment OF q
Secretary of War might give satisfaction and restore
confidence.
Mr.. Rayner desired to ask Mr. Graham, who, he
doubted not was fully capable of giving the desired
information, how the military affairs of the State
were managed from the commencement of the wal
of the revolution to the adoption of the federal con-
stitution in 1889.
Mr. Graham replied, giving clear and explicit
answer to the inquiry. He said, that while he was
up, he would venture the suggestion that one IN
telligent responsible head of the military opera
tons would be better than military board, where
the responsibility and the counsels are divided
That the Convention ought to act in this matter at
once He thinks the General Assembly, in conse'
auence of the revival of the old Constitution, by
the abrogation of the Constitution OF the United
States has the sole power - appoint all military
officers except those of companies which are elected
by the rank and file and that the elections for held
officers under the act of the late extra session, are
null and void and that the Convention ought to
take steps to legalize these elections.
Mr. Riggs asked if the adoption of the Provision
al Constitution of the Confederate States does not
modify the State Constitution on this subject.
Mr. Graham thought not, because the troops that
have been raised, are independent OF the general
Southern army-they North Carolina troops.
Mr.. Badger said he hoped the resolution would
lie over for consideration That the creation of the
Office of Secretary of War will be of no practical
utility; it will only be creating another salaried Of
ficer, without the effect of removing the dsSats-
faction Of the public There is nothing IN the name
that imparts power to the officer.
Mr.. Arlington insisted on the passage of the res
olution. He said the language of the resolution
was plain, and the duties of the office clear
There is dissatisfaction throughout the State at the
manner in which military affairs are conducted
He thinks the effect of the resolution will be to give
satisfaction that this office shall be first created
and then the Military Board abolished. This Board
did not answer the end designed; that a man might
seek information OH any subject relating to military
matters and be referred from one to another, until
he would spend the day in his efforts and be about
as wise at night as he was in the morning He
then moved to refer the resolution to the military
committee.
Mr. Bachelor opposed the resolution. He was
unwilling by implication to cast censure upon the
Military Board, who had not yet had sufficient time
to show what they would do. Give them chance,
and if they do not perform their duty, then take
steps to remove them. He does not think it Just to
arraign men thus on mere rumor.
Mr.. Badger said he did not oppose the object of
the resolution but in its present form, he thought
define the powers of the Secretary and hence there
will be doubt as to whether the Governor is sub
ordinate to the Secretary, or the Secretary to the
Governor. He thought it would be better to let it
lie over.
Mr. Jones, of Rowan thought all this discussion,
and that on other matters, this morning, ought to
have heen in secret session. He had never voted
for Gov. Ellis, and never had his confidence, but he
thinks he has not had fair play, nor has the militia
hot &c cd tO
create distrust in our public officers and therefore,
ought to have been conducted with closed DOORS
Mr.. Badger said, his friend from Rowan was zen
tirely beside the cushion" he had not said word
disparaging to the Governor, nor to the military
Board. But it seems the public has not confidence
in the management of our military affairs yet there
is no proposition fol- vote of censure. One Of two
things should be done-ether to get clear of those
who have given so much dissatisfaction, or to vndi
cate their actions. He was not responsible for the
discussion being conducted in open session.
The motion to lie on the table was then adopted.
A message was announced from his ExcelleRcy,
the Governor, transmitting information in response
to resolution adopted in secret session, Friday
last. Laid on the table to be considered in secret
session.
Mr.. Ashe presented the resignation of Mr.. Cowan,
delegate from New Hanover to take effect from and
after Saturday next and the same was read and &C
cepted and writ ordered to be issued for cleo
ton the 1st day of June next to fill the vacancy.
Mr.. Graham offered a resolution requiring the
Secretary of State to furnish to this Convention,
transcript of census returns Of 1860 and the resou
ton was adopted
The hour for the special order (the ordinance for
the adoption of the Constitution of the Confederate
States,) having arrived,
Mr.. Smith of Halifax, moved to postpone the spe-
cal order, and to 60 into secret session. and the
ton prevailed.
After time spent in secret session, the doors
were opened and the communication from the Gov
ernor, with the act of the General Assembly, au-
thorizing the appointment of Military Board, vas
ordered to be printed.
The Convention then adjourned tomorrow morn
ing II o'clock.
TUESDAY, MAY %, 1861.
The Convention met, and was called to order by
the President at II o'clock Prayer by Rev. j.
W. Tucker
The Journal of Monday was read and approved.
Mr.. Ashe moved to reconsider the vote of yester-
day fixing the hour of the daily sttings at IL oclk
Lies over under the rule.
Mr.. Holden introduced resolutions, requesting
Of the Governor information concerning certain ru
mors of the invasion Of the State by Northern orces
state of defences, &c, which read in part and
on suggestion of Mr.. Biggs, were withdrawn, to be
considered in secret session.
Mr.. Battle of Wake introduced resolution, re-
luesting the Governor to file and keep the Exec
utive record, the reasons for granting pardons &C.,
to be transmitted to the General Assembly. Re-
ferred to the committee on Constitutional REFORM
and ordered to be printed.
By Mr.. Battle of Edgecombe, an ordinance to
amend the Constitution of the State, concerning ap-
preparations, and the Indebtedness of the State
Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed
By MIR. Thomas, of Jackson, resolution for the
appointment of committee of 7, to inquire into the
propriety of amending the constitution in regard to
the appointment of Justices of the Peaee-adopted
By Mr.. Thomas, of Carteret, resolution to
instruct the Military committee to inquire and re-
port concerning the state of defences at Beaufort
Harbor and of the propriety of furnishing arms to
the Militia in that neighborhood. Adopted.
By Mr.. Smith, of Halifax, an ordinance to pro-
vide for the defence of the seaboard by raising east
of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, six Regi-
mentS of Infantry and one of Cavalry to he armed