Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-05-29
q ! . . y = > 2
The Standard.
NoRTH-cARoLINA STATE CONVENTION.


PRAYER by Rev. r. S. Mason, d. ID:
The Journal Of W ednesday was read and approved
Mr.. Venable from the committee to whom was re-
ferred tho subject of adopting the CONSTITUTION OF
the Confederate States of America reported an ord-
nance for that purpose, together with copy OF the
Constitution
Mr.. Rsyner introduced resolution requesting the
Governor to communicate to this Convention, the &C
ten had by the Executive in pursuance ofan act pass
ed the recent extra session of the General Assem-
bly, authorizing the appointment of Military Board
who had been appointed-the duties and functons
of the appointees-sheir ranks ano emoiuments-
whether any member of said Board is holding ana
exercising the duties of more than one official posi-
ton and receiving additional pay-and whether there
are others holding and exercising the functions OF
more than one official station, with additional work
and entitled to additional emoument andif so, what
the Offices are, and who are holding them go
Mr.. Rayner said he was perfectly aware OF the re-
spousibility assumed and the odum likely to be in
CURED by one who undertakes the duty of inquir-
ing into the acts and doings of those in authority,
especially of those having the disposal Of official pat
ronage but he felt the responsibility Of the position
he occupied and would not shrink from the perform
ance of his duty. He said there was much dissatls
faction manifesting itself
Mr.. Bggs suggested the propriety Of suspending
further discussion on the resolution at present, and
that it lie on the table to be considered in secret
session..
Mr. Osborne concurred in the opinion of the gen.
tleman last up.
The resolution was laid on the table accordingly.
Mr. Battle of Wake introduced an ordinance to
amend the Constitution that slaves may be taxed
IS high; ad edLorem as land, but not higher--that
white males shall be taxed per eapita-that there
shall also be poll free coored males, not to
exceed double that levied on whites, and that the
public debt shall not exceed - millions of dollars
except in time of war. The ordinance was read and
laid on the table until tomorrow.
Mr.. Brown presented the resignation of Mr. Jno.
A. Graves, delegate from Csswell, as delegate to
the Convention. Mr.. G. is Captain of the 1ancey-
vile Grays, 4 volunteer company, which had been
ordered to the rendezvous at Weldon, preparatory
to going to Virginia, and left on Thursday morning
for that place The resignation was accepted, aud
on motion of Mr.. Brown, writ of election ordered
to be held Monday, June 3D. to fill the vacancy.
Mr.. Ruin introduced resolution for the ap-
pointment Of committee Of eleven, to whom shall
be referred all proposed amendments of the Constl
tuition, relating to taxation revenue, and the bOr-
rowing of money.
Mr.. SpruiH, of BERTHE, thought the duties of the
committee would be too Onerous; that they would
not be able To give that prompt attention to mat
tiers referred to them that due regard TO dispatch
OF business may require; besides. If the committee
do not favor action subjects referred to them,
they might not report at all.
that said committee be required to report on all
matters referred to them, with all convenient dis
patch, and the amendment accepted.
Mr.. kittreH said that so far as he was concerned,
having offered an ordinance for amendment to
the Constitution at an early day, and which, there
fUre had precedence of other business, he will
ling to give way for the consideration of any meas
ure looking to the defence of the State.
The resolution Of Mr. Ruffin vas then adopted.
Mr.. Howard moved resolution for a standing
committee on Military affairs. to inquire into and
report on the military organization in this State,
and who shall have power to send for persons and
papers
Mr.. Graham called the attention of the Conven-
ton to change of the law concerning the Army
and Navy of the State, consequent upon the AFRO
CATION of the Constitution of the United States and
by which all appointments under the law of the
late session of the General Assembly, null and
void
Some suggestions were offered by members for
going into secret session, for the consideration of
the resolution.
Mr. Howard said he had offered the resolution
that the people might understand that the Conven-
tion intended doing something for those who have
come forward in response to the call for the defence
Of our rights. He could see improperly Of con-
siderIng this resolution in open session. But after
further consultation he agreed to lay it to be
considered in secret session.
Convention 60 into secret session at l25 o'clock and
it was adopted
Mr.. Venabe then E:oved to take up the report of
the committee on the ordinance to adopt the Const-
tuition of the Confederate States, and the motion
prevailed
Mr.. Graham moved to print the report and make
1t the order for tomorrow at II o'clock, NJ.
Mr.. Crage offered substitute for the ordinance
reported by the committee, and moved that it also
be printed.
Mr.. Dick offered an amendment providing for the
reference of the ordinance to the people, and asked
that it be printed with the ordinance.
The motion to lay on the table and print was then
adopted.
Dir. Smith of Johnston, introduced q resolution
requesting the Governor to furnish this Convention
with information concerning the army and navy of
the State ordered to lie on the table and to be
printed.
Mr.. johnson of Mecklenburg, introduced an ord-
nance to amend the Constitution sec. 2 art f. in re-
gard to qualification for holding civil Office
Mr.. Rayner offered amendment.
The ordinance and amendment were laid on the
table and ordered to be printed
Mr.. Biggs introduced 4 resolution that the Con-
vention shall hereafter meet in daily session at 10
o'clock, and shall take recess from II to 81 o'clock
PM
Mr.. Badger moved to strike out 40" and insert
I'll, and humorously advocated his amendment
He said it looked undignifed for such an honorable
body as the Convention of North Carolina to meet
At so early an hour-he also objected to the recess
it did not give time enough for the mastcation of
the food and might be instrumental in bringing On
dyspepsia and thus deprive the Convention of the val
liable services of some of its members.
Mr.. Biggs replied IN the same strain He consent
ed to strike out the clause concerning the recess but
insisted on the hour of meeting being set for ten
o'clock.
The question was put and decided in the affirma-
tive.
At 123 o'clock the doors were closed and the Con-
vention went into secret session.
FRIDAY, May "a 1861.
The Convention was called to order by the Pres
ident, at 10 o'clock Prayer by Rev. j. NJ. At.
kinson
On motion Of Mr.. Reid, the Secretary was au-