Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-02-26

ri y > ~ 80
Mr. Michal moved that the Convention now con-
slider his resolution proposing an evening SESSION
to commence daily at o'clock, P. NJ. Agreed to. |
The restitution was then read and -
Mr. Satterthwai,e moved 70 amend by providing
that the Convention take. recess at s O'Clock, Z;
II. to meet again at Z 30, ia-,...:..,.,,
On motion Of Mr.. Dickson, the resolution was iald
on the table, 't,T- .~' - \
Mr.. starbuck introduced an ordinance, concern
ing the organization Of drafted militia Passed hrst
reading and lies over.
The President laid before the Convention com
munication iron, the Board of Claims relative to
claims allowed bv that tribunal since their last re-
port Referred to select committee, and ordered
to be printed. Yeas A, nays 3S.
A resolution to amend the rules of the Conven-
ton, by authorizing demand for the previous qucs-
ton, Ito preclude lengthy discussions and expedite
business, was now taken up and discussed. This
resolution was introduced on yesterday by Mr. GU
ner. ~ ',-
Mr. Leake opposed the resolution and said, Mr..
President, oar previous question is altogether SUI
ge7eris, the only one of its kind; and to know it.
we must consider, not merely what is written Of it
in our code, but what it has been rendered by con-
struction and exposition. Our previous question
can only be admitted when demanded by majority
of the members present. 1t is question whether
the main question, or the question under debate,
bate, and, until decided, precudes all amendments
and debate Of the main question. If it be decided
negatively that is, that the main question shall not
now be put the main question is of course super
coded, but if it be decided afirmatively, that the
main question shall now be put, the main question
is to be pu: instantaneosly and there is no amend
ment or discussion The previous question takes
precedence over questions '.to amend to commit"
to postpone" the main question, and where adj
ntted puts these aside. Nothing can be better de-
vsed for tyranny, for it is power vested in ma
jority to forbid at will and pleasure every member
not of that majority, from beng heard. l cannst
go for it.
Mr. Brown urged the passage of the resolution.
He thought it would greatly facilitate the transac-
ton of business and entertained but little fear Of its
abuse by the ma jority.
Mr.. Leakc. He thought the resolution wholly
necessary and would regard its passage by free
representative of free people as the establishment
of an oppressive and dangerous precedent.
The resolution was further discussed by Messrs.
Badger and RuHin, the former Lrg ng its passage,
the latter opposing it.
Mr. Howard moved that the resolution lie on the
table; and the motion prevailed-yeas 43. nays %.
Mr. Woodfn moved that the Convention now con-
slider resolution heretofore introduced declaring it
to be .he of the Convention that the Governor
should issue the bonds of the State for the compile
ton Of the Western North Carslina Railroad in com
pliance with existing laws on that subject.
This motion was on motion of Mr.. Badger laid on
the table.
\ communication was received from his Excel.
lency the Governor transmitting the curre>pon-
dence between the Executive authorities Of this
State and the War and Navy Departments of the
Confederate States relative to the defences Of Roam
oke Island, Albe,narc, and the adjacent region. 1t
being the opinion of the Convention that this should
he read in secre. session, the galleries and lobGes
were cleared and the doors closed.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
On motion Of Mr.. Leake of Richmond, the Con-
ven.ion proceeded to consider the ordinance impo
sing tax on the dsiillation Of grain It's second
reading.
Mr.. Leak moved to strike out all after the ordan
Ing clause and insert substitute an ordinance
prohibiting the distaton of ardent spirits from
grain for the space Of twelve months leaving TO the
Legislature the discretion to modify repeal it
Mr. L. then addressed the Convention dwelling at
length upon the evils which would arise from the
conversion Of the breadstutfS of the country into
whlskey
Mr.. Berry moved to amend the proposed substi-
tute by striking ont all after the word that" (which
follows the ordanng clause) and inserting the fol-
low words: in consideration Of the probable scar
city OF bread stuS in the State that from and after
the fifteenth day Of March, until the fourth Monday
Of November of the present year, the manufacture
of sprituous liquor from the grains known as In
dian corn, wheat, rye and oats, by distat!on or
by other process is absolutely prohibited, and any
person offending against the provisions Of this ordi-
nance shall be guilty Of ms,lemeanor, and con.
vction shall be punished by fine or Imprisonment,
the fine not to be less than onc hundred dollars, and
the imprisonment not less than thirty days"
This amendment was modified by Mr. Berry at
Mr.. Badgers suggestion, by the addition of the fol-
lowing:
"And shall also for every such offence forfeit the
sum of one thousand dollars TO be recovered in an
action Of debt by any one who shall sue for the
same half to the lnformer, the other for the
OF the poor in the county in which said action shall
he brought"
BY the adoption Of this amendment the substitute
proposed for the original ordinance 10y Mr.. Leak,
was stricken out.
The ordinance was then ordered to u third read
ing.
Mr.. Schenck said the ordinance met his entire
concurrence, save in one particular The time tixel
! for the commencement OF Its operation too re
mote. Stills would be running night and day, ant
the consumption of grain would be greater thar
ever. Immense quantities would be destroyed be
fore the prohibition would become operative.
! MIR. Graham preferred the amendment as original
ly proposed by his colleague, Mr. Berry. lie thought
the modification adopted at Mr.. Badgers i'll
| stance was unnecessarily severe. The dstillatior
Of grain was lawful employment, and the tempora
ry suppression Of dIstlleres should be placed solely
on the ground that they diminish the bread
stuis OF the country, and thus rendered sustenanci
difficult. lie did not propose to interfere with then
criminals nor did he regard ordinarily, their EN-
! ployment as cupable. He moved to strike out the
clause adopted at Mr.. Badgers suggestion, imposing
the additional fine of one thousand dollars
Mr. Badger replied, opposing the motion which
ultimately prevailed.
MIR. Mchal now moved to amend by substituting
an ordinance heretofore introduced by him entitled
ian ordinance to restrict the distillation OF gralr
and to raise revenue" Not agreed to.
Mr.. Badger moved to amend by striking out tn
words, until the fourth Monday of November
next" which was not agreed to.
Mr.. Sprouse, was opposed to any legislation or
the subject. Immense quantities of grain wer'
grown in the county of Dave, and no facilities ex
listed for getting it to market DiStillaton ONLY