The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-11-25

obscure the way.
Deeply impressed as have been with the Importance
of this subject have been anxious the same time
avoid conflict with the Confederate
authorities have therefore waited patiently for your
assembling, confident that you would take proper steps
to maintain the laws and preserve the rights of our
people
1t becomes my duty, ALSO to call your attention to
the subject of offering troops in the fedsome
| conflict of opinion existing in regard thereto.
The right of the State authorities to commission the
officers of the regiments originally raised for the war
is doubted. is conceded by the Act of Congress
of April 10th, 1862, known the Conscript Law. But
the Confederate authorities claim the right commits.
sion the regiments of twelve months men, continued
in service by this law, and also all regiments whatso-
raised since it went into operation. And in both
they have claimed commission and appoint all
regimentsl staff officers even when they concece to
the Executive of the State the appointment of the off,
GERS of the line Again. while appointing and commits
sioning field officers the Secretary of War has declined
to appoint the company officers. To remedy, if posi-
BILE, this confusion and avoid conflict, called in
person to the President who promised take the
opinion of his Attorney General the subject at
length have not yet had the pleasure of seeing that
opinion and lay the matter before you and
you to take such steps will preserve the rights and
honor of the State. 1t well be doubted if the
offering of the whole of troops does not belong
exclusively to State authority by strict reference TO
the Constitution they may be found to be in point of
law, militia 1t is Notifying to find entire brigades
Of North Carolina soldiers in the field commanded by
strangers, and, in many cases brave and war
worn Colonies made give place TO Colonies from
distant States, who promoted to the command of
NorshCarona troops their heads vacant Briga-
aiershPs Some of these promotions charged to
North Carolina, which enables the authorities to say
that We have had many appoinm nts when in fact
we nave not the appointees not being citizens of our
state This is fast breaking down the pride and pa
"ehCe or cur officers many of whom reporting to
me 'heir intention to resign alleging that the road to
honorable promotion is almost closed our citizens
ans Is not right and forms just cause of COMPLAINT
oo'h In our army and with our people at home We
fall ~
capaoie OF leading them, hut contend that Ne a
Oh sheer Justice, our soldiers entitled to re-
e .heir iar proportion Of the honors by their
galiantry and endurance.
would also recomm end that the existing probibi. !
uon against the distiliation Of spirits all kind, of
gram be continued during the war There is no grain
.pfe or such Pur poses, and all the medical needs
OF the country and army, be abundanly supplied
W tho liquors made from the fruit crop Should even
the supply for the army fail it cannot be doubted that
it is much better for the soldier to 90 without .prt,
thah that MS wife and child should DE without bread
also recommend that law be passed providing for
rgid punishment OF all persons who may be convict
cd OF specializing in any of the of life un-
der the false pretence of being government agents
In order to keep the highways of the country in bet
ter condition, they having since the nccment Of
the war been permitted to get in very bad repair
commend that the Revised Code be so amended that
the age, to be reached to entite to exemption
from working on the roads, shall be fifty years instead
of forty-f AS now.
= The term Of the Hon. George Davis, Confederate
regular session Of the General Assembly and it will
be your duty to provide for filling the vacancy.
take great pleasure in informing you that the edu
eatlona interests of the country have been over
looked since the commencement of administration
Owing to the great drain upon the Treasury The
first year of the war; the Literary Board deemed il ad
visable to make only half the usual semi annual dis
tribution of the school fund for the f. of
1861, and none Mt all for the spring Of 1904 Feeling
that this pressure had passed away. and that the
Ter was one OF great Importance to our people, the
Board, at its recent meeting ordered the usual dsr
button to be made increased by ten thousand dollars
from the sum due for the back Distribution and re-
solved to add that amount each spring and fall until
The whole shall have been appropriated. There has
been some disposition manifested take this fund for
war purposes Should there really exist .e,iou. de-
gn on the part of any to do this which hardly
think probable earnestly hope you will promptly de-
eat it. This small could add but little 10 the vast
amount required to conduct the war, and its abstrae
on would be An absolute obbery of the poor children
'f the State On the contrary, should be your duty
% carefully preserve and If possible increase this fund
make provision for its regular distribution, and do
rythng in your power educate the rising youth of
he country. While war is de.oiatng our coa.. and |
he tide OF revolution is flowing all around u.s. let the
Toung children of the State be still assembled in their
og houses and primitive academies. in the mountains
md on the plains, aad let their first lesson be to read
u our great struggle for civil and religious liberyof
q PATRIOTISM anu 'acrlhces of our people, and the
glorious bravery OF their fathers and brothers upon
'ood-stained fields of the South. 1t is Of che very
highest Importance that the should not carry away
useful and civilized in the land aud cause
ur children to grow up in ignorance and crime. No
me has been snorc impressed with the importance Of
his matter thar the able and worthy superiue nAent
u common schools who has lnbored faithfully and
diligently in behalf of his little charges and has suf
cred excitement misfortune turn him from the
ath OF duty. To him, in great MEASURE, is due the
eeplng alive of the interests of the people in the well
olng OF the schools in these times of trouble Our
e-honored old University, tn ough hnned as have
een our male schools by the patriotism Of
he boys who have rushed to fill UP armies il still
n full operation, the President and Faculty having
arey resolved TO hold their position as long as thew
ave squad to muster. The female schools of the
tate are generally fonrshng in times Of peace.
Both OF the Asylums in this city prospecting
or the present efficient nnnag emeut-a great charity
0 our people and credit to the State.
OF our internal improvement system deem it un-
ecessary to make any mention. Since my introduce
ion to office, have received official reports or in
Drmation as to the condition wants of any Of the
uoc works requiring legislative action. Should any
hing of this nature be brought my attention. shall
" 1t before you in special message.
In addition to the matters herein brought to your .tten
there several of important about which
is not deemed prudent to speak publicly, but which
ill take pleasure in explaining, discussing verbally
18th you when desired. Many others have doubttss ,
vrrooked-for which, well for the hssy preparation
nd dsconnrcted form of this instrument, beg that my
Inauguration into Office and she many heavy drafts
pom my time, may be considered apology.
In conclusion gentlemen allow me to urge upon you
vital importance of bringing forth all the powers and
sources of the State for the common defense of ou |
,untry and our cause The two great dangers have
meet will be found connected with our currency and
i've back the invader, can always get, if we can
nd feed Them Let do Il. and Z