Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-02-22

TO- -
Mr.. Xichai moved that tho Convention CON-
oder us resolution, pfsposiHg evening session
10 coulhchce daily at 3 s6'cloek, P. NJ Agreedto
sTHs tesoIntioIf was then read, and 81
s8Ir Sattef thxsite mosed to. amend by pro.iaings
that che Convention take recess at 8 o'clock, ~
III. to meet again at T. So ~,
On motion of Mr., Dickson, the resolution was laid
on the table. - -, t.,-s-.st q.
- sStarbuck introduced an ordinance concern
ing the organization Of drafted militia Passed hrst
reading and hes over. ~ 49, at
TIE President laid before the Convention com
munication from the Board Of Claims relative 10
claims allowed by that tribunal since their hast re-
port Referred to a select committee, and ordered
to be printed Yeas A nays 3d. ~ ~ 80. Z
resolution to amend the rules of the .Conven-s
ton; by authorizing demand for the previous goes
ton, 10 preclude lengthy discussions and expedite
business, was now taken up and discussed. This
resolution was introduced on Yesterday by Sir. Gill
mer. IS - 49, = - - -.
Mr.. Leake opposed the resolution and said, Mr..
President, our previous question is altogether sui
qeneris the only one of its kind; and to know 1t
we must consider, not merely what is written OF 1t
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,
should now be put Upon this question there is de-
bate and until decided precludes 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
ceded but if it be decided affirmatively, that the
main question shall now be put, the main question
is 70 be put instantansonsly and there is no amend
ment or discussion. The previous question takes
precedence over questions ITO amend, to "commit,
to postpone" the main question, and where ad-
mitted, puts these aside. Nothing can he better de-
vised for tyranny, for it is power vested in ma
L.,
not of that majority, from being heard. cannot
go for it.
Mr.. Brown urged the passage of the resolution.
He thought it would greatly facilitate the transac
ton of business ard entertained but little fear Of IFS
abnse by the majority.
Mr.. Graham concurred in the views expressed by
Mr. Leake.7 He thought the resolution wholly un-
necessary and would regard its passage by free
representative Of free people the establishment
of an oppressive and dangerous precedent.
The resolution was further discussed by Messrs.
Badger and Rufiin, the former urging its passage,
the latter opposing it.
Mr. Howard moved that the resolution lie on the
table; aud the motion prevaed-yeas 40, nays %.
Mr.. Woodfin moved that the Convention now con-
slider resolution heretofore introduced declaring it
TO be the of the Convention that the Governor
should issue the bonds of the State for the compile
ton of the He'tsrn North Carolina Railroad in CON-
pliance with existing laws on that subject.
LUIS unOllOu WAS Oh lnOlOu Oi MI idtu OH
the table. .
communication was received from his Excel
lency the Governor, transmitting the correspon-
dence between the Executive authorities. of this
State aud the War and Navy Departments Of the
Confederate States relative to the deences of Roam
oke Island Albemarc, and the adjacent region. It
being the opinion of the Convention that this should
be read in session. the galleries and lobbies
were cleared and the doors closed.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
On motion Of Mr. Leake of Richmond, the Con.
vention proceeded to consider the ordinance impo-
sing tax on the dstiilation Of grain, its second
reading
Mr. Leak moved to strike out all after the ordain.
ing clause and insert as q substitute an ordinance
prohibiting the distilatoh Of ardent spirits from
grain for the space Of twelve months leaving the
Legislature the discretion to modify or repeal it
Mr.. L. then addressed the Convention dwelling at
length upon the evils which would arise from the
conversion of the breadstuffs Of the country into
whiskey.
Mr.. Berry moved to amend the proposed substi-
tute by striking all after the word that" (which
follows the Ordainng clause,) and inserting the fol-
low words: ain consideration Of the probable scar.
city OF breads tufs 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 spirituous liquor from the grains known as In
dian corn, wheat rye, and oats, by dstillation or
by other process is absolutely prohibited and any
person offending against the provisions Of this ord-
nance shall be guilty Of misdemeanor and on con-
yictIon, shall be punished by fine or Imprisonment
the fine not to be less than one 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 DC recovered in an
action Of debt by any one who shall sue for the
same, half to the Informer the other for the use
of the poor in the county in which said action shall
be brought"
By the adoption Of this amendment the substitute
proposed for the original ordinance (by Mr.. Leak,
was stricken out.
The ordinance was then ordered to a third read
ing.
Mr.. Schenck said the ordinance met his entire
concurrence, save in one particular. The time liked
for the commencement OF its operation was too re-
mote. Stills would be running night and day. and
the consumption Of grain would be greater than
ever. Immense quantities would be DESTROYED be-
fore the prohibition would become operative.
Mr.. Graham preferred the amendment as original
ly propoSedby his colleague, Mr.. Berry, He thought
| the modification adopted at Mr.. Badgers in
stance was unnecessarily severe The distlation
OF grain was lawful employment and the Temporal
~ suppression OF dstleries should be placed solely
| on the ground that they now diminish the bread.
stus OF the country, and thus rendered sustenance
difficult He did not propose to interfere with them
as criminals, nor did he regard ordinarily their en-
ployment as culpable. He moved to strike out the
clause adopted at Mr.. Badgers suggestion imposing
! the additional fine Of one thousand dollars.
! Mr.. Badger replied, opposing tie motion which
ultimately prevailed.
Mr.. Mlchal now moved to amend by substituting
an ordinance heretofore introduced by him entitled
ian ordinance to restrict the distiiaton of grain
and to raise revenue" Not agreed to.
Mr.. Badger moved to amend by striking out the
words until the fourth Monday Of November
next" which was not agreed to. :
! Mr.. Sprouse, was opposed to any legislation on
the subject Immense quantities of grain were
grown in the county of Davie, and no facilities ex
| listed for getting it to market Distillation only
supplied in part the want of market by enabling
the farmers to dispose of a portion os their super