The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-12-16

ject necessary, and that it could as well be
effected now as at any other time. The bill did
not pass its second reading-ayes Is, nays Il.
HoUsE-On motion of Mr. Worth, the bill to
amend the first section of the Ordinance, entitled
an Ordinance to secure certain officers and
soldiers the right to vote, passed its second and
third readings. 1t repeats the right to vote by
officers and soldiers in elections ordered by Con-
gress or by the General Assembly,to fill vacancies
in said bodies, by death, resignation or otherwise,
in all cases where such election shall occur before
the adjournment sine die Of the body in which
such vacancies may occur.
The Military Bill was discussed until adjourn
ment.
THURSDAY, December II.
SENATE-The following bills were passed on
their third reading A Bill to amend act to in
corporate the Bank of North Carolina; Bill to
establish Bank in the town of lncolnton; a
Bill to construct railroad from Dallas to Newton;
Bill to establish the Bank of Graham.
The bill to amend the militia bill was passed.
1t repeals that portion Of the law requiring officers
to drill in uniform, and requires the militia to
drill not less thun once in three months in time of
war, and not less than six months in time of
peace.
The bill to organize a force of State reserves
was considered. Mr. Matthews moved to amend
by striking out all after the enactng clause and
substitute the House bill, proposing to raise
10, 900 men. Mr. Outlaw thought the bill came
in conflict with the Confederate Government,
practically rendering void the operations of the
conscri?t act and on that ground he opposed it.
He was unwilling to de anything that would
come in conflict with tie General Government.
One revolution at a time sufficient He was
not willing to see another inaugurated The
amendment vas rejected and the consideration of
the bill was postponed
HoUsE-The Military Bill was taken up, and
the debate resumed upon it.
Mr. Ingram offered an amendment authorizing
the raising Of eight regiments Of infantry and two
Of cavalry.
Mr. Amis suggested one of cavalry and one of
artillery.
Mr. Grissom was opposed to the amendment.
The reserve troops were merely auxiliary forces,
and not for independent service.
MIR Waddell offered amendment leaving il
discretionary with the Governor to raise the troops
from what class he thought most expedient.
Mr. Cowles opposed the amendment.
Mr. Fowle Objected it would take the RESPONSE
bility from the House and place it on the Gov
ernor. lie was opposed to calling out any man
not at present Liable to CONSUMPTION, and would
not allow at present exempts to be taken. AT
some length he proceeded to prove from official
documents that Governor Vance had never ac-
knowlcdged the constitutionality Of the conseript
law or had ever agreed to carry out the conscrip-
ton act over 35 years Of age He quoted the
Governor Message evidence that he had re-
commended the State Reserve 10 be raised from
those persons liable to the CONSUMPTION act, and
contended that such course not unconstitu-
tional.
Mr. Waddcll withdrew his amendment and read
a law Of the Convention which authorized the
Governor to raise 10000 men. He considered
that law yet in force
Mr. Mann Of Pasquotank said the gentleman
had forestalled him in reading that law. We had
now between 60 and 70 thousand men in the field,
and he opposed to raising men from any other
class than the conscripts. He complained that
the Confederate Government had net done its
duty, but acknowledged it was now coming to the
rescue of the State and doing its duty. He would
vote for the minority bill and for taking the State
Reserve from the Conscripts
An amendment by Mr. Waddcll was ruled out
Of order.
Mr. Stancill moved an amendment, to raise the
troops from those not subject to CONSUMPTION,
cept with leave Of the President.
Mr. Amis offered to amend by inserting, the
Governor, with the consent of the President, to
accept persons liable to CONSUMPTION
Mr. Stancill accepted the amendment
Mr. Fleming was in favor Of inserting the
words, with the consent Of the President" The
only"0biecton that could be fairly alleged was
that he might not consent. The question
whether the words were necessary to carry out the
desi gns Of the House. AS all disclaimed any idea
of a conflict, the proviso would do no harm. No
member who discained a conflict could consist
emily vote against the amendment. Gentlemen
might disclam much as they pleased, but facts
stand out bold and patent The BILL if passed,
in Its present form, must come in conflict with the
law. One law is on one side and another law on
the other side, and it is absurd to say there is
conflict. Under the bill man volunteering into
the State troops may be claimed by Confederate
officer, will not that be conflict? The case is
too plain for argument. Members may disclaim
any INTENT on of bringing on a conflict, but we
were last drifting into one, and it would be in
genuous to come out openly. lie could not con-
scientlousy vote for the minority bill without this
amendment.
Mr. Waddill opposed the amendment on the
ground of its giving the President voice in our
legislation.
NJ Amis withdrew his amendment
Mr. Person renewed the amendment in other
words, that conscripts might be enrolled in State
troops with consent of the President lie for one
woud not arrogate to himself the right of viola
ting a law of Congress. After some remarks by
Messrs. Grissom, Harris Of Chatham; and Mr.
Foy,
Mr. Person said unless members believed the
CONSUMPTION law unconstitutional, they were
bound by their oath members of the House to
obey law of the land, and in strong language
presented the conflict that was imminent between
the State and Confederate authorities.