The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-02-03
N. c. LEGISLATURE.

The House went into the election of Magis
trates for the several counties of the State. The
Clerk called the counties alphabetically, the mem
bers from each county handed in a list of names
which if not objected to we're considered as ap
pointed
Mr. Costner wished TO inquire whether the
House would adopt any rule relative to the age o.
the Magistrates to be appointed.
Mr Waddell stated that the Attorney Genera
Of the Confederate States had decided that al
persons exempted from military service by the
State laws before the passage of the conscrption
act were exempt from its action, but those elected
or appointed to Office subsequent to the passage OF
the act would not be exempt
Mr. LIE mmonds offered the following resolutions
| 1t is the sense of this House that the Magis,
! trates now appointed ought MT to be of an age
subject to the conscfipton act, which unani-
mously adopted.
| When the list Of counties was partly through
! message was received from the Senate with an
Engrossed Resolution, authorizing the Governor to
contract for one hundred thousand bushels of salt
at SO per bushel.
A motion made to suspend the rules and
pass the resolution at once, but objection was made
as the House was but partially informed on the
subject.
Mr. Costner thought the price demanded was
high. Mr. Cobb stated that he was Informed that
the Governor would have to insure the works Of
the contractors from the enemy, which would in
crease the risk considerably as the works were
situated near Wilmington.
Mr. Amis wanted more information on the sub
ject.
Mr. Person, at some length stated his objection
to the passage Of the resolution at present The
State Commissioners for procuring salt sup
ply it at 81 per bnshe and in some localities it
uoc 1UHi rfatj at buS Shel
Under these circumstances he was unwilling to
pay So. The contract would amount to $500 900,
a large sum- but the House did not seem to re-
gard the amount, for millions were too readily
voted away. The fact about insuring the works
at the risk of the State was another objection. If
the contract appeared fair upon further con-
siderai on, he would cheergully vote for the reso-
luton.
Further discussion was postponed to Tuesday
MONDAY, January 26.
SENATE.-The following bills passed their third
re adings: bill to legalize certain acts of the
County Court of Lincoln bill to authorize the
Governor to employ messenger; bill authori-
zing the public Treasurer to employ clerk to
sign bonds
The resolution to clothc military prisoners at
Salisbury then taken up. Mr. Warren moved
to restrict the provisions of the resolution to cit
zens of North Carolina. Mr. Graham said that he
thought the Confederate Government had no right
to arrest citizen of the State and deny him
trial, as the writ of habeas corpus had not been
SUSPENDED throughout the State, though it had
been in the town of Salisbury. Mr. Drake moved
to amend by inserting "after our troops prop
erlY supplied" Mr. Murril moved to add ''those
prisoners who are unable to provide for them
selves" MIR Slaughter favored the proposition to
clothe the prisoners. Nr Patrick thoue hit it I'M
1afa ubO Onff fho
able to furnish themselves they denied
communication with their friends or home. Mr.
Murrll thought there was no such prohibition in
fhc Military prison at Salisbury. /
Mr. Ellis said he did not like to see these men
whose LOYALTY was at least suspected provided for
before our brave troops. He demanded that the
troops should be first supplied. Remarks had
been made in regard to Captain Nckoy, the mill
tary commander at Salisbury. He had said that
he had two hundred bayonets at his disposal to
enforce his authority. He would guarantee to
McKov hundred thousand bayoEets to uphold
his authority and would use one himself: Mr.
Carraway opposed the resolution at length, be-
lieving that charity commenced at home. The
Senate adjourned without action.
HousE.-Mr Bynum introduced resolution
that the Legislature adjourn sine die on Moaday
the I'd day of February. which was concu-red
in MIR Benbury, bill to authorize tn, Gov
ernor to promote officers and men in the Regi-
ments from the State, for gallant and meritorious
conduct. z.
The House proceeded to consider the bill for
the relief of the INDECENT families of soldiers In
the army. ..>
An amendment to ascertain the number OF in
digent families and the number OF members OF |
each of such families was opposed By Mr. Watser,
who called for the ayes and noes. The question
being put the amendment was lost, by ayes Al
noes 54
Mr. Walser proposed an amendment increasing
the amount appropriated to one miiiion dollars,
and the provisions of the bill to extend 20 inc
INDECENT wives and families of all soldiers in the
army, or of such as have died or been killed in
the service Carried.
Mr Brown proposed an amendment, that the
distribution should be in accordance with the /
number of troops from each county 10 the State, !
as per the report of the Adjutant General
Mr. Amis said that the Adjutant General tells .
US in hi. report that there were number OF
troops from the State in the service, but reports
had not been made to him BY the proper oftcers,
therefore they could not be enumerated 10 his re-
port From this il would be seen that this amend !
meut would of necessity work injustice
Mr. Cowles objected to the amendment upon
the same grounds taken by Mr Amis.
Mr. Rives said if some such mendment was not
proposed, or one that would distribute the amount