The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-10-17

ton cOQf0 De fuOFe dppEopiiatfiy dc1So ou ny tuS
Legislature, than by this Convention. But the
Importance of the subject, and the necessity for
careful and considerate action are so great, that
it may be proper for the Convention TO take
some initiatory steps towards its adjustment
The former relations of master and slave hav-
ing ceased in North Carolina, new and material
rights and duties have supervened, which re-
qure corresponding legislation. large class
of the population, Ignorant and poor, has been.
released from the stringent restraints OF It's late
social and political position, and from Its iepen-
dence upon the individual obligations of another
class for its support government and protection.
And it now becomes the duty of the State to
assume, and enact such laws as right and justice
may require and as may be most conducive to
the general welfare.
The abolition of slavery has been adopted in
good faith, and with full determination that it
shall not again exist 10 the State, either in form
or substance. But the consequences of its
former existence will inevitably affect the state
of society for years to come. To consequence
of his late condition as slave, the freedman is
ignorant Of the operations of civil government,
improvident of the future, careless of the re-
straints of public opinion, and without any real
appreciation of the duties and obligations i'm
pressed by the change in his relations to society.
1t is the Interest of the white race, if he is TO
reside among US, to improve and elevate him by
the enactment of such laws conceived in spirit
of fairness and lberaty, will en- courage him
to seek his true welfare in honest industry and
the faithful discharge of the duties Of his9ife
His Intelligence and social condition must de-
pend upon his Industry and virtue.
Preiudices of social character will probably
forever exist. They are not confined to this
Statn " here
Institution of African slavery has been recog
nized; but have pervaded every society where
the two races have been brought in contact
However upj ust such pref udiees may be deemed
in theory, wisdom and prudence require that
they should be SO far recognized and respected
by legislators, as to- avoid rash attempts at
measures that might serve only to infame and
strengthen them. Although we cannot hope
for the entire correction Of many of the evils
under which we now labor yet time will mate
rally modify them, and much may be safely
trusted to its silent but effective operation
Hasty and ineCnsderate action should be avoid
ed; and above all things, should .he delicate
questions evolved frop the new relations among
US be kept from the arena of party politics..
There are, at present, in North Caro@ina, some
real bond of attachment between the two races.
Families have been brought up and nurtured
together under our former domestic relations
faithful servants have gained the esteem and
confidence Of their former masters, and possess
and reciprocate tender feelings Of affection from
the pleasures and sports of whose childhood
they have participated. Their services and
sympathy In affictlon are remembered, and the
dearest memories of the dead are associated and
shared with them. From such ties, and from
the common feelings Of interest, justice and
humanity, more is to be hoped for the improve
ment' and welfare of the colored race, than
from the agitation of impr. cticable claims for
social and political rights, or from tie aid of
those whose interference is likely to be regarded
with jealousy and met with resentment. We
Gepiore the premature Introduction of any
schemes that may disturb the operations of their
kindly feelings, or infame the inherent social
prejudice that exists against the colored race.
The necessary legislation should be conceived
in a spirit of perfect fairness and Justice and 10
full and unreserved conformity to existing rela-
tions But it should be suited to the actual
condition of the parties-and be aimed rather
to their material and moral welfare, and to the
general peace and prosperity Of the State, than
to any theoretical scheme of social and political
equality. 49,.
These Of our laHs that are inapplicable to the
that are in cohtravention of it should be re-
pealed. And many new laws are now indis-
persably necessary to meet the present condi-
ton of things. Those laws should be drawn
with great care, and with the most mature con,
sideraton
The committee therefore recommend that the
Provisional Governor of the State be requested
to appoint and constitute commission of three
gentlemen, eminent for legal ability to propose
and submit to the consideration of the Legisla-
ture at its next session system of laws upon
the subject of freedmcn--and to designate such
laws parts Of laws row in force, as should be
repealed in order to conform the statute Of the
State to the ordinabce Of this Convention abo-
lshing the institution of slavery.
For the Committee,
JOHN POOL, Chairman.
A resolution to constitute a commission to
prepare and report to the Legislature code of
lawson the subject of freedmen
Resoiced by the delegates Of the peop7e of
North Carolind IN Contention assembled, That
a commission of three persons be appointed and
constituted by the Provisional Governor to pre- |
pare and report to the Legislature at its next
session, system Of laws upon the subject of
freedmen, and to designate such laws and parts !
of laws now in force, as should Ire repealed in |
order to confosm the statutes of the State to the
ordinance of this Convention abolishing the in
stitution of slavery. !
Upon motion of Mr. Caldwell of Burke, the |
rules were suspended, and FIVE hundred copies /
Of the report With the ordinance, were ordered |
to be printed.
Resolutions and Ordinances
The following resolutions and ordinances were
Introduced and lie over under the rules
BY MIR Jones of Davidson, an ordinance for |
the election of. Clerks and Sherifs. Provides
for-the election of Sherffs and Clerks at the |
same time and nlaceS that the election for me m.