Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-06-14
STATE CONVENTION.
ADJOURNED SESSION.

| TUESDAY June 9Th, 1866.
| Mr. Ferebee introduced resolution that
committee of five be appointed to inquire wheth-
er the object for which this Convention was
called have not been accomplished, and that they
report resolution fixing time for adjournment.
Mr.. Jones of Rowan an ordinance restraining
the taking of excessive usury.
| Mr.. Walkup, ordinance extending the time
for perfecting titles to land sold for taxes.
Mr. Grissom, an ordinance concerning Wills.
Mr.. Phillips, resolution to raise committee
to inquire as to the expedlency OF lighting the
Capitol with gas. Adopted
| STAY LAW
| On motion of Mr.. Grissom, the Convention
took up the ordinance to amend the stay law--re-
ported from the Select Committee on that subject
| for similar ordinance referred to them. Mr.
Grissom said that the ordinance had been errone-
ously printed in some respects and proposed sun
dry amendments.
| Mr. Phillip moved that the ordinance be re-
committed The subject was one of prime impor-
lance The committee was now proposing amend
ments to it's own ordinance. 1t would be better
to have the views of the committee fully pre-
sented.
Mr.. Ferebee said he thought the motion of the
delegate from Orange very proper one. The
stay law passed by the last Legislature is worse for
the debtor than the laws for the same object passed
by any of the other Southern States. Something
must be done to alleviate the sufferings of the
people, and there is no better time than the pres
ent to shape our legislation for this object The
country is exhausted the people are without
means to meet their liabilities and if a little in
diligence is not given them delegates may not be
surprised to find before the year Closes a state
of feeling and excitement much to be deplored.
| The ability of the farmer nooo as compared with
his ability before the emancipation of slavery, to
pay his debts, is one to ten in other words,
nine tenths of his means swept away. This
state of things has been forced upon the people,
their farms all laid waste, houses and fences
burned their stock driven off, and their labor ia
ken from them. Time to repair this damage must
beanowed. Forbearance must be exercised towards
each other. Delay now to act may be fatal, and
injury may result, which it will be impossible to
repair. Add, also, the fact that We have an I'M
reasonable Federal tax to pay which is, of ITSELF
as heavy and burdensome as it is possible for the
tax payer to bear, and, at the same time, subslst
his family. We cannot yet see the time when the
burden of this tax will be removed, probably not
for several years. Mr.. F. said the stay law is de-
fective in many particulars. and unjust and OPP
pressive in its provisions The practical opera
ton of the law is to excite, to provoke, to suing
It makes creditors vie with each other to which
can get his Judgment first. Those who are dis
posed to exercise mercy and forbearance are driven
by this law to bring suit for fear other creditor
may get the first lien on the property of the deb
tor. Suits for debt, therefore, will be without
number after the first of July next, and a scene
of confusion, excitement and oppression will fol-
low, such this generation has never witnessed.
In the testimony of General Sheridan to the Com
mittee of the House of Representatives in regard
to the condition of the people of the Gulf States,
he remarks that III two years, the real estate in
Louisiana will have changed hands, and will be
held by Northern capitalists. Under this stay
law, if it's provisions are enforced, similar state
of things will take place here
| Mr. F. said he desired to have this law amen
ded that it WILL its title proposes to do, af-
ford protection and relief to the unfortunate deb
tor. For that reason he decidedly in favor of
referring this ordinance back to the committee,
that they may perfect and report such amend
ments to the law as the exigencies of the times
and the people demand
! The motion to recommit was then adopted.
| CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
! Mr. Moo" of Wake, from the Committee to
which referred the substitute for article "
except sections and 4, of the Constitution,
ported by the Committee to revise the Constittl-
ton, reported the same back recommending its
adoption.
The Committee proceeded to further consider
alton of the amended Constitution.
On motion of Mr.. Moore, of Wake, the sub
stitute proposed for article ~ first considered
This amendment establishes the office of Lieu
tenant Governor.
With a view to testing the sense of the Conven-
ton as to the establishment of this office, Mr.
Moore, of Wake Though decidedly in favor of
creating the office moved to strike out from
the substitute the words Lieutenant Governor
Mr. Buxton addressed the Convention in oppo-
sition to this motion.
Mr. Conigland supported the motion. He OPP
posed the creation of the Office because of it's in
utility and expense.
| Mr. Moore, of Wake, withdrew his motion to
strike out the words Lieutenant Governor" and
moved instead that the section be adopted.
On this question the yeas and nays were order
ed, on motion of Mr.. Harris, of Rutherford
The section was adopted by the following vote
AYEs.-Messrs Adams, Alexander, Allen Bagley, Baines
Baker Barrow, Beam Bell Berry, Bingham, Boyden,
we'll, of Burke, Caldwell, of Gulford Clark Dick Dckey
Harrs of
OF RUTHERFORD HARRISON Haynes Henry Hodge, Jackson
Jones, of Davidson, Jones' of Henderson, Joyce, King
ash Hg Mck koe Of Chatham hRye Of j
Donald, Of Chatham, Mcdonald, of Moore, MeGehee Nc
Mebane, Moore, Of Chatham Moore, Of Wske Mupphy
Norfeet Odom, Patterson, Pearsal Perkins, Phillips
Polk, Richardson, Rumey, Russell, Rush, Settle Sim
of wilkes, Spencer of Hyde, Spencer of Montgomery
ems waup Ward
NAYs.-Messrs. Conigland Cowper, Foy, Gillian, Girls
son. Johnston Lyon, Person, Stewart Winbune and Win
ston-11.
Mr.. Moore, of Wake, moved to amend the sec
ton of the substitute by striking out the wore
GO native before the word 'citizen.' Not agreed
!, to.
Mr.. Moore, of Wake moved to amend by in
, serting after the word years" in the same sec
of his election" Adopted.
Mr.. Moore, OF Wake, moved to amend by in
serting after the word citizen" the words &C anc
resident" Adopted.
Requires Governor and Lieutenant Governor
to have been both citizens and residents of the
State.
Mr.. Grissom moved to amend the same section
by striking out so much of it requires D proper
ty qualification of those officers.
Mr.. Winston moved to amend the section BY
striking out the words '' five hundred" before the
word 'dollars'
The question first taken upon this amend
7 ment, which adopted. Reduces the value O.
= the property qualification.