Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-05-03


L is Considered by the Court that the return to the writ
Ordered That an this issue against
Brevet Ma Thos. Ruger, but that the same
s s wt
Brevet Major Thos Ruger shall forthwith up
john H Gee to b. brought before me- in obedience the
writ of habeas heretofore issued in this cause
April 2sth, 1856
The following is copy of the writ directed to
the Sheriff
~ STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
WAKE COUNTY.
To the Sheriff of Wake County, Greeting:
You hereby to take ike h body Of
that have him before Forthwith without bail or
It sDd this
witness Daniel G. Fowe Judge Superior Court of Law
a" o s9sn a9p'e in Raleigh tas ssh 4P o ise
Which the Sheriff subsequent returned with the follow
Executed the rule by serving copy upon Maj. Gen1
Ruger.
to submit arrest, and was unable to make the
same because he was in command OF military force too
strong to be overcome by the power OF the country
April 2Sth, 1866.
(Signed) E. Ii. RAY, Sheriff.
that the Clerk be directed to certify and transmit all the
proceedings in the case to his Exceency the governor
for such action theron as he might deem advisable
ORDERED That the in this case togethe. with the
Court of Law of Wake county who hereby directed
to certify and transmit to his Excelency Jonathan Worth
all the proceedings Of the Court in this that he may
take such action in the premises he deem proper
Recenstruction.
If the people of the South had been in doubt as
to the object of the Jacobins of Congress, the re-
port of the Reconstruction Committee would now
relieve it. OF all the shallow political knavery
which has heretofore distinguished Congress. this
is the contamination. After five months of assid
io,ls labors the committee of fifteen of the two
Houses appointed ostensibly to inquire into the
condition of the States lately engaged in war with
the Federal Government, but really to bolster up
the declining fortunes of the present dominant
party and to secure success in the next Congress-
ional and Presidential elections have agreed upon
and reported plan of action. A careful analysis
of the report reveals but fact only, and that is
the determination at any cost, to retain the offices
and patronage of the Government as long as pos
sible
Fearing to compromise these objects by appear
ing to keep the South longer out of the Union, and
by way of delay, to furnish food for agi
tatior and discussion, the committee have submit
ted report the adoption of which, by Congress,
and it's subsequent acceptance by the requisite
number of States, would more efectually
prevent reconstruction if possible, than the sue
cess of the Confederate arms Still, illiberal as
the reported scheme is, devoid of justice, expedi
ency and common sense, no one can hardly be
surprised at it. We suppose, had the committee
been compelled to report in ten days from their
first meeting, their deliberations would have re-
suited in similar conclusions Their continued
and extended sessions, and their examinations of
many distinguished Southerners, were but expens-
i've mockeries, intended as pleasant counterfeit
of honest legislation.
We can hardly believe that the report of this
Committee, expected to give peace reconstruc-
ton and reconciliation, but which has really pro-
posed in their stead war; destruction and aliena-
ton, would be endorsed by two-thirds of Con-
yress, which is the majority necessary, had we not
seen great outrages to justice and law already
passed over the veto of the President and in face
Of the unanimous protest of people, whose utter
should have rendered their rights
under the Union sacred.
We have more hope, however, from the Legis-
atures of the several States than from Congress.
Conservative Legislatures of Northern States
must certainly reject the proposed constitutional
amendment and of course the Southern Legisla-
lures will do the same. But we can hardly foresee
10 what extreme limits radical measures will be
carried. We know from recent experience that
constitutional restrictions and honorable obliga-
ions have no control of them, and to accomplish
heir purpose we have but little reason to hope
hat personal honor, constitutional barriers, or
he safety and prosperity of the Union itself will
n the future, more than i'll the past be permitted
10 interfere.
The refusal of ten States to ratify would defeat
he proposed amendment. In order to clrcum- |
,ent the requirements of the Constitution in this
egard, we see that Mr.. Sumner maintains that |
he States, at present represented in Congress, |
constitute at present the United States, that ma
GRITTY of their electoral colleges are sufficient for
he election of President-that they, only, are
o lie counted in ascertaining quorum of Con-
yress or three-fourths of the States, in the adop
ion of Constitutional amendment AS Sumner
GEMS to control Congress, this construction may
,e sanctioned, in which event the proposed
amendment will prevail
We will not do the good sense of our readers
he injustice of discussing the different PROPOSE
ions laid down in the report They will be found
Elsewhere. Their adoption will most assuredly
what they are designed for-the fur
her exclusion of the Southern States. Be the
what they may, poor and overwhelm-
d as we are they will be rejected with scorn and
Indignation by the entire South. We, at least,
7ill take part in forging the chains that will
ind us hand foot to the Radical charriotwheels.
The tender of the bride, in the proposal to in
ulge the ratfying States in the matter of the di-
ect tax for ten years, is not more insulting to us
han tits characteristic of them Consulting their