Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-02-08
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE
The Legislature-The Soldier-Doad of North
Carolina-Reorganizat of the Judicial
System of the State-Revenue Bill-Peni-
tentiary-Ccmmon Schools, Sc, sc.

tentiary-Ccmmon Schools, &C., sc.
RALEIGH, n. c., Feb. 4th, 1867.
Dear Journal Several matters of inter-
est have been under consideration in both
Houses during the past week, and while
several bills Of great Importance have pass
ed each House, in no single instance has
the same one received the sanction of both.
The question of "relief " is the all-absorb-
ing subject, and one hears but little else
either in or out of the Capitol
During the past week, Mr.. Cunningham,
Chairman of the Senate committee on Pro-
positions and Grievances, reported a bill ap
propriating one thousand dollars for the
purpose of marking and protecting the
graves of North Carolina soldiers buried in
Oalz~pod Cemetery, near Richmond, in re-
spouse to a most touching appeal from the
ladies of that city, composing the Board of
Managers of the lakewood Memorial Asso-
citation. Mr. Cunningham filed with the
bill well-considered report and upon its
passage, which he forced the following day,
under suspension of the rules submitted
few beautiful and feeling remarks, and
the bill passed without dissenting voice.
Its passage in the House was attended with
the same unanimity. Col. Hardy, the ex-
cellent Assistant CLERK of that body, WHO
has won such an enviable reputation as a
reader, gave additional beauty and elo-
quence to the magnificent appeal of the
ladies; and when he closed, there seemed
to be a feeling that the argun.ent in behalf
Of the bill was complete, and without ne
gative, amidst the most eloquent silence,
the bill became law. North Carolina has
again honored herself in this simple act of
gratitude to the memory of those who gave
up their lives in obedience to her call.
The Joint Select committee, upon the
subject of the revision of the Judicial sys-
tenn of the State, has not yet reported, but
will do so in few days. The following
points, however, are agreed upon and will
form portion of their report First To
recommend the division of the State into
twelve judicial districts, with three terms
of the Court annually. Second. The cleo
ton of an Attorney General, as the law
officer of the State. Third. The abolition
of District Solicitors, throwing their duties
upon County Solicitors. Other changes Of
importance are before them, but thus far
only the three points above noticed are
agreed upon Unconnected with the fixed
determination Of many members of the
Legislature to curtail the jurisdiction of the
Courts in order to prevent hurtfpl and
burdensome litigation, which seems about
to crush out the recuperating energies of the
people, there would be q strong probability
of some plan of reorganization being adop-
ted. All feel the necessity of it., which
makes the proposition to effect change
very strong in face of untoward circum-
stances that are thought to demand curtail-
ment rather than an increase of the powers
and efficiency of the judiciary. These OBJ
jections really do not apply to the proposed
change. Any mere temporary stay of the
proceedings which may be thought neces-
sary on account of the condition of the
people, should not be allowed to interfere
with reformation in the judicial system
Of the State, which looks to future and per-
manent Improvement. Any legal obstacle
thrown in the Yey Of the Courts as now
constituted would apply with equal force
to the reorganized system.
The Revenue bill has been under consid.
Grafton in the House during the latter part
of the week, almost to the exclusion of all
other business. It has passed its second
reading, and was on its third reading al
the adjournment on Saturday. 1t viii
probably pass that body to-day. It's lead.
! ing features will be reported SO soon as the
disposition of the Senate is shown as to
their concurrence. It may yet be so much
amended as to make worse than useless any
reference to it. The bill is pretty much
the one recommended by the Public Treas.