Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-02-28

Mr.. Graham, of Orange, moved to amend
section "a by striking out the first para
graph and inserting " AS q we'll reguia-
ted Militia is necessary to the security of
a free State, the right of the people TO
keep and bear arms snail not be inffin3cd
upon"
NIr. c. said he did not care whether it
was adopted or not, but he wished 10 ex-
press his sentiments for he believed the
7iqht to keep, as we'll as to bear, arms sacred,
and should not be violated.
After some debate a vote WAS taken and
the amendment adopted.
Mr. Heat0n moved that the bill be put
on its final passage, and called for the yeas
and nays.
The roll was called and resulted-yeas
81, nays 90.
The following delegates voted i'll the
negative, viz: Messrs. Baker, Bradley, Con-
gleton, Dowd, Durham, Etheridge, Graham,
Of Orange, Hare, Hodnett, Lennon, Long,
Marier, McCubbins, Merritt, Murphy, San
lerlin, Taylor, Turner, Welkcr and VIII
;ums, Of Sampson.
SPECIAL ORDER-sUTFRAGE.
The majority report and several minority
reports accompanying it were read.
Mr.. Pool, the Chairman, said that the
committee had tried to conform to the re-
quirements OF Congress, and rot to go one
jot beyond the provisions Of its acts
He commenced his remarks by reviewing
the several minority particularly
the one by MessrS. Durham and Graham,
Of Orange. He offered the usual radical in
cense and adulation at The altar Of the
''latc1y enfranchised," but did not favor a
sweeping disfranchisement Of al Southern
men most especially those who were Union
men during the war. In regard to universal
suffrage and eligibility to hold office, he
thought that every male citizen born IN the
Union, or najuralized, had an Inherent
right TO vote and hold office.
His declaration that he would support
female S1traqe Whenever reasonable num-
Der Of them demand il, cHcHed nllolcu$e.
lie declared that prior to the Reconstruc
ton Acts, it was impossible for u colOrod
man to get justice i'll q Court House.
All such things as property qualltca-
ton to hold any office in the State had
completely played out. He made what was
designed to be some very touching illusions
TO the clcmoncy Of the General Govern
ment, in sparing the lives of the partici-
pants in the late rebellion. and also to the
action of several Northern States in regard
10 negro suffrage. Ohio, New York, Cali
fornia, and some others, had caused the
Republicans in this section to blush (black?)
Will SIIauS, DtG lC IIdI SlIODG uOpto
that the action Of redeemed old North Car
olina, III this matter, would have such u
good effect upon them, that another cleo
ton would tell a different tale. He agreed
with the Conservatives that this was State,
but, unlike them, he did not think she had
unY TigAtS at present in the Union. He
continued his remarks for some time, con-
testing the minority reports and advocating
that OF the majority.
Mr. French, of Chowan, followed, as he
was the author Of one Of the minority re-
ports. He was for visiting wrath and de-
struction upon the heads Of everybody, out
side of the Republican party.
He was particularly hardupon the ln6t1ga-
tors Of the Icbellion, and those that do not
shout for the Reconstruction acts, and who
will not receive the most rabid and radical
doctrine as gospel, He said he represented
a black constituency, but comely constit-
Uency-comely for their love OF this govern
ment-comely fol the humility with which
they Dear their new honOrs-and comely
because of their forgiveness Of past wrongs.
Hecontinued il this strain to quite alength,
damnlng Iebels and eulogizing the colored
race. and the truly loyal'' generally.
Upon taking his seat, the House, on mo-
ton Of Mr. Ro9man, adjourned until this
evening, II o'clock.
MORNING SESSION.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. -, 1868.
The Convention was called to order at 10
o'clock.
Prayer by Rev Mi. Pritchard, Of the
city.
Mr. Abbott presented a communication
from j. A. Richardson, Of Bladen county.
Also petition fer divorce from Mrs.
Rosa 3. Quinlivion.
Mr.. Rodman offered II petition from GER
tain parties of like character.
Mir. Mcdonald, Of Chatham, also pre-
sented petition Of the same sort from GER
tain other parties--alt OF which were appro-
priately referred.
Galloway (negro> presented q memorial
signed by fifty citizens OF New Hanover
csnn,y.
Mr.. Rodman submitted two reports from
the committee on the Judiciary, to whom
were referred the Hapnau and Overton pc
titiunS for divorce, recommending that the
divorces be granted, and reporting ordi-
nances TO that effect.
The President, Mr.. CoWles, vacated his
chair and spoke in opposition to the pas
sage OF the ordinances accompanying the
reports.
Mr.. Jones, of Washington, contended
LiltRH IDS acCGptdi VI LiIG lcpo1to ACCCo~
sarily carried the ordinances with it. lie
was speaking upon the matter when
Hood (negro), rose to a point Of order,
saying that according to the gentleman's
own argument, the ordinance was adopted,
and, therefore, not debatable.
Mr.. Jones said he thought SO, too, but
as gentlemen seemed to doubt it, he was
merely showing the hardship OF the case of
Mr.. Overton.
Mr. Heaton said the Chair had only done
as he had a right TO dO-divide the ques-
, ton, and make the adoption Of the reports,
and the adoption of tie accompanying or
dinancos, two different questions.
The Chair said that that was SO.
Mr. Jones read the various atlidaVlts and
proofs in relation to the Overton case.
Mr.. Cowles felt it his duty to warn the
Convention against legislation In these mat
tcrs. The case was an aggravated one, but
we had 10 lime to investigate difficulties
ia 6ordy houses 0nd Jaosi!y .feudS. He was
csshuDaed shat such a thing had been brought
before the Convention. Not many ladies
had been here, but if such thing was dis
cussed here, not one would grace this Hall
with their presence.
/ Mr. Ashley said the nour Of IL o'clock
! having arrived, the special order should be
taken ND and after some little discussion