The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-01-21
THE N. C. CONVENTIONS.
RALEIGH, Tuesday, Jan. IA, 1868.

caucus last night had pitched upon MIR Il. to
call the Convention to order; and, while hehad
no objection to the gentleman's acting In that |
capacity, yet he denied the right and legality OF
such proceeding. But if Mr. Kinney should be
appointed by motion regularly put and carried,
he would vote for him. Whereupon, MIR Heat
On, of Craven arose and made the motion, and it
was agreed to.
On melton of Mr. Kinney, Mr. King of Leaoir
was appointed Chairman pro tcn. On taking
the Chair he read the following short address:
Genhen,en Of the COnuention Il feel honored
by being called to preside temporarily over this
body. Allow me to congratulate YOU on the
fact that loyal Convention chosen by the peo
pie, is about to begin the great work Of framing
Constitution Of government under which the
State will be speedily restored to its place in the
Union. Let us bring to this work feeling OF
paramount attachment to the national govern
ment and a fixed purpose to make Constitution
that will secure, beyond all question: equal politi
cal and civil rights and privileges to all our peo-
pie, and thus institute government Of the peo-
pie, by the people and for the people, for this
and coming generations. beg you gentlemen
to accept my heartfelt thanks for the honor you
have done me.
at the conclusion of Mr. Kings address, he
called upon Rev. G. W. Welker, delegate elect
from Guilford to pray, who asked the blessings
of Almighty God upon the deliberations of the
Convention.
On motion, Mr. J. P Andrews of Wake, was
appointed Secretary pro tenn.
The roll being called, So members responded
TO their pames. (1he number was subsequently
understood to be 1909
After some discussion in regard to the manner
of administering the oath and examining creden-
tials, it was determined to call the roll aud swear
delegates in bodies of twelve
Mr. Abbot of New Hanover, moved that when
the Convention adjourn, it adjourn until -
O'Clock tomorrow. Carried.
Mr. Jones, of Washington then moved that the
Convention do adjourn until the above men
TONED time, as there were many members absent.
At Che request of the Chairman, he withdrew
the motion; whereupon, the Secretary read the
following dispatch from Gen. Candy to the COM
manding Officer at Raleigh
General Order No 1G5 is amended as follows :
,Jno. S. NcCubbins, as delegate from Rowan and
Dayie, in place of l. VI. Shaver; J. Ct. Marler,
in place OF b. Bartlett, delegate from Watauga.
Inform all parties. BY order of +. r. S. Candy"
Mr. Rodman of Beaufort, moved that the gen
;tlemen whose names were mentioned in the dis
patch, be easrOllcd members. Carried.
The motion to adjourn being renewed, it was
adopted
WEDNESDAY, Jan. Is.
The Convention Was called to order at II
o'clock, i'll the Commons Hall, by Mr. King,
President pro tent The roll was called when
the President announced a quorun-ninety-
seven members being present.
The following delegates were absent: Dickey,
Garland, Glover, Legg, May and Merritt.
The Convention then proceeded to the cleo
ton of permanent officers. Mr. Harris of Wake,
nominated Calvin j. Cowles Of Wilkes, for Presi-
dent. Mr. Hodnett of CasWell, nominated Plato
Durham of Cleaveand.
The roll was then called with the following re-
suit: For Mr. Cowes, 1O1 for Mr. Durham, 5 ;
for Messrs. Hodnett, Bradley and Rodman one
each. Mr. CowLEs of Wilkes, was therefore
chosen permanent President.
Messrs. HeatOn and Abbott were appointed a
committee to conduct the President to his seat.
Upon taking the chair he arose and said:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTIONAL that it is
unnecessary to call this Convention to order, for
the greatest quiet and dccorum pervades the Hall.
But, gentlemen you have fit to confer this high
honor upon me-clothed me with extensive powers
and devolved no light burdens upon my shoulders.
Did not feel degree of trepidation in assuming
the functions of this high position, it would be indeed
unusual and unnatural l trust that / will merit
your confidence, and that the duties of this Office will
he impartiay performed. return you my sincere
thanks for the honor conferred
shall exert myself in every way to press forward
the work before the Convention. / shall know no
party here, race, color, origin of men, but
shall regard every delegate freeman, represent
ing an enlightened constituency. Ny feet are in
new path. | walking in a way unfamiliar
Therefore the shortcomings which may occur in the
exercise of my duties viii mute eloqncnce. This
Convention of the people, devoid of politicians an
unusual extent am pleased to believe, will indulge
and assist in the discharge Of the onerous task
which 1t has imposed.
Time is precious We must labor faithfully and
;assiduously. Our work done at carly day let US
adjourn and 60 home TO constituents, bearing
free constitution in hands. 1t is true that
money is scarce, and while if would be unwise 10
protraet this session. it would be equally unwise to
hurry the most important work ever placed into
hills of Carolina piled up rather let that be wcpt
away than defer the of State to The Union
That cause is worthy of the life of every delegate
here present. 1t better for us TO perish than
for people fall back into chaos of anarchy or
slavery.
Let us GO forward, then and frame a Constitution
adapted 10 the advanced ideas of the age. Beware
of extraneons matters. Let us first accomplish the
grand work of restoration far it is in pow
er. Let the fundamental laws here adopted, protect
all men equally for all time for that is the great re-
.qurement of the hour. The Convention will proceed
10 business.
After good deal Of discussion, other officers
of the Convention were elected as follows:
j I Byrnes of Cumberland, Principal Clerk
j II Boner of Forsyth, Assistant; j Ii Jones,
,lnegro) of Wake, Principal Doorkeeper; and
John Ball. (white,) Assistant.
Dir Heaton, of Craven, offered the following
resolution:
Resolved That a Committee of two members from
each Judicial district be appointed by the President
whose duty it shall be proceed consider and re-
port, at the earliest practicable moment the hest