The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-01-21

lsatIOn, take some KIND OF action, In relation
to State affairs. But this resolution would fore
stall such action. 1t was therefore impolitic and
Hnwise. Every member knows the condition Of
his people, and how earnestly they await the ac
ton of this Convention True it was necessary
to frame Constitution early rs possible but
other matters were Important also. lie would
warn delegates to be carefulhow they passed this
resolution and tied their hands. If they fore
stalled action upoa matters of Importance in this
hasty mar ne-, what would their constituents say?
Mr. Tourgee, of Guilford, said that he deemed
the Convention competent to judge for itself,
when any question arose new subjects were
introduced, whether they were important enough
to be considered or not. He was opposed to
hampering the action Of the Convention. fany
new matters were brought in here, Of an unim-
portant character, the Convention could readily
put them aside and attend to its legitimate bust
ness. But if this resolution was passed, the Con-
yention would discover that it had stultifed
! itself.
! Mr. King, of Lemon, inquired of gentlemen for
what purpose they were assembled in Convention?
Mainly to restore the State to the Union. Take
that matter up and act speedily upon it. Delay
breeds danger. Do gentlemen mean to say there
are matters of higher Importance? This resolu-
ton says not 1t says that restoration is the first
consideration. | heartily endorse it. | trust it
will pass. Unless active, we may not
fame a constitution in time. Matters of legisla-
tive character should be left to the loyal Legisla-
ture hereafter to be assembled. In cases ofemer-
gcncy we may act upon Them and this resolution
does not prohibit that. He hoped that it would
pass.
Mr. Watts, Of Martin, said that the delegate
was in error. This resolution does prevent all
Legislation until the Constitution is adopted.
That he admitted was the first work, but he Was
opposed to forestalling other matters.
| Mr. Pool of Pa"ank, said the gentleman
was mistaken. The resolution did not forstall
others.
Mr. Watts-ah, well. But while I am up I
will say that yield to no man in my desire to
restore the State to the Union. / wish to see
the foundations of our Constitution laid deep in
equality and justice. Let us do that first, but
there other matters to be disposed of likewise.
Mr. Jones of Washington called for the read
ing Of the resolution He desired to know by
whom it meant the Constitution should be
adopted-by the Convention or the people?
Mr. Pool said by the Convention. The people
would ratify their action
Dir Jones held that that did not help the mat
tea. AL the machinery for framing a Constitu-
tion-all the articles and provisions were to be
matured and adopted by the Convention, accord
ing to the resolution before other matters could
be considered. All that while delegates would
sit here with their fingers in their mouths, doing
nothing. lie had as earnest purpose as any
one to get home, and he well knew that when
the Constitution was adopted finally, the hammer
would fall for the last time upon the Speakers
desk. This resolution would prevent action
meanwhile. He moved to lay it upon the table.
Mr. Abbott of New Hanover, requested with
drawal of the motion for moment, which being
done, Mr. Abbott said he considered this resolu-
ton merely expressive of the sentiment of the
Convention, to go out to the people to assure
them that it would do what it was sent to do.
Really he thought it conceded too much. IL
doubted whether the Convention could legisate
at all. He had grave doubts in relation to that
matter. But taking this resolution to express
the sentiment before given, he would vote for it.
Mr. Jones of Washington, said that with due
Difference to the opinion of the gentleman, the
Convention would be bound by this resolution.
Until the Constitution was adopted nothing else
could be done. lie too favored the framing a
Constitution and the transaction of business at
the earliest moment. He could not support the
resolution. He renewed his motion to lay it on
the table
Mr. Forkncr, of Surry, moved to adjourn.
Seconded by Mr. Harris, of Wake
Mr. Abbott suggested that some time for re-
assemblin" must be set, or the Convention would
adourn die.
Mr. King. of Lenor, moved to amend by ad-
ding the words ten o'clock Tomorrow
The motion was put and lost, when the qucs-
ton REQUIRED on the motion to lay on the table.
The motion was not agreed to, yeas Il nays 53.
Mr. Heaton, who voted to table the resolution
said-adn,itting the principle laid down in the
resolution to be correct, | doubt the policy of
passing 1t at this time. l. therefore, vote aye.
f. Mr. Abbott moved to refer the resolution to 4
| committee of three.
when on melton of Mr. Garrett, the Convention
adjourned until 10 O'Clock to morrow
| THURSDAY, Jan Is.
In accordance with Mr. Icaton's resolution of
yesterday, to appoint Committee of two, from
each judicial district to report upon the best
mode of proceeding to frame a Constitution. the
President deS guatcd the following delegates viz:
Messrs Nicholson, Jones of Washington ueaton
Rodman, Dowd, Harris of Wake (negro,) Tour
gee, Cox, Abbott, Hood (negro), Forkner. Hobbs.
Jones of Caldwell, Bradley, Gahagan and Garrett.
! The Chair also designated the following Com
mlttee on rules of order viz: Messrs. Sweet.
Galloway (negro) Pool, Graham of Orange and
Fullings.
MIR Abbott called up his motion to submit Mr.
Pools resolution of yesterday ION the subject of
legislation by the Convention to Committee
| of three
MIR French Of Chowan, offered, as an amend
| ment, to refer it to the Committee of sixteen
| already appointed. Agreed to-
The Convention cre.tad tho oAo, 20 C.-.