The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-02-11
The Convention.

Tb,cc DAYS of the past week were occupied in
considering an Ordinance proposing to stay the col
lection Of old debts for certain length of time
After A great deal Of discussion and several PROPOSE
tons to amend the Ordinance prepare ed by Mr. Rod
man. chairman Of the committee on the subject was
adopted Wednesday, 1t forbds jurisdiction until
the ls of July next, by any Court in this State, of
any suit action founded on debts made prior to
the first day of May, 1862 except in where
public officers, administrators executors guardians,
trustees, &C. have acted fraudulcntly. If the Con-
Sttution is ratified by the people before the 1st of
July, then the Ordinance ceases to have effect. 1t
does interfere with any debt contracted since the
Ist Of May. 1865 The Ordinance, adopted, will
be found in another column
Several efforts made by some members to
make the Ordinance apply to new debts Also and to
extend the stay for ten but every effort of the
failed. In fact, large portion of the Convcn-
ton is opposed to interfering i'll the matter at ALL
and voted for the Ordinance passed only because
it was represented that a little time be granted
debtors. 1t is said, however, that before the Con-
vention adjGurns another Ordinance will be passed
by the Convention in regard to the collection of debts
During the discussion of the subject of stay laws
III Fullings of Mecklenburg, and Mr. King of Lincoln
made sensible and practical remarks about the
matter and declared that they were not opposed to
relief if the interest of the creditor protected
we'll that of the debtor: but they opposed egis-
lation for the benefit of class only
The Convention has also passed Ordinance for
the benefit of the WILL Charlotte & Ruth Railroad.
This Ordinance does increase the States liability
10 the Road but reduces it in consideration of
endorsement by the State of one million dollars worth
Of Bonds. The Ordinance published in to-day,s
paper explains itself.
The following is the Tax Law adopted by the Con-
vention 20 raise money to pay its expenses:
&c it ordained by the people of North Carolina in
Convention assembled, That for the purpose OF rails
ing monies pay the expenses of THIS Convention,
To- he acts of ongress in such made and
provided, a tax of onc-twcnCth of per cent shall
he levied on the land in North Carolina. according to
it, valuation i'll the year 1850 subject to such chan
grs therein have been since made by law, and on
the pcy .onl property within said State according to
the valuation thereof to be made in 1868 This tax
shall be collected pad and accounted for, at the Treas
ury Of the State, the times when, and in the
manner a>, other State taxes are by law required to
be The collecting officers shall be sub ect to the
penalties for failure collect, pay and account
fer the taxes hereby laid. they noh are for such
failure in spcct other taxes The said collecting
otccrs shall receive the like compensation for the
collection of other taxes.
This ordinance shall be in force from and after its
passage.
Be7y" The proceedings of the two ConS entions
cupy good deal of 9sIr space this week. One Con-
vcnon is engaged i'll legislating and forming
Constitution, the other engaged in organizing a
political party to oppose the action of the &srmer
We opposed to universal negro suffrage and to
DISTINGUISHING white men, but feel confident that
the only way the while people of the Southern States
get their rights allowed and grievances re-
dressed is go into the Union quick possible
and Their commence the contest for reform and justice
then cooperate with whichever party is willing to
leave the question IF suffrage With the States to
settle for themselves.
But strife and contention will do good,
and prevent the execution of the Reconstruct
t"n Acts. The Congressional Republican party is
detern'ncd to take into the Union speedily under
thu - Acts and they will not permit anything to stop
it. They will override the Supreme Court the
President and everything else tkat gets in the way
OF their object.