The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-02-11
n C. CONVENTION.
MONDAY. Feb. 3.

Mr. McCubbins memorial from the citizens
Of Rowan County. praying for a change in the
usury laws Referred
Mr. Ragland, a resolution as follows
Resolred, That the Judiciary Committee be
instructed TO report an ordinance declaring valid
all contracts the consideration of which was Con-
federate Treasury Notes, in all cases where the
same was offered to be discharged in the same
funds. Referred.
Mr. Duckworth, an ordinance for the relief of
the Sheriff of Henderson County Laid over.
Mr. Petree, resolution to raise a committee
to memorable Congress for the reduction of the
revenue tax on tobacco
Mr. Harris of Wake, (col y called up resolu-
tion relative to appointment Of committee of
eight for redistrieting the State. The resolution
was adopted.
The ordinance in relation to the admission of
persons from other States to practice at the bar
in this, was referred to the judiciary Committee.
The ordinance of Mr. French of Baden re-
pealing that portion ofthe revenue law, requiring
employers and corporations to list employees was
withdrawn because General Candy s order covered
the case.
The ordinance of Mr. Gambler, repeating the
amnesty law-except SO far applied to federal
soldiers and females, was read and passed over
The vote by which the relief question was
postponed till Saturday was reconsidered and on
motion it was set for special order IL o'clock to-
morrow.
An ordinance for the relief of the Wilmington
Charlotte and Rutherford Railroad Company
was adopted. This ordinance will be found in
another column.
TUESDAY, Feb. 4.
Mr. Welker presented memorial from certain
citizens, praying that the dstilation of grain be
prohibited for FIVE years. Lies over.
Mr. Po1r L. I'll:
submitted the following reports
On ordinance In relation to the election of
Judges by the people-unfavorably
On ordinance in relation to providing Convey
-unfavorably;
Also the following article to the Constitution: |
"That the General Assembly shall provide, by |
law, that mechanics and laborers should have a |
lien on the subject matter of their labors;"
Also on ordinance respecting the admission of
Attornies to the bar of this State, introduced by
Mr. Welker of Guilford. A vote on this ordi-
nance resulted, yeas IS, nays 20.
Also on an ordinance in regard to change in
the usury 1aW,-recOmmending that the law re-
mann unchanged, but as the matter belongs
properly to the Committee on Legislature asking
its reference to that Committee Agreed to-
The President then announced the following
gentlemen, as the Committee, created by Hoods
resolution, to report the names of persons whom
this Convention may fit to recommend to
Congress for removal of their political disabili-
ties, viz: Messrs Nicholson, of the 1st District;
King, of Lenoir, of the End Hay, of the Sd;
Tourgee, of the 4th; Hood, (coi) of the 9Th;
Forkner of the 9th; Jones' of Caldwell, of the
9TH; and Gahagan, ofthe 9Th.
THE STAY LAW
The hour of II having arrived, and the Relief
Bill being the special order, Mr. Rodman, as
Chairman of the Committee was entitled to the
floor. He entered into lengthy argument in
defence of the Report. He did not think the
passage of the measure would in any way come
In conflict with the requirements of the Consti-
tuition of the United States. Mr. r. based his
main argument upon the assumption, that we
were not State of this Union, and, therefore.
were not held up to strict accountability. but '
as individuals, We were bound by it's provisions.
He denied that the measure limited at repudia-
ton; but merely stayed the collection of certain
debts temporarily, to prevent utter ruin falling
upon the people.
Mr. Graham spoke in opposition to the ordi-
nance and proposed substitute which was re-
jected.
Mr. Mcdonald of Chatham. opposed Mr. Gs
substitute, and concurred with MIR Rodman in
his views of the matter, and proceeded, at some !
length to give his ideas of what he considered r
good and lasting relief a
Mr. Abbot was apprehensive of all such meas d
ures. He wished to relieve the suffering people. v
but thought the matter should be handled with b
great care, especially when it could, in any way
be construed into any thing like Reputation. Il
Mr. Fuaings did not believe in special leeisla-
ton in such matters. The rights of the poor y
and honest creditors and their earnings of wears
oftoil, should also receive some consideration at u
the hands of this body They had worked, made II II
money and loaned 1t in good faith, they had sold =
articles that cost them many a weary DAVIS labor 4
to produce; and now that they were poor and IL
needy, were the richer classes who were in their
debt, to be sheltered by this measure?
MIR Stilley favored the bill as reported d.
Mr. King, of Lincoln did not like stay-laws in tt
any shape or form. Only dishonest debtors were
always praying for one. He represented honest -
people, and did not want one g
Galloway, lcol.) would not vote for rcpudatinp ~
any honest debts. He would only vote for re. -
pudiating debts contracted in the purchase of T.
slaves after the proclamation of 1868, and debts =
contracted to carry on the war. He wished to
be known as 'non1repudiator.'
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5. ~
Mr. Ellis wished to call up his resolution, Of ~ ~
cred few days ago, in regard to memoralizine ,1
Congress to aid the President of the United w.
States In testing the constitutionality of the '-
reconstruction acts. Mr. King of Lenoir, OBJ T,
ected.
The Relief Ordinance was taken I'M and dis 30
ussed at considerable length. %. vi
Mr. King Of Lincoln, thought that if this VI VI
IL