Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-11-20
From the Hillsboro' Recorder
Convention Meeting.

I1CuSS III hlIiSDOEO Ou ueSQay, Tue
3rd inst, MIR. John w. Norwood was
called to the chair and John ID. Cam
eron appointed Secretary.
I 1t was moved that q committee oi
five be appointed to prepare and sub
NIT to the meeting resolutions express
sive of its sentiments.
The chair appointed the following
| gentlemen: John W. Graham, DR..
Pride Jones, John Burroughs, iona,
than Nichols and Patillo Clark. The
committee retired, and during theii
absence the Hon. ". A. Graham was
called upon, and addressed the meet.
ing at length, urging with great force
of argument and illustration the right,
duty and necessity of calling q Con
vention.
The Committee returned, aud re-
ported tho following preamble and
resolutions:
WHEREAS, The Constitution under
which we are now living was formed
by persons who had not the interest OF
! tho people of the State at heart, was
badly conceived and is lily adapted to
the wants and habits of our people, is
burdensome inits requirements and en-
failing unnecessary expense upon our
citizens, is hard to understand, and in
some instances has necessitated legis-
lation by the Judiciary in order to
make it Ineligible.
AND WHEREAS, The said Constitu-
ton provides, that two-thirds major
ity of each Branch of the General
Assembly may eau Convention of the
people to alter and amend the Consti-
lotion.
AND WHEREAS, The Democratic
Conservative party is now known to
have a majority of two-thirds in each
Branch of the incoming Legislature, a
party that has gained its present as
tendency in the councils of the State,
by its professions of reform and its
earnest desire to correct abuses and
diminish expenses.
Therefore be IL ResolrCd,
1st. That III our opinion, an alter
alton of our Constitution i'll many es-
sential particulars is necessary to our
happiness, and to secure Fan honest,
economical administration and regu-
lation of the internal government of
the State in its various departments,
and just accountability on the part of
it's officers.
II. That having assembled togeth
er to consult Tor our common good, we
do apply to the Legislature for redress
of the grievances imposed on US by a
Constitution, and upon the adoption of
which, many Of our best citizens We're
deprived OF their birth-right of suf-
frage. And we do instruct our Repre-
sentatives that Constitution, the ma
kers whereof were prejudloed or igno-
rant, Is not one tamely to be submit
rcd to lv the frcemen Of North Caro-
lima
III. That the wisdom of our ances-
tors, Ill declaring that elections shall
be often held" has been exemplifed
in the tendency of the long term of
four years for executive officers to rem
der them Indifferent to the wishes OF the
electors, and disposed to trample on
their rights.
". That We can not appreciate the
force of the pleas urged for an acqui-
escence in admitted grievances, or be
soothed by the apprehension born of
tim;dity, but knowing our rights, We
dare maintain them, and place our re-
Gance in overcoming difficulties by
facing them, and not shutting our eyes
upon them.
Y. That we disclaim any intention
or wish to see the benefcent provis-
ions contained iu the present Constitu-
tion in regard to the Homestead aud
the exemption Of the property of un-
fortunate debtors from execution
abolished or in any way abridged, but
we urge that the estate therein be en-
largcd to fee simple and rendered
moro secure to those dependent upon
the owner thereof for protection.
VI. That we have no desire to de-
prive the coIored people of any right
conferred on them by the various
amendments Or which the laws now
give them; and only insist that in the
enjoyment OF the fruits of our own
labor and i'll tho pursuit of happi-
ness, We should be left unm0les:cd.
VII. That we DO favor n change in
our form OF government by Conven-
ton of the people in pursuance of law,
rather than legislative enactment, and
insist that the enumeration of rights
given to the Legislature asspecifed in
the present Constitution "shall not be
construed to impair or deny others re-
tanned by the people, and that all pow
ers not delegated, remain with the
people.
; Mr. John W. Graham supported the
resolutions in few able remarks. He
moved that these resolutions be adopt
ed as the sentiments Of the meeting,
| which wss carried unanimo ously. The
hour for the reassembling of the
| Court having arrived, tho meeting ad-
| joUrned.
JonS W. NORWOOD, Chm.
| JcHS d. CAMERON, Sec'y.