Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-12-11
EEssI 4EssESLATE EEsx.


body, composed to such al extent OF
new members, go to work SO smoothly
and SO determinedly as the present
Legislature. While 1t is composed OF
few men who have occupied promi-
nent positions in the State, yet We
feel sure that there is as much ability,
industry and patriotism among its
members as any of its predecessors
| since the war.
Upon the more important matter S
which will claim the attention of the
Legislature this Winter, it is hardly
possible to form any opinion as to i S
action. The near approach Of the
holidays will doubtless cause them to
be postponed until after the recess.
Indeed it is proposed to adjourn until
the 18th day of January. for the pur-
pose Of allowing the members ample
time to confer with their constituents.
Less is said among the members or
in the lobbies about the State Debt
than other question of importance. It
is easy enough to say that something
must be done to adjust the State Debt,
but with a people impoverished; q
monetary crisis without parallel; al
expensive government, and taxes now
beyond the ability Of the people to
pay, it is difficult to find common
ground upon which the creditor
aud debtor cali stand. From
what we can learn We doubt if any
thing viii be done beyond the appoint
ment Of Commissioners to confer
with the Bondholders, and report to Il
subsequent L gislature. Tie mem
bers of the Legislature will long hest
tate before committing themselves to
any action by which the present bur
densome taxation will be increased.
The question of Convention is more
agitated. Indeed it is the engrossing
subject OF discussion among the meE1-
bers and visitors at the Capitol. It is
i--rosoihle to sav what viii be its I-lti-
mate fate. The Western - So1;.h-
eastern portions Of the State are
pretty generally for Convention, While
the Middle and northeastern portions
are generally opposed to the call.
Yet We fud among its strongest a1ro-
Gates, representatives, from tLo9a 8ec-
tions. The longer the Question IS agl-
tated tie stronger it becorncs- Among
those who are friendly to the call OF a
Convention are some who were op-
posed to il when the reached Raleigh.
On Wednesday night last, Mr.. p. II.
Winston, Jr., Of Berthe, Reading
CT rk of tho Senate, by invitation OF
members from all portions OF the Siate,
delivered an address IN fuckers
Hall to very large crowd, tahirg
strong grounds for ConreItior.
Indeed Il was IL most able and elo-
quent srecch, ani had "A telling effect
upon his hearers. Mr.. Winston came
to Raleigh opposed to Convent on, aI d
had been one Of the ablost opponents
OF Convention, III the cuiumus OF
his paper, the Albermarle Times
His reply to the positions taken by
Mr.. Yates. thu Congressman elect
from his District, was pointed and
telling. He bodily announced that the
people OF lis section we're in favor of
the call OF a Convention. = this
speech could be delivered in every
township in the State thore
would be- no doubt Of the Con
vention. We are satisfied that where
the people are opposed to Conven-
ton it results from want OF full IN
| forma ion upon the subject.
The question of consolidation will
be mp in some shape at an early day.
| The Message Of the Governor does
| not give satisfaction to tho Western
members as he ignores the main line
| to Ducktown, and urges the compla-
ton of the branch road to Paint ROCK
and Morristown. This may array these
members against the scheme, shoulo
those having charge of the matte fol
low the suggestions of the Governor.
Upon the question of Usury there
is much diversity of opinion. The
Senate Committee have been unahl'
to agree upon a report, the majority
being in favor of a usury law, while
the minority, even the "free trade
money men, report in favor of forfeit
ing principal and interest, over twelv'
pre- cent.
We shall have something to So.
about the oersosaet of the Legislature
and other matters at future time.
The New York World says: III W