The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1911-05-09

oASNOAIdSiuS AEoIl GfalSlilG
IN the service OF this or OF the Con-
lederate States
= Stlfflng up Or exciting tumultS,
disorders or Instructions.
8. Dlsposing the people to favor the
enemy
.. opposing or ~endeavoring to pre-
vent the measures carrying on in sup
port OF the freedom and independence
or the Confederate States.
Two or more Witnesses. or other
SuInclent evidence. were sufficient TO
convict. But on the path of one wit
ness the court must make the accused
give good security to appear at court,
or go to Jail. This attack on freedom
ol speech, this f~ornlenter of neighbour
mood quarrels and of prosecutions OF
the unWary this proposal to
rate a tyranny like that of Russia or
turkey received the votes OF 30 OF
our liberty loving citizens. those who
favored the test oath, with seven
others in addition.
| think that Ex-Governor Graham's
speech on the Test Oath. which by the
bye, was published in pamphlet form,
was considered the best made in the
convention. A short speech by +. b.
Satterthwaite against Soldiers Suf-
1rage, and one by Charles Randolph
Thomas on his resolution discount
nancin party spirit had the ring
OF true eloquence. Besides these
Badger, Rayner, Barnes, Ruffin, Bat
tie of Wake, Ferebee, S. 3. Spruill,
Brown. Green. Howard, Venable, Gill
mer. r. Fl. Smith, Bachelor. w. Fl.
Thomas, Lander, Schenck, Biggs, Os-
borne, Cowan, Strange, Speed, Long,
Leak, Reid, Craige, Ham Jones
fin and others often allowed their
voices to be heard, some Of them IN
w~ell-nigh every question. Indeed the
people generally became convinced
that too much time was wasted and
public opinion drove a majority TO
vote the dissolution Of the body after
its fourth session, viz: on May Is,
1852. leaving the amendments 10 the
Constitution, on most Of which COM
mlttees had reported, lin the LIQUIDS.
A possibility of r~eassembIing was pro-
yided for by the provision that Presi-
dent Edwards, or in case Of his death
Messrs. Graham, Howard, Smith OF
Halifax. and Rayner, or a majority Of
them, might call a new session prior
to November 1, 1852. This call was
not made.
1t can be truly said that the bust
ness Of the Convention. and its repu-
tation, suffered from q plethora Of
able and prominent men. Many Of
them thought it was their duty to
the State. as we'll as their constituents.
They not only made inroads on the
patience Of the delegates. but forced
more modest, and sometimes better
Informed men to keep silence. Not
W~ithstanding his trouble full liberty
Of speech was accorded. MY observa-
ton was that very few, il any seemed
to be playing for popularity at home.
The general average OF integrity and
regard for the public good was as
high as ever existed in any legisla-
tive body in our land.
There Were some able and distin-
p1iSho1 6pIpp9fnS who worked faith
fully in committee but did not often
make speeches. I mention particu-
larly the chairman Of Military Al
fairs, Judge Howard. a very able
never long talks. l recall also as
conspicuous for strength and readiness
Judge Barnes, Mr.. Lander, Mr..
Schenck. Mr.. Ashes criticism of Mr..
Arlington Of Nash charging with de-
sorting his party was Of the nature of
leader of men. I might mention
floor and was always forcible, ocsa-
sionally eloquent. Mr.. Rayner was
probably the most frequent speaker
but his effectiveness was impaired by
his vehemence. He was SO violent
that his hearers thought he was ex-
aggerating. He was undoubtedly,
however, very strong. Colonel T'ere-
bee was always heightened and senst-
BILE. Judge Schenck and Judge War
rem were always strong and clear. But
to name all the able debaters would
make this paper too long,
AS his Convention was composed
chiefly Of able and experienced men
it seems regrettable that they did
rewrite the Constitution Of the
State . originally adopted in 1876,
amid the tumults OF war. amended
in many particulars after a long
struggle in 1885, and in one imports
particular in 1857.
Steps were taken for this end, able
appointed, most Of which
made reports. when further action
was cut short by inal adjournment
I give the chairman of the several
committees:
On the Declaration Of Rights
W. J, Ellison.