The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1913-12-02
North Carolina Convention OF
First Years After War
Continued from Page Fiye.)

~ arv repalty The acts of the pro-
v~isioral government were likewise de-
clared valid. All offices, the incum-
bents II which had taken the oath
9 allegiance :. the C~onfederacy. were
declared vacant. On the strength of
Hoke v. Henderson. there vas some
opposition to this, but the theory de-
clared in Butler v. Pennsylvania. pre-
vailed and the Supreme court Of North
Carolina in Bal ". Ellington, has at
a later day attested the correctness of
their judgment. The State vas di-
vided into seven congressional dis
tricts, provision was made for a
county police force. in spite Of some
doubt as to the wisdom Of the pro-
position, and the President was pc
titioned to withdraw colOred troops
from the State. to proclaim a general
amnesty. and to proclaim the people
Of North Carolina restored TO their
rights and privileges in the Union
under the Constitution.
As to War Debt.
This completed the necessary work
Of the convention with the exception
of consideration of the war debt. The
committee appointed to consider the
question recommended its postpone
ment until the second session. An or
dinance Of reputation, introduced by
Settle. was tabled by a vote OF So to
SO on the eleventh day OF the ses-
sion. This vas in part due to a let
ter from DR.. r. J. Powell, the State
agent at Washington. to Governor HOl-
den. in which an account was given OF
separate conversations on the sub
ject with every membe OF the cab
met. Secretary Stanton refused to
discuss the matter, but all the rest
agreed that the convention ought not
10 take any action, at the time, ia
regard to the debt. This letter was
circulated by the governor himself
and read by the majority OF the mem
bers Of the convention.
The matter seemed settled and, so
far as can be judged from the press,
the people approved. But a surprise
was in store for the State and the
convention. though not for certain in
= dividuals. Governor Holden. who had
apparently favored the tabling Of Set
ties ordinance, either changed his
mind OF became aware that his views
were not in accord with those Of the
President. Accordingly he telegraph
ed the latter as follows:
Raleigh, Oct. 10. 1865.
Sir.-Contrary to my expectation,
the convention has involved itself in
a bitter discussion Of the State debt
made in aid of the rebellion. A con-
%uan Of this discussion will great
ly excite the people and retard the
work OF reconstruction. Our people
are believed to be against assuming
the debt by large majority. Is il
not advisable. hat our convention,
like that OF Alabama. should positive
ly ignore this debt now and forever
Please answer at once.
w. w. HOLDEN.
So far as this implied that a bit
ter discussion had occupied the for
ma proceedings Of the convention, i
was untrue. The whole matter hat
been tabled on October 13 with n
prospect Of any further action upol
il during the session. The discussion
had never been bitter and had bee1
very brief. The next day, Governo
Holden sent to the convention tn
Presidents reply.
Washington City. Oct. 1s. 1855.
W. w. Holden, Provisional Cover
nor:-Every dollar of the State deb
created to aid the rebellion agains
the United States, should be repu
dated, finally and forever. The grea
mass Of the people should not be take
to aid in carrying on a rebellion whic'
they, in fact. if left to themselves
were opposed to. Let those who hax
given their means for the obligation
of the State. look to nat power the
tried to establish in violation Of Law
Constitution, and the will of the pee
pie. Iney must meet their fate. ]
is their misfortune and they canns
be recognized by the people of an
State processing themselves loyal t
the government of the United State
in the Union.
l repeat. that the loyal people G
North Carolina should be exonerate
from the payment OF every dollar {
Indebtedness created to aid in carr,
ing on the rebellion. trust an
hope that the people Of North Care
lima will wash their hands Of ever,
thing that partakes in the slightel
degree of the rebellion which has bee
SO recently crushed by the stron
arm Of the government in carryir
out the obligations imposed by II
Constitution of the Union.
X JOHNSON,
President United States.
Changed Convention Sentiment.
This telegram changed the sent
ment OF the convention. D. F. Call
well aid his opinion was chang.
by the knowledge Of the President