The Weekly Standard from Raleigh, North Carolina • Page 4

THE NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD MAY 29, j. A 1861. tliii. s. WORTH-CAROLINA STATE CONVENTION.

Monday, May 20th, 1861. The delegates met in the Commons Hall of the Capitol ia Raleigh, at 11 o'clock. -Jtfr. -Biggs, delegate from Martin, called the Convention to order, and: proposed that a committee of three, to consist of Messrs. Venable of Granville, Woodfin of Buncombe, and Speed of Pasquotank, should be appointed to inspect the certificates of delegates, and the proposition was agreed to.

The; reported one hundred and twelve delegates present, and answering to their names as follows: Alleghany and Ashe J. E. Foster. Alamance Giles Mebane and Thos. Ruffiri, Sen.

Alexander--A. (X JStewart AnsouA. Myers and J. A. Leake.

Bet tie S. B. Spruill and James Bond. Bladen TiJ. McDowell.

Beaufort-W. J. Ellison and E. J. Warren.

BuncombeS. W. Woodfin. Brunswick T. D.

Meares. Bwrhe J. C. McDowell. Cabarrut C.

Phifer. Caldwell JL W. Jones. Camden D. D.

Ferebee. Certeret R. Thomas. Caswell Bedford Brown and John A. Graves.

Catawba 'P. G. HenkeL Chatham H. Headen, L. J.

Merritt, and Jno. Manning. Ckerolcee A. T. Davidson.

Cleaveland W. J. T. Miller, and J. W.

Tracy. Chowan R. Dillard. Columbus Richard Wooten. Craven John D.

Whitford, and George Green. Cumberland Warren Winslow, and D. McNeill. Currituck H. M.

Shaw. Davidson B. A. Kittrell and B. C.

Douthit Davie Robt. Sprotise. Duplin Wm. J. Houston and J.

T. Rhodes. Edgecombe and Wilson Geo. Howard and W. S.

Battle. Franklin A. T. Williams. Forty the T.

J. Wilson and R. L. Patterson. Gaston S.

X. Johnson. Gates A. J. Walton.

Granville A. W. Venable, T. L. Hargrove and S.

S. Royster. Greene Wm. A. Darden.

Guilford John A. Gilmer, Ralph Gorrell and R. P. Dick. Halifax R.

H. Smith and C. J. Gee. Harnett A.

S- McNeill. Haywood Wm. Hicks. Henderson Wm. M.

Shipp. Hertford K. Rayner. Hyde Ed. L.

Mann. Iredell A. Mitchell, and Thos. A. Allison.

Johnston C. B. Sanders and Wm. A. Jones Wm.

Foy. Jackson Wm. II. Thomas. Lenoir John C.

Washington. Lincoln Wm. Lander. Madison J. D.

McDowell. Macon C. D. Smith. Martin Asa Biggs.

McDowell tJjis. H. Greenlee. Mecklenburg Jas. W.

Osborne and Wm. Johnson. Montgomery S. H. Christian.

Moore H. Turner. Nash Arch. H. Arrington.

New Hanover W. S. Ashe and R. II. Cowan.

Northampton Jno. M. Moody and D. A. Barnes.

Onslow E. W. Ward. Orange Wm. A.

Graham and John Berry. Pasquotank R. K. Speed. Perquimans Joseph S.

Cannon. Person John W. Cuningham. Pitt F. B.

Satterthwaite and Bryan Grimes. Polk and Rutherford M. Durham and J. Carson. Randolph Wm.

J. Long and A. G. Foster. Richmond W.

F. Leake. Robeson John C. Sutherland and J. P.

Fuller. Rockingham David S. Reid and E. T. Brodnax.

Rowan Burton Craige and H. C. Jones, Sen. Sampson Robt. A.

Mosely and Thos. Bunting. Stokes John Hill. Stanly E. Henrne.

Surry T. V. Hamlin. Tyrrell Spruill. Union H.

M. Houston. Wake Geo. E. Badger, K.

P. Battle and W. W. Holden. Warren W.

N. Edwards and F. A. Thornton. Washington Wm.

S. Pettigrew. Watauga J. W. Council.

Wayne E. A. Thompson and Geo. V. Strong.

Wilkes Peter Eller and Jas. Calloway. Yadkin R. F. Armfield.

Yancey M. P. Penland. There being a quorum present, Mr. Leake of Richmond, arose and said I rise for the purpose of calling you to order, and asking that we proceed to the organization of this body.

With this view, I present the name of the Hon. Weldon N. Edwards, of Warren, as a suitable gentleman to preside over our deliberations, nomen elarum et zenerabile" In making the nomination I deem it entirely unnecessary to accompany it with any remarks, for the n.tme itself has become to the friends of State rights and State sovereignty a household word, and their names are legion, and its bare mention is sufficient to gain for it a ready admission into the highest niche of the citadel of our affections for it is tor the assertion of the rights of the State, bottomed on the sovereignty of the State, that we have now assembled. Ltespgctfujly suggestthafiter the nomination or nominations sltiwnTadethat the clerk proceed to call the roll and that we vote toce. Mr.

Badger, with equally appropriate remarks, put in nomination lion. Willian A. Graham, of Orange. The vote was taken vina the above committee acting as tellers, who announced the whole number of totes cast to be 112, of which Mr. Ed 3s WW SmA'WV jrould better effected by 4uctoda 4icus- trion with closed doors.

Mr. Reid differed from the gentleman in regard to the propriety bf a secret session' There was perfect unanimity on the subject of secession the only difference of opinion was in regard ttHhe mode of expressing it On the motion, he demanded the yeas and nays. The President said there was no rule adopted by which the yeas and nays could be demanded he could only order them upon a motion for that purpose made and adopted. Mr. Osborne thought there was no necessity for going into secret session, and asked the mover to withdraw the motion.

Mr. Leake, of Richmond, hoped there would be no dissension on the mere form of the ordinance he believed there would be none. So far as he could discover, the two sets of resolutions offered, exhibited the difference between tweedledum and tweedle-. dee. He was willing to embrace either.

He would prefer an ordinance, however, that provided for go-, ing into the Southern Confederacy, at the same time that it provided for going out of he old Union. Mr. Barnes, in answer to the suggestion of Mr. Osborne, said he must act from his own convictions of duty. Ho thought there would certainly be considerable-debate on the resolutions and amendments, and it would be better that this debate should be conducted with closed doors.

He insisted on his motion. The motion for the yeas and nays was then put and decided in the negative. The question was then on Mr. Barnes' motion. Mr.

Barnes demanded tellers, and the Chair appointed Messrs. Barnes and Meares, who reported ayes 54, nays 59, so the motion for secret session did not prevail. Mr. Osborne wished to know what was the position of business before the Convention he under-Stood the amendment of Mr. Dick to Mr.

Barker's resolutions, to be the first question under consideration, and -asked Mr. Dick to withdraw his amendment and bring it up in the form of a distinct proposition. Mr. Dick said he would consent to do so with the" understanding that he would have an opportunity of taking a vcte thereon at an early day so the amendment was withdrawn. The question was then on Mr.

Craige's substitute, which is as follows AN ORDINANCE, To dissolve the Union between the State of North-Carolina and the other States united withherun- der the compact of the Government, entitled the Constitution of the United States. We, the people of the State of North-Carolina, in Convention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinance adopted by the State of North-Carolina in the Convention of 1789, whereby the Constitution of the United States was ratified and adopted, and also all acts and parts of acts of the General Assembly ratifying and adopting amendments to the said Constitution, are hereby repealed, rescinded and abrogated. We do further declare and ordain, that the Union now subsisting between the State of North-Carolina and the other States under the title of the United States of America, is hereby dissolved, and that the State of North-Carolina is in full possession and exercise of all those rights of sovereignty which belong and appertain to a free and independent State. Mr. Biggs said that a question of such importance ought not to be decided by simple ayes and noes he supposed every member wished to have his vote on it recorded on the journals.

Mr. Graham said that the Convention might adopt the rules of the House of Commons, by which a call for the yeas and nays may be ordered, and made a motion to that effect. Mr. Biggs hoped the gentleman would except, in his motion, that rule which required any bill to be read three several times on different days. The suggestion was adopted by Mr.

G. Mr. Reid thought the adoption of the rules of the House of Commons would produce embarrassment in the action of the Convention, because ot their inapplicability, in many respects, to the business that might come up for consideration. He thought the whole difficulty might be obviated by taking the yeas and nays by unanimous consent Mr. Satterthwaite agreed with the gentleman from Rockingham, and moved that the yeas and Niays on the substitute be taken by general consent The suggestion was adopted and all pending motions on the subject informally passed over.

The yeas and nays were then ordered on Mr. Craige's substitute. Mr. Badger took the floor and spoke in defence of his resolutions at some length. We may give a synopsis or nis remarKs nerealter.

Mr. replied in favor of his substitute. He thought it would be better that a simple ordinance of secession should be passed now, and that the reasons therefor might be given hereafter. It was for this reason he offered the substitute because Mr. resolutions, while they set forth many and strong grounds, did not embrace all the reasons for the separation and especially it seemed to estimate that no cause for the separation existed prior to Lincoln's proclamation of the 16th of there were many members of the Convention who believed that causes for secession existed prior to tthat time.

Therefore, while m'any might dissent from the views in the prAmole ef Mr.B.'s resolu-Jions, all could concur iWhe simple declaration of secession contained in the substitute. Mr. Ruffin said that there might exist difficulties in the minds of members in voting on either set of resolutions. He thought the reasons for the separation uught to be set forth in the ordinance, but was not prepared to accept those in the preamble of Mr. B.

without some amendment There were many and strong reasons for the contemplated action of the people in severing their connection with the United Stctes government, that were not set forth in that preamble he would therefore move to lay both the resolution and the sutsiitnte on the table, for the purpose of introducing a resolution to simply declare the State of North-Carolina out of the old Federal Union, and for the appointment of a committee of ten to draw up and present to the Convention a formal declaration of secession, setting forth the reasons for the separation. The question was put on Mr. Ruffin's motion and did not prevail, yeas 44, nays 49. Mr. Rayner thought the difference of views on the form of the declaration might be reconciled by blending the two into one series, and so amending the preamble as to remove all difficulty from the mind of every one.

Mr. Ruffin explained that he had not offered his motion because he was opposed to either the resolutions of Mr. Badger, or the substitute of Mr. Craige, he would vote for either but he offered it simpiy to harmonize sentiment and bring about action on the subject. Mr.

Biggs said he had no doubt that there would be perfect unanimity in adopting an ordinance of secession, whether the original resolution or the substitute be the form selected in which to give it expression. Mr. Ferebee asked for a division of the question. The question was put on striking out, and resulted in the affirmative, yeas 72, nays 39. ine question was then on the adoption of Mr.

Craige's substitute. The substitute was then read. Mr. Ruffin objected to that portion of the ordi nance which repeals the action of the Convention of 1789, adopting the Federaf Constitution. Ho thought MessrskWinslow 1, thnmnson of Wsvne.

to superintend the election, who reported: Mr- Steele duly elected. The Convention then proceeded to the election or Assistant Clerk. Mr. Reid nominated Mr. Engelhard; Mr.

Venable nominated Dr. S. A. Williams; Mr. Barnes nominated Mr.

L. C. Edwards; Mr. Miller nominated Mr. J.

A. Fox, and Mr. Brown nominated Mr. M. H.

Pinnix, but afterwards withdrew his name. Messrs. Miller and Barnes were appointed to superintend the election, who reported Mr. L. C.

Edwards duly elected. Mr. Page, of Randolph, Mr. Lovell, of Surry, on motion of Mr. Biggs, and Mr.

J. C. Moore, of Wake, on motion of Mr. Graham, were then appointed Doorkeepers. Mr.

Venable then renewed his motion to open the proceedings of the Convention with prayer, which concurred in. Rev. J. W. Tucker, of Raleigh, then, by invitation, offered a prayer for the support and guidance of the Supreme Disposer of events in the deliberations of the Convention upon the great and momentous questions to come before it A communication from Hon.

F. J. Moses, Commissioner from South-Carolina to this Convention, was announced by the President, and read by the Clerk- Ul A The President appointed Messrs. Venable and Ruffin to wait on Mr. Moses, and invite him to a seat in the Convention.

The committee having attended to that duty, the President, in the name of the Convention, welcomed the Hon. Commissioner to the State, who responded in a style becoming the occasion, and laid before the Convention the ordinance of secession passed by the Convention of South Carolina, and asked the co-operation of North Carolina therein. A resolution inviting the clergy of the city to open the daily sittings of the Convention with prayer, was passed over for the present, informally, in order that the committee on rules might report. Mr. Meares suggested that the Convention adopt the rules of the Convention of 1835.

Mr. Biggs thought that there was no necessity of adopting rules to day; the Convention ought to pass an ordinance of secession, immediately he was opposed to delay in this matter. Mr. Craige concured with the gentleman last up. There was perfect unanimity of sentiment on this subject, throughout the State.

This was an auspicious day for such a declaration. He was in favor of making a Declaration of Independence from the old federal Union, on this dayu, particularly. He said he held in his hand an ordinance of secession, which he would introduce to the Convention. The President decided that the paper offered by Mr. Badger, (being an ordinance of separation,) was first in order.

Mr. Craige insisted that Mr. Badgers resolutions were not regularly before-the Convention, but he was willing they should be read, and if they expressed his views, he would go for them if not, he would move his as a substitute. The resolutions introduced by Mr. Badger were then read, as follows An Ordinance declaring the Searation of North Carolina from the United States of America.

Whereas, Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, and Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, were chosen President and Vice President of the United States, by a party, in fact, and avowedly entirely sectional in its organization, and hostile in its declared principles to the institutions of the Southern States of the Union, and therefore certain Southern States did separate themselves from the Union, and form another and independent Government under the name of the Confederate States of America and whereas, the people of North Carolina, though greatly aggrieved by the evident tendency of this election, and of these principles, did, abstain from adopting any such measure of separation, and, on the contrary, influenced by an ardent attachment to the Union and their fathers had transmitted to them, did remain in the Union, loyally discharging all their duties under the said Constitution, in the hope, that what was threatening in public affairs might yield to the united efforts of patriotic men from every part of the nation, and by these efforts such guarantees for the security of our rights might be obtained, as should restore confidence, renew alienated ties, and finally re-unite all the States in a common bond of fraternal Union meantime, cheerfully and faithfully exerting whatever influence they possessed for the accomplish-nent of this most desirable end: And whereas, hings being in this condition, and the people of his State indulging this hope, the said Abraham President of the United States, did on the 6th day of April, by his proclamation, call upon he States of the Union to furnish large bodies of roops, to enable him, under the false pretence of xecuting the laws, to march an army into the seeded States, with a view to their subjection, under arbitrary and military authority, there being no iw of Congress authorizing such calling out of oops, and no constitutianal right to use them, if illed out, for the purpose intended by him. And, hereas, this call for troops has been answered iroughout the Northern, Northwestern and middle on-slaveholding States, with enthusiastic readi-ess, and it is evident from the tone of the entire ress of these States and the open avowals df their ublic men, that it is the fixed purpose of the Gav-rnment and people of those States, to wage a civil var against the seceded States, to destroy utterly he most favored portion of this red inhabitants to absolute subjection and laverv and whereas, in aid of these dete: lans and wicked measures, the said Lincoln, ut any shadow of rightfjl authority, in plain iolation of the Constitution of the United States, as, by other proclamations, declared all the ports rsorth Carolina, as well as the other Southern Vtlantic and Gulf States under blockade, thus seek-ig to cut off our trade with all parts of the world. Vnd whereas, since his accession to powcrJhe- vhole conduct ftf-the said Lincoln has been marked a Succession of false, disingenuous and treacher- us acts and declarations, proving incontestibly, hat he is, at least in his dealings with Southern nen, void of faith and honor. And whereas, he is iow governing by military rule, alone enlarging new enlistments of men, both the military and naval force without any authority of law, having set aside all constitutional and legal restraints, and made all constitutional and legal rights dependent upon his mere pleasure, and that of his military subordinates. And whereas, in all his unconstitu tional, illegal and oppressive acts, in all his wicked and diabolical purposes, and his present position of usurper and Military dictator, he has been, and is encouraged and supported by the great body of the people of the non-slaveholding States Therefore, this Convention now here assembled.

in the name and with the sovereign power of the people of North Carolina, doth, for the reasons aforesaid, and others and in order to preserve the undoubted rights and liberties of the said people hereby declare all connexion of government between these States and the United States of America, dis solved and abrogated, and this State to be a free, sovereign and independent State, owing no subordination, obedience, support or other duty to the said United States, their Constitution or authorities, 1 anything in the ratification of the said Constitution or of any amendment or amendments thereto to the contrary, notwithstanding and having full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, and to do all other acts and things, which independent States may of right do. And appealing to the Supreme Governor of the World for the justice of our cause, and beseeching Him for His gracious help and blessing, we will, to the uttermost of our power, and to the last extremity, maintain, defend, and uphold this Declaration. Mr. Rayner thought the proceedings on the resolutions should be conducted in secret session. The question was discussed but no action taken in the matter.

Mr. Craige moved his resolutions as a substitute to those of Mr. Badger. Mr. Dick offered an amendment to Mr.

Badger's resolutions. "And this ordinance to be of full force and effect when ratified by the legal voters of this State, at an election hereafter to be held, the day and manner of holding said election to be fixed and provided for by this Convention." Rayner moved the consideration of the'reso-lutions and amendments be conducted in secret session, but at request ofgeotlemen, withdrew the motion. Mr. Barnes renewed the motion. He thought the voice of the Convention should go' forth as the unan-fmous expression of the will of the people and this uce abfcct i withv-f the Union, and that the clause of the Coistl of which the act m'gM be thought to be was of no fprce aid, effect, in this State.

M. ffow'ardasked if it were not expected that the State would go into the" Southern 0 eracv. which had the Rama rlanan tution. KfAWn COlf -BBrll lH Tinf rvnnv -k-wii pu, tt uwvt tunc 1 1 110 fhD ern onieueracy at xnat time and that the ne ordinary state ot anairs warranted the the act Mr. Lander renewed his motion to lav lution on the table.

Mr. Ashe demanded "iereso. the vea? arm ich ueiug uuci eu, oiiuncu jrcas uv, nays 64. motion did not prevail. 1 ,1 A erv JiW Mr.

Howard moved to make the number committee ten, and it was thus carried, and amended, the resolution passed. lis: Mr. Myers introduced a resolution to havei- ,600 copies of certain public acts, also lin 1 1 each of the Dublic acts passed at thp la to L0Pfs sion of the General Assembly, and that the ry of State furnish the Printer to the Convr" with certified copies of said acts. Mr. M.

said it was important, both to tb vention and to the public at large, that tliej should be published at an early day. se Mr. nousion, oi uupnn, ottered a sK the effect that the Governor be requested to 10 1 thft acts of the recent extra spKcinn avt stitute i diately. i Mr, Badger said.Jn all his observation of iei.i I tive proceedings, this was the first time he had known -the Governor to be called upon to i public printing; he thought it besto adhere tn H-1 yi 'IMFM i old Dlan. u- Mr Mr.

Houston was not choice as to who sho have it done, and on suggestion, substituted resolution the Secretary of State" for "ihni era or. ft 'K- Mr.mith, of Halifax, su igRested that thP me suosutute couj be introduced as a separate proposition and acM on afterward. 5 lbe question was then put on the substitute it was not adopted. and The question was then put on Mr. Myers' reso'.

i tion, apd decided in the affirmative. Mr. Saunders introduced an ordinance to amt-d 4 the third section, 4th article, the amendments 'tc K' the Constitution, so that taxation on all proper shall be uniform, and that all property shall be tV'd according to value, and that the ordinance shall in force if ratified by the people at an election I August next Read once and ordered to be printed The ordinance of Mr. Kittrell, introduced veskN f' day, to amend the Constitution in regard to subjects of taxation, was taken up and read tl second time. Mr.

Kittrell moved that its further consideration be postponed until to-morrow. Mr. Ruffin moved to refer it to a special com. mittee. Some discussion then arose as to the propriety of 'f referring ordinances concerning amendments to thj Constitution, to a special committee.

Mr. Rayner explained the plan adopted by the Convention of 1835 tha members proposed amend- 5 ments in abstract terms, which were discussed, Mi if adopted, were referred to a committee to put them in proper form and were then finally passed upon by the Convention. Mr. Reid thought the method of proceeding in the -restricted Convention of 1835, would not adapt itself to this Convention. He thought every proposition or ordinance should be referred to a committee Mr.

Holden offered an amendment to Mr. Kittrell's ordinance, to the effect that slaves shall be taxed according to value, but no higher than land. Mr. Biggs said he was opposed to entering into the consideration of the subject of altering the Constitution at this time. That there are several amendments to be considered in addition to that of removing restrictions on slaves, there should be a limit to the public debt.

He called the attention of the Convention to a resolution offered by him yesterday, proposing to receive and lay on the tabic without discussion, all propositions for amending the Constitution, during the present session of the Cbnvention. If this resolution be adopted it wil, supercede all further discussion of the matter at this time. Mr. Brown concurred with the last speaker. This is not the proper time to be conside: intr these if amendments.

He thought it would be belter to defer it to another sitting of the Convention. He was in favor of submitting alterations in the Constitution to the people, although he Relieved there was no necessity for it in the case of the ordinance of secession, because the public sentiment on that subject, was well known. Mr. Kittrell said it was strange that gentlemen should deprecate.haste in this matter who were in such Ijaste to pass an ordinance of secession, and an ordinance to go into the Southern Confederacy, on Monday last, that they were unwilling to give even one day's consideration to these important questions. The public mind was prepared on the question of these amendments there was excitemcni, and he wished to allay it.

He insisted on iMr. Rut-iin's motion to refer, and demanded the yeas and nays. Mr. Ruffin was in favor of Mr. Biggs' resolution, and proposed to amend his motion tor a reference, so that all matters pfertaining to amendments lo the Constitution shall be referred to tb.w committee.

thoinW tfnv gentleman could not, under the rufes, amend his motion to commit. Mr. Ruffin said he gave it up; but he would af A terwards offer a resolutionfor a committee to which all proposed amendments should be referred, who might report to the present session or not, as they might see fit Mr. Osborne thought that this is a proper time to amend the Constitution in the particular contemplated in the ordinance now under consideration. It is proper for this Convention to look into the financial condition of the State.

We are in the mitist of a war which will incur extraordinary expenses, and therefore he thought it right and necessary that all the sources for tax should be under the control of the legislature. It was objected, that war was no knocking at the borders of the State, and therefore it is not a tit time to be talking about amending the Constitution but he thought now a better time than it will be when war is knocking at the capitoL There are but few amendments necessary, but there are some, and they should be attended to now. Mr. Speed said there were two reasons why we should act on this matter now; 1st, on account of the: power given the county courts to raise money by taxation to equip volunteer companies, and they should be allowed to tax all species of property and secondly, the people demand that that property for which they are prepared to risk home, comforts, and even their blood, should bear its proportion of the expense. Mr.

Reid thought it would be better that there should be a committee who should have these amendments under consideration during the recess that will probably be taken and report on them at the adjourned meeting. Thinks we do not understand the question sufficiently at this time he docs not The last time he heard of the question there was a majority of six thousand in the State against it. Mr. Biggs said he was for sustaining the credit of the State thinks there is necessity for making some change in the Constitution, but thinks the present. time inopportune prefers some delay.

Mr. Brown said he had no disposition to defeat the measure he was willing to act. Mr. Leak, of Richmond, said that it is very hard to shake off the influence of party men may be ever so honest in their intention of acting independently of party predilections, and yet not be entirely successful in discarding them fl together but he was determined act above party on this question must be met, and he was "for taking the bull by the horns;" he wished to show by the action of the Convention that slave owners were willing to do justly, to accede to a proper modification of the Constitution, and even to surrender everything when the maintenance of the rights and liberties ot the State demand it. vf v.i.

nf war. I on the present war the difference between the tal on slaves and on other property is too great. ilc suggested to Mr. Ruflin to withdraw his motion for a special committee, and let the question be considered in committee of the whole. Mr.

Ruffin declined to withdraw his motion. Mr. Ashe regrets the introduction of this question at this time. He is willing to adjust the ana to do justice to the west and to the east, but no now; thinks it unfortunate this political (Continued oh first page.) uonstitution ot the Uontederate states oi Ameri ca, was then taken up. Mr.

Veflable said the Constitution was the same as that of the'former United States Constitution, with some amendments, which he briefly stated. Mr. Smith of Halifax, desired to know if the copy of the Constitution, offered wi.h the ordinance was authentic. Mr. Venable said it was a copy printed by the Public Printer of the Confederate States.

Mr. Kittrell said, in such an important matter, we should be certain what it is we adopt In adopting this Canstitution, we may not be adopting the Constitution of the Confederate States. Mr. Barnes said, this is a grave matter, and one upon which the Convention ought to act with great deliberation. He was as much in favor of making North Carolina a member of the Southern Confed eracy as the gentleman from Granville, but he also wished to know when he voted his State into the Confederacy, upon what terms she should go in.

He was not willing to take this Constitution as the true one, without better evidence. The gentleman from Granville is a lawyer, and in the habit, he presumed, of acting on evidence, yet he is willing to take this Constitution without a shadow of evidence of its correctness. Other States had not so acted they had had certified copies -ent them, and he would not consent to place State in so undignified a position, as the adoption of this Constitution under such circumstances, would place her. Mr. Osborne thought there was no necessity for haste deliberate consideration ought to be had on this grave and important question.

He moved the appointment of a committee to whom the ordinance shall be referred. The motion prevailed, and the President appointed Messrs. Venable, and Ruffin. Mr. Kittrell introduced an ordinance to repeal clauses 1 and 2 of section 3 of the 4th article of the amended Constitution aard to subjects of taxation.

Read the h'r Nqered to be printed. Mr. Biggs intrdT Jion that all ordi nances for alteringVn jg. the Constitution of the State, brought befoTefSis Convention, shall be laid upon the table. Lies over under the rule.

Mr. Craige moved that a certified copy of the or-linance passed by this Convention, adopting the Jonstitution of the Provisional Government of the -Confederate States, be sent to the Government at Montgomery, and the motion prevailed. Mr. Barnes from the committee to have the rdinance of secession on enrolled and prepar-d for signature, reported that the ordinance had een neatly enrolled on parchment, 'and would be eady for the signatures of delegates this evening o'clock, in this Hall, and proposed that the same hould be signed first by the President and then by he delegates in alphabetical order, and the report vas adopted. Mr.

Batchelor introduced a resolution for the ap-iointment of a committee of thirteen to prepare bu-iness for the Convention. Mr. Woodfin could not see how a committee could rescribe business for the Convention he thought ne Convention was unrestricted, and he thought hat each member for himself had the right to in-roduce such resolutions and amendments as he night see proper. Such a committee might have een appropriate in 1835, when the Convention was estricted in its action, but this Convention could ot be so curbed. Mr.

Spruill, of Bertie, agreed in sentiment with he last speaker. He said it might be necessary, nd he thought it would, to make certain changes the Constitution, and he would not consent to nus having the free action of the Convention trammeled. After some further remarks by Messrs. Reid and atchelou, in favor of the resolution, and by Mr. against it, Mr.

Ferebee moved to lay the resolution on the able and the motion prevailed. On irtotion of Mr. Meares, the Convention took a ecess until this evening 7 o'clock. EVENING SESSION. The President called the Convention to order at o'clock.

The special order for the evening was the signing he ordinance of secession. At the suggestion of Mr. Barnes and others, the late of the passage of the ordinance was affixed to le enrolled copy of that instrument. The President, Hon. Weldon N.

Edwards then his name to the ordinance, in presence of 'ie Convention, and of a large audience of ladies nd gentlemen in the galleries, who testified approval of the act by demonstrations of applause. The roll of counties was then called in alp.habeti-il order, the delegates from each coming forward 5 the counties were called, and affixing their names the ordinance every delegate to the Contention eing present and signing. Mr. Osborne then moved that the ordinance be eposited with the Secretary of State, for safe and he be authorized to procure a case for the anie, and, after some discussion, the proposition vas adopted. The Convention thtn adjourned to 11 o'clock, to-Qorrow morning.

Wednesday, May 22, 1861. The Convention was called to order at 11 o'clock, the President Fraycr by Kev. 1. h. Skinner.

The journal of Tuesday was read and approved. The President then announced the following com-littee to report on a State Flag: Messrs. Whitford, iraham, Rayner, Smith of Halifax, Foy, 1 Cuningham. Mr.Graharn printing of the-Constitu- on of North-Caiolina, arjd the act of the General assembly calling this Convention, with the rules of -rder, and the motion prevailed, i Mr. Osborne moved that when any paper shall be I -rdered to be printed, the number of copies shall be ne hundrod and fifty, unless otherwise ordered, nd it was carried.

Mr. Headen introduced a resolution that Messrs. i tuffin, Brown, Graham, Badger and Gilmer be ap- ointed a committee to prepare an address setting rth the causes which impel North-Carolina to a oparation from the United States. Mr. Lander moved to lay the resolution on the able, and the motion prevailed.

Mr. Batchelor offered a resolution that from and fter to-day the Convention shall meet at 10, a. nd adjourn at 2, p. m. On motion of Mr.

Badger, the resolution was laid the table. Mr Satterthwait introduced a resolution that there hall be a committee of five, appointed by the Pres-lent, to prepare an address setting forth the causes or the separation of North-Carolina from the late ederal Union. Mr. S. said he thought it necessary and proper hat this Convention should declare to the world the causes which led to our separation from the te IJnion, and send it forth with the ordinance of eparation.

Mr. Reid suggested that the number of the committee be enlarged and that the President be added thereto. The President asked to be excused on account of the duties already imposed upon him. Mr. Rayner moved to amend the resolution by making the number ten instead of five, and the amendment was accepted.

The question was then put and the resolution adopted. Mr. Jones, of Rowan, moved a resolution to appoint a committee of thirteen naming the committee to inquire into the constitutionality of the stay law, and if the-same be unconstitional, to report an ordinance for the nnrnree rnntomnlated in the act -f -that shall be just to debtor and creditor. Mr. lander moved to- lay the resolution on the table, but, on the suggestion of a member withdrew it Mr.

Graham. reoved to strike out the names and leave the appointment of the committee to the President He said, from the casual attention he had given to the act, he thought it unconstitutional and mischievous, but that something of the sort ought to be adopted. He insisted on his amendment Mr. Asbe hoped the time of the Convention would not be consumed in discussing this matter. There is a tribunal to which the question can be referred the Supreme Court can decide on the constitutionality of the act, and therefore there is no necessity for the committee contemplated in the resolution.

Mr. Osborne thought tSere was a necessity of looking into this matter, but did not think Mr. Jones' plan the best. The committee was too large. Mr.

Brown said, that being a member of the legislature that passed the act, he thought it incum bent on him to say, that when the act was passed, North Carolina was considered a virtually out of sl exultation by the waving of handkerchiefs, smiles, and even by tears. The artillery in the grove belched forth the announcement in around of a hundred guns, and all the church bells rang out a merry peel. As soon as there was a chance to be heard, Mr. Lke, of Richmond, called for 'three cheers for Si ttth-Carolina, the noblest Roman of them all," lich were heartily given. Mr.

Smith, of Halifax, moved the appointment of a committee on credentials, and the committee was a pointed as follows: Messrs. Howard, Thornton, UTies, Battle of Wake, and Biggs. Mr. Rayner moved that the ordinance of secession jv: 3t passed, be enrolled on parchment ready for the si -nature of the members of the Convention to-nr rrow at 12 o'clock. The motion was afterward jended by the appointment of a committee to have tl ordinance properly enrolled and presented for Bl nature as soon as practicable.

The committee sists of Messrs. Barnes, Rayner, Venable, Ruffin a) i Craige. Mr. Barnes presented papers concerning the con-tei ited election in Halifax, which were referred to the committee on credentials. On committee to report rules for the Convention was appointed as follows: Reid, Graham, Meares, Gilmer, and Mr.

Meares introduced an ordinance providing for the adoption of the Constitution of the provisional government of the Confederate States of America, and the same was read as follows AN ORDINANCE, 7 ratify the Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate State of America. We, the people of North-Carolina, in Convention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, that the State of North-Caro-lUa does hereby assent to and ratify the "Constitute of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America" adopted at Montgomery in tb' 3 State of Alabama, on the eighth day of February, A D. 1861, by the Convention of Delegates from tl States of South-Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ala-b ma, Mississippi and Louisiana, and that North-Q rolina will enter into the federal association of ites upon the terms therein proposed when admitted by the Congress or any competent authority of the Confederate States. Done at Raleigh, the twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. Mr.

Graham moved that the Convention now adjourn. Mr. Ashe hoped the gentlenman would withdraw the motion, that action might be had on Mr. Meares' resolution. The motion was not withdrawn, and the yeas and nays, on motion of Mr.

Ashe, being taken, resultedyeas 39, nays 64, so the motion to adjourn did Tnot prevail. The question was then on Mr. Meares' resolution. Mr. Dick moved his anendment thereto, that the oidinance be submitted lor the ratification of the ptople, and demanded the yeas and nays thereon, wviich being ordered, resulted yeas 34, nays 73, as Messrs.

Allison, Armfield, Berry, Bond, Calloway, Cvnrion, Council, Davidson, Dick, Douthitt, Eller, lison, -Ferebee, Foster of Randolph, Gilmer, Gra-h; Headen, Jones of Caldwell, Kittrell, Long, Mnn, Manning, Merritt, Mitchell, Sanders, Smith ol Johnston, Smith of Macon, Speed, Sprouse, Spruill Bertie, Thomas of Carteret, Warren, Wilson and oodBn 34. Messrs. President, Arrington, Barnes, Battle of Fj (gecombe, Biggs, Brodnax, Brown, Bunting, Car-st Cowan, Craige, Cuningham, Darden, Durham, -F of Ashe, Foy, Fuller, Gee, Graves, Green, Greenlee, Hamlin, Hargrove, Henkle, Hicks, Hill, of Duplin, Houston of Union, Howard, hnson of Gaston, Johnson of Mecklenburg, Lan-d-. Leake of Richmond, McDowell of Bladen, Mc-E twell ot Burke, McDowell of Madison, McNeill of C' jmberland, McNeill of Harnett, Miller, Moody, sely, Myers, Osborne, Pettigrew, Rayner, Reid, iodes, Royster, Ruffin, Satterthwaite, Shaw, Shipp, iith of Halifax, Southerland, Spruill of Tyrrell, Stewart, Strong, Thomas of Jackson, Thompson, Thornton, Tracy, Turner, Venable, Walton, Ward, Washington, Whitford, Winslow and Wooten 73. The vote was then taken on Mr.

Meares' resolution, arjd it was adopted unanimously. Mr. Venable then introduced an ordinance to adopt the Constitution of the Confederate States of America, which was read and made the order for tomorrow at 11 o'clock. The Convention then adjourned to meet again to-ny)rrow 11 o'clock, A. M.

Tuesday, May 21, 1861. The Convention was called to order by the Presi-d nt at 11 o'clock. Prayer by the Rev. Charles F. Frems, D.

D. The journal of Monday was read and amended. Mr. Ruffin stated that Mr. Mebane, who was too il on yesterday to attend the sitting of the Conven-tf-jn, was in his seat, and desired to have his vote recorded in favor of secession, and the request was granted.

Mr. Gorrell also appeared in his seat, and by his colleague, Mr. Gilmer, desired to have his vote recorded in favor of the ordinance of secession, and it wag agreed to. Mr. Reid, from thecommittee on rules, reported of the Convention of 1835, with a slight araendment the report was read.

Mr. Lander proposed to strike out the clause requiring all ordinances to be read on three several He said the Convention would sit, perhaps, 0 ily a few days, and this rule wotild necessarily ope-r te to the delay of business. Mr. Biggs thought the amendment unnecessary, a.1 ihe rule might be dispensed with by two-thirds the Convention. Mr.

Ashe suggested that the rule applies only to ropositions for changing the Constitution. 'Ijjr. Reid said this is no time to be considering )ainges in the Constitution. We are not in a for such work the exigencies of the times favorsuch deliberation. Mr.

Gilmer understood the rule to apply to all or-d nances considered in the Convention, and he it a very important one and should be re-t ined. He differed from the opinion that the busi-r sas of the session was nearly completed he thought itre was one subject least that ought not to be 1 jglected a change in the Constitution in regard i taxation, a neglect to attend to which would be ijortunate at this particular crisis. Mr. Reid replied, that the subject to which the ii jfitleman (Mr. Gilmer) alluded, was not now en- ing the public mind the question of ad valo-taxation was scarcely thought of every body i.

hinking of defending our rights and not about ifeqney. The question was then put on Mr. Lander's amend-Srnt and it was adopted. Mr. Ferebee offered an additional rule, providing for the opening of the daily sessions with' pr3er, and it was adopted.

nd as thus amended, the rules reported by the committee were adopted. Mr. Leak, of Richmond, offered a resolution in 'response to the greeting from South Carolina tbfough her Commissioner, Hon. F. J.

Moses, which Massed unanimously. Mr. Howard, from the committee on elections, re- doited in the contested election from Halifax, in baiion might be spread upon the record. The repor wis adopted, and the request of Mr. Gee wis" 1 granted.

Mr. Howard stated for Mr. Batchelor. that had he in his seat yesterday, have voted in th affirmative on the secession ordinance. Mr.

Ferebee moved that the rules adopted by the Convention be printed, and the motion prevailed. lr. Howard moved that a printer to the Convention be now elected, and the motion prevailed. ffhe President appointed Messrs. foy and Reid to -superintend the election.

Mr. Reid nominated John Spelman. 5 Mr. Badger nominated Frank I. Wilson.

ijlr. Foy nominated Syme and Hall. iThe vote being taken, resulted for Syme and Hall for F. I. Wilson 30 for John Spelman 24.

iftfr. Badger, who was absent yesterday when the vote, on the secession ordinance was taken, asked to have his vote recorded in the affirmative thereon, and the request was granted. The unfinished business, being the ordinance of-fered by Mr, Venable yesterday, for the adoption of i fft ft 4 3 fi. re ft I. I if It i til' ii III WAV i- l4il wards received 65, and Mr.

Graham 47. The following voted for Mr. Edwards: Messrs. Arrington, Ashe, Battle of Edgecombe, Biggs, Brodnax, Brown, Bunting, Carson, Cowan, Craige, Cun-ingham Darden, Durham, Foy, Fuller, Gee, Graves, Green, Greenlee, Grimes, Hamlin, Hargrove, Hen-kle, Hicks, Hill, Houston of Duplin, Houston of Union, Howard, Johnson of Gaston, Johnson of Mecklenburg, Lander, Leake of Richmond, McDowell of Bladen, McDowell of Burke, McDowell of McNeill of Cumberland, Meares, Miller, Moody, Mosely, Myers', Osborne, Penland, Phifer, Rayner, Reid, Rhodes, Royster, Ruffin, Shaw, Smith of Halifax, 3utherland, Stewart, Slrong, Thompson, Thornton, Traey, Venable, Ward, Washington, Whitford, Williams, Winslow, Woodfin, and Wooten 65. And the following for Mr.

Graham Messrs. AUi-ton, Armfield, Badger, Barnes, Battle of Wake, Berry, Bond, Calloway, Cannon, Christian, Council, Davidson, Dick, Douthit, EUer, Ellison, Ferebee, Foster of Ashe, Foster of Randolph, Gil mer, Hearne, Ileaden, Holden, Jones of Caldwell, Joues of Rowan, Kittrell, Leake of Anson, Long, Mann, Manning, 'McNeill Harnett, Merritt, Mitchell, Patterson, Pettigrew, Sanders, Satterthwaile, Shipp, Smith of -JohrtSton, Smith of. Macon, Speed, Sprouse, Thomas of Carteret, Turner, Walton, Warren, and Wilson 47. Mr. Edwards was then conducted to the Chair by Massrs.

Badger, and W. F. Leake, and upon taking the chair returned his thanks for the unexpected honor conferred upon him, in a few appropriate and patriotic remarks, which were well received by the Convention. Mr, Badger introduced a paper which he desired to be read, Mr. Venable thought the Convention should now opened with prayer.

Mr. Osborne thought the organization of the Convention should be completed, and proceeded to nominate for Principal Clerk, Mr. Walter L. Steele, of Richmond. Mr.

Reid moved the appoiatment of two tellers to superintend the election. Mr. Barnes moved that Mr. Steele be appointed Principal Clerk and Mr. L.

C. Edwards, of Granville Assistant. Tfaa President decided the motion not in order, the Convention having agreed to select a Principal 5 Mr. Barnes moved to reconsider the decision to rfect Principal; Clerk, and the motion did not pre- Mr, Battle, of Wake, then nominated J. H.

Mdfrre. we did not go out of the Union by virtue of any such mi or" of Dr. L. W. Batchelor.

He also presented a repeal we had no constitutional right to repeal the. vommunication from Mr. C. J. Gee, who held a cer-ordinance but we went out simply because we will-' of election, in which Mr.

Gee resigned aU ed it and moved that that portion of the substitute to the seat, and requested that the communi- ft- which repeals the. ordinance of 1789, be stricken out Mr. Venable said there, was no necessity forStri- King out ne claimed tne ngnt to repeal the ordi- nance and also to go out of the Union simply because we willed it the clauses were cumulative and both might be retained. The question was then on Mr. Ruffin's proposition to strike out, when that gentleman withdrew the motion.

Mr, Graham renewed it Mr. Ashe demanded the veas and which beinj ..1. I i 65. w.v I.U OV1 mD MUtf UIU UUti pCVail. No other amendments were offered, and the vote was taken directly on Mr.

Craige's substitute, which resulted in its adoption by the unanimous vote of the Convention, 115 voting in the affirmative. Upon the announcement of the vote, a general shout went up from lobby, gallery and hall, and if there was anything unparliamentary in the demonstration, no one could tell who began it or who Dar- ticipated in it most freely. The ladies id the gallery vvtiu vi icjutuuig, ana gave.