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The Weekly Standard.
SUPPLEMENT.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1868.

THE REBEL POW-WOW IN RALEIGH.

The Rebel Convention which has just been held in this City, was a very poor affair in every respect. Some 40 Counties out of the 89 in the State were represented.

There was no enthusiasm. The feeling that prevailed was that of hatred to the government, to the Republicans, and especially to the colored people.

Governors Graham and Vance, and Weldon N. Edwards were among the most conspicuous. The two former renegaded from the Union cause in 1864; and the latter was in the beginning,as he is now,an incorrigible traitor. In February, 1861, the people of this State voted by 30,000 majority against disunion. But Mr. Edwards was so bent on disunion and civil war, and had so little respect for the popular will, that in March succeeding he presided over a Convention held in Goldsborough, the object of which was to inaugurate by force a revolution, at the town of Charlotte, on the 4th day of July, 1861. We denounced this movement at the time as wicked and treasonable. Mr. Edwards was a conspirator then against the Union, as he is now. The band of conspirators with whom he met in Tucker Hall are no better in any respect than was the Goldsborough Convention.

Mr. Edwards is an old man. We are not assailing him, but simply alluding to him as the representative of his class. He was very humble in 1865, when he thought he would lose his lands and considered his life in danger.

We learn that these desperate "rabble-rousers" and melancholy scaliwags had a high time over it about their name. We presume they finally consider to call themselves Constitutional-Union-Conservative-Democratic-Whigs. That is what they are. They are fishing with five hooks to their line.

Mr. Graham made a speech, in which he said that he did not want any colored man to vote. He took ground against colored suffrage, qualification or no qualification. Let this be known every where. Gov. Graham, speaking for the Rebel Convention, says his party does not want any colored votes.

We may find space in future issues to refer more at length to the doings of this Rebel Conclave.

RELIEF FOR THE PEOPLE!

The Rebel Convention recently in session in this City passed the follow-
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We understand that the traitor Vance, in his speech Thursday in Tucker Hall, said among other things that when his party should get control of this State and condition of the Republicans here would be worse than the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah! When will you get this control, Governor? Never! Forewarned, forearmed. Let the Republicans hear this threat, and act accordingly.

He said also that he was willing to "fight and die" for the white men of North-Carolina. Very well, why is he so long about it? If he wants to fight, the Republicans are ready for him.——They can dispatch traitors like him as well now as hereafter. They will do it, if necessary. If these traitors will have a "war of races," on their heads be all the blood that may be shed.——They met in Raleigh to promote this war. Let them begin it, if they dare! Why did not this man fight when he was Governor? Instead of fighting, he ran like a turkey before Sherman's army. There is no fight of any kind in such men.

He also said that the State government was about to be turned over to the Holdens and Harrises. Holden, through his influence with President Johnson, had this man Vance released from prison in Washington, in July, 1865. If he had had justice at that time he would have been hanged for his crimes. In 1864, when he wanted to get from Rutherfordton to Hendersonville in his campaign for Governor, he called on Col. C. L. Harris to guard him, fearing as he did that some of the deserters would shoot him while on the way. Col. Harris did so, and this saved his life, and Gov. Vance afterwards showed his gratitude by bragging that he knew he was safe in Harris's hands, for the deserters would not fire on him while he was under the conduct of their friend. He did this to expose Col. Harris to the vengeance of Confederate guerrillas, or with the hope that it might lead to his arrest and imprisonment in some Confederate bastile.

Poor Vance!——he is played out. He promised to "fight upon the ice," but he can't find the pond.

W. F. Henderson, Esq.

We take pleasure in publishing the following letter, which will explain itself:

THOMASVILLE, N. C., Jan. 29, 1868.

Editors of the Standard:

In the columns of the "Sentinel" of Sept. 80th, 1867, appeared a communication over my signature in which reference was made to Wm. F. Henderson, "Agent of the Freedmen's Bureau," having filed the "iron-clad oath" with exceptions, etc., and that at the time I doubted the correctness of this statement, as also the legality of the tranaction.
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OFFICIAL.

Proceedings of the Convention.

REPORTED BY JOS. W. HOLDEN.

TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 1868.

The Convention assembled in the Commons Hall at 11 o'clock, President Cowles in the chair.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Hudson, of the M. E. Church.

The journal of yesterday was read and approved.

A letter from Gen. Canby, in relatien to per diem and mileage was read, and the finance committee instructed to consider and report.

Mr. Welker, a memorial from the citizens of Guilford county.

Mr. Rodman, from the judiciary committee, made the following report:

Unfavorably to an ordinance in relation to office-holding, as the legislative committee had the matter in consideration; same as to an ordinance; same as the in relation to the election of judges, as the judiciary committee had the matter under consideration;  in relation to conveyancing, since the law stands as proposed to be amended; and favorably as to the ordinance in relation to mechanics' lien law——the following clause being offered to the constitution, to come under the head of miscellaneous:

That the General Assembly shall provide by law that mechanics and laborers shall have a lien on the subject matter of their labor.

Also favorably to an ordinance that persons from other States shall be admitted to practice in the Courts of North-Carolina, upon the presentation of a certificate of practice and proof of good moral character, and the payment of the fees.

A motion was made to adopt, when the yeas and nays were called, and the ordinance adopted as follows:

FOR.——Messrs, Abbott, Andrews, Aydlott, Barnes, Blume, Bryan, Carey, Cherry, Chillson, Congleton, Cox, Daniel, Dicky, Duckworth, Eppes, Fisher, Franklin, French, of Bladen, French, of Rockingham, Fullings, Galloway, Garland, Glover, Graham, of Montgomery, Grand of Wayne, Gully, Gunter, Harris, of Franklin, Hay, Hays, of Robeson, Hayes, of Halifax, Heaton, Highsmith, Hobbs, Hoffler, Hollowell, Hood, Hyman, Ing. Jones, of Washington, King, of Lincoln, King, of Lenoir, Kinney, Laflin, Lee, Mann, May, Mayo, McDonald, of Chatham, McDonald, of Moore, Moore, Morton, Mullican, Murphy, Nance, Patrick, Parks, Petree, Peterson, Ragland, Ray, Read, Renfrow, Rhodes, Rich, Rodman, Rose, Stilwell, Sweet, Taylor, Tourgee, Tucker, Turner, Watts, Welker, Williams, of Wake, Williamson,

AGAINST.——Candler, Durham, Ellis, Etheridge, Forkner, George, Graham, of Orange, Grant, of Northampton. Hodnett, Holt, Logan, Marler, McCubbins, Merrit, Nicholson, Parker, Pool, Sanderlin, Williams, of Sampson. Yeas 78.——Noes 28.

On motion of Mr. Rodman, the clause reported in relation to the mechanic's lien law was adopted.

Mr. Rodman from the judiciary committee, reported unfavorably to the memorial to charge the usury laws——it being a matter for the Legislature; also favorably to the ordinance divorcing M. A. Hopkins, of Granville County, from her husband and that both parties allowed to marry again.

The question being on its adoption, Mr. King of Lenoir moved to lay it on the table.

Mr. Jones of Washington, said this was a case of cruelty and required action.

Mr. Tourgee was oppoed on principle to granting divorces by legislation. But this was a case of hardship and he would make no resistance.

Mr. Cox agreed with Mr. Tourgee.

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SPECIAL ORDER.

The ordinance of Mr. Welker to prohibit the distillation of grain, from February, '68 to June '69, was read, when

Mr. Congleton moved to amend that for second offence the fixtures and still be sold, and money appropriated to charitable purposes.

Mr. Welker had no objection to the amendment. He said the grain of the country was rapidly disappearing and prices advancing. Men are now begining to manufacture into whisky the little left in the country. He placed this ordinance upon the ground, that such distillation should be stopped to prevent suffering, for whisky did not nourish the weak or the poor.

Mr. Tourgee urged the necessity of the measure. He said the memorial presented this morning was signed by citizens of his county irrespective of politics.

The memorial was read, praying for a prohibition two years longer.

Mr. Nicholson said that he had seen a letter stating that in Yadkin county, corn which had been selling for 65 cents, previous to the order of Gen. Canby, advanced to $1 per bushel and was rising now. The article is growing scarce, and unless something be done evil will ensue.

The amendment was adopted.

Mr. Hodnett said the necessity of the people required the adoption of the ordinance.

Mr. Bradley hoped that action would be taken. The little corn left in Yadkin and adjoining Counties now sold for $1 and $1.50 per bushel. Contracts made at 65 cts. were broken, and the parties are now preparing to distill their grain.

Mr. Marler said that when he left Yadkin, corn was selling at 85 cts, and the highest at $1. It may have gone up, but he did not know it to be so.

At the suggestion of Mr. Durham, the date of Feb. 6th was altered, so as to make the ordinance read, enforced ten days after the passage, when

Mr. Jones, of Washington, said the State had little power over this subject, under the U. S. revenue law, and suggested a reconsideration of the amendment, which being done,

The ordinance was referred to the committee of three to confer with Gen. Cauby.

THE RELIEF ORDINANCE

was taken up, and read, when

Mr. Rodman said that letters had been constantly received here urging action. The only questions now, were first, whether the ordinance would stand fire. The Constitution of the United States says no State of the Union shall pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts, &c. The action of this Convention then does not at all interfere. Upon that point, when Texas entered the Union, the Supreme Court admitted the validity of law enacted by her before that period, impairing the obligation of contracts, for there was nothing in the constitution of Texas forbidding such a law.——As a State we are not of the Union——though in the Union. As individuals we are bound by the Constitution, as a State we are not.——Whatever is done here will be law. It should be wise and moderate to receive the approbation of the people. For that reason, he could not support the amendment of Mr. Welker, which stays all process on debts since the war. The gentlemen from New Hanover had not overstated the consequences. He could perceive the propriety of suspending action on debts, prior to May '65, for the misfortunes which befell the people were extraordinary and unforseen. But since that time, misfortunes had come in the ordinary course of nature.

What is the nature of relief? He was surprised at the divergency of opinion.——The delegate from Orange proposes to amend and re-enact the ordinance of '65. Substantially it was proposition of the committee——except one-tenth was payable the first year, and one-fifth the next, and one-
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per cent, at any time and take the papers,——And in every judgement now out, if one tenth has been paid, it will be credited and returned indulged, and at next Spring term judgement for the tenth only may be taken.

But the distress of the people comes from the U. S. Court and the bankrupt law. Let us not then go before Congress, with a constitution with which the people have been bought, and ask that body to sanction it.——Will this Convention take advantage of the necessities of the people?

By the operation of the bankrupt law, the debtor has $1,250 set apart to him. Doubtless the Judges will sustain the Registers in this decision. Then it appeared to him clearly the best policy to adopt his substitute, petition Gen. Canby to inforce it, and to also petition Congress to reduce the expenses of filing a petition in bankruptcy. The Virginia Convention has sent such a petition to Congress. (He read it.)

He took exceptions to the exception contained in the original ordinance. It left guardians, administrators and others acting in a fiduciary capacity open to persecution. This worthy class of people could be sued while they were not permitted to sue, and might be obliged to incur the costs of defence, as every one knew that fraud could only be proved on them in that way. For these reasons, he moved the adoption of his substitute.

Mr. McDonald, of Chatham, held that the Convention could do any thing for the people, which they needed. In this matter of debt, he was not willing to trust to their leniency. The people demand permanent relief. The Convention must regard facts, and if it failed to give relief it would be exactly what the opposition wished. North-Carolina was not [[illegible]] Every thing here belonged to Congress, according to the laws of war. But that was not the point, the North-Carolina Convention could pass this stay law, and it must do so. The people could not even pay taxes. He desired to make a record in favor of relief.

Mr. Jones, of Washington, said the delegate from Orange was apparently in favor of relief, yet said that this measure was the price of the constitution. Where is the necessity of such language, if he is really in favor of relief? And he too offers a price in his ordinance. But he regretted to see this cast given to the discussion. He would like to see the relief proposition put in a practical shape. The ordinance of the committee was a mere shadow. Its exception means that any guardian may be sued but cannot sue. Is that right in law or common sense? Suits are instituted to discover fraud, and such persons must pay for their defence, but cannot sue or collect debts. Then is not the protection of the stay-law now in force and general orders sufficient? When the people see this ordinance in print, what will they say? Not the poor man or the laborer is protected. They could get no credit prior to the war. The great mass of the voters will not be benefitted. And if the amendment to stay all debts since the war is passed, all the money will leave the State.

Mr. Watts——do I understand the gentleman as opposed to any relief?

Mr. Jones——no, sir, I am for practical relief.

Not one man in twenty-five now has the property exempted by law. If, then, the vast majority of the people are protected, why this clamor for relief? If it was for the man, who owned the broad acres and owed honest debts, then put him down against any such relief. He was done with the question.

Mr. Tourgee said at the proper time he would offer the following amendment:

That no execution or other final process for any suit commenced except in case of laborer's wages of fraud, shall issue until thirty days after the election; and officers having such process are hereby commanded to stay proceedings and return to Court.

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poor, adopt the Constitution and do not stand here all the day idle. 

Mr. Hood said he thought the matter better be postponed until the homstead was agreed upon. 

Mr. Rodman said that any homestead provision of the constitution, he was satisfied, could be only prospective in its nature and afford no relief. 

The position of Mr. Graham, of Orange, was inconsistent. He said that stay laws were unconstitutional, but proposed to petition Gen. Canby to enforce his ordinance. 

Mr. Graham, of Orange, said the ordinance might be held constitutional as it only affected the remedy.

Mr. Rodman said the constitution bound Gen. Canby as much as it did any individual here. The first touch of the legal spear would dissolve the ordinance of the delegate, when the State entered the Union. It would be not relief at all. The delegate said he favored compromises. So did he. He was in favor of lessening fees in bankruptcy. So was he. Yet while the delegate favored compromises, he offered every inducement to debtors not to compromise——for no law could reach that object that ran less than ten years.

The exception in the ordinance in intended to apply only to cases of fraud. It was certainly just. If notes were uncollectable, no court would require the guardian or administrator to make them good. If money had been collected and spent, or other fraud practiced, the exception protected the weak and punished the guilty.

Now the delegate from Orange had said the proposition to insert a provision in the constitution to pay a tenth annually, was an insult to the people, and a bribe. [[illegible]] vored every inducement to the people that was just, being inserted in the Constitution. Equal rights, public education, internal improvement, a good executive and an honest judiciary and relief were inducements to the people. He trusted they would be inserted. But he held that the people needed no bribe to induce them to vote for this constitution. The last election refuted such a charge.

Mr. R. called for the previous question, but withdrew when

Mr. Fullings repeated that he desired some law doing justice to all. He was not opposed to relief, but he desired to see an equitable plan.

On motion the Convention adjourned.

NOTE.——In Mr. Ragland's resolution in relation to contracts, the consideration of which was Confederate money, read "in valid" for "valid."


THURSDAY, February 6th, 1868.

The Convention assembled at 10 o'clock, Pres. Cowles in the chair.

Prayer by Rev. H. T. Hudson, M. E. Church.

The journal of yesterday was read and approved. 

Messrs. Turgee, Moore, Welker and Peterson offered the following protest, which was entered on tue journals, in relation to the stay law passed yesterday:

WHEREAS, we consider the ordinance, entitled an ordinance for the relief of the debtor, passed by vote of the Convention yesterday as entirely inadequate to the wants of the people, invidious and unjust in its distinctions between debtors, affording no relief for the unfortunate debtors whose old debts have been renewed since 1865, and others whose present condition is equally deplorable and equally the result of the war; and that it also opens the door to unlimited fraud, we respectfully protest against this action of the Convention, and ask that this protest be spread upon the journal.

Messrs. Ing, Congleton and McDonald, of Chatham, also appended their names to the protest.

Mr. Ray presented a petition from Eliza

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teen thousand dollars due him, and he had pressed no one—indeed had voluntarily destroyed 5 or $600.

Mr. Hood said, step by step the repudiationists were advancing. What would come next, God only knew. He moved to post-pone indefinitely.

Mr. Tourgee called the yeas and nays;

FOR:——Messrs. Baker. Candler, Chilson, Duckworth, Durham. Ellis, Etheridge, French of Bladen, French of Chowan, Fullings, Gahagan, Garland, Graham of Orange, Grant of Wayne, Grant of Northampton, Hayes of Robeson, Hayes of Halifax, Hodnett, Hollowell, Hood, Hyman, Jones of Washington, Lennon, Logan, Long, Marler, ler, McCubbins, Merritt, Mullican, Murphy, Nicholson, Parker, Petreo, Ray, Renfrow, Rhodes, Rose, Sanderlin, Tucker, Williams of Sampson, Williams of Wake——44.

AGAINST:——Messrs, Abott, Andrews, Ashley, Aydlott, Barues, Blume, Bradley, Bryan, Carey, Carter, Cherry, Colgrove, Congleton. Dickey, Eppes. Fisher, Forkner, Franklin, French of Rockingham, Galloway, George, Graham of Montogmery, Gully Gunter, Harris of Wake, Harris of Franklin, Heston, Highsmith, Hobbs, Hoffler, Ing. Jones of Caldwell, King of Lincoln, King of Lenoir, Kinney, Laflin, Legg, Mann, May, Mayo, McDonald of Chatham, McDonald of Moore, Moore, Morton, Nance, Patrick, Pool, Ragland, Rich, Rodman, Stilwell, Taylor, Teague, Tourgee, Turner, Watts, Welker, Williamson——56.

Mr. Graham, of Orange, said there was an act of the Legislature covering the whole subject of the valuation of property sold under execution. He voted yea.

Mr. Harris, of Wake, said notwithstanding the law, property did not bring a tenth [[page cut]]

The motion [[page cut]]

The question recurred on the resolution, when

Mr. Galloway said the resolution amounted to a request merely.

The resolution was adopted.

Mr. French of Bladen a resolution, which was withdrawn to be considered at the proper time——to instruct the committee on the Governor and other executive officers, to fix the amount of their salaries.

He said unless the salaries of these officers were fixed by the Constitution, hereafter the Legislature might be antagonistic, and thus enabled to cripple the executive department.

Mr. Heaton a resolution that the President be authorized to appoint a standing committee of three, on the revision and arrangement of the Constitution.

The rules were suspended and the resolution adopted,

Mr. Turner introduced an ordinance that no act appropriating money shall be valid until ratified by the people. Laid over.

Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Sanderlin for 5 days; to Mr. Galloway until Monday; to Mr. Patrick until Wednesday; to Mr. Williamson until Monday; to Mr. Aydlott until Wednesday; to Mr. Carter, for 5 days, and to Mr. Peterson, until Monday.

THE CALENDER

Was taken up. and the resolution of Mr. King. of Lenoir to amend rule 36, was read and adopted.

The resolution regulating expenses, by Mr. Rodman. was read and laid over.

An ordinance, by Mr. Mullican, declaring contracts inviolate, &c., was indefinitely postponed.

The resolution of Mr. Rich, amendatory of rule 12, was withdrawn.

A resolution by Mr. McDonald, of Chatham, for relief of debtors, was referred on motion of Mr. Gunter to the relief committee.

The resolution of Mr. Laflin, in relation to State bonds outstanding, was laid over until the 6th section of the bills of rights was taken up.

Transcription Notes:
All columns have been transcribed, but some sentences have been cut off or have very dark letters. Needs reviewing, especially column 7. Questions were resolved on column 7--J Schoor 3/29/22 Full transcription was been proofed and minor corrections made (omitted words) - C Boardman 3/29/22