Not sure i really understand your question. The axle should be secured in the drop outs such that it remains stationary and the wheel spins on it. BTW the complement of balls (typically 9 per side) will rotate around the cone at half the "cadence" that the wheel does. If you're unable to securely tighten the cone and the locknut before you try to tighten the axle into the drop outs it very possible to cause the cone to thread into the balls so tightly that the cone/balls/hub bind up and the next item that will spin is the axle. This is wrong and will lead to damage. Think of what would happen to the cartridge bearings that you say you are familiar with (and have on another bike) is the inner and outer races of the bearings seized up.

But since I'm unable to really know what you're trying to ask or describe my above comments might not help. Andy.