Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1894-12-07
SUGGESTING REFORMS.
I Wilmington Star.

ue NdlSlSll 1VS1OS ana OUSH-
yer of Thursday last contained a
paper by Judge Clark, of the SUI
preme Court, suggesting laws
that ought to be enacted by the
Legislature OF North Carolina
and by Congress. There are
nine of these suggestions.
The first favors the passage of
a law by the Legislature limit
ing the rate of interest for the
use of money to six per cent.
The second favors the prohi-
bition of railroad passes or tele-
graphs francs to State officers or
members Of the Legislature, as is
provided for in the new conStitu-
ton recently adopted by the State
of New York.
The third favors the adoption
of "a constitutional amendment
providing for the election of U.
S. Senators by the people.
The fourth favors the owrer-
ship by the Government of the
telegraphs and telephones with a
view to making them part of
the postal service. and the con-
nection of the postotfces of the
country by telephones.
The fifth favors the election of
postmasters by the people.
The sixth favors a change in
the election laws Of this State
and recommends the establish
ment of at least three polling
places in each township, to save
time, thus securing a fuller vote,
at less expense, and quicker re
turns, thus tending to prevent
fraud and contributing to a better
expression of the will of the peo-
pie.
The seventh recommends some
changes in the criminal law to
expedite trials of criminals and
to insure justice. He contends
that under the laws as framed
now the guilty man has too many
chances for escape and thus so
frequently escapes, the result be-
ing resort to lynch law by the
people, who have lost confidence
in the courts and have become
weary of the laws delay and fail
ure.
The eighth suggests that the
Judges of the Courts be given
supervisory power over the
length of speeches by counsel,
thus saving time and much ex-
pense to attendants upon the
courts and to the State, as was
formerly the case III this State
and is now in every other State
in the civilized world, he says,
except Iowa, where when coun-
sci begin to address the jury the
judges go out and play billiards.
The ninth suggests code COM
not simply to codify the
laws of the State but also the
opinions Of the courts, which are
quoted as law. thus simplifying
the law and condensing it into
a few handy volumes.
He gives reasons for all of
these suggestions. which will
command attention, the last three
especially on account, if nothing
else, of the judicial position which
he holds, and his opportunities
for ascertaining and studying the
defects of our judicial system.
In advocating the election of
post-nasters and of United States
Senators he SIMPLY gives express
sion to a sentiment which has
been growing and gaining
strength i'll this country for some
years. 1t has grown so strong
IS to have been indirectly adopt
I'd in some Instances both as to
Senators and postmasters. In the
State of Illinois, and we think (
me or two other Western States,
he people i'll their conventions {
express their choice for Senators
nd the members elected to the {
are thus instructed
nd feel bound to vote in accord ]
nee with the will of the people