The news & observer., 1897-02-26

hfld excessive punishment pFUnIDlteu
by the constitution.
But Lusk did not stop with that stab.
He not only sc0rned Bryan because his
own party said he sold out, but exposed
him for trying to sneak through a bill
TO take away the appropriation Of the
University two years ago. He didn't
make any hints He talked right out
in meeting, and said: 1.-THE gentleman
from Chatham twos years ago tried to
sneak through what he called "a little
bilP to take away the appropriation to
the University" That was q specific
charge 1t brought Bryan to his feet.
He rose 10 question Of personal privi-
ege. He made lame attempt to explain
by saying that two years ago, as "a mere
matter Of mischief | said this is q little
matter 1t was not in earnest" He at
tackled Lusl FOR misrcpresenting him.
and said: "You are now merely repeat
ing the incorrect publications Of Demo
cratic newspapers"
Lusk stuck to ii that Bryan did try to
sneak through "a little bilP two years
ago and gave the facts attending it.
Petree (RepubHcan), Duffy, DemocraO,
and Mckenzie, Dem0crat), all members
of the House two years ago subgtant.ated
Lusk's statement.
Bryan took his scat He did not again
attempt to defend himself. But once more
was his voice heard in the hall, and it
was then to cry out that it was profes-
sional men like Iusk who were educated
at the University, and that they made
bad laws.
Lusk turned on him with a whiting look
and asked with emphasis: do you want
fools here next time to make our lawsg"
There was no answer.
Amid roars Of laughter, Tusk added
scntentiously 1--WE have enough of them
now"
Bryan was skinned, and Lusk might
have been merciful. But no, he was de-
termined to rub i'm a little salt on the
sore places, and he riddled Bryan for
having said: 1--WE do not want any in
formation about anything"
So passeth little bill" Bryan, Of Chat
ham.
In all the history Of partisan politics
in North Carolina, there never has been
such a spectacle presented, we dare say,
as was held up for the generous, charit-
able people Of North Carolina to behold
in the meeting Of the House Judiciary
Committee yesterday evening
A bill was before the committee APP
pointing Mr.. Il. s. Simmons, u man totally
blind, but OF sound mind and Of unques-
toned character and intelligence. as a
justice Of the peace in the town Of Wash
ington, Beaufort county.
In such a position, one which the suppl
cant is thoroughly competent Of filing,
both he and his friends thought that he
could make at least scanty living.
Representative Hodges Of Mr.. Sim
mons county appeared before the commit
tee and, in a bitter partisan speech, OPP
posed the bill. Judging from the remarks
of Mr.. Hodges, Mr.. Simmons greatest
offense had been in having sometime
served as president Of a Democratic club.
and having been against him (Hodges) in
the last campaign.
Mr.. Simmons was present, pressing has
claims, and it was pitiable when, by a
strict party vote, the committee decided to
report the bin unfavorably.
There came a cloud of shadows over the
countenance OF the poor unfortunate man,
and as his little boy who leads him about
and was standing by him, seeing the look
of pain and sadness on mis- fathers face
ders and cried Like his little heart would
break.
Mr. Simmons is an ex-menber Of the
Legislature. He was, before this terrible
afIiiction overlook him, a prominent attor-
ney in Washington
He has a large family but these things
count nothing in the minds Of men who
have neither charity nor generosity in
their souls
Not even the blind can escape the spleen
of such fellows as Hodges.
The House committee on Propositions
and Grievances has reported unfayorably
a bill to permit the voters of Buncombe
county to vote on a dispensary at Ashe-
vile. Representatives Lusk and Candler
advocated the bill while H. A. Gudger,
Spencer Blackburn and ]. NJ. Moody op-
posed it. This is a case where outsiders
had more pull than the elected represen-
tatives
''The proposed substitute for the lease
bill, reducing the time to 30 years at the
same rental is I should think objection
able to the railroad managers" said
Governor Russell last night. "It is true
it would be better for the railroad mag
mates that the legislature should pass
this substitute than to vote down the ori-
ginal bill, for the passage of the sub
stitute would make the State a party to
the contract and forever estop the peo-
pie from opening their mouths ON the
question again. but while they are about
it if they are going this far see no rea-
son why they should not add an amend
ment turning over the State capitol, capi-
tai grounds, public buildings and anything