The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-04-02
DR.. ABBOTT SWORN IN
Mr.. BROWN REELECTED CLERK
TO THE COMMISSION.
Fagar, the Ring Popuiist, Chosen
Clerk to the Board of
Equalization.

AS announced in the News. and OBJ
server would be done, the new Railroad
Commissioner, DR.. ID. II. Abbott, of
Pamlico county, was yesterday morning
at 10 o'clock sworn in by the Chief
Justice. The oath of office was taken
in the Office of the Commission in the
presence of the retiring Commissioner,
Mr.. e. c. Beddingfield, and the two
hold-over Commissioners, Messrs. j. w.
Wilson and S. Ohio Wilson.
Immediately after the oath of office
had been administered the Commission
went into executive session and elected
the following clerks:
II. G.. BROWN, of Wake, clerk to the
Railroad Commission.
G. G. PAGAN, of Martin, clerk to the
Board of Equalization.
Mr. Brown is a Democrat and Mr..
Pagan is a Ring-Tail, or Boiling Popu-
list Mr.. Brown has been clerk to the
Commission ever since it's creation, and
his reelection yesterday by a Board Of
Commissioners holding opposite political
views is one Of the highest compliments
that could possibly be paid to his ability.
industry and efficiency. He was voted
for by Messrs. J. w. Wilson and ID. III.
Abbott Mr.. S. Ohio Wilson refrained
from voting. stating. however. that he
considered Mr.. Brown the best clerk i'll
the whole country, but having received
the applcati ton of some dozen men of
his own party for The position he would
leave the decision of the matter in the
hands of the other two Commissioners.
When it came to voting for the clerk
to The Board of Equalization, two nomi-
nations were made. Fagan's name was
presented by DR.. Abbott and that of
Mr.. John Russell, brother of the Gov
crnor. by Mr.. s. Ohio Wilson.
Maj. ]. W. Wilson returned the com
pliment of DIR. Abbott in helping elect
Mr. Brown by voting for Abbotts man
Pagan. Russell received the vote OF
Mr.. S Ohio Wilson. who declared nc
would support no Ring-Tail for any
thing. Later, in explaining his vote, Mr.
Wilson said that in presenting Russell's
name. he simply wanted to give DR.
Abbott the choice of supporting a simon
pure Republican or RingTail Popu-
list. The Doctor chose the RingTail
So Pagan gets the place.
1t will be remembered that the Act
creating the Board of Equalization puts
its duties upon the Railroad Commission
and makes an appropriation for only
sion, in addition TO the salary. 1920
Of its clerk, Mr.. Brown, has $4,000 4
year given it for other expenses. About
S40O of this has been every year taken
for the employment of additional clerica
assistance. 1t was therefore decided
yesterday to add this $500 To Fagan's
salary, making it $1,000 a year, and
constituting him an assistant clerk il
the office of the Railroad Commission
under the direction of Mr.. Brown.
DR.. Abbott asked for ten days leave OF
absence, which was granted, and he left
on the noon train. He has not yet fully
| decided. but he thinks he will move his
| family here about May /. Mr.. Fagar
| will come to Raleigh at that time to en-
| ter upon the discharge of his duties.
| 1t was suggested by Mr.. Ohio Wilson
| that the election of clerks be postponed
| but the other two Commissioners saw
nothing to gain by delay. The term O
| office of Messrs Brown and Pagan j.
| for two years.