The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-18

former thirty year ledSes ny IT'S UeFInS,
Won. have expired. We call the atten-
ton of the people of the State to the
fact that the mysterious power of a
strong railroad lobby prevented the last
legislature from enacting the necessary
legislation to enable the State to make
an investigation through the proper
legal channels, of the transaction, which
was so universally condemned by the
press of the State and all classes OF
citizens, when it first became known.
We therefore demand that the next
General Assembly fully investigate this
transaction, and to the end that the in
terests of the State may be fully pro
tected as far as it can be done, such
legislative action shall he taken as to
cOunteract, as far as possible, this I'M
wise and secret transaction.
REMOVAL OF CASES.
The removal of cases from the State
courts to the Federal courts for trial,
and especially cases wherein the plain
tiffs are poor persons and the defendants
are rich foreign corporations, on appli-
cation of defendants, is n growing evil
in North Carolina. and in its practical
operation frequently amounts to a de-
NAL of justice to poor Suit0rs, and
therefore should be condemned. We
demand therefore that the next General
Assembly shall pass such n general stat
ute on this subject including an alien law
similar to the Wisconsin statue, so as to
take from such corporations doing bust
ness in this State the privileges of carry
ing on business in North Carolina and
withdrawing the protection of the State
no, 4I,a,.
in escaping the jurisdiction of our courts
when actions are brought against them
We also recommend Il constitutional pro-
hibition of the purchase, lease or rental
of parallel or competing railway lines.
A JUST DISTRIBUTION OF THE
BURDENS OF TAXATION.
We advocate such legislation rs will
insure just listing and taxation of all
evidences Of debt, and make an equitable
adjustment of the burden of taxation be-
tween the debtor and a creditor.
REDUCTION OF SALARIES.
In order to keep our public servants in
thorough touch and sympathy with the
oppressed masses. and to check to some
extent the scramble for office, we de-
mand a reduction of salaries until such
time as through an increase Of the cur
rency the price of property and products
will Justify the present rates<
THE RULE OF THE PEOPLE.
We favor the principle Of direct legis-
lation known as the Initiative and Ref
erendum. in order to restore and pre-
serve the rule of the people. 1T will
not be opposed by any Democrat who
endorses the declaration of Jefferson
that the people are capable of self-gov-
eminent, nor viii it be opposed by any
Republican who holds to Lincoln's idea
that this should be Il government of the
people, by the people and for the peo-
pie"
On taking the chair DR. Thompson
said he would make speech but for the
fact that. it was so late in the night %
o'clock.
'.Once we could meet together harmo-
niously. That time seems to have passed.
Factions in party come with age. Like
new wine we were once sweet. That
sweetness seems to have turned to
acidity Let us mind that we do not
furnish pickles to whet the appetite of
the fellow that is seeking to deyour us.
I'VE. must lay aside all personal differ
ences. No man has a right to drag his
private grievances into public affairs.
The moment we are torn into factions by
internal dissensions, just so soon will
we be prey to just whoever may take
possession of us.
I'VE have met here to confer together
for the interests of the people Of North
Carolina. When we shall have adj
journed let it he said that we have done
our full duty"
The report Of the committee on plat
forms was presented by Senator But
Ter This report is printed elsewhere in
this paper. The provisions in regard to
the Cuban question were loudly ap.
plauded when read before the conyen.
ton.
The platform was unanimously adOp
ted by the convention.
Senator Butler recognized two minor
changes in the plan Of organization. One
Of them makes slight change in repre-
sentation reducing the number of dele
gates at large.
The resolutions were read by Audito,
Hal w. Aver.
Mr.. Skinner presented a substitute to
these resolutions, declaring that those
just read were simply Democratic flu
sion in disguise.
II want this convention to understand
plainly that Mr.. Ayers paper is Demo
cratic fusion. BY it we must live or
we must die | voted for that platform
Why then the need of any resolutions
But il you are going to have some. then
present the following as a substitute
We have done well so far. Let us not
try to do TOO much We have adopted
a good platform. Let MS stop there, and
leave every county and district to do as
they please about fusion.
Mr. SINNERS resolutions were as fol-
lows:
r. - E