The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-11-08

property yielding an income was sacri-
feed, but We also, in most emphatic
terms, condemn the hasty ard secret
manner in which it was done several
years before the former thirty years
lease, by it's terms, would have ex-
pired. We call the attention 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 legisla
tion 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
ci izens, when it first became known.
We therefore demand that the next
general assembly fully Investigate this
transaction, and to the end that the
interest of the State may be fully pro
tected as far as it can be done, such
legislative action shall be taken as to
counteract, as far as possible, this IN
wise and secret transaction.
REMOVAL OF GASES.
The removal of cases from the State
courts to the Federal courts for trial,
and especially wherein the plaintiffs
are poor persons and the defendants
are rich foreign corporations, on appli-
cation of defendants, is a growing evil
in North Carolina, and in it's practical
operation frequently amounts to a de-
NAL Of justice to poor suitors, and
therefore should be condemned. We
demand, therefore, that the next gen.
eral assembly shall pass such a gen.
eral statute on this subject, including
an alien law similar to the Wisconsin
statute, 50 as to take from such cor.
porations doing business in this State
the privileges Of carrying on bust
ness in North Carolina and
Withdrawing the protection Of the
State extended to their business, if
they persist in escaping the jurisdic-
ton of our courts when actions are
brought against them. We also recon-
mend a constituG ional prohibition of
the purchase, lease or rental Of paral-
lei Or competing railway lines.
A JUDICIAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE BUR-
DENs OF TAXATION.
We advocate such legislation as will
insure a just listing and taxation of
all evidences Of debt, and make an
quitable adjustment of the burden Of
Eexation between 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
demand a reduction of salaries until
such time as through ar increase of
the currency the price of property and
products will justify the present rates.
hi RULE OF THE PEOPLE.
We favor the principle of direct leg
islation known as the Initiative and
Referendum, in order to restore and
preserve the rule of the people. ut
will not be opposed by any Democrat
who endorses the declaration Of j fsr-
son that the people are capable Of self
government, nor will it be opposed by
any Republican who holds to Lincoln's
idea that this should be a government
Of the people, by the people and Tor
the people,"
And in the proposition to CO operate
with the silver Democrats, the Popu-
lists declared that they wished
(4 To elect an anti monopoly legis-
lature pledged to the following meas.
ures, viz /:
O.. A legislature opposed to the de.
monetiEatiOn of silver by private con.
tract, and which will enact legislation
to put a stop to the giving and taking
of gold notes and mortgages.
b A legislature opposed to govern
ment by injunction, aud which will
enact suh ,ient legislation, including
a license law similar to the Wisconsin
statute, to ef5ctually prevent the re.
moval TO Federal courts Of all cases
which should be tried in our State
courts.
C. A Legislature opposed to the
ninety-nine year lease of the North
Carolina Railroad, and which will use
all lawful and Legitimate means to set
the same aside.
d A Legislature opposed to free
passes, and which will make the pres
ent law prohibiting the giving of free
passes apply equally to those receiving
the same.
G A Legislature in favor of a free