The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-03-03
Several Important Measures Disposed of by
Both Houses.
A MUNICIPAL ELECTION LAW
Bill
the Reducing Bond
Issue Second Reading in the House and is
Recommted. Hou Bills
for Emigration
Agent

The speaker appointed as the house
branch of the committee to select the
members of the board of agriculture:
Messrs Craige, Williams of Iredell and
Noble.
The bill passed it's third reading to
provide for the better working of pub
lie roads in the state by a vote of
69 to q.
The bill to issue $4,000 of 4 per
cent. ten year bonds, to pay the peni-
tentiary debt, at the order of the peni-
tentiary executive board, and $4,000
bonds to buy two farms on Roanoke
river, provided the purchase be re-
garded as the best step, came up.
Mr.. FOushee said this was the best
way of meeting the deficit and that as
to farms the special committee Of the
board had decided that two farms
should be purchased Northampton and
Caledonia); that the state had expend-
ed thousands of dollars upon them;
that the leases would expire in two
years and that then the option would
also expire and that the state would
lose the farms.
Mr.. Williams, of Iredell, wanted the
bill referred to the special committee
on appropriations, but agreed it should
pass its second reading, and then be
SO referred. The vote was-yeas, So;
nays, TO-
The bill passed to abolish the rail-
way commission. (Only one mo" was
heard)
The bill passed to establish the North
Carolina corporation OF commissioners,
three members to be elected by this
legislature, until the next regular elec-
ton and then to be elected by the
people. This board succeeds the pres
ent railway commission.
Mr.. Allen offered an amendment al
lowing free passes to be given to men,
bers of the board and members of the
geological survey, and to give the
board power to require railways to
lower or raise their tracks at street
crossings in cities and towns. These
were adopted.
Mr.. Allen said the bill gave all pow
ers to the board which the railway
commission has had and enlarged
them, and also gave control Of building
and loan business, and of banking.
The bill passed, fusionists voting no"
Mr.. Overman introduced a bill pro-
viding a election law for counties and
towns, which provides for a voting
place in each ward, and where there
are no wards, as many polling places
as necessary may be established. New
registration may be ordered, but il
there has been recent registration cleo
tion shall be held under it. Thirty
days notice of new registration is re-
quired. One person shall be registrar
at each polling place, the names Of
such registrars to be published. The
period Of registration is ten days, from
sunrise to sunset. On Saturday before
election the registration books shall be
open for inspection and challenge. If
fraud is found the name shall be eras-
ed. There will be two judges of cleo
ton, Of different political parties, at
each polling place, and these must be
able to read and write. No person not
qualified to vote for members Of the
legislature shall vote at such election.
Persons registering must give location
Of house in which they live. There will
be no registration on election day, but
challenging is allowed on that day.
Tickets are to be on white paper of
the same size and without device. The
board Of canvassers will canvass and
judicialy pass on the votes.
Mr.. Justice offered an amendment
that the stock law election in Mcdowell
be held under the Code This was ac-
cepted, and adopted.
Mr.. Craige offered an amendment
that this act apply to Asheville and
that the present election law for Ashe-
vile be repealed. This was also ac-
cepted and adopted.
Republicans offered amendments ex-
cepting several counties. These were
not accepted and were voted down.
An amendment that the law shall
not apply to certain bond elections in
Fayetteville was adopted.
The bill as amended passed, fusion
lists voting against it. 1t also applies
to local elections in counties and town
ships.
The machinery act passed it's final
reading.
AT this afternoons session of the
house bills passed as follows: To pro-
tect the terrapin industry in New
Hanover To appoint a local board of
managers for the negro normal school
at Fayetteville. To repeal the act re-
quiring publication of countyfinancial
statement in Lenoir. To amend the
act Of 1897, regarding the Atlantic and
North Carolina railway, by taking from
the governor the power to appoint di-
rectors and state proxy and give it to
the board of internal improvements
To repeal act of 1897 regarding local
tax for public schools. To incorporate
Northampton Electrical and Water
Power Company. To incorporate the
United Benefit Society, of Wilmington.
To incorporate Linden Grove No.2, Order
of Druids, at Wilmington. To amend
the vagrants law by giving power to
work them on roads. To incorporate
the Granville County railway. To in
corporate the Grand Council of North
Carolina Improved Order of Red Men.
To make Neuse river a lawful fence
in Lenoir county. To prohibit shooting
and trapping of partridges in Rich
mond county. To regulate inquests in
Northampton. (Abolishes the office of
coroner) To extend the stock law ter
ritory in Pitt and Greene. To provide
for investigation of incendiary fires.
To amend the charter of Ayden, Pitt
county. John G. Wagner is appointed
a Justice for Masonboro township.
NIGHT SESSION.