The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-04-27
FUSION MEMBERS
BROUGHT TO TIME
Majority of the Board Took
Them by Surprise.
THE CASE AGREED UPON
AND WILL BE ARGUED IN SUPE-
RIOR COURT TO-DAY.
CARRIED TO SUPREME COURT AT ONCE
Fusionis,s Locked the Doors in the Face of the
Majority, But the Democrats Cut Off
The Funds and that Was
Persuader.

Persuader.
The Democratic members of the Board
of Agriculture brought the Fusion mem.
bers down TO hard pan in short order
yesterday.
They removed Secretary Ramsey for
refusing to obey the Board and perform
his duties and elected Mr.. T. X. Bruner
in his place.
They dismissed all the fertilizer inspec-
tors but two.
They passed a resolution forbidding
Treasurer Worth to pay any vouchers
of the Fusion minority. Treasurer
Worth gave the Fusion minority a
straight tip, sizzling hot, that he would
obey the resolution. That did the bust
ness. Last>night the minority, through
it's attorney. JIG. l.. Harris, submitted
Il proposition to the effect that if the
Democratic majority would rescind the
resolution cutting off the funds and also
the resolution removing Secretary Ram
sey. both of which were passed at the
afternoon meeting, the Fusionists world
submit an agreed case in the Superior
court today, have it passed on and carry
it up to the Supreme court at once and
so have the matter settled once for
all.
The Democratic members met last
night and considered the proposition
and accepted it by the advice of their
attorneys. The attorneys on either side
will therefore meet this morning. agree
on the facts and submit the case to
Judge Brown today. The case will then
30 to the Supreme Court for an opin-
ion Mt this term.
In return the Democratic members of
the board will meet today and rescind
the notice to the Treasurer not to pay
any salaries. will reinstate Secretary
Ramsey for the remainder of his term,
until June the 18th, next, and will
agree for the present fertilizer inspec-
tors to serve until May the 18th and
draw their pay for that time. That is
the program for today.
Yesterday matters were very different.
Then the Fusion minority reeked with
defiance and there was talk Of physical
resistance" and much locking of doors.
But when Father Worth gave them the
icy NIT meekness covered them like /;
mantle. and a speedy surrender follow
ed. What was the use of keeping up
the farce if there was to be no drawing
of salaries during the long months until
the fall term of the Supreme court!
The matter would doubtless have been
dropped altogether but for sheer shame:
so the Supreme court will be asked to
give the coup de grace to the silly con-
spiracy.
LOCKED THE DOORS.
The meeting of the Board had been
called for 4:30 and at 4:15 the Demo
cratic members of the board left the
Marlborough House where they had been
holding a caucus. For the greater part
Of the afternoon the Fusion members
Of the board had been lounging in groups
on the porch in front OF the Agricultural
building and discussing the situation
with many an uneasy glance toward
capitol square whence 1.-The enemy WAS
expected to descend. As the Democratic
members of the board emerged from the
north door of the capitol one of the
Fusionists exclaimed there they come"
and the groups broke and scurried for
the interior Of the building like rabbits
for their burrows. Bring in the
chairs one exclaimed and there was a
sound of doors slamming and keys turn
ing in the locks. j. G. l.. Harris alone
remained outside. Placing himself in
front of the door the redoubtable J. G.
Logan waited for the onslaught. The
Democratic members of the board head
ed by Col. Cunningham approached TO
the door and stopped. There was a mo-
ment of tense silence in which the Sc
rious and the ridiculous strove for the
4 n 4 ~.
serious. What is your pleasure gentle
men," he asked turning four shades
paler as the new members gathered
around.
Are you the chairman of the minor
typ asked Col Cunningham Il am
authorized to speak for Them he re-
Piled.
Mr.. Pou will speak for us" said
President Cunningham, designating Mr..
James Pou, one of the attorneys for the
new board.
Mr.. Pou: MY clients desire to parti-
cpate in the meeting of this board to
which they have been duly elected
Mr. Harris: .'Since the last meeting
we have become advised Of certain facts
not then known. Our claim originated
in the decision in the Day case. We
claim that the members of this board are
constitutional officers and can be ap-
pointed only by the Governor The
gentlemen chosen by the last Legislature
were not legally elected and we respect
fully decline to act with them further"
Mr.. Pou: This closing the door is
the physical aspect of it is it?'
Mr.. Harris replied that he supposed
it was: that the old board had remained
there all day to give the answer.
Mr.. Pou: Can you make up an agreed
case to submit to the Supreme court and
have this matter settled?'
Mr.. Harris: Il am not authorized to
do So"
''Will your committee consider this?..
asked Mr.. Pou.
1--WE will and make an answer in
writing" replied Mr.. Harris.
I'VE will meet you at Philippi," con-
cluded Mr.. Pou with his blandest smile.