The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-01-27
The Messenger,
LEGISLATIVE.

AuG COulLlllLICCS 6cFNA S~
1t is so particularly in legislative bodies
of the states. The North Carolina leg
SsIature is very busy and a been
from the start. Business multiplies as
the days pass. So many bills are in
kroduced that go to the committees as
TO place a great task upon their MEM
bers. There is a mania always for new
measures, and some members are both
ingenious and very industrious in con-
ceiving, celebrating and introducing
bills. But thus far the work has been
prosecuted with zeal, and, in the main,
with intelligence. some things Will De
doubtless done that should not be done,
while some things that should be done
will be left undone. The solons are be-
n watched with intense eagerness,
and if they fail the people at this cru
x.iaI time, woe be unto them as to flu
Hure confidence. Let all await calmly
the progress Of the work. There are
still more than forty days to run, and
in that time it is possible to accom-
plish a great work for North Carolina
and it is possible to do a great deal
of mischief. The Raleigh Post says:
s'The people may know that the as
sembly is not idle, nor Indifferent TO
these or any other measures 1t IS I'M
derstood the public interests or popu-
lar sentiment demand They are being
carefully considered, are in process or
construction or investigation, and Will
in due time be acted Upon. The con-
sentative, deliberate character Of this
assembly, so far indicated, is the best
assurance the people can nave mat
their representatives will do their duty,
making as few mistakes as possible.
This legislature is progressing wei"
The legislature is steadily restoring
such laws as were serviceable m
proper before the fusion gang of inca
pables and nondescripts took posses
sion and so assiduously sought to ruin
h state.
1t will be agreeable to almost all men
that the house passed the bill relative
to the publication of the "Regimental
Sketches"
If the legislature is bent on doing
n very foolish thing let it pass a
stringent concealed weapon law. 1t
should be entitled, "a Bill to Assure
Success to Robbers and Murderers.' A
law like that proposed will only be
needed by men Of peace while the evil
disposed will parade on d~evilishness
bent without fear and without inter-
ruption.
The appointment of a librarian
should not be given to a governor un-
less you know what name of man he
is. The legislature ought to be able to
appoint wisely.
Legislators who are i%rreligious and
do not regard what God Almighty de-
clares as His will, may not hesitate to
cote for divorce laws that antagonize
= the Holy Scriptures, but no Godfrey
erencing and ~God-honoring legislator
should presume to vote against the
plain law of Jehovah. No such mar
will so act.
The trusts have the country by the
throat. From one to two are formed
about every day. The congress n the
states seem powerless in the face OF
4be giant devourers Of the people.
North Carolina has a law against to-
bacco trusts, but it is a dead letter. A
hill is before the house to strike at the
monsters. 1t should be passed
sben should be fearlessly and earnest
ly enforced.
Thus far permanent white govern
ment has been given to three counties
by appointing additional county COM
missioners. They are Sampson, Edge
combe and Caswell.
A quarantine for cattle is
by the veterinarian of the experiment
station to be a necessity. In the west
where more attention is given to cattle
raising such a law would prove ser
viceable no doubt.
There is danger that the stock law
being urged for many counties may
proye a. source of contention, and may
divide members of the white mans
party. If it should do so it will be very
unfortunate. There is a very decided
difference of opinion among the peo-
ple themselves, and the legislature
will nave to be very cautious in dealing
with the delicate and, in some sense,
unfortunate question. The Raleigh
News anu oDScINCI plooChSJ
'In fact, in view of the momentous
issue at stake in the suffrage prob
lem. it would be unwise for this gen.
eral assembly to do anything, however
good in itself, that would result in seri-
GUS division of the white vote. 1t
would be folly, not far removed from
.crime, to take any action which could
by any possibility make the negro a
political factor"
From what we gather from reports
the legislature will soon take in hand
<the separate cars for the races on rail-
ways. It cannot avoid passing such a
law if it does not purpose to raise a
, whirlwind of indignation. The Messen-
ger continues to confide in the fidelity,
Judgment, and wisdom of the legisla-
tture and may not doubt that it will
do it's duty as we'll as it can, If in some
particulars it should be disappointing.