The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-01-05
JUDGE CONNOR SPEAKER
AND THE OTHER CAUCUS NoMI-
NEES ARE ELECTED.
THE REDUCTION OF EXPENSES BEGINS
A Cut in Salaries the First Bill Passed, Reading
Of Gcv. rnor's Message Takes Place
10 cay. A Bill to Gust Public
Printer Barnes introduced.
Frin.er Barnes introduced.

The curtain was rung up at noon yes
terday upon the opening scene of the
first Democratic Legislature since 1898.
Again the halls of North Cardinals
capitol are filed with men who have the
interest of the State at heart, and who
have sacrificed much to come here.
4 he air was crisp yesterday, and the
sun was shining brightly upon the
white dome of the capitol when the
General Assembly of 1899 was called to
order 1t was an auspicious day.
The halls hummed with life and the
staircases were crowded with people,
hurrying to lobbies and galleries to wit
ness the assembling Of another Demo-
cratic Legislature the first for many
years.
Judge Connor spoke truly when he
said, in his speech accepting the Speak
ership, it viii be a history-making ses-
sion.
The elimination of the ignorant negro
vote is one of them any problems tnat
the Senators and Representatives now in
Raleigh must solve.
This is only one Of the many import
ant items Of legislation which the people
of the State expect TO see enacted at
this session.
The Democratic leaders at both ends
of the capitol realize the grave reSpoQM
bility that is upon them, as waSlN
denced yesterday in their sIlceAshs
in the business-liSe methods III which
the work of the session was begun.
The Republican members hgvc not dis
closed their positions, but it KNOT beliey-
ed they will seek to obstruct legislation,
which they know must and will come.
Should there be a disposition to do this.
it is safe to say that such tactics will
result only to the hurt Of the obstruc-
tors.
Much interest is manifested in the Gov
ernor's message which will be read to-
day. 1t has been many a day in North
Carolina since Democratic Legislature
listened to message from Republican
Governor. 1t is therefore safe to say
that the message to-day will be listened
to with great interest and curiosity.
The message is much shorter than us
ual and its reading will occupy only
half hour or so.
Immediately after the reading of the
message, both House and Senate viii
plunge into the work of the session,
though it lis impossible to say what mat
ters of legislation will occupy the at
tention of the two branches of the Leg
islature first.
For these reasons the opening session
yesterday was of unusual interest and
Importance. And yet, if truth be told, this
opening day lacked in dramatic features.
OF course there was the element of in-
terest in the swearing in of members,
the election of Speaker and the choice
of new officials. But the first was rath-
or tiresomep +he two last had been
determined us the night before
and every lust who the oifl-
There wa IN picturesquenesS,
though. There as the new member
from back-country section making his
first essay in public life: there were dis
tinguished men from all over the State;
candidates defeated and successful,
their faces long or short, accordingly;
there were gaily dressed women in the
galleries lifting the occasion out OF the
dull level of ordinary days.
Among the members there was gener-
al good nature, 70 ill-feeling over the
result of the election being anywhere
discernble. This was especially notice
able in the House.
AS an instance of it several of the
Republican members always voted for
the Democratic nominee as against their
own caucus nominee, and in one case
they did not even put their man in nomi-
nation.
This was commenced by Isaac Smith,
the negro representative from Craven
county. He cast his vote for Judge
Connor for Speaker, and was loudly APP
plauded both by Democrats and Repub-
licans.