The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-03-09
THURSDAY. ... March 0, 1899.
THE LEGISLATURE OF 1899
THAT WE GO FORWARD"

Ia w IL W. II UNIV AMI
The Legislature of 1899 adjourned
yesterday at 2:20 p. M. after the most
important session of the General As
sembly that has been held in North Car
DINA in a quarter of a century. Its
motto seems to have been THAT we 90
forward"
1t was chosen by the people who
were moved by the influences of a
mighty revolution, charged with impor-
tant duties and the solution of grave
problems. 1t came to Raleigh upon
definite pledges and since January 4th,
has been engaged day and night trying
to carry out the mandate of the people.
Day by day the actions of both bodies
have appeared fully in these columns,
and the peopleN have watched the pro-
ceedings with unwonted interest.
When a careful analysis is made of
the legislation it will be found that it
has been in keeping with the pledges
made and with the traditions Of the
party. The mistakes made have been
few. In the immense volume of BUSH
ness crowded into the short space of
sixty -four days, it is wonderful that the
legislation has been so free from mis-
takes. The explanation is that most
of the men sent to this Legislature were
the ablest and best men in their coun-
ties. men who made sacrifices to come
to the Legislature, and who have been
actuated by no other purpose than TO
legislate for the good of the whole
State. A Legislature can best be judged
by the character Of its members. The
character of it's laws will always depend
upon the character of the men who
make the laws. The reason this Legls-
lature has raised the standard of legls-
lation is because the people elected
honester and better men. A stream can
not rise higher than its source. When
unfit men are elected to make laws.
the statutes are such as the people
repndiated last, November. When good
men are chosen, they enact laws that
are approved aok honest men.
One of the best illustrations of the
difference between the Legislature Of
1899 and its two predecessors is to be
seen in the character of the men elected
to public ofHess Ind selected to have
charge Of the INSTITUTIONS of the State.
The best men in North Carolina have
been chosen to positions of trust and
responsibility. Il glance at the list will
establish this fact. 1t speaks in trum-
pet tones of the, character as well as the
wisdom of the General Assembly.
The most important and far-reaching
act was the submission of the suffrage
amendment to the Constitution. 1t was
adopted after serious deliberation- after
long debate and full consideration. II
was a necessity II the victory of 1855
is to be garnered .5and when the people
come to vote UPON it they will adopt
it in order to make intelligent rule per
manent.
The second lafost important act-and
a necessary corollary to the Constitu
tional amendment was the act appro
priating 100000 to the public schools
OF the State. 1t was endorsed and al
last session, by the leaders i'll education
al matters, those who have led the tighI
for and against large appropriations fol
higher education standing side by side il
advocacy of this forward step in tn,
States educational policy. This appro
priaton together with efficient schoo
supervision which has been insured, vii
give mighty impetus to the cause o
public education, and there is every rea
son to hope that the four months school
required by the State Constitution, i
near at hand.
Day by day. until the whole volume o
legislation has been summarized am
analysed and eontrasted, we shall re
view the acts Of the Legislature, shown
wherein it has kept its pledges and We
the right To claim the gratitude of tn
people.
What this country needs is few col
verted heather to do a little nissionar
work in our large cities.