The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-03-08

THE NEWS AND OBSERVER WIN
DICATED.

Dictated.
The News and Observer is n Demo
not been settled it speaks out plainly its
conscientious convictions. When the
majority speaks, if it cannot approve it
is silent. 1t submits where it cannot en-
dorse. Ordinarily the action of the ma
jority is in accord with this papers con-
victions, and approval is pleasant duty,
In the few instances in which this paper
could not approve or applaud it has been
silent.
\ few days ago when a majority of
the Legislature voted to reinstate the
Wilson's. this paper made no comment.
From conscientious convictions, based
upon the evidence, we had earnestly OPP
posed the action taken by the majority.
We could not be guilty of qualification by
endorsing or acquiescing in n verdict
which, to our mind, was contrary to the
weight of evidence. and so we made no
comment. In the discussion of that case
we had not written line that we would
alter. We would not change the dotting
of an ''i'' or the crossing of a st." We
had no reflections to make upon any
man who had voted his convictions.
Though the provocation to reply in kind
to unprovoked and uncalled for attacks
was very great we repressed the natural
desire to refute in the paper unjust as
sailants who spoke in a forum where
: we We're denied a right to be heard i'll
reply. In addition to this, we declined to
print scores of communications from cor
respondents criticzing the reinstatement
urging our friends not to reopen ques-
ton which would result in heated con-
troversy. That has been the policy,
prompted by devotion to party, that this
paper has pursued. We should have adj
hered to it unless yesterdays occur
renee had made further reference to the
subject necessary.
On the DIST of February. after showing
that s. Ohio Wilson was disqualified to
act as Commissioner, we stated in these
columns:
If the Legislature should commit
the fatal blunder of white washing him
and restoring him to office. he would
then be at liberty to do the Norwood
act, and hold on to his job until inn
peached. Though he would richly deserve
impeachment, how could Legislature
that had acquitted him proceed to inn
reach him? He could hold on, and if
the Supreme court decided the new act
invalid he and Abbott would be Rail
road Commissioners for the next two
wears. But even if the resignation could
he enforced. it is evident that it is
offered as an inducement for the Legis-
lature to vote for his reinstatement and
salary. 1t is proof that he is not will
ing to stand up and fight for full re-
instatement for his term of office. If
s. Ohio Wilson deserves to be rein
stated ut all. he ought To lie re-instated
for his full term. That is the touch
stone. Would membcr0 note to eXoner-
ate him if he would insist upon his full
term? If not, then. he ought not to be
re-instated at all.
Yesterday S. OHIO Wilson's attorney,
!. C. l.. Harris, served notice on Mr.
Samuel L. Rogers, elected to succeed ).
Ohio Wilson. that he claimed still to be
Railroad Commissioner, and would test
The claim of Rogers in the courts. 1t is
pretended that this action is taken to
prevent Russell making an appointment
in case the new corporation commission
act should fail to be upheld by the courts.
II is made because Ohio hopes with Alb
bott to he able to control the Railroad
Commission for the next two years.
DIR. Abbott will test the eonstitutionality
of the new act. and Otho, repudiating
his resignation, hopes to be re-instated
for his full term.
We have not changed our opinion fire.
ouently expressed that $. Ohio Wilson
was guilty: that he could not have been
re-instated if his resignation had not
been supposed to be genuine; and that
if worthy Of generation, he is worthy
10 serve for two years on the Commits
sion.
The notification that hei still claims e
he Railroad Commissioner is nothing bn
n literal fulfllment of the News ant
Observers prophecy
The whitewash didn't stick.