The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-01-25
FOR 1T is WORKING WELL
THE "ANTIS" MEET A WATER
LOO IN THE HOUSE.
THE POPULAR VOTE RACKET FAILS
The Law is Given Some Good Solid Amend
menfs Without Any Submit 10
The People" Attach
ment.

MUCH dIIeE the UlduIleE Oh one WHO
enters upon the discharge of a disagree
able duty with the determination to do
it, and be done with it, the House yes
terday morning took up the Fayetteville
Dispensary Bill and disposed of it.
1t was a complete and unqualified vic
tory for the friends of the Dispensary
The "Antis" were not in it little bit,
either in the debate or on the vote.
Immediately upon the announcement
of the Calendar, Mr.. Robinson, of Cum
berland, called up the bill, saying that
there was quite large delegation in the
city from Fayetteville and they desired
the matter settled so that they might
return home.
''In 1897" Mr. Robinson went on to
explain after the bill had been read
THE county of Cumberland was repre-
scented by two Republicans. Without
consulting their people they secured the
passage of this law. 1t is charged that
they did so through malice toward some
of those who secured the defeat of their
pet scheme-a police bill for Fayetteville
How much truth there is in the charge,
| can't say. q
THE citizens of Fayetteville are very
much divided on the dispensary question.
Some who first opposed it now favor it.
claiming that it promotes good morals.
The property owners, as a rule, though
oppose it on the ground that it hurts
business.
Il am heartily in favor of good morals.
| am likewise in favor of helping the
business interests of Fayetteville. l am
also a Democrat. | believe we can never
do better than submit the questions to
the people from whom we derive our
authority. But right here | am met with
an embarrassing situation. They say
we favor submitting the matter to the
people, but who are the people?. There
is a large, ignorant and corrupt negro
vote. What are you going to do with
them? My substitute bill, which is now
before the House. provides for submit
ting this thing to a popular vote, under
such election law as we shall here pass.
The same people will vote on this ques-
ton of dspensary as will vote on the
Constitutional amendment
Before the dispensary Fayetteville
had twelve bar-rooms which paid 81 200
to Fayetteville and $1,000 to Cumber-
land county. Now, from this dispensary,
the town gets $1,000 and the county
gets 50, 400. Besides the dispensary has
made some $4,000 profits"
Mr. Reuntree, of New Hanover: "How
does the gentleman think we ought to
vote on this bill?" Haughter)
Mr. Robinson: I'm willing to refer
the matter to the wisdom of the House.
It's matter that concerns not only
Cumberland county, but it concerns
every county in the State, and the whole
Democratic party. 1t sets a precedent, :"
Mr.. Mclean, of Harnett: ION which
side, in your opinion, are majority of
the white people?"
Mr.. Robinson: Il have no way to
come to that. If we judge by the peti-
tions the people are divided" Uaugh-
teri
Mr.. Rountree: ''How does the gentle
man think we ought to vote?''
Mr. Robinson: Every man ought to
vote as he sees fit. Laughter.) l will
say frankly l shall vote for my sub
stitute"
Mr.. Powell, of Wake: do you think
the dispensary has reduced crime?"
Mr.. Robinson: IF the reports of the
mayor of Fayetteville be true it has
reduced crime. Some others say it
hasn't" (Laughter.)
Mr.. Ransom, of Mecklenburg: Cant
the question be submitted to a vote of
the white people?'
Mr.. Robinson: There is no ma
chinery in North Carolina for submit
ting it to such vote.
1T is question of under which king
we will serve: King Dispensary or
King Bar-room
Mr.. Moore, of Jackson: Have You
any petitions to let this dispensary stand
as it now is?''
Mr.. Robinson: Il have"
Mr.. Moore: Have you any petition
to submit it to a vote of the people?"
Mr.. Robinson: Il have not. 1t is
this way. | want to do what is right.
One asks one thing. The other asks
the opposite thing. In order to settle
the matter right, I've introduced this
bill, which Incorporates the amendments
asked by both sides and then leaves the
matter to be decided at the polls
Mr.. Boushall: "Any negroes on the
petition against the dispensay?"
Mr.. Robinson: about 200 l think"
Mr.. Boushall: "Any minors and peo-
pie of bad character who couldn't get
whiskey at the dispensary?"
Mr.. Robinson: Il have heard that
charged"