The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1899-01-12
lobbles, rose in devout manner while
the divine blessing was invoked.

lobbles, rose in devout manner while
the divine blessing was invoked.
THE PRAYER
go Lord, our God, on this bright
and auspicious day we come into Thy
presence with glad and grateful hearts
Thou art worthy to receive the adora-
ton and praise of all people from the
rising of the sun to the going down
thereof. We acknowledge Thee to be
the creator of all things in heaven and
earth, the Sovereign Ruler oyer all Thy
works, and the Giver OF every good and
perfect gift. Thy tender mercies and
loving kindnesses which are over all
Thy creatures have especially been
with us-the dwellers in this goodIy
land-this highly favored common
wealth of ours. Truly Thou hast done
great things for us, whereof we are
glad.
''The lines are fallen to US in pleasant
places, yea, we have a goodly heritage.
We have been kept from the pestilence
that walketh In darkness and the de-
"
Thou hast helped us in our recent
political struggles to choose men to
make our laws who, we believe, are
wise, honest and patriotic citizens, not
office seekers, but those who hear and
heed the call of their country-men
not impelled by any motives of greed
or gain.
"Now that they have met here for
entering upon the performances of
these important duties, may every
member and the presiding officersof this
Legislature be endued with the wisdom
which is from above which Is peace
a6le, gentle, full of mercy and good
fruits, without partiality and hypoc-
rlsy.
"God grant that this Legislature may
not d,sappoint the expectations of the
but may the laws which
they enact oe such as shall pro.
mote the best interests Of all classes of
the people, and set our beloved State
on new career of righteousness, peace
and prosperity, which shall extend to
all parts of our State. May we as
people never forget the kind hand OF
our Fathet which has led us, and sus-
ta1ned us, and given us all our vic
tories. May we show forth our gratl-
tude by walking in obedience to Thy
laws, and proye ourselves the people
whose God Is the Lord.'
The usual proceeding OF appointing
the caucus nominees as temporary or
ficers followed the prayer.
The roll call was then announced,
the Representatives coming forward by
In patches Of ten, to take and
subscribe to the oath, which was ad
by Justice Walter Clark, of
the Supreme court of North Carolina.
At the conclusion of the roll-call,
Mr.. Mastin announced that 1t showed
a quorum present. Representative
Cochran, OF Montgomery, being the
only absentee out of l2O members-elect.
The nomination of a Speaker to
preside over the deliberations of the
House was then declared in order, and
Mr.. Locke Craig, OF Buncombe, was
recognized. He SAID:
II rise for the purpose of naming a
man already we'll known IN North
Carolina, and beloved by Its people
from the mountains to the sea. He is
the pride of the judiciary Of the State
he has filled with distinguished homer
every position In which he has been
placed. His conservatism and honor
will inspire courage and confidence III
our people. There is no man In North
Carolina better qualified to grapple
with the problems that must arise in
this House than is Hon. Henry G.
Connor, Of Wilson. A Democrat of
Democrats, his zeal is tempered by
and his character is
above reproach. A ripe scholar, a
noble patriot, an experienced legislator,
be will preside with ability over this
HOUSE which must be history making
In the history of North Carolina"
This nomination, enthusiastically ap-
plauded, was seconded by Mr. Lee 5.
Overman, of Rowan. He said:
1t gives me great pleasure to Sec
ond the nomination Of Judge Connor.
He is my friend-the friend of every
body. Of unimpeacha ble character,
great judge fair, impartial, cool, con-
sentative, just and considerate, the
of this House have acted
wisely i'll choosing him. For it every
body in North Carolina without regard
to party, will say, We'll done, we'll
lone, North Carolinians.
The Republican nominee, MT. ".
W. Hampton, of Surry, was placed in
domination by MIR. A. b. Bryan, oi
seconded by Mr.. II. S. Vii
hams. of Yadkln.
The vote resulted Connor, 81;
%; johnson, 2; Mitchell, /.
On the announcement OF this vote
Mr.. Masten appointed committee
Of Nj es.rs. Craig and Hamp
ton to escort the Speaker elect to the
chair.
Before taking his seat Judge Conror
said
Gentlemen of the House of Repre-
of North Carolina This
body convenes at a 81 period Of intense
interest to US and to those who shall
come after u.s. We are reminded that
We assemble at the close OF a century.
New questions and conditions stir the
hearts and engage the minds OF the
people. These conditions impose high
and most responsible duties. The his
tory Of the State for the past few years
is known OF all men. Whether the re-
cord made bv us is 10 be one Of honor