The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-07-09
Review Of the
Legislature Of 1899
Continued From First Page)

clared in it's title a purpose to repeal or
amend an act of the Legislature of
1897.
They were met at the outset with
demand for such amendment to the Or
ganic law in regard to the subject of the
sllffragC law of the State as would pre-
vent a repetition of the-evils and dangers
through which they had lately passed.
To this difficult and delicate task long
and anxious thought and investigation
was given. Ii their work in this re-
spect shall receive as it should, the APP
proval of the people and the benefits
which / most earnestly and sincerely
believe will come from it, the time will
come when the labors of the men who
formulated and secured the passage of
the amendment should be known, and
the honor and gratitude which they just
ly merit, awarded them. The amend
ment introduced by Mr.. Winston, after
thorough examination by the committee
and legislature was passed. l do not
think that more honest and arduous pub
lie service was ever rendered than by the
members of the Legislature of 1899.
The reports show a careful consideration
of bills. The committee meetings were
attended and the roll calls will COM
pare favorably with any legislative body
in the country.
The Railroad Commission was abol-
ished and the act repealed In lieu
thereof a corporation commission was
established, composed of three members
elected by the General Assembly to hold
their places until the next. general cleo
ton, when their. SUCCESSORS will be
elected by. the people for a term Of six
years. To this Commission is given the
control of railroad, steamboat AMI other
transportation companies, Of telegraph
and telephone companies, banking and
building and loan associations. The act
was drawn with much care by TWO of
the ablest lawyers of the Assembly, and
| am sure will by its enforcement secure
the supervision and control of corpora
tions engaged i'll quasi-public duties,
which has become the well-sett.ed policy
Of our own and other States.
The frequency with which litigation
between foreign corporations AMI oui
own citizens was removed into the Fed
eral courts with attendant delays ai;G
expense created a demand for some
preventive legislation. This demand Was
met by the preparation and passage Ct
an act entitled IAN act to irovlc a man.
ner in which foreign corporation may
become domestic corporation One
might think from its title that these
bodies corr crate having their origin in
other States and having par
taken of the benefit of being with us had
desire to become of us, and that in
response to this wish we with our
usual hospitality, politely provided a
way Of entrance. To those of us who
know, only to love and admire the gem
tlen1an whose name is given to the law,
it is not surprising that with his usual
amiable disposition and charming man
ner he gave those whom he would it
necessary compel to go his way, an OPP
portunity of accepting polite invita-
ton. Ii any of the "soulless bodiesY
affected should hesitate about accepting
they would find that it would be well
to read beyond the title. The act might
appropriately be called one to compel
foreign corporations to domesticate. That
such has been its effect commends, its
provisions to the citizens of the State.
The Craig Law" as it is appropriately
called, is destined to give rise to many
novel and interesting questions. 1t IS
in line with the policy of most of the
States of the Union, and is but another
expression of the jealousy on the part
of the States of the encroachments of the
Federal judiciary and the fears enter
tanned on account of the rapid growth
of corporate opwer. Many of those vino
are invited to come in are anxious to
know if there is any way to get out. |
presume that Mr.. Craig's love and loyal
ty to the State is SO intense that it did
not occur to him that anybody, either
natural or corporate, ever enjoying the
dOmesticatiOn here would wish to become
undOmesticated. 1t may be that some
provision should be made for this con-
tingency. The law is wise and whole
some one and will remain on the stat
ute book OF the State.
The insurance laws We're consolidated
and by an act prepared by the COM
mittee, the Insurance Department was
Established, presided over by a Com
missioner. 1t is believed by those who
gave the subject careful consideration
that the provisions of the law will pro-
tect the rights of the citizen and bring
into the Treasury large revenue. The
rapid increase of the insurance business
in it's various forms demanded special
attention. Provision was made also for
the formation of home companies. 1t is
hoped that the subject will attract capt.
tai and that Il part at least Of the i'm
mense amount of money yearly expended
for life and fire insurance will be kept at
home.
The Agricultural Department was re-
organized and provision made for the
election of the Commissioner by the peo-
pie. 1t was deemed wise to bring this de-
partment into close touch with the peO-
pie, whose interests it has in charge.
After much discussion an antitrust
law was enacted. This subject was
found much more difficult than was at
one time supposed. While the legislature
was in harmony and sympathy with the
sentiment of the people in regard to conn
binatiOns Of capital and desired as far
as possible to emphasize and give life
to this sentiment, many perplexing and
serious difficulties presented themselves
when the attempt was made to frame a
statute. 1t was found that number Of
local industries important in their ma
ture, would be seriously affected by any
drastic legislation of this character. The
act as passed is not satisfactory to the
legislature, but indicates the purpose
and opinion of the people on this subject.