The news & observer., 1901-02-21

would work a hardship in many coun-
! ties.
Senator Ward opposed the bill. and
Senator Henderson thought it doubtful
legislation.
Amendments We're offered exempting
the following counties: BY Mr.. Gambler
TO exempt Jackson Swain and Tran
sylvania by Mr.. Thomas, Davidson; by
Mr. Wood Randolph: by Mr.. James.
Columbus and Pitt by Mr.. Crisp, Gra
ham, Cherokee. Clay and Macon: by Mr.
Gudger, Madison: by Mr.. Marshall,
Stokes and Surry; by Mr.. Ward, all
counties III Second Senatorial District.
On motion of Senator London the bill
was then tabled. IS
S. A. l.. BILL PASSED.
Senate bill. TO authorize the Seaboard
Air Line Railway Company, successor
to the Richmond, Petersburg and Caro-
lima Railroad Company to exercise the
powers conferred on tile later. The
committee offered several amendments,
one being that the company could not
consolidate with the Southern Railway
and the Atlantic Coast Line.
Senator Morton offered an amendment
TO say: Cannot consolidate with
competing lines.
Senator London explained the bill say
ing it referred to a seven or eight mile
link built by the S. A. J.. from Ridge
Way The committee considered the bill
carefully and thought that one section
gave too much power of consolidation.
hence they offered the amendment not
allowing the road to- consolidate with
the Southern or Atlantic Coast Line.
and the S. A. l.. attorney said that it
was perfectly satisfactory
In reply to a question by Mr.. Ward,
Senator Brown said as originally intro
duced the bill gave unlimited powers
of consolidation with any roads in the
State.
Senator Morton said the bin amply
protected minority stockholders and he
was willing to forbid consultations
with competing lines but he did not
lsWiSh certain railroads to be singled out
! Senator Foushee said the bill had been
amended so that a minority stockhold-
er could bring suit in any county and
| have his stock valued by jury. 1t also
required two-third instead of one-half
| of the stockholders to consolidate and
| this was satisfactory to the road Sem
ator Burroughs favored the bill Sem
ator Morton's amendment was lost The
committees amendments were adopted
and the bin passed third reading.
| THE NEW PENSION BILL.
! Senate Bill Providing for pensions
| for ex-C Confederate soldiers.
| Senator London offered an amendment
! that il the pension fund be insufficient
to pay the pensions then the same shall
4 be paid from the general fund proyid-
ed that the amount for pensions any
year should no exceed $205 900. The
subcommittee on finance had agreed to
.G5 on property and Is on the poll for
f pensions, but the full committee re-
duced this to .04 and u cents, saying
that would raise a sufficient amount.
This amendment was to assure that
fact. The amendment was adopted and
OH motion of Senator Qua the bill was
ordered printed and made a special or
der for noon Saturday.
NEW HANOVER COURT HOUSE
Two bills, cne Senate bill and the
! other from the House providing for the
| sale of the old court house of New Han
over come up. Senator Morton said this
was local matter and he was willing
to bear the responsibility. The commits
sioners could sell this property now il
! the money went to the school fund, but
his bin provided that the building could
| be loaned or decided to the Naval Re-
serves if a majority of the qualified vot-
ers ard Of the assessed property asks 1t
| This simply puts it in the hands OF the
/ people for three months and he could
see no objection to allow the people tc
decide about their own affairs. The rea-
son the commissioners want a bill pass
ed is so they can sell the court house
/ without having TO give the money e
i the school fund.
/ Senator Woodard considered II pus-
! mess proposition and the Senate com
/ mittee had reported tie Senate bill un-
fayorably and the House bill faNorably
He did not think Senatorial courtesy ap
piled here.
senator Brown said he thought some.
thing was due to the two representa-.
lives from New Hancser. The county
commissioners wanted the House bill
Senator Warren considered Mr.. Nor
ltons bin illegal, that the minority of tn,
- wMa a -.