The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-02-16
SENATORS ARGUE
THE DIVORCE BILL
Debate viii be Resumed at
Today's Session,
DlSPENSARYFOR TARBORO
Six Votes Against it and Several
Senator'S Explain.
STATE GnARD EXEMPT FROM ROAD DUTY
Senator; Webb and Woodard Want the House
Divorce Bill Amended While Senators
Henderson and Morrison Oppose
Amendments

ne rate OF the Dill 10 restrict causes
for divorce in North Carolina down to
the grounds existing in 1883 hangs in
the balances in the Senate. Several hours
were spent in an interesting debate on
the measure and it will come up again
today at l o'clock and vote will prob
ably he reached before adjourning. The
Senate committee has offered an amend
mont allowing three years abandonment
prior TO this time as a valid cause for
divorce. This was antagonized by Sena-
tors Henderson and Morrison, who sup
port the bill unamended. Senators Webb
and Woodland championed the amend
ments.
The first dispensary bill of the ses-
sion passed the Senate yesterday for
Tarooro by vote of 80 to 6. Senator
Ward, Mcneil and Woodland. however,
expressed their opinion of dispensaries
very plainly.
THE DAYS PROCEEDINGS
President pro tenn London called the
Senate to order at 1890 O'Clock yesterday
aud Rev A. W. Curtis of the Congre-
gaticnal church, offered prayer.
Senator Henderson announced that the
conference committee on the Senate bill
to authorize the executor or administra-
ter Of deceased trustee TO sell prop
erty under the power of sale conveyed
in a deed OF trust to the latter, recon-
nC nded that the Senate concur in the
House amendment and this was done
ONSLOW NAVIGATION COMPANY.
House bill; To amend an act to in
corporate the Wrightsville and Onsl0w
fered substitute for the bill which only
gives the company exclusive rights when
a canal of four feet of water is com
plete. Senator Morton explained that
this change is to enable the people to
avail themselves of an appropriation made
by the government. The substitute was
adopted and the bill passed third read
ing and was sent to the House for con-
eurrence
A DISPENSARY AT TARBORO.
Senate bill: To establish dispensary
in number one township, Edgecombe
county.
Senator Speght said that this had been
decided by q white primary and full
vote had declared in favor OF the dispen-
saiy, hence he asked that the bill be
passed.
Senator Ward wanted to explain his
position. He was opposed to dispensaries,
and believed they would only be justified
on the grounds that half a loaf was bet
ter than none, but if that is true then
prohibition is better still Indeed he
was ready to vote for prohibition, when
the people asked it, but he believed it
was wrong for the State to engage in
the liquor business. 1t was making the
do themselves. He voted for the Green's
boro dispensary last year but he found
afterwards that the people decided
against it.
Senator Woodland wished to be under
stood On this question. He was opposed
OIL principle to dispensaries and sumptuary
laws which try to regulate the peoples
habits. The campaign of 1884 was un-
fortunate and showed that the State was
no: now prepared for prohibition. The
dispensary campaigns are usually gotten
up Ly advocates of prohibition who prefer
that system to license However, if the
whiskey business is wrong then he was
opposed to putting the State into this
traffic, which the Christian ministers de-
nounce as immoral and bad. Nothing can
be said in favor of dispensares that can
not be argued more forcibly for prohibit
ton. He did not believe in dispensaries
but would vote for the bill because Sena-
tor Speight asked it.
Senator Mcneil said that he was OPP
posed to dspensaries; he had seen their
operations, and was unalterably against
them. But the people of Tarboro had
decided for the dispensary, he thought
they had done wrong. but he was obliged
TO vote for the bill in carrying out their
wishes. just as be expected TO abide by
the primary in Cumberland.
Senator Morrison announced that he
could not vote for the bill because
principle was involved; he did not want
TO be a party to selling liquor in any
remote way.
Senator Speight said he was doing this
because the people asked it, The bill
passed its third reading by a vote of
80 to G.
MILITIA AND ROAD DUTY.
Senate bill: To amend the Laws of
1888 Senator Webb said that this sec
ton to be amended relieved all mem
bers, or contributing members, of mill
tary companies from road duty. He
wanted this repealed and believed there
was no reason for the exemption. The
-oNA6 III tOWuS 4du W pay lIlCll
part OF the road tax and why should the
country boys be exempt
Senator Struggled opposed the bill say
ing when a man was ready any moment
TO respond to his States call he ought
not to have to work the roads.
Senator Glenn said he served in the
State guard fourteen years and saw the
necessity of promoting and encouraging
these organizations. This little pittance
amount to nothing, but it looked like
lick at the organization.
Senator Alexander said this was bad
precedent. The old road system. which
compelled certain classes to work on the
public roads. came from the European
feudal idea of requiring men to go and
work the roads for the Kings troops
This old method should be eradicated and
every one should be required to con-
tribute his part. The work is simply