The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-02-17

not, but should simply take the evidence
submitted and saE4 whether or not these
men ought to be put on trial.
u believe when this vote is counted
there will be sent out on the wings OF
electricity the message that the spirit
of liberty still lives among the people OF
North Carolina; that that spirit will see to
it that the Judiciary OF North Carolina
is kept pure; that this spirit heeds the
warning notes in the words of Thomas
Jefferson. that if individual liberty is ever
overthrown. it will be by the encroach-
ments of the Judiciary upon the Legisla-
tive and Executive Departments
MR. CURTIS FOR IMPEACHMENT.
Nj Curtis. of Buncombe, followed Mr..
Whitaker, taking the position that the
evidence showed most plainly the judges
ought to be impeached. He added
Il die not make up my mind until the
evidence was published and | had care
fully read it. From ii | could arrive at
but one conclusion, that these judges
had violated the constitution, overstepped
their rights and ought 10 be made to an
swcr for it"
1ir. Curtis reviewed and commented on
the evidence in regard to the courts order
that a mandamus issue.
This thing of violating the Constitu-
ton is no small matter" continued Mr..
Curtis. ana asked: why. what was it
that caused our boys in the SOS to march
to he field of battle and there Law down
their lives? Was it not that they felt
the constitution had been trampled upon
and their liberties under it were III dan
ger? Shall we be less Jealous of our
rights than thay?'
Mr.. Curtis remarks, while brief, were
to the point and very effective.
MR.. ROBINsON's SPEECH.
Nr. Robinson of Anson was the next
speaker He called attention 10 the posi-
tion of the gentleman from Martin
(Stubbs}. who in December signed a re-
port condemning in strong terms the ac-
tion OF the judges, but two months later
came into the House and with equal zeal
defended them. This. he said, reminded
him of the Snake that was said to have
Wired in and wired out,
And left you still in doubt
Whether the snake that made that track
Was going TO the branch or coming back.
Mr Robinson reviewed the action OF
the committees on the resolution and told
how a favorable report on il had been
reached He added
There was no politics in it, The re-
port was found on tho evidence, carefully
weighed and considered from all stand
points The only time | heard politics
mentioned in the committee room was
wien Pritchard, Pearson and Linney seat
out to the newspapers resolution i'm
peachne in advance the integrity of the
committee and questioning the motives of
the entire General Assembly. And in this
connection | want to say that my obser-
vation in life is that the fellow who
is 50 quick to impugn The motives OF
others viii usually himself bear watching.
| fear that these Same men, were they
in our position. would not be so careful
about heir oath if by its violation they
could advance their party interests
Touching the objection that the pcnaitg
provided in Impeachment proceedings vas
toe severe to be visited upon these Judges
Mr.. Robinson said:
I'VE are sitting here in the attitude
Of a grand jury and il is not for us to
) consider penalties. Ii is for us simply
! a question as to whether there is evil
dcnce sufficient to make out prima
facie case against these men. The eyi-
| donce shows that the Judges have violat-
/ ea ~ Constitution, which we have sworn
! to maintain, support and defend? Knowing
/ that the constitution has been violated
/ By these judges. do we not prove false
| To cur cath II we do not present them ?"
The oath of grand juror was also read