davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
WHY 1T LOOKS DARK"

The Mt. Airy News says eve do not
want to believe the combine Of the Ameri-
can and English companies does as much
harm as some think" We agree with the
News. We do not wish to believe it and
nothing but the tremendous reduction in
price following the combine would prove
it. The News truly adds: eve will ad-
nit that it looks dark for the tobacco
interests in this country" Why does it
look dark" The demand for the pro-
duct of North Carolina tobacco has m6re
than kept pace with the increased pro-
duction.\ 1t clocks dark" solely because
the tobacco interests are at the mercy
of a gigantic constituencies trust which
has almost destroyed all independent
factories, and has within six weeks re-
duced the price of the bright tobacco
thirty three and a third per cent If
there is no remedy, the tobacco farmers
will become the serfs of the tobacco
trust.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
THERE SHOULD BE CONCERTED
EFFORT.

Too much commentator cannot be
given to the action of the Winston Salem
Chamber OF Commerce giving it's hearty
approval to the proposition of Mr.. ]. w.
Hanes, its president, to secure concert of
action between the business organizations
Of the State to use every effort to pre-
vent the outrageous rates charged for
freight in the South. 1t has been excess
sive throughout allthe past but by recent
re-classifcation and other methods, the
increase has been so heavy as to consti-
tute a serious hindrance to business and
manufacturing prosperity. One manu-
featuring concern in North Carolina,
which has done large business by ship
ping it's manufactured goods to other
States, has been compelled to pay forty
per cent. increase in freight rates this
year, thus threatening it's very life. A
Raleigh concern recently had to pay an
hundred per cent increase for shipment
of paper from Pennsylvania.
II Is ulSn IIIuS TIE UuSluSoo VI SNNA
Southern city should organize and make
determined fight to secure reduction
in the present exorbitant freight rates
that constitute the heaviest tax upon
business enterprises. They should prose-
cute the matter with the same determi-
nation and business sense that they dis
play in their private business. If they
will do this they will be able, independ-
ent of legislation, to right some wrongs,
and when they show the true situation
they will be able to bring such pressure
to bear upon Congress as to compel it to
give the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion power to fix rates. With that pow
or, in wise hands, acting in concert with
honest and capable State Commissioners,
relief could be had from exorbitant rates
that seriously menace business and manu-
featuring operations in this and other
Southern States.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
SHOWS FAITH BY WORKS.

There were many incidents at the Bap-
fist State Convention at Durham showing
the growing liberality of that militant
denomination, but this incident, copied
from the Lumberton Argus, which
escaped the reporters, was the best of ALL;
"In the discussion it was brought out
that Mr.. II. c. Bridgers, of Bladensboro,
supports a State missionary and a for
eign missionary, the latter at a cost of
$500 per year. By the way, Pastor Hedge
peth tells us he married Mr.. Bridgers last
week to Miss White of that community
Teaching by object lesson is not only
necessary for the instruction of young
children, but as we'll for boys grown
tall" In this generous and practical ex-
hibition of his faith by his works Mr..
Bridgers sets an example of liberality
and faith that ought to make the stingy
givers, who, out of their abundance, dole
out small sums to spread the gospel at
home and abroad, resolve to do larger
things for Christmas religion.
Mr.. Bridgers deserves the thanks of all
good men for his liberal example, and all
will wish him every happiness n his new
estate.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
COL. R. B. CRE[CY
The GamaIiel of North Caro-
lima Journalism.
He Has Just Celebrated His 99.h Birthday
His Paper the EvaugeI Of
Democracy.

The venerable Gamaliel of North Caro-
lima journalism, Col Richard B. Creecy,
editor of the Elizabeth City Economist,
celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday on
Friday, December 18TH He was born at
Greenfield, Chowan county. His father
was a farmer and the son spent much of
his life as a planter and loves the
soil. He was prepared for college at
Edenton Academy and graduated at
Chapel Hill in the class of 1885. He was
licensed to practice law and in 1S43 NOV
ed from Edenton to Elizabeth City. In
1874 he was married to Miss Mary Per-
kins, the daughter of the late Edmund H.
Perkins, a successful and wealthy plant
er. He devoted himself to farming then.
except during his service in the Confed-
crate army, up to about 1870, if we mis-
take not, at the earnest solicitation of
such men as Ex-Governor Jarvis. Col
Thos. g. Skinner, DR.. Speed and other
Democratic leaders in the First district
he returned to Elizabeth City and es-
tablished the Economist, which he has
continuously edited since. 1t was in the
days when Elizabeth City and much Of
that section was in the hands of the
corrupt scalawags and carpet-bag crew.
They could be driven out only by exposure
and strenuous effort. Col. Creecys edi-
torials rang clear as the call at Licking
ton. Brave men, almost hopeless OF
driving out the invaders and despoilers,
responded to his appeal. He wrote with
a pen of INSTRUMENTATION, eXcoriation,
and righteous abuse of rascals filled his
columns. The more the Radicals cursed,
the hotter he made the fight His life
was in jeopardy. He never fiinched, but
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
Spirit of the Press.

WHY CONGRESS WILL NOT REGULATE
THE FAVORITE-P PLAYING RAILROADS
New York Journal and American.
What will Congress do about the Inter
state Commerce Commissions latest re-
port?
Nothing.
Yet that report sets forth once more a
condition of things which should startle
a self-governing people into insisting upon
immediate drastic action by the nations
law-making body.
The Commission sets forth, what ev-
erybody already knows, that the railroads
of the country have practically ceased
to compete with one another; that they
give secret rates to favored shippers
which enable those shippers to kill off
competitors, and that the transportation
managers pay no respect whatever to the
law which forbids discrimination.
There ought to be some power" says
the Commission, (which can not only
compel those carriers to maintain the
published rate but which can compel them
to publish fair and reasonable rate.
There is such a power. The Commits
sion itself points straight at it when it
declares:
THE fullest power of correction is
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

the madden they got the more castigation
he gave them. His paper was the
evangel of Democracy and Decency. More
than any other agency, it was Col. R.
B. Creecy's vigorous and trenchant edi-
torials that made the First district Demo
cratic. The people were ready to follow
his intrepid and fearless leadership. The
record of his work is in SIhe files of the
Economist and in the hearts of a CRATE
full people.
Recently he has written a book that
will long be a delight to North Caro-
linians at home and abroad. "Grandfath-
er's Tales" he calls his delightful series
of sketches historical and tradionary of
Northeastern North Carolina. The cir
culation of this book is perhaps, larger
than that of any other North Carolina
historical publication.
AS an evidence of the esteem in which
Col. R. B. Creecy is held, the Legisla-
ture of 1901 made an appropriation of
two hundred dollars to purchase a num-
Der of volumes for the hbrary-an APP
preparation intended to assist in the pub
LEGATION of the book. All Elizabeth City
is proud of its distinguished chief citi-
zen. still active and vigorous.
The whole State congratulateS Col.
Creecy upon having passed his eighty
ninth birthday in health and in useful
ness and wishes for him long lease of
life, and an abundant entrance" into
the Better Land when his pilgrimage here
is ended.
BY the courtesy of Mr.. Walter L. Co
hoon, editor of the Elizabeth City Tar
Heel, we print herewith picture of
Col. Creecy as he looks today.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
Happy Days in North Carolina.

Just a hauling out the stuff
From the fields of North Carolina,
Railroads can't get cars enough
To empty North Carolina.
Ought to see the farmers grin,
Stroke the whiszers on their chin,
AS the cash comes rolling in,
Down in old Carolina.
Women singing songs of glee,
Bout dear Moth Carolina,
Babies growing merrily
In old North Carolina.
Girls buying pretty clothes.
logging out from head to toe;
Style? You bet your life she goes
Down in North Carolina.
When the work of day is done
In the fields Of North Carolina,
Hours of toil-from sun to sun
In dear old North Carolina;
Farmers wipe their glasses blurred,
Read chapter Of the Word,
Then kneel down and thank the Lord
They live in North Carolina.
bred B. Warren.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
TWO GOODS REFORMS

The Atlanta Journal, in an elaborate
review of the Georgia Legislature, which
had a stormy session, gives two in
stances of wise action which are to be
commended. We quote:
1.-The Legislature determined, by an
overwhelming vote, to add franchises to
the list of taxable property in Georgia;
deciding thereby that the franchise which
the State has given a corporation and on
which it issues and sells stocks and bonds,
oftentimes to a greater amount than it
could issue on its physical property, is
as much a species of property as any
thing else that a corporation owns-and,
therefore, taxable.
Last, but by no means least, we are
glad that this Legislature turned it's
back on the professional lobby which has
for so long infested our State capitol;
debating or attempting to dictate to the
men whom the people, by their ballots,
have sent here to represent and legis-
late for them, without interference or
persuasion or intimidation. We are
pleased, we say, that the Legislature
said to these lobbyists, you are not
needed here; we'll attend to the peoples
business without your constant chaperon-
age; we refuse to be guided or dictated
to by you-you may as we'll adjourn your
third house"
North Carolina, like Georgia, has been
cursed by the persistent self appointed
chaperonage of paid lobbyists. They have
infested the State capitol like a plague
of flies since the Legislature of 1895. The
North Carolina legislators initiate Geor-
gia and tell them to be gone
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
LET THOSE TAKE THAT HAVE
THE POWER"

The Texas papers state that the Stand
ard Oil Trust has now gobbled up all the
oil fields in Texas. as was predicted
when oil was discovered in that State
Concurrently with this information comes
the news that the price of coal oil has
been increased one cent. The high price
of coal has driven many to oil-burning
stoves. AS soon as the oil trust obtained
a monopoly by buying the new Texan
fields, it put up the price. The Memphis
Conmercial-Appeal figures that raise
of one cent is tax of between $25, 900, 900
and $30,000C00, and asks: What excuse
is there for such robbery as this at a
time when crude oil was never so plenti-
full as now?''
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
CHANGE OF METHOD IN RAISING
REVENUE.

Marion, News.
The newspapers of the State generally
comment very favorably upon the recon-
mendations of the State tax commission
as to change in the methods of raising
revenue for State purposes. Some of the
exchanges are quite radical from the
old time methods we have always pur-
sud and If they can be in inaugurated will
afford great relief to the people. 1t is
movement in the direction of relieving
the man of small means, who pays taxes
to all he possesses from the unjust dis
elimination against him now in practice
in this State and of placing the burden
more evenly upon those who should bear
their share of taxation. Now if the COM
mission can devise means to secure the
enlistment of all the property in the
State it will accomplish another great
work.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
DRIVE OUT THE LOBBYISTS.

Asheville Citizen.
If it is true. as the News and Obser-
yer further charges, that there are al
ready limitations that railroad lobby
will sweep down on the North Carolina
Legislature; that during the past week
conferences have been held to devise
measures to repeal certain legislation in
the nature of tax laws which certain rail-
road magnates do not want, then in
deed is it high time that our legislators
owe it to themselves and to their consti-
tuents to drive the lobbyist from the
halls of legislation.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
A FARCE, PURE AND SIMPLE.

Monroe Enquirer.
We arise to remark that there must
have been an enormous amount of labor
done around the capitol during the last
session of the Legislature. The books
of the State treasurer and State audi
tor, which have just been examined by
committee appointed to examine them,
show that during the session of the Lgis
lature the sum of s6,492.50 was spent
for laborers alone. Mark you, this does
not include the salaries of clerks, door
keepers, pages and other high-cock-a-
forums about the capitol, but it is the
amount paid for plain, everyday laborers,
the fellows who wear high collars. ex-
pansive cuffs and Prince Albert coats
and sweep floors, clean spittoons, etc.
The Senate, although it had less than
half the men in it than the House had,
had more '1aboring' done in it than was
done in the House. The Senate paid its
% laborers $3,457.5O. while the House
paid it's 81 laborers $3.O35 A great deal
of this tailoring" in the Legislature is
a farce pure and simple.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

"Wanted.-A Man, not Money" is the
heading of sensible editorial in the Nor
folk Virginian- Pilot, in which, referring
to the appropriation of s25O,0OO to prose-
cute the trusts. it is declared that what
is wanted is not more money but man
at the head of the Department of Justice
who will enforce the law. Money with
out that requisite will be money lying
idle in the treasury or money thrown
away."
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
A MORNING TONIC.
(Charles Dickens.)

l have always thought of Christmas
time, when it has come round, as good
time-a kind, forgiving, charitable time;
the only time l know of in the long
calendar of the year when men and wo-
men seem, by one common consent, to
open their Shut-up hearts freely and to
think of people below them as if they
really were fellow-passengers to the
grave, and not another race of creatures
bound on another journey.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

To the making of genuine careers cen
centration is quite as essential as en-
crgy. To achieve the highest success, a
man must not only be willing to pour out
his vitality without stint or measure,
but he must also be willing to give him
self. For concentration is, at bottom,
entire surrender Of ones life to some
definite end.-Hamilton Wright Mabie.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

If women could vote, the streets would
be kept cleaner and the sanitary arrange
ments of city would be better. At
Fartskill, New York, s145,000 bonds for
sewerage were saved by the vote of the
women. '"They were all in favor of mu-
nicipal Improvement"
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

In an appreciative sketch of the late
Judge Gray, the Springfield Republican
used this true expression:
"To touch life at all points and to
know it practically is not least of the
requisites of a good judge"
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
A BRIGHT DAY DAWNS.

The Harbinger.
1t is generally conceded that our next
Legislature will pass a child-labor law,
and with the children in the schools ana
a 10-hour day for the mills, brighter
day will have dawned for the Old North
State.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

The Henderson Gold Leaf is twenty
one years old. 1t has celebrated the
event by donning a new dress. 1t is one
of the States best papers and Editor
Manning deserves the largest measure Of
success.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

Referring to child labor, as seen in the
mines, Judge George A. Gray, of the Ar
bitration Commission spoke a parable
when he recently said: "It may be ne
cessity to send them (13-year- old-girls)
to the mills, but I don't think a father
has a right to coin the flesh and blood of
his children into money. It's an outrage"
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
TWO OF A KIND.

Tarboro Southerner.
If any act could lower Marion Butler
in the estimation of all decent men his
accepting retainer while representing
this state in the Federal Senate to force
his State to pay an unjust claim, would
do So Ex-Governor Russell is but lit
tie better.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
PREACHERS DO NOT STRIKE.

day or two after Bishop Potter had
spoken on Lessons of the Coal Strike"
last week, one of the presidents of the
coal roads showed his irritation by re-
marking that Bishop Potter ought to de-
vote himself to the betterment of that
portion OF the clergy that earns less than
5000 year There is quite field. But
the clergy referred to never kick up q
fuss like the miners And in any event,
Bishop Potter has a right to talk about
miners as well as parsons.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

1t now develops more and more why
the Southern Railways organ wanted to
make Russell Chief Justice.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

In accord with the doctrine of the sur
vival of the fittest. the last woman on
earth will be a dressmaker.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

After a man gets rich his next am
bition is to get richer.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

1t may be law in North Carolina that
a judge enjoys special exemption from
taxation imposed upon all others enjoy
ing incomes over $1,000. That may be the
law. But if it is-if such special priv
ilege extorted from strained construc-
ton of section IS. article 4, of the Con-
stitution is law-then "the law is a ass
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
"WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR
CASH"
Wilkesboro Chronicle.

w IINHSUUIU OIIIUHIOIV'
Elk Senator Marion Butler, according
to the evidence, is the real instigator of
the South Dakota bond suit against this
State. And he instigated the suit while
he was representing the State as Senator.
He would do anything for the cash, pro-
vided it is against his own people.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

vested in Congress, and the exercise of
that power is demanded by the highest
considerations of public welfore.'
But Congress, which for years has had
complete knowledge of the facts has
done nothing. and will do nothing now
Why?
Because the shippers favored by the
railroads are the great trusts.
Congress is afraid of the trusts.
The railroads will be compelled to
deal with all shippers only when Congress
shall become more afraid of the pillaged
public than it now is of the pillaging
trusts.
The people are swindled because they
submit to being swindled Their only
remedy is at the ballot box.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21
TOWNS HAVE POLICE PROTECTION


This State gets only about $4,000 out
of the liquor tax. Virginia and Ten
nessee, our neighbors, get over 5000, 900
from similar tax. This indicates that
The next Legislature will no doubt in
Vestigate this matter and take some
remedial action. A plan has been sug-
gested to confine the manufacture and
sale to incorporated towns If this be
done, then there should be left the right
to the towns to say whether or not the
traffic be allowed within the corporate
limits. OF course, towns and cities have
better facilities to control these matters,
but if the business is not fit for the
country, it is not fit for the towns. Up
in this section, the towns are just as good
and respectable as the country, and the
country is just as good and respectable
as the towns. The thing that's good for
one is good for the other. But so long as
whiskey is made, just so long will it be
sold and used. So lang as pistols are
manufactured, towards will carry them
and shoot somebody. SO long as cigar
cites are made, kids will puff smoke into
their skulls and try to make folks believe
that they've got brain in that region. But
until these reform movements begin at
the right end of these questions, the only
thing that can be done is for the State
and other authorities to regulate the
manufacture and sale.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

BY the courtesy Of Mr.. Walter L. Co
hoon, editor of the Elizabeth City Tar
Heel, we print herewith a picture of
Col. Creecy as he looks today.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-02-14
CONSERVATION
IN NEW TELEPHONE
OFFICE
-.o,,ev Pole Touching Tele-
Wire. Setting Fire to
switchboard at Central.

passengers on one of the new elee-
oot cars at the end OF the line
n,ost Second avenue saw a blll-
o. pyrotechnic display aooot
pan' I o,, last night. caused by the tfo'-
y y' pole coming in contact .s1on,one wlen ONE
=! .po wires of the new telepho1e
'ns The car had reached the
eonlpS ;nal on West Second avenue and
H. Of the street car men turnea a. '"e :
ple ~. MOLE around, preparing Tor 4
o"sr 'sa trip AS he did 50 the poles
e'uia aa the trolley wire and was ele-
4 pp, ~ until it came in contact with the
a'0s ,ano wire. AS it did so the WIRE
i.p .pntlv burned in two, with rare
Erilliancy. and was consumed os 'H7
klectricity 40 car
n A Messrs. Charles E. Hearn. man
Wv Wv of the new telephone company,
Blake Trescott. electrician 1of
H. Pine City Eelectric company. oo.
Two that it was a new phone wire,
uearn and Mr.. Trescott hurried
.bo central office and found great
.t,e;on existing there. The ele2=
;oitv had come into the board over
+o1enhone wire and set it on fire.
susing several drops to be ruined. \
r.har investigation disclosed the
- that four telephones in the west
!. mart Of the city had been burned
1t.
Miss Agness Cross, the night opera
" at the new phone central office.
AS badly frightened when the acct.
ent occurred. and ran across the
roof TO the Courier office. Several
the employees of that office went to
central office with her, where they
bund the doors locked Miss Cross,
her hurried departure from the Of
70 had locked the door behind her
nd it was necessary to break the
ck in order to get in.
The damage done to the new phone
mpany was considerable and will
obably aggregate $50.
Both telephone companies have
cen active in clearing their wires,
II the one burned was probably over
liked
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-02-14
A Stahl Trip.

The Fort Smith News Record says:
"A prominent Democrat who keeps in
close touch with Washington said last
night he had received a tip that the
fight against Marshal Stahl had fallen
flat. and that he would be confirmed
in a short while
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-02-14
SUICIDE OF BRIDEGROOM.
{ Was 73 Years Old and the Bride
Is 63.

Marion, O.. Feb. 14.-'Squire John
Blue, of Larue, this county, was
'und hanging to a bedpost at his
pme having strangled himself to
fath Two weeks ago Blue. who is
venty-three years old. and Clemen,
Drake, aged sixty three years. were
arried. No cause for the deed is
lown
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-02-14
SECRETARY ROOT I'LL.
Compelled to Go Home for Treatment
for Cold

Washington. Feb 14.-Secretary
Root is suffering from cold and was
compelled to leave his Office and go
home for medical treatment