The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-02-08

done wrong in opposing it, but that was
no justification or excuse for DONG
wrong to all corporations by adopting leS-
isation In the Constitution which might
result In the people being hoisted by thelt
own petard-
Recruiting the many Developments ana
wealth producing effects of corporations
he paid high tribute to the industry,
energy, progress and enlightenment which
had been brought about by the AID OF
corporations.
Judge Robertson declared that because
he carried a railroad pass in his pocket
and defended roads In law suits was not
the reason for his views. He had nothing
whatever to do with them except as
lawyer, and was never consulted oy tnein
on any political or public measure, and II
he was. their position on such matters
would not affect him a hairs breadth.
NO REFLECTION MEANT.
The Judge claimed that he might feei
a little kinder to them for their support
but on the other hand he had known men
who were prcjudced against them be-
cause they did not, too. have employ
ment and q free pass from them
He dfsclaimed any intention or relect-
ing on any member. stating that he kne"
Of a, great many present who also carried
a free pass Great laughter and ap-
plause.)
The speaker concluded in a splendid ap-
peal. for conservatism and prudent action
by the convention. adjuring it to refrain
from passing any further statutes ana
placing them in the Constitution lie was
most enthusiastically applauded
Mr. Stebbins began an argument
for the majority report by stating that
as q. business man he was astounded at
the fact that whenever a proposition was
made for the advancement or promotion
of the business interests of the state
great lawyers and statesmen, whose oc-
cupaton kept them within four Waiis III.
vestigatinG theories and principles "
law, should always base Their Oppose
ton on a plea for conservatism lie SAID
that their conservatism invariably meant
| n folding OF the hands and doing moth
ing.
He next referred to .ile fashion of some
to sheer at North Carolina and her PEG
ple. He declared that he lived near tue
border-line and his large wholesale bus
! iness ca,,sec. him to be familiar with that
| State and her business population. he MAD
| been in active business for thrty-one
wears in Virginia and he could truthfulIl
| say that. despite the fact that North
| Carolina had no great cities, seaports'
| trunk lines of railroads, she had more
| small towns, and every one was centre
| of active business and industrial develop
| nlent far exceeding those of Virginia and
| the average of prosperity was greater hlr-
| Stebbins cited the vast number OF tac-
| tories in North Carolina, Georgia ana
| South Carolina and spoke of them as be-
ing hives of industry
ALL WOULD PROSPER
| Recalling Mr.. Hunton's illusions TO
| those states he asked how could
all this progress be possible there
il an effective corporation commits
| sion throttled the business mans success
| or existence According to the argument
! that prosperity Of the people meant pros
| perity to the railroads Mr.. Steooihs
claimed that the corporations In those
| States had been greatly benefited py
| their commissions and declared that the
| business development Of Virginia de-
| manded some central bureau, such as that
| proposed by the majority report. to sup
| ervise, regulate and systematic the laws
| governing not only transportation. but all
| corporations.
| He read in support of his contention a
table of local freight charges of roads III
| Virginia, and stated that as a business
| man, largely interested in such matters.
| he had never been able to receive any at
| 'H-iir- unit recentlv from railroads tor
| excursion charges. He also read long
! list of boards of trade and BUSINESS men
| who were asking for the adoption of the
| majority report because as practical men,
| actually engaged in all business pursuits
from the store to the factory, they recoS-
| nized the crying need for some such law.
The hour of two arriving Mr.. Stebbins
suspended his remarks, and the conven-
/ ton adjourned until 10 o'clock to-day.
|