The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-22

much Of its time to the consideration o.
questions affecting railroads--those al
ready constructed and the chartering OF
new railroads to be built in the State.
The spirit which governed the Legis-
lature in all it's railroad legislation was
one OF deep interest in the extension OF
railroad building in the State. of per-
feet fairness and justice with reference
to their operation and taxation. The
majority of both houses were in no sense
dominated by any spirit of hostility to
these modern necessities and promoters
of commerce and growth or of subser-
vience of the States interest to the in
terest of the railroads. Every act grant
ing proper powers desired by the railroad
was freely and readily granted and
nearly every bill introduced that would
make the common carrier render better
service to the manufacturing, business
and farming world was also put upon the
statute books.
The railroad legislation that created
the longest debate and had the hardest
fight in the open session of both bodies
was the Fuller bill This bill, introduced
by Representative Fuller, of Durham
gave a new and needed power to the
Corporation Commission, to-wit: The
power to compel two or more railroads
to erect a union depot at any junction
or point where the Commission deems
it practicable or necessary for the con-
Venience of the travelling public. There
were about half a dozen hearings of this
bill before the committee, the Board of
Aldermen, and the Chamber of Com
meree, and other business organizations
of the city of Durham taking the lead i'll
advocacy of the bill. There were no
attorneys against the bill except the
attorneys for the Southern Railroad The
other railroads, If they were opposed to
the bill did not make any hard fight
against it. After several weeks delay
before the House Committee, the bill
was finally reported without prejudice,
the vote being tie as to whether it
should be favorably or unfavorably re-
ported. When it came before the House
strong fight was made against its pas
sage, amendments looking toward Grip
ping the bill. or otherwise were of
fered, but, under the leadership of Mr.
Fuller, the author of the bill, assisted
ard enforced by very able and con
vineing speech by Judge Graham, and
strong speeches by others. the bill
passed the House by vote of Y to 81.
When it got to the Senate it had rough
shedding. Other hearings were had be
fore the Senate Committee on Railroads.
After long discussion the committee
a1nntn1 fpyn ant tt,ht oh
in the interest of making the bill bet
ter, one by Senator Beasley of Union,
and one by Senator Mann. of Hyde The
vote in that committee was tie but
the chairman, Senator Justice of Nc
Dowell, cast the vote which gave a IA
vorable report to the bill. When the
bin came into the open session of the
Senate, the outcome was regarded as
doubtful. 1t was vigorously assailed by
several Senators, who made long and
vigorous speeches against it. but under
the matchless leadership of Senator Jus
tioe, of Mcdowell, whose speech and
whose brilliant answers to questions are
beyond all praise, the crucial test of the
bill came upon an amendment which the
friends of the bill thought would kill it,
Upon that vote the bill won by vote
of % to 1Si and then upon the passage of
the bill it was passed by substantial
majority The friends of the Fuller bill
believe that. with the bill on the statute
books, it VIII not be necessary to invoke
it often, but its very presence will in
nine cases out of ten, where a union
depot is needed, cause the railroads to
agree among themselves. and union depots
will be furnished without resorting to
the law. But that will demonstrate the
necessity and value of the law rather
than otherwise. The bill as it finally was
enrolled was as follows
AN ACT 10 AMEND CHAPTER I6i OF THE
LAWS OF 1882
The General Assembly OF North Carolina do enact:
Section L. That chapter 1874 of the Public Laws
of 1879 be amended by adding to subsection
IS of section 2 thereof a new subsection to be
known subsection 13a to read as follows;
ia To require when practicable, and when
The necessities of the case, in the judgment 81
the Commission require any two or more rail
road corporations which now or may hereafter
enter any city or town TO have one common OF
union passenger depot for the security, accom-
mediation and convenience OF the travelling pub
lie and 10 unite in the joint undertaking and
expense OF erecting constructing and MAINTAIN
ing such union passenger depot commensurate
with the business and revenues of such railroad
companies or corporations, such terms, regi
Iations, provisions and conditions as the said
COMMISSION shall prescribe Provided, that such
rhfoad company or corporation be allowed the
flght OF appeal As in cases o. rulings and orders
as TO rates OF freight and fare: Provided, further
mat the railroads ordered To construct
Union Depot shall have power to condemn laud
ior sad purpose as in Of locating and con.
structing a line Of railroad: Provided further,
that nothing in this act shall he construed 10
authorize the Commissioners TO require the con
suectlon OF SAID Union Depot should railroad
companies at the time % application for said
order have separate depots which in the opin.
ion OF the Corporation Commission. afe adequate
and convenient and offer suitable accommoda.
tions for the travelling public
Sec : That this act@shall take effect and be in
force from and after its ratification
In the General Assembly read three fines and
ratified THIS 10th day OF February A. d 19aS
The business men and manufacturers
OF North Carolina have for some years
felt that their business has been re-
tarded by the lack of quick transporta-
tion and fair treatment in reference to
freight delivery and freight charges