The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-27
N. Y. GuIIey, T. B. Womack,
w. B. Rodman.
WERE 27 NOMINATIONS
Librarian NJ. O. Sheriff. RL-kominated by Rc-
clamatioh---lt Took Five. Ballots TO
Choose The Commiss-


named Prof. N. Y. Gulley, of Wake For
est; Judge T. B. Womack, of Raleigh,
ana Hon. w. B. Rodman, of Washing
ton. Commission to revise tire Code
of North Carolina.
This was done in accordance with the
bill now pending.
There were q gentlemen voted for,
and it took FIVE ballots to determine
choice.
The caucus also re-nominated by ac-
clamation State Librarian, M. o. Sher-
rill.
Chairman Geo. l.. Morton, of Whining
ton, presided. The galleries were filled
with ladies and the lobbies were crowd
ed, while almost the entire caucus mem
bership was present. The scene on the
floor was a reminder of the Senatorial
struggle, though there was jollity and
mirth last night, in marked contrast with
the last night of the previous long drawn
out contest.
Governor Doughton offered a resolution
that the Governor of the State appoint
the three Commissioners to revise the
Code.
Senator Travis said the Governor did
not want this responsibility. The bill
had been almost passed by the General
Assembly, for the Legislature to choose
the Commissioners. 1t was part of the
duties of the Legislature, and he saw
no reason why the responsibility should
be avoided.
Mr.. Lucas favored the resolution. He
nj ha y, ,s,sIy i;
But he considtsea that 1t was to the
best interests Of the State for the Cow
ernor to appoint these Commissioners.
We wanted wise and discreet men, and
surely the Governor in his office would
be more apt to get such men than this
caucus by its ballots.
Peculiar talents were required for this
work, and the Governor in the quiet of
his office could better select such men.
Senator Baldwin said all he could get
out of that interesting speech was tho
Representatives and Senators were in
competent to select the Commissioners.
If that were so, we were not competent
to choose a United States Senator.
He favored having the Legislature
choose the Commissioners, and assume
the responsibility. No matter who is
selected the Democratic caucus will be
satisfied, and the party will be satisfied.
General Davidson regretted that the
resolution was introduced SO late in the
proceedings. 1t would have better
had it been introduced when the bill
was considered in the House. The reso-
luton met his own personal preference;
but the committee, after thoroughly dis
cdssing this question, had found that in
all but two instances the previous Code
Commissioners had been chosen by the
Legislature. IN this way the Commits
sioners were chosen in 1888, one OF whom
being Senator Henderson. (Applause.)
One of the principal reasons that infiu-
enced the committee was that the Gov
ernor did not wish to undertake the re-
sponsibility.
He reminded the caucus that in the
last three General Assemblies a bill to
revise the Code had about reached this
stage and failed on this very point, the
method Of choosing the Commissioners.
Governor Doughton said he did not
think it was the purpose of any one in
this General Assembly to defeat the bill
His only desire in introducing his reso-
luton was for the good of the State. 1t
was with any wish to shirk responsible
ity. OF one thing he felt sure, if it were
left to the Governor, we would get three
excellent and able Commissioners.
Senator Gillian said he would hate to
see anything at this late moment that
would endanger the passage of the bill,
and he feared that this controversy
sprung upon us at this time did endanger
the bill,
In nine of the eleven revisions the
Commissioners had been chosen by the
General Assembly This body created
the office, and should also fill it.
If this work fell upon the Governor
there would be criticisms upon him
There is a spirit Of criticism among the
people toward the taking away of any
of the prerogatives Of the General AS
sembly.
Senator Travis denied the reports that
he was a candidate. He had no personal
interest in the matter. But he would
saw that the caucus could not make any
mistake. If il were to shut its eyes and
name anv three. we should get an eX-
cellent Commission.
Senate, White spoke of the criticism
that would be made upon the legislature
il it should name any of its own mem
bers
Mr. Britain said that we could defend
cur action individually better than we
could the action of our Governor. lie
hoped the resolution would be elected
and that no member of either body OF
this Assembly would be elected.
The amendment was lost by vote OF
81 to "A.
Senator Spence submitted resolution
CONTINUED on Second Page)