The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-28

creased. He is given only one assist
ant, at salary of $500. Thus $1,1OO IS
saved. For expenses $500 is allowed.
Under this law, Mr. Lucas thought
that a very large revenue could bd
raised. Heretofore the law has not been
enforced, especially the cuIling law This
bill is very strict on that subject, and
no commissioner can pass an oyster less
than 215 inches in length Thus the beds
themselves are preserved.
Then there is a feature providing for
the scattering of shells, which it is be-
lievcd will enlarge the States oyster
beds.
The old law did not definitely fix the
lines of the beds. This does fix these
lines, so that trespassers can be con-
victed after they are caught.
Heretofore the expenses of conducting
this business were something over $27,-
600, and the revenue something over
$50, GEO Not cent of the expenses comes
from the State, but from the receipts of
the industry.
Mr. Blount sent forward an amend
ment to make the Chief Commissioner s
salary $1,000. He said that we had at
man who could successfully fill this po-
sition. The Oyster Commissioner was
exposed to great dangers by sea in
cruising around Cape Hatteras, and also
to danger of assault by reckless class
of men, armed with all sorts of weapons.
The present Commissioner had, with a
very small tax levy, succeeded in paying
oil all the back claims and putting the
industry upon paying basis.
Mr.. Lucas said that the Commissioner
took the position at $500 year Now
he was to get 5000 a year and $500 for
expenses.
Mr.. Blount asked if the salary was
not $1,000 when Mr.. Lucas took the po-
sition
Mr.. Lucas: TT was, and | am proud
to say that before my term was out I
came to the Legislature and had it re-
duced to $3.50"
Mr.. Blount further asked if some OF
the inspectors under Mr.. Lucas were not
now clamoring for back pay.
Mr.. Lucas said that at that time the
industry was in its infancy, and it was
difficult to collect enough money to pay
the fees.
ference between the receipts during the
one. He called attention to the claim of
Inspector Tatum now pending of $3.50
Mr. Woodland of Pamlico. said he
thought it but fair to mention that the
present revenue was chiefly derived from
the tax of TX cents per bushel on the
stock dredged.
Mr.. Lucas said that he heard the com
parson drawn between his administration
and the present one, but he did not no
tice a thing like that. He was ready to
stand by his administration.
Mr. Lucas then called the previous
question.
Mr. Blount's amendment was lost on
an aye and no vote by Is to 70.
The bill then passed its second and
third readings.
Mr. Carlton. of Duplin, gained consent
to introduce a joint resolution permit
ting the joint committee on Justices OF
the Peace to employ a clerk
The resolution was put upon its imme-
date readings and passed
REVENUE BILL PASSED.
Governor Doughton then called for the
consideration of the Revenue Bill on its
third reading
Mr.. Carlton sent forward an amend
ment to tax the express companies $3.50
Fer mile instead of $500.
Mr.. Stubs offered to amend the tax
on liquor dealers so that retail dealers
should pay only $50 every six months
instead of 800, and that each county
may, not shall levy a tax similar to that
of the State.
Mr.. Moore, of Cumberland, proposed
to amend the Merchants Tax by putting
one tax of SOC on every $1,000 worth
OF business done.
Mr.. McRae offered an amepdment that
M cnllntu nitu or town shnnId Levy nn,.