The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-21
Thursday Nights Session.

Thursday Nights Session.
At the night session the Senate did a
little business before discussion of the
London bill was begun. The substitute
bill for the original Child Labor" bill
was presented by Senator Beasley.
This was adopted and the bill was put
on its second reading. Before this Sena-
tor Burton said that he had learned that
the manufacturers of his county wanted
no legislation, and he would vote against
the bill.
The bill passed it's second reading. Ii
had been stated by Senator Beasley that
the bill presented was a measure agreed
on between tine manufacturers and the
subcommittee, and Senator Brown ask
ed if the requirements of sixty-six hours
of labor a week applied to adults. TIE
was told that it did, but the manufac-
turers had exempted the men they de-
sired. Senator Brown objected to the
third reading and the bill went over.
Senator Hoey spoke for the London
bill, making a splendid speech. He pre-
scented reasons for his support of this
and of his opposition to the substitute
bill.
He held that the opponents of the
London bill at one moment said the bill
was too strong, and the next asked why
prohibition was not urged
Only two reasons had been advanced
against the bill; that public sentiment
in North Carolina would not sustain it,
and that it would hurt ire Democratic
party. 1 do believe that a strong public
sentiment exists for it. The demand in
the last Legislature and in this for local
temperance laws was proof of the sent-
ment, besides the petitions.
We are told, too, that it is a bill that
discrininates. If so it would seem to
be in favor of the country districts, but
it is a measure that will aid the country.
Why would the Democratic party be
hurt? Who are the distillers? Mostly
Republicans. The few Democrats who
are distillers must keep still during cam
paigns or be removed, but the Republicans
can be perniciously active. If the bill
passes it will make many counties in the
mountain section turn from Republican
ism TO Democracy.
l believe the Democratic party should
pass this bill because it is right | be-
lieve that the Democratic party can afford
to take the lead. If in 1898, we had
| followed a plan to submit the Constitu-
tional amendment to each county sep
arately in the counties where it was
worse needed, it would not have been
carried in many and this is the case with
this bill. 1t has been said that some men
have been instructed by their people not
to vote for a measure that is not to he
referred to them. and so it was IN 1898,
but then the men who found that it
was right to vote their opinions did So
If it is right it is their duty to do so.
The fifth section is not. a bugaboo
The whole bill simply shows that the
people of North Carolina are for tenn
perance. In 1882 the result in the pro-
hbition election shows nothing to be
considered now. Have we not grown
morally as well as materially, and are
there not 100000 negro votes not to be
considered?
Some say submit to a vote Of the peo-
pie. If it is right that the bill should
pass the legislators should take the re-
sponsibility. l believe if submitted to a
vote of the State the London bill would
win. 1t is not a drastic measure It
moves the stills from the country, and
the sale of liquor in towns can be voted
on. 1t makes the moral atmosphere o.
the State Durer.
The only thing the, Democratic party
could be hurt by would be its failure to
give a temperance measure to the people
who want it. The Democratic party is
the leader in great things of the past,
and in this it should again demonstrate
its greatness. The liquor man with
liquor behind him is powerful, but parted
from his liquor the saloon man and the
dlstiller is shorn OF his power.
urged that all who were at variance get
together on this question, bury their diff
ferences and give united support to a bill
Tor temperance. He closed with tri-
butte to Democracy and the bravery of
the men who made up the party.
Senator Beasley spoke for the London
bill. He spoke highly of Senators Vann
| and Warren and of their intentions. but
declared that the substitute is made
quate. 1t simply confirms the right a
Senator already has; that he might origi-
nate and pass in this Assembly such a
temperance law for his county as he
deemed best. The passage of the sub
sutute Will be the contamination of the
greatest farce l have ever known" he
said. 1T is inconsistent. 1t is at va
rance and in one breath allows a vote
and in another let's Senator put it's
/ provisions on county. I believe the
substitute if passed would be regarded
/ by the people of North Carolina as a
! su5terfuge and we would be regarded as
towards. The issue should be met
sQuarely. not to say to one county do
as you please, and to another the same"
/ He urged that the adoption of the sub
stitute would class the legislators as
/ r N he