The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-20
THE WATTS BILL
HAS BEEN PASSED
--------------------
Mr.. Smith Withdraws His
49, Amendment.
THE VOTE WAS n TO SO
Speeches on Liquor Question by Messrs' Smith,
Lucas and BuIard for Watts Bill, and
Messrs. Graham and Stubs
Against II,

NSdHsl Hi
The Watts bill was passed by the
House last night by a vote of II to SS,
nearly two to one.
There was quite long debate, and it
was nearly eleven o'clock before the bill
finally passed.
Mr.. Smith withdrew his amendment,
and in doing so made a graceful, loyal
Democratic speech, for which he was
loudly applauded.
Mr.. Smith continued his speech on his
amendment, begun the night before. He
proposed to amend Mr.. Watts amendment
by giving the people of the country the
right to vote on the question as we'll as
the people of the towns, and made an
earnest plea for his principle.
Then Mr.. Lucas made another of his
eloquent. popular speeches, and was again
applauded to the echo He, as before,
declared for the Watts bill without re-
servation, because he considered it was
right.
Judge Graham made another argument
against the bill He claimed that it dis
criminated against eightytwo per cent.
of the people of North Carolina. The
petitions, he declared did not represent
the wishes of a majority of 100000 p9o-
pie.
Mr.. Stubs, of Martin, followed fudge
Graham with eloquent, forcible speech
against the bill on much the same
grounds that Judge Graham had taken.
Mr.. Bullard, of Cumberland, next told
of the splendid things that prohibition
had done for his county. although the
Legislature had put it upon the peo-
pie.
Finally, on motion of Governor Dough-
ton, the whole matter was deferred until
s m.
Then General Davidson's bill for the
Code revision was taken up and passed
on second and third readings.
The bill calls for three commissioners,
to be selected by the General Assembly
at compensation of $1,000 a year for
a year and a half. For clerical force
81 500 is allowed. The statutes are to
be collected into one volume, and the
cost of publication will come within
$50 600, which by the sale of the volumes
will be reduced TO $4,000 in all prob
ability.
THE DAY IN DETAIL.
The House was called to order at ten
O'Clock by Speaker Gattis. and Rev. Mr..
Gilman, member from Randolph made the
opening prayer.
PETITIONS
Carson: From New Hope township,
Iredell county, for incorporation of Il
church.
From Alexander asking that a church
he incorporated.
DeHart: From Swain to place an ex-
Confederate soldier on the pension roll.
DeHart: From Byrson City, asking
for a special tax.
Parker From Halifax for temperance
legislation; two petitions.
Thomas: From Ashe for temperance
legislation; three petitions.
Thomas: From Ashe for establishment
OF training school in the northwestern
counties west of the blue Ridge.
Beasley: From Currituck, to place H.
s. Henderson on the pension roll.
Hamlin: From Madison, for prohibi-
tion.
Hamlin: From Madison for dispensary.
Dobson: From Surry for change in
township lines.
Scott: From Burlington, for London
bill.
offman: From Randolph for temper
aree legislation; five petitions.
Offman: Letter asking for incorporation
of church.
Alexander: From Mecklenburg. for the
London bill
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Scott of AIamance: To establish a dis
pensary in Graham.
Scott To regulate the manufacture and
sale of liquor in Alamanee county.
McNeill, of Scotland: To prohibit the
employment of the servant of another.
Parker, of Halifax: For the relief of
certain Confederate soldiers, sailors and
widows of Confederates.
Crocker. of Wilson: To prohibit the
placing of distractions in Contentnea
Creek. in Wilson and Greene counties
Harrington, of Moore: To foster in
telligence in agriculture in Moore
county.
Parker, of Wayne: Supplemental to the
act Incorporating the town of Dudley
Riddick, of Franklin: To change the
corporate limits of Youngsville
Abel, of Johnston: To change the time
OF the fall term of the Superior Court
of Johnston county.
NcRae, of Anson; To provide for the
working on public roads of volunteer
prisoners confined in Jail prior to their
conviction.
Thomas, of Ashe: For the relief of
Bryan Sturgil, late Sheriff of Ashe
county.
Thomas; For the relief of r. E. L.
Plummer.
Prittain of RapdoJDb. ~ ~ II.