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

creased to such an extent by 1888 that it
required all his time and he was forced
to turn over the management of his farm
and mills to others.
In 1884 the Democratic County Conven-
tion nominated him for the Legislature,
and he was elected by a large majority.
He served in the Legislature of 1885 with
credit to himself and his county. Dur
ing Governor Fowles administration he
was selected as a member of the Board
of Internal improvements, which posi-
ton he held continuously until the end
of Governor Cars administration. To him
is due the credit of preventing a lease or
practical sale of the States interest in
the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad
In 1890 he was most happily married
to Miss Emma Burns of Pittsboro, n
c., eldest daughter of Robert NJ Burns
and Martha s. Johnson, by which union
they are blest with an only child, son
In 1894, when the tidal wave of Popu-
lism was at its highest there being no
chance of election, his party again called
him into service as a candidate for the
Legislature, without protest he entered
vigorously into the campaign for his par
tvs good, and with all of his ticket was
defeated While living at Apex he Joined
the Baptist church, and is now a member
of that church. not having moved his
membership. In January, 1900, he opened
a law office in this city, and in May of
same year he moved his family to his
desirable home north of and just out
side the city limits, which he had just
completed where he enjoys the benefits
of a city and country home.
BY his constant application, energy and
ability he has won his way to the front
ranks of his profession, and now enjoys
an extensive and lucrative practice, be-
ing recognized as one of the ablest law
yers of the Raleigh Bar.
When Hon E. w. Pou was elected to
Congress, thereby vacating the position
of Solicitor he then held. he was promin
emily spoken of for Solicitor. and was
urged by many of his friends to apply
for the position but he declined as his
professional business would not permit.
While not seeking political preferment
he was urged by friends in the country
aud city to become a candidate for State
Senator which he consented to do
He was nominated without opposition
and elected with balance of ticket by
the largest majority given by any county
in the State. AS a member of the Senate
of 1908. Senator Norris as his friends
predicted made an able conservative and
useful member, being chairman of Com
mittee for Deaf, Dumb and Blind Insti-
tutions, and a member of eight other i'm
portant committees.
Although attorney for large corporate
interests. he unhesitatingly, as his record
shows voted for and advocated all reas-
enable measures introduced requiring
corporations to discharge their duty to
the State and its citizens Notable in
stances OF which was his advocating and
supporting the Fuller Bill, giving the Cor
poration Commission the power to COM
pei two or more railroads entering a
city to build union station; and his
supporting the Child Labor Bill. He op-
posed legislation which he thought TOO
drastic against corporations. voting
against Senator Justices "Bel and
Whistle" Bill. On the temperance ques-
ton. Senator Norris was conservative he
was opposed to committing his party and
the State to prohibition; yet, was in fa-
vor of restrictive and local option laws,
and in favor of prohibiting the manufac
ture and sale of whiskey in the country,
except where Senators desired their coun-
ties exempt. lie NOICFi IOF All ICuiiti-
ance bills except the London bill voting
for the Watts Bill as a substitute there
for. He voted for special legislation for
certain counties at the request of Sena-
tors. Hesvoted against bill to close bar
rooms at o'clock, for the reason that
the citizens Of towns and cities can con
troll that matter through their boards OF
aldermen. He introduced the following
important bills, viz; The first bill Gre
ating a Code Commission, and was large
ly Instrumental in establishing COM
mission First bill for the establishment
of Reformatory for Juvenile Criminals
in which he took great interest, but ow-s
ing to a difference of views that arose as
to the proper bill and management of the
institution and scarcity of funds in the
State Treasury no law was passed.
He with the Representatives from
Wake secured the passage of a bill Gre
ating a Road Law for Wake County,
which will undoubtedly work grelt
change for the better Improvement of
our public highways. introduced and Sc
cured the passage of a bill paying wit
nesses and officers, in Wake county half
fees in cases whore Not True Bill" IS
found A bill making a breach of con-
tract between landlord and tenant mis-
demeanor. which failed to pass. as some
Senators thought it violative of consti-
tuition prohibiting Imprisonment for