The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-18
DISCUSSION OF
THE WATTS BILL

Especial to The Times Dispatch.)
RALEIGH. N. c.. February 1.-THE
House, OF Representatives devoted two
hours to the Watts bill to-day. discuss
Ing principally the amendments offered
by Mr.. Watts. to allow the people to vote
on tho manufacture and sale OF liquor in
towns. The principal speech was by Mr..
Morton. OF New Hanover, who insisted
on his amendment that the people in both
tho country and towns vote on the manu-
facture and sale. The Watts bill was OPP
posed by Mr.. Thompson, Of Onslow; Mr.
Grant, OF Davie, and Mr.. Smith, OF Gates
speeches in support Of the bill were made
by Mr.. Guion, OF Craven. and Mr.. Curtis,
OF Buncombe. and argument suspended
until o. clock tonight.
Notable bills introduced In tho House
were:
By Mr.. Mason: To authorize tho sale
OF the oyster steamer Lily.
BY Mr.. Michael: To pension widows OF
old soldiers.
BY Mr.. Hinton: To compensate owners
Of stolen property.
Notable bills passed were:
To amend charter OF Bank Of Fayette-
Vile. To incorporate the Piedmont In
dustrial School. To allow citizens of Gas
ton county to vote on the removal Of the
county seat from Dallas to Gastonia.
IN THE SENATE.
In the Senate notable bills introduced
were:
BY Mr. Mitchell, To pay wages due
persons deceased to nearest relative.
By Mr.. Spence: To establish board Of
examiners of BARRIERS. regulate the pro-
fession, and prevent the spread Of con-
taglous diseases.
By Mr.. vann: To protect railroad con-
ductors and steamboat employers by pro-
vtding that any passenger who persists
In riding In first-class coach on sec
ond class ticket after the conductor has
told him to go to the second class cars,
shall be guilty Of misdemeanor.
Among the bills passed We're:
To amend charter Of Durham and Char
lotte Railroad.
The bill by Mr.. Dockery, heretofore
passed the House. allowing the commits
sloner to construct three miles Of road
from the county seat and levy special tax
for the cost, was re-referred to the Road
Committee.
The action of the Senate in passing the
bill yesterday abollshing the Board Of
Examiners Of State Institutions was re-.
called after considerable argument pro
and CON. It passed third reading by
vote of q to Is.
NIGHT SESSION.
The night session of the House Of Rep
resentatives was devoted to the discus
sion Of the Watts whiskey bill Six
speeches were made. Mr.. Murphy, Of
Salisbury, opened for his substitute bill.
Insisting that the questions Of mAnmac-
ture, sale and dispensary be left to q
vote of the people Of the counties. Mr..
Watts bill. Mr.. Alexander, Of Mecklen-
burg. argued for moro stringen anti-whis-
key legislation than provided by the bill
pending. Mr.. Graham, Of Granville, spoke
for the Smith substitute. Mr., Parker.
OF Wayne, for the Watts bill. Mr.. White,
of Halifax, for the Smith substl-
tute, and General Bryan. Of Wilkes.
characteristic speech against all
bills pending. He closed tonight. The
discussion will be resumed Tomorrow
morning, and it Is not expected vote
will be reached before tomorrow night.
There was a hearing of argument be-
fore tho Committee OH Propositions and
Grievances on the irwin bill to require
more prompt refundins Of rebates, over
charges, ETC., by railroad companies. Fl
ond II. W. Miller of tho Southern, ar
gued at length against the bill. A motion
to report 1t unfayorably was Withdrawn
to allow the preparation by subcon-
mlttee of bill which will BIO more salts
factory.
An argument Of unusual Interest was
held this afternoon before tho Joint Com
mittee on Public Health, tho Bill being to
define and preteot the practice Of nedi-
cine and Surgery by requiring Christian
Scientists, ETC.. to pass examination In
medicine before the State Bsard, Many
Christian Scientists were present. Q. NJ
Busbce appeared as their counsel to OPP
pose the bill. He offered an amendment
who minister spiritually to the sick or
athlcted, Miss Mary Hatch Harrison. Of
Newbsrne, made a lengthy and effective
appeal for the amendment, and reviewed
the work OF Christian Scientists. L. IA.
Phillips, Of Washington. N. G., pleaded tor
wonderful cure Of his wife after ali med
ical and surgical skill had failed, No ac-
tlon Was taken by the committee,