The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-01-11
Governor Aycock Sends a
Message to Senate. !.
FOR RELIEF OF LACY
Lively Argument Over Grady Bill
Which Provides That Lacy Be Re-
imbursed in the Sum of 1914
81, Amount EmbezzIed BY
Major Martin.

WoIOt WotA Aiis
Governor Aycock, in a special mes
sage to the State Senate yesterday
strongly opposed the pro-
posed enlargement of the capitol. In its
first paragraph the Governor referred
to the report of the committee APP
pointed by the last Legislature to as
certain the probable cost of enlarg-
ing the capitol, and to have plans
drawn.
The paragraph of the message rela-
tive 10 the enlargement is as follows:
Il transmit herewith the report OF
the committee appointed by the last
General Assembly on the proposed ELL
largement of the capitol That COM
mittee was charged. with the duty of
the Feasibility and cost of
an enlargement OF the capitol and has
performed the duty assigned to it. They
md that it is feasible, and ascertain
the cost, | am opposed 10 the en-
largemert of the capitol. Any addi-
tional buildings needed can be con-
on other lots at less cost and
at the same time preserve the beauti-
tul and historic buildings which our
fathers erected"
Other portions of the message were
relative to the state library, the HIS
torical Commission, the Audubon So
ciety, and the North Carolina lnstitu
ton for the Education OF the Deaf,
Dumb and Blind. The Governor rec
ommends the continuance of the APP
preparation to the Historical Com
mission made two years ago, and states
that the work Of the Audubon Society
has been most valuable.
Yesterday was one of the most inter-
estin@ in the Senate. and the first good
natured but earnest dispute of the ses-
sion to date was caused by the bill OF
Mr.. Grady, of Sampson. providing for
the relief of State Treasurer Lacy in
the sum of $374S4, this amount haV-
ing been embezzled by Maj. Martin
one of ex-State Treasurer Worth's
clerks, during abe first month of Mr..
Lacys first term of office. A kindred
bill was killed two years ago in the
Senate, and on this fact was based the
opposition it received yesterday morn
ing. Mr.. Grady requested that the bill
be nlaced upon the calendar. but this
met with opposition from severaI
sources. and it was put to vote and
to the Finance Committee, but
later the gentlemen who made the
motions withdrew them and the bill
was placed upon the calendar.
In introducing his bill Mr.. Grady
explained that he did SO at the request
of Gov. Aycock, and that it was also
in the Governors Mes
sage. Mr.. Grady said that it would
refund to Mr.. Lacy $374.S4, the
amount stolen by Mai Martin, who
is now in the @penitentiary serving Il
term for his embezzlementS. Mr..
Grady said that Mr.. Lacy should re-
ceive the money. and should not be
compared with Mr.. Worth. who all
lowed Maj. Martin to steal the public
funds to the amount of $16.434.S8 iii
four years without detecting the
thefts, while Mr.. Lacy in less than
three weeks after he was sworn in as
treasurer, discovered the dishonesty OF
Martin and later secured his convic-
ton. He declared that Mr.. Lacy could
not be held responsible for this, as it
Is always customary for new officers
TO retain old clerks to train in the
new ones, and he averred that MIR.
Lacy could not have discharged his
duties without the aid and assistance
given him by the old clerks. He said
that besides having the approval of
Governor Aycock.s ii had been APP
proved by every State officer He
then asked that it be placed upon the
calendar.
Mr.. Mason. of CASTOR. remarked
that the bill should go before a com
killed in the Senate two years ago. ana
he believed this bill should
be passed, still it should go to conn
mittee.
Mr.. Grady explained that this bill
had no relation to the bill Of two years
ago, and that no further bill would be
after which Mr.. Mason
withdrew his motion that the bill be
sent to a committee.
Mr.. Gillian, of Itdgecombe. then re-
neWed 'the motion to have abe bin
sent to committee. and being voted
upon the motion was carried. and the
bill was referred to the Finance Com
mittce.
A few minutes later, however Mr..
Gillian arose and stated that he had
been laboring under a misunderstanding
ng and that he had voted for a SINH
lar bill two years ago. and asked 10
his motion for the reference
IF the bill to a committee. Without
objection the bill was placed uDon the
calendar.
When the bill came up for its Sec
)ud reading, Senator Burton. of Rock
noham. said that two years ago she
same bill, With only technical differ
snce was introduced in the Senate, ana
hat he had voted against it. \
mere technicality. he said. should not
De cons dered, and there being no
,hange in the circumstances in the re-
alton of the State Treasurer and his
,lerk then and now. he would vote
against the bill. He said that the only
Inference between Mr.. Lacys employ
nent Of Martin and Mr.. Worth's em-
,loymcnt of him was only technical
ty, There is no difference in the two
Continued on Page Threc.)