The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-01-27
A WAKE ROAD LAW.
Legislators and County
Commissioners Confer.
Increase Of Magistrates jurisdiction
and Issue Of Bonds to Pay Float
ing Debt Are Dis.
CuSSeG'

"A meeting OF the Wake county leRlS-
lative members, County Commission
ers, County Attorney Fl. Il. Norris and
". n. Jones was held in the commits
sioners room at the court house last
night, looking to important matters
incident to the county's welfare. Per
hapS the main object of the meeting
was to discuss the feasibility of new
road law. There was a sentiment
among the members present to 10
away with the compulsory feature OF
the present law and to allow the pres
ent tax rate to remain the same, and
also to supplement the tax with q por-
ton of the fund derived from the dis
pensary. The present road tax raises
about SOL 900, and it was shown that
the dispensary last year turned over
TO the county school fund $4,000, aud
that the school fund from other
sources was about $35 200, that the
school term is months and 1t seemed
to be the opinion of the members pres
ent that this fund was more than
necessary for the school fund. How
ever, the portion of the dispensarY
fund was not determined upon at the
meeting last night 1t is certain how
ever that a portion of this fund viii
be added TO the road fund. And IL
is believed that sufficient fund can
be raised in this way to carry on the
road building without raising taxes or
issuing bonds. 1t was decided that
the county commissioners would de-
vote certain days to consider road
matters
Among other matters discussed and
decided upon incident to the county
roads were: that only one supervisor
in each township will be employed and
that road machines will be used, also
that convicts of this and other coun-
ties will be worked.
The bond issue was discussed m
some length. Some of the gentlemen
favored an issue, while others did not.
The general sentiment however was
rot to issue bonds il good roads could
be- secured otherwise. IT seemed TO
be the opinion of the majority present
that the labor done on the roads under
the compulsory feature is unsatisfac-
tory in results as we'll as 10 the citi-
zens who are required to labor ana
pay the taxes also.
Attorney II. r. Norris called the at
tention of the members of the legisla-
tura to the amount of costs paid by
the county In criminal cases as sent up
by magistrates. He said that the adj
ministration of criminal law cost Wake
county last year about $1,000 more
than the county received from this
source.
Mr.. Norris said something ought 10
be done regarding the jurisdiction Of
magistrates. That many cases of small
offense were sent up from magistrates
courts to the Superior court when they
ought 10 be disposed of by the maglS-
trates and that a law--fT il could be
done-should be passed giving maEis-
trates larger jurisdiction. thereby saw
ing the county unnecessary expense.
Mr.. Norris and the members of the
legislature will confer later as to such
measures and Will see what can DE
done.
II was also decided that some bonds
will have to be issued to fund floating
debt of the county, but as these will
be for necessary expenses it will not
be necessary to submit the issue to the
people.
These bonds can be issued at n
premium to bear interest at per cent.
There Will be another conference to
perfect the proposed road law The
meeting last night was for the pur-
pose Of getting the members of the
legislature and the county commission
crS together in order to- find out Just
what was needed.
The meeting was addressed By ali
the gentlemen present including Sem
ator Ellington Representatives Olive
and Stronach and Commissioners
Adams, Utley. Broughton and Ed
wards, Sheriff Page. Clerk Russ Reg
lister of Deeds Bernard, Treasurer VIII
hanson. MI W. n. Jones and County
Attorney H. l.. Norris.