The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1907-02-28


and that this promised lower railway
rates and relief from railway extor-
ton and injustice upon the people.
He declared that the proper regula-
ton of these public service corpora
tions was the only question before
the American people today.
The discussion was here ended, the
chair stating that there was rs bills
to be ratified. Webb offered q rcsolu-
ton that at 1870 Friday all debates
shall close on the pending railway
bills and a vote be taken. This reso-
luton was opposed by Pharr, Ora
ham and Hicks and was lost, only
Webb voting for it. Seyenty-fve
bills we're ratified and at 2:15 the
Senate adjourned. On Friday the
Senate passed the rate bill, only 3
votes being cast against it.
The Rate Bill Debate.
The Senate took up the discussion
of the passenger rate bill. Mitchell
said he regretted the disposition Of
many people in North Carolina to
impugn the motives of the legislators
In reaching conclusions on this sub
ject, and believed the people wanted
only what was fair and right. He
admitted there was a popular de-
mand for. a reduction but declared
it was his opinion that 2 1-2 cents
was the proper figure and begged the
Senate to look at the proposition
from a business instead of a political
standpoint, as the railwayshad to meet
the same problems which confronted
the people of the State. With 81 great
labor, and the State demanding lower
freight and passenger rates, better
service, and better equipment, and
that no man could see justice in all
these demands at once.
Mclean spoke very sharply in crit
icism of the report in Re News and
Observer of his speech, the statement
having been made that he stood for a
"cheese paring' reduction.
At this juncture a resolution came
over from the House and was imme-
diately adopted for a joint ballot for
trustees of the State University.
Lovill, who has introduced a sub
stitute bill referring this entire mat
ter to the corporation commission,
spoke for the development of his sec
ton.
Drewry said the question of pas
senger rates was an issue in the cam
paigns of Wake, his opponent taking
position for a 2 1-2 cent rate, but
that he had not made declaration as
to what rate he would vote to fix, but
had promised to hear the matter dis
cussed and then give his. verdict. At
first he favored a fat rate, but now
favored the Graham bill for two
fares. Odell said he was satisfied
the Senate was not sufficiently in
formed to make a proper passenger
rate at present, as it cannot be ac-
curately said exactly what the rail-
ways In the State are earning, and
it was impossible for a Legislature in
go days to learn the matter so thor
oughly as to know exactly what
should be done, but the Democratic
party had placed the. responsibility
upon this Legislature and the Sen
ate must fulfill the party's promises.
Graham spoke for the committee IS
bill and demanded the previous ques-
ton, but allowed Mclean to offer an
amendment.
Amendments and Substitutes,
Mclean amendment provides that
the corporation commission may, for
such time as it thinks proper, permit
railways of 100 miles or less and all
new or independent roads, to charge
not over 8 cents per mile. TT
adopted. McLean's substitute was
lost IL to 81. Lovill withdrew his
substitute, Daniels substitute was
lost, IS to 81. Blair offered a sub
stitute for one class passenger fare,
not to exceed 2 IL cents, though the
corporation commission may allow
roads under 100 miles long MOTTO
exceed 2 3-4 cents. This was lost, 6
to "a. Graham s amendment, embodi-
ed In the committee bill, was adopted.
Graham's amendment to his own
bill makes section 3 apply to roads
earning as much as $1,000 per mile.
So if earnings are less than that
amount three cents can be charged.
The amendment was adopted to go
into effect July LIST, 1907.
The vote on Daniels bill was ayes,
Is; noes 81.
The House bill was put on reading.
Webb moved to substitute the Ora
ham bill for the House bill. This was
done. The Graham bill then passed
its third reading: Ayes, Aycock,
Ballenger, Blair, Brown, Burton, Bux-
ton, Carter, Daniel, Davis, Dawes,
Drewry Efrd, Fleming, God
win. Graham, Harrington, Hicks.
Holt, Howard, King, Kluttz, Long,
Mason, Mauney, Mclaughlin,
Mclean, Mitchell, O'Del1, Ormond,
Perrett, Pharr, Polk, Redwine, Reid,
R%einhardt, Rives, Seawell,. Stubs,
Turner, Webb, Wilson, Wood; total,
"A. Noes: Ballamy, Breese, Greer;
g..
Text of the Rate Bill.
The following is the text of the