The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1909-01-14
STRONG ANTI-TRUST-BILL.
Everything Indicates That Trust
Legislation VIII be a Bone of
Contention-Lack of Leaders.

Raleigh staff Cor. Charlotte Observer. 10th.
Trust legislation, after all, will
prove to be the distinctive fea-
ture and be the real bone of con-
tention Of the present General
Assembly. During the first few
days of the session opinion was
divided as to what should be
done in this particular matter.
Some said one thing and some
another; some argued for a brief
session and little legisla ton,
while others contended for a
session of sixty days and much
legislation, such as the party
platform called for. CHANGING
backward as a result of the
weeks work, the administration
leaders seem to have overborne
opposition, having elected a
Speaker and named committees;
and everything is now in such
shape that sixty days and much
legislation is assured. The talk,
from being scattered uncertain,
is now in the direction Of trust
legislation, an impetus having
been given this matter within
the past few days. Sentiment,
however, is not Yet crystallized,
for thera are many conservatives
yet to be heard from. A reflection
of this general attitude is shown
by the efforts Of many to explain
their positions.
Some of those who are so
anxious for the passage Of a
strong antitrust measure one
that has teeth to it, they say
justify their course on the ground
of party policy, citing the plank
of the party platform adopted
last June; while others base
their stand on the broad principle
! Of right and justice to the State.
Those who say that the dominant
party should take action along
| this line assert that this is a
critical time in the history of
North Carolina Democracy and
: that there is need of advanced
ground being taken. They argue
party expediency and say that a
= strong antitrust law would have
) a salutary effect in encouraging
: the faltering and winning votes
! to the cause.
; Those who contend for a strong
4 antitrust law on the basis of
justice cite the grievances prac.
, ticed by monopolies and the neec
of their rigid regulation. The
:, members Of the Assembly, some
1 arguing one thing and others
, another, between them are be.
:, beginning to arouse considerable
: interest. Then, too, the ad
!, ministration artillery is con+
] mencing to open up, so much
- - so that by the time
!. the session gets we'll under way
! the hue and cry promises to b
g almost as vigorous as that tive
years ago.
. One grave difficulty will bt
J encountered, and that is thu
want Of leaders to direct the
r. crusade. The generals who 81
energetically engineered the ag
:, itation at the last regular ses
= sion were not returned. It ma,
I be that this handicap of ex
, perienced and capable leader
:: and the generally prevailing sen
timent with the people for peac.
i and rest will prohibit anythin,
" serious being done, but not i
~ those who are at present so Wig
J. orously agitating the enterpris
II can prevent it.
little necessity for them until tn
q crop is actually ready for tn
Ill harvest, then trade becomes
e cash transaction. Or better still
J. the farmer can get his none
g from the bank and pay cash
Re all cases, if there is a lack of res
l. dy money.
ct Theadvance system bearsdoW
upon the cotton farmer wit
Re special hardship. His crop
L either sold at Onca or is forced