The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1912-09-12

fidelity to Duty
Legislature Of it's great mass of local and special legislation to
the end that general legislation might have thorough study
and debate and that local legislation might be brought closer to
localities affected
STATE BUILDING.
For there has been recognized need new State
building to provide for the various departments and to care
the States valuable documents and other property Following
his recommendation authorized elegant reproo
building, credit to the State, will soon be completed
GOOD ROADS.
He recommended legislation for the building good roads. In
line with this recommendation much legislation has been enacted
and during his administration about LOO miles good roads
have been built the State being than previously built
in the whole history of the State.
He recommended legislation for the drainage of swamp lands
Legislation accordance with this recommendation was enacted
and 100000 of swamp land have drained
in process of being drained, in his administration.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
He recommended that the appropriation for public health
be increased from $4,000 to $265OO This done and the
usefulness of the Department of Public Health has greatly
multiplied Yet than the entire appropriation has been saved
the people by reducing the atoxn from So to so
DOSE Who will dare to estimate in dollars the lives and the
heartaches saved by bringing this mysterious elixir of Ge this
wonder of the in the reach Of the poor man? This
OF the many ways this department saving the people money!
and at the same time protecting their lives and increasing their
happiness. estimated that the department is saving the
people annually $125OOO and between 500 to human lives
RAILROAD RATES.
He recommended that every the State be exerted to
abolish and prevent discrimination against cities and towns
in the matter of freight rates.
He also recommended the enactment of legislation requiring
mileage books to be pulled on the trains.
The concerted and powerful effort of the railroads to increase
passenger fares met by him with such firm stand
half of the people that the present rates have been preserved
without confusion strife
He has recommended to the Legislature the most progressive
and drastic antitrust law ever recommended this State As
result but not to the extent of his recommendations laws
the subject have been greatly strengthened Authority has been
the Governor supply special counsel assist the solicitors
who under the Constitution must prosecute for the State in all
actions IN the Superior Court Every one violating the statute
is in addition to other punishment liable to penalty of
suing for and for the first time there has been enacted into
law the demand of the Democratic platform that conspraces
by prospective purchasers to put down keep down the price
of articles produced by the labor others should be made GRIM
na He opposed repeating the old law but recommended that
be strengthened and perfected by amendment and the addition
of new provisions.
FIRE INSURANCE.
He made public the fact that the people of this State grossly
Disseminated against fire insurance rates and in commissions
paid the agents for securing the business BY way Illustration he
cited the State of New York where example, dwellings
outside of fire protection have rate of 80 cents the hundred
while such dwellings here have rate of ST the hundred dol
ar and yet the agent there gets 20 cent for getting the bust
unjust PRACTICES and recommended that the Legislature order
thorough investigation of the subject resolution to investigate
passed the House. but defeated in the Senate through the
determined efforts of the fire insurance interests
STATES CREDIT
Twice during his administration has the State been threatened
with suits by other States account the old fraudulent carpet
bag bonds which they had received donations In each
he handled the matter wisely that the effort ess and
the good name and credit of the State did not suffer.
When nearly S35OOOO0 Of the States debt had to be refunded
and the bonds could not be sold in the usual markets. owing
the financial sngency he avoided extra session of the Leg
sIae by appeal to the bankers and other business of
North Carolina who promptly responded and the credit of
the State by buying the bonds which sold to the highest
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