The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1912-02-08
TLAND NECK, N. c., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY s, 1912.
A contest Of this kind ALWAYS en-


men prominent in the politics of the
State and they have not been anxious
to herald the success of his admins
tration 1t is probable that no Gov
ernor ever went into office in the
State with 50 many to watch his eve
ry action, to misconstrue his motives
and discredit his administration In
his campaign for nomination bis enc
mics pictured him as wild, radical
agltator, who would plunge the
State in endless turmoil and. confu-
sion. Since his actions as Cover elnor
have proved such prediction to be
wholly false, there are those who
seek to create the false impression
that since he has not fulfilled their
prophesy of evil, that be has done
nothing. Some have charged him
with having neglect Of pledges ana
violation of principles, but in every
instance when the light Of truth v.s
turned on, these charges have proved
to be fabrications of fancy if not the
fruitaGe Of malice. The stern facts
furnish crushing answer.
His messages to the Legislature
have been thoroughly progressive
and genuinely Democratic, bis last
general message having been de-
clared the most progressive message
ever sent to Southern legislature.
They have shown study and research
and their recommendations have
been specific and serviceable. No
Governor Of this State has ever had
so many recommendation enacted
into law.
During his administration rs Gov
ernor the State has enjoyed peace
with prosperity and progress. IN
education and public health. in aeri-
culture and manufacture, in good
roads and drainage, and in ether
lines there has been marvellous prog
ress which exceeds that made IN any
like period in the history Of the
State. Annual expenditures for
public education have increased
$3.50, 600; for public health from
S4 900 to $4,000 railroads have IN
creased 250 miles; bank capital has
increased S1,800,O00 and bank re-
sources over $15, 100000. Thirteen
hundred miles CT good roads have
been built, and over G04. coo acres
Of swamp lan;, have come under our
drainage laws. The State institu-
tons and department were never
more successfully conducted. A
ms gnificent State building TO cost
f25O,G00 is being erected in the city
Of Raleigh, which supplies an imper-
ative need recognized for many
years. AS State School for the
Feeble Minded has been established
At kinston. which will not only prove
I great blessing from a humanita-
rian standpoint, but its economic
value will be incalculable.
As q result, but not to the extent,
IF his recommendation, tie State
aw against trusts has been greatly
strengthened. Contrary 70 his
recommendations the Legislature re-
9ealed all the antitrust law and en-
acted q new law effective from July
|, 1911, embodying many, but omit
ting the most sweeping recommends
lions made by aim. To his t;rra and
lis special message to the ie9isla-
,ure on the subject Is probably due
the enactment into law Of the sDs-
;ilic demand OF the Democratic plat
form that 'consplrac IS by prospec-
live purchasers - put dowa oT keep
iown the price Of article produced
oy the labol. Of others shGu:G be
made criminal" "
He met the concerted action OF
.he railroad interests Ior an increase
1f passenger rates with q Arm stanI
n behalf Of tbs public aa1 the pres
ant reduced rates were continued.
There was 10 buster. aut these
mighty interests had net their
match. They saw the; lad . Geai
With a man from whom thez could
expect no special fave, bGg Who
would deal justly with th2nl and the
people whom they serve, and the
many private cars which had.gath
cred in Raleigh giided away On sheii
several courses with chair d!5ap-
ooin:ed but wiser ovne,.;.
Twice in his adlninistI~ - have
I'D repudiated North CaTo.in4 oonds
1aen given to States with 9 yiew 10
their compromise OF settle
nent. II both Instances lie handled
he subjec: with such firmnes8 and
act that tie scheme was frustrated
md .. the time he won instead OF
est friends.
NearY S3, 500, 900 of refunding
ponds were successfully placed with
l,t ., ovtro cee..iop of fip lcrislS-