The independent. [volume] (Elizabeth City, N.C.) 1908-1936, 1919-03-14
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY O.
1919 MADE GOOD RECORD
Not as Progressive as Was Desired, But it Moved
The State Forward on Health Education,
Roads And Taxation Problems

ally prove to be satisfactory to all or
to a large part of the people. It was
upon this measure that the General
Assembly devoted most discussion and
gave the most time Senators Scales
and Stevens were the pioneer champions
of State system when it was 'consid-
cred doubtful if the General Assembly
would try a hand at it, and a host of
legislators have worked at it since. The
Senate stood for a Statewide system
while the House was committed to a
county system with State and Federal
aid. The result is a compromise in
which the State system is retained with
optional county aid. While not au-
thorizing a bond issue it is provided
that money may be borrowed. The law
as finally passed represents the best
efforts of a conference committee. 1t
was Governor Doughton that put it
across in the House when it looked like
no bill could get through that the
Senate would endorse.
The health legislation, approved by
the State Health Board and the War
Department provides for radical
changes in the control of venereal dis
eases and for inspection Senator
Senator Joseph A. Brown and Repre-
sentative Stanley Winborne headed the
countered little opposition in putting
these measures through. However, had
there been a fight made, they would
have proven worthy opponents.
Able Presiding Officers.
Speaker Dennis G. Brummitt was
happy in the selection of his COM
in the House and they worked
in hearty accord to put throught pro-
gressive program of legislation. Scarce
ly any friction was encountered and this
is a most excellent record when the
of legislation passed is con-
sidered. Practically every chairman
was the right man for the right place.
Speaker Brummitt was actuated in his
appointments by desire to organize
a working body that would serve the
State. Speaker Brummitt proved him
self to be a presiding officer of ex-
ceptiona1 ability. His decisions were
rendered with impartiality and fairness
to all concerned while his conduct of
INF s4s II he part DE
Lieut.. Gov. o. Max. Gardner was
equally happy in the organization of
he Senate and never at any time was
here friction of any consequence.
Never once during the session did any
one question the business of his de-
,isions while acting as presiding officer
He had the advantage of being well ac-
luainted with public affairs and with
the personnel of the Senate. His COM
nittee assignments were thoroughly
considered by him with view to secur-
ing maximum of service by putting
the proper man in the right place, and
the Senate's record shows he exercised
excellent judgment.
Their ThankIess Task
Craftsmanship of an Appropriations
committee is ordinarily thankless job
because it is never possible to please
everybody but Senator George Holder
ness and Representative r. S. McCoin,
who headed the respective committees
Of the Senate and House, are exceptions
to the rule. They had the task of
distributing more than five
million dollars among the various State
and this required careful
thought and study. Both were well
fitted for the place, Senator Holderness
being an banker and farmer while Re
McCoin is a lawyer and
business man.
Increased Pensions.
1t fell to tn lot of the Appropriations
committee to find a way to increase
The pensions of the Confederate veter-
ans of the State. They couldn't see
The way clear to make it a million
year, but they brought it up to nearly
S7OO,OOO, as compared with $525,000:
which was paid out last year.
In connection with the road legisla-
ion it is Interesting to note the esti-
nate that between 60 and 70 million
lo1lars were authorized in bonds for
public roads in the various counties of
he state during the next two years.
The road committees, headed by Sena-
or Ferebee and by Col. Bennehan Cam
ron, rendered faithful service.
Little Partisanship.
A notable feature of the General AS
emb1y was the lack of partisanship
exhibited in the discussions. Not once
Turing the Senate sessions were parti-
;anship fights encountered and only
nee in the House. The utmost good
Concluded on Page 12)