Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-02-28

protect its citizens against wrong
doors, no matter who they are or
what the nature Of the wrong infict-
ed by them. ! am aware that 1t is
a difficult problem to handle, one
which should be approached care
fully, thoughtfully and in an intelli-
gent manner. There should be no
reckless assaults upon people do
ing q legitimate business in a legi-
innate way. Then the present situa-
ton is a temporary one. The con-
dition will eventually right itself.
Increased production and the fall
ing off in our exports (Which latter
has already set in) will bring down
the prices Of manufactured pro
ducts. Falling off in exports is due
to the demoraliZed condition OF the
foreign exchange and may contln-
ue for long time. 1t is almost GER
tain that the price peak of manu-
featured articles has already been
passed, but that will not deter pro-
iteers from practicing ,extortion
where he is able 10 do it. Then,
there will probably be little reduc-
ton in prices OF food products UNI
til after the next harvest. The
cases of extortion can be
reached. not only in sales of
food and manufactured products,
but rents, by carefully prepared
statute, theoretically enforced.
Every gouRer etimulates unrest
when he holds q customers unable
to protect then Ives.
81 hope and believe some legisla-
ton can be enacted that will effect
ually deal with this situation and
properly protect the public against
the few who, unsatisfied with rea-
sonable rents and profits, are bent
upon plundering their helpless VIC
tins.
In order to take my share Of the
responsibility and to be specific in
my recommendation, | am printing,
as an appendix to this message,
draft of a bill | propose. 1t is mod
elled after the provisions OF the
Federal act and one passed by the
legislature of the state of Maine,
and ! believe it will reach the root
of the trouble without inficting I'M
necessary injury or hardship upon
any one. 1t is offered only as sug-
gestion and to make plain what ]
have in mind, have no disposition
to urge this particular measure
upon you. You have n right to
know what my opinions are on the
details Of this question and | am
trying to give them to you frankly.
If you can improve upon il, | will
be delighted to give my assent to
better measure.
81 would suggest the act expire by
limitation with the end OF the pres
ent year 1t may be by that time
that the complaint will be one Of
low prices rather than Of high
prices. II there should be necessi-
tv for its continuance. it could be
re-enacted at the next regular SEES
sion
Recently several states have
amended their corporation laws, al
lowing the issuance of corporation
charters with non.par stock. Many
new corporations are taking out
SuCh charters, ana tHeTe seems 10
be sudden demand for them. Our
corporation laws will not permit OF
the incorporation Of companies of
that character. Numerous com
panies, chartered under the laws OF
this state, have indicated they will
surrender their charters here and
incorporate elsewhere, 50 as 10 issue
non-par stock. That would mean
the loss OF much revenue TO the
state. West Virginia derives, in
charter taxes and fees, something
like 100000 annually OF course
we do not want to lose this revenue
or any part of it. Consequently,
the matter of amending our stat
utes to incorporate companies with
non-air stock becomes a very import
fo,tf