The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-02-27

cope with It. Nor should the state
lave question of this character and
seriousness to the federal govern
ment. 1t Is the duty of the state to
protect Its citizens against wrong
doers, no matter who they are or
what the nature OF the wrong infiici-
ed by them.e j am aware that II Is
difficult problem to handle. one
which should be approached careful.
ly, thoughtfully and in an intelligent
mannet. There, should be. mo raok-
less assaults upon people doing
Legitimate bnsinese i'm legitimate
way. Then the present situation Is a
temp porarF one, The condition will
eventually right itself. Increased
production and the falling off in our
exports which latter has already set
IND will bring down the prices OF
manufactured products. Failing OF
in exports Is due to the demoralized
condition OF foreign exchange and
! almost certain that the price epuk OF
manufactured articles has already
been passed, but that will not deter
progteers from practicing extortion,
where he is able to do It. Then.
there will probably be little reduction
in prices Of food products until after
the next harvest. The cases of ex-
tortion can be reached. not only in
sales Of food and manufactured pro
ducts, but rents, by Carefully pre-
apred statute, energetically enforced
Every gouger stimulates unrest when
he holds UP customers unable TO pro-
test themselves.
Il hope and believe some legislation
can be enacted that will effectually
deal with this situation and properly
protect the public against the few who,
unsatisfied with reasonable rents and
profits, are bent upon plundering
their helpless victims.
.Jn order to take Smy share of the
responsibility and to be specific in
my recommendation, am printing. az
an appendix to this message, draft
of bill propose. tits modelled aft
er the provision Of the Federal act and
one passed by the 1egislattire OF the
state or Maine, and believe 1t will
reach the root of the trouble without
tnfltcting unnecessary injury or hatl-
ship upon any one. 1t Is offered only
as a suggestion and to make plain what
have in my mind. I;haye no disposI-
ton to urge this particular measure
upon you. YOU have al right 10 ilsou
what my opinions are on the details cl
this question and J. am trying to give
them to you frankly II you can i'm.
prove upon, 1t, will be delighted to
give my assent to better measure.
81 would suggest the act expire by
Limitation with the end OF the present
Year 1t my be by that time that the
complaint will be Of low prices rather
than OF high prices. If there should
be necessity, for its continuance, It
could be re-enacted at the next regular
session. ~.
"Recere5 several states have
t'amehded their corporation laws, allow.
ing the issuance of corporation char.
ters with non-par stock. Many. new
i.corporation5 are taking out such char
! ters, and there seems to be a sudden
demand for them. Our Corporation
laws will not permit of the incorpora-
ton Of companies of that Character.
Numerous companies, chartered under
the laws of, this state, have indicated
they will surrender their charters
here; and incorporate elsewhere, so as
TO issue .non;par stock That would
mean the loss of much revenue to this
Fstates West Virginia derives. in char
ter. taxes and fees, somethine Ike
$500, 900 annually. OF course we do
not want 20 lose this revenue or any
4 part OF II. Consequently, the matter OIL
amending our statutes to incorporate
companies with nonipar stock becomes
ia very important matter Il is 80 urs
Continued on pzge iour.l