Watauga Democrat. [volume] (Boone, Watauga County, N.C.) 1888-current, 1925-03-05
(BY M. L. Shipman.l

would drastically re-organize affairs
at the capitol, striking fear deep in
the hearts of state employees and in
general sounding note of determin-
ed opposition to waste in government
and employment of more than the ac-
tual number of workers needed to
keep the states affairs operating,
Governor Mclean appeared before
the General Assembly on Friday.
This was easily the outstanding event
of a week crowded with matters of
Legislative significance.
During the week the measure cre-
ating an executive budget system
was passed; the statewide Austral-
ian ballot system was defeated by
parliamentary tactics led by Tobe
Connor of Wilson and seconded by
Everett of Durham and burlington
of Iredell who made the motion to
table; the revenue bill was submitted
and given approval of the House
carrying twelve millions in revenue !;
the salaries of all state employees
were published as required by the
resolution of Senator Humphrey; a
bill to create pardon board to take
over the function of clemency from
the governor was introduced, a mea-
sure was favorably reported to in
crease the size of the state highway
commission; the measure to inves-
tigate freight rates and water trans
portation went over till this week,
the measure to abolish the statewide
primary was set as special order
for Tuesday night; the. bill was pass
ed to construct a 100000 toll bridge
over the Chowan river and a bill was
passed to allow New Hanover county
to build a $1,250,000 bridge to con-
meet Wilmington with the State high
way from Wilmington to Asheville,
via Charlotte; resolution expressing
confidence in w. N. Everett, Secre-
tary of state.
1t was a busy week for the legis-
lators, featured by two sessions in
each house every day and capped
with the speech of Governor Nc
Lean. In brief the governor recon-
mended that the revenue collecting
agencies of the state, the Insurance
Department, and the Secretary of
States department, and authorities
supervising bus lines be shorn of the
powers and that all revenue be col
lected by the department of revenue.
This will transfer the auto license
department to the Revenue depart
ment. He further recommended the
creation of a salry commission to
investigate the work being done by
each employee of the State, to fix
the salary of each employee COM
mensurate with the work accomplish
ed and to recommend where employ
ees might be dropped. The merging
of the revenue collecting agencies
the Governor argues also would re-
suit in decreasing duplication Of work
with the result and dropping of ma
ny employees at great saving. He
further argued for system of turn
ing over all monies collected daily
to the treasurer and to have the
treasurer as the only officer of the
state with bank account. This, he
said would make available to the
Treasurer all funds Of the state anc
would prevent short term financing
to a large extent, the interest being
saved.
The Australian ballot bill went tC
defeat Sc to IS in the house wheT
it was tabled. Connor of Wilson stooc
out in the forefront of those willing
to deny mans right to vote secret
ly when he made the motion to re
consider the vote by which the bill
was tabled, and brought about the
motion by Everett of Durham, to ta
BILE the Connor motion, seconded b!
Connor and the clincher was put te
the bill preventing its further con
sideration this session. The bill haC
been brought up when an unfavorabl'
report was refused, and a minorit!
report accepted.
The Revenue bill carrying tax sch'
dulles estimated to raise twelve mil
lions was considered and approved
by the House. 1t is now in the Sc
nate. The appropriation bill provide
for spending fourteen millions year
ly so either the revenue must be rails
ed or the appropriations cut.
Publication of all state salarie
paid aroused a great deal of com
ment and was referred to by Cover
nor Mclean in his message. 1t showed
number of highly paid persons, il