of tf)C WinMx^itV of JSortf) Carolina ^f)is; hook toaji pregenteti C om>Tiissio>^ C 553,(33. M81|> UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00034043650 This book must not be taken from the Library building. PUBLIC PAPERS AND LETTERS OF CAMERON MORRISON Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2011 witii funding from Ensuring Democracy through Digital Access (NC-LSTA) http://www.archive.org/details/publicpap19211925morr c. PUBLIC PAPERS AND LETTERS of CAMERON MORRISON GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA 1921-1925 COMPILED BY WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR EDITED BY D. L. CORBITT CHIEF LIBRARY ASSISTANT, NORTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL COMMISSION Raleigh Edwaeds & Beoughton Company State Printebs 1927 v9 PREFACE This volume was compiled by William H. Richardson, Private Secretary to Governor Morrison, in fulfillment of the duty of the Governor's secretary to keep an official letter-book. At the termination of Governor Morrison's administration, the material was turned over to the North Carolina Historical Commission for preservation. In printing this volume the method and procedure used in the publication of Governor Bickett's letter-book has been adopted. Authority was granted by the Council of State and funds for printing were provided by the Printing Com- mission. The introduction, a biographical sketch of Governor Morrison, was written by Justice Heriot Clarkson, and the editor wishes to make full and proper acknowledgment to him for this section of the volume. The editor is indebted to Misses Mamie C. Turner and Margaret WiUis for assistance in supplying dates, etc., and to R. B. House and A. R. Newsome for valuable suggestions. D. L. CORBITT. Raleigh, N. C. August 1, 1927. CONTENTS Page Portrait of Governor Morrison Frontispiece Preface v A Biographical Sketch of Cameron Morrison: Acknowledgment xv Biographical Sketch xvii Messages to the General Assembly: 1921 Inaugural Address 3 Taxation: Department of Revenue: Commissioner of Banks. 15 Recommending Directorate for Institutional Appropriations . 26 InadequateFunds to Maintain Six Months School 28 Provide Funds for Six Months School 30 Nominations and Appointments 31 1923 Message to the General Assembly 36 Press Reports by A. J. Maxwell 54 Nominations and Appointments 59 Salaries and Wages Paid in the Executive Office 61 1924 Calling Special Session of the General Assembly 61 Amendment and Water Transportation 63 Appointments Submitted to the Senate 97 Proclamations by the Governor: 1921 Mothers' Day 101 Near East Relief 102 Law and Order in Cabarrus County 103 Fire Prevention Day 105 Armistice Day 107 Thanksgiving Day 108 1922 Jewish Relief Week. . '. 110 Mothers' Day HI Rocky Mount Strike 112 Rocky Mount Strike 113 viii Contents Proclamations by the Governor — Continued: Page Spencer Strike 115 Fire Prevention Day 117 Armistice Day 119 Thanksgiving Day 119 1923 Clean-up Week 121 "Bundle Day" 122 Mothers' Day 123 Citizens Military Training Camp 124 Funeral Services of President Harding 125 Japanese Disaster 126 Armistice Day 127 Thanksgiving Day 128 1924 Woodrow Wilson's Death 129 Woodrow Wilson Memorial Sunday 130 Mothers' Day 130 National Defense 131 Fire Prevention Week 132 Arbor Day 133 Armistice Day 134 Thanksgiving Day • • • 1^^ 1925 Presidential Electors 136 Appeals to the Public: ^„-^ The Ex-Service Men to Join the American Legion .... 141 Observe Cripple Census Week 142 Increased Food Production 143 1923 Help Rehabilitate Elon College 147 Forest Protection Week 147 The Harding Memorial Association 148 1924 Purchase and Wear a Poppy 148 Public Addresses: 1091 Trained Men Taking the Leadership — An Address to the Graduating Class of North Carolina State College. . . 151 Contents ix Public Addresses — Continued: Page Know Yourself Religiously and Politically — An Address to the Graduating Class of the University of North Carolina 153 The Spirit of Brotherhood and Helpfulness — Farmers' Union Convention at Raleigh 158 Law and Order Guaranteeing Liberty Must be Maintained — An Address to the People of Cabarrus County at Con- cord 160 Save for Humanity the Fabric of Government Founded Upon the Competitive System — A Speech Before the American Legion at Henderson ville 169 1922 Progress Ne>ver spoon m his mouth, but had a fierce struggle, even m his tender t arT to keep the wolf from the door. He has not for- llnl'n the pit whence he was digged. He knows every ftep of tt rugged road over which he has trave ed His sympathy will always be with the man who toils for his 'toS:t is honest, candid and ^ea^'ess. He never straddled a public question in his life. Everybody know where he stands. He is square. He has never learned The art of dissimulation. Whether an issue is popular or unpopular, he takes his stand flat-footed upon it and Stands there until he is convinced that he is wrong. He is a brave man, as his record in the past proves. KTs not an extremist, as some of his opponents have alleged. He is a hard fighter, but never strikes below the belt' He is generous, warm-hearted and --;---°-; His enemies are not those he has met in the field. He does XXV i A Biographical Sketch of not represent a class, but all the citizenship of the State which he loves with passionate devotion. Cameron Morrison is a veritable Richard the Lion Hearted in the political tournament. Sitting in his saddle with staunchness of the old knight of ancient fame, he couches a lance both strong and true. This instance is given by a friend in the race for Governor when he eliminated Honorable Robert N. Page, his lifelong friend, in the first primary in the contest for Governor, and paid back the friendly defeat of twenty years before when Mr. Page was named to be Congressman by a fraction of a vote and Morrison went down in defeat. It was on the convention floor in that great fight that Morrison, the defeated candidate, arose and in that mag- nificent voice swept the great convention off its feet by his declaration: "My fellow-citizens, when Richard the Lion Hearted and Leopold, King of Austria, were seriously threatening the very lives of their armies with a personal conflict as to which should be commander-in-chief of their combined forces, Richard said, 'Take the command to- morrow, Leopold, but may the God of the Christian give the victory to him who shall carry the banner furthest into the ranks of the infidel.' And so I say to Robert N. Page, take the office; but may victory come to him who shall carry the banner of democracy furthest into the ranks of the Republican party." For thirty years, Mr. Morrison has waged the fight for democracy, and whatever may have been his mistakes neither friend nor foe has ever for a moment had a right to doubt his genuine fight, not only for his party, but for his State. He has been fair, while a foe, to the Republican party, and many of the leaders are his warm personal friends. This was the character of the man who entered into that memorable campaign of 1920 for Governor of North Carolina, which, perhaps was the greatest primary contest ever brought before the people in this State. The Kitchin- Craig race for Governor was a convention contest. Mor- rison's opponents, Hon. Robert N. Page and Hon. O. Max Cameron Morrison xxvii Gardner, were men of the highest character, abiHty and inteUigence and of powerful family connections. And the stern joy which warriors feel, In foeman worthy of their steel. Hon. Robert N. Page had been in Congress nearly twenty years, and had shortly before the contest declined to be a candidate for reelection. He is a brother of the late Walter Hines Page, Ambassador to Great Britain during the Wilson administration. Henry Page, another brother, was Food Administrator during the World War. Frank Page, another brother, is Chairman of the State Highway Commission. His family is a remarkable one for honesty, intellectuality and constructive policies. Hon. O. Max Gardner was Lieutenant-Governor of North Carolina and by his charm of manner and likeable characteristics "the idol of the younger democracy." He is a son-in-law of Judge James L. Webb, of the Superior Court bench, whose brother E. Y. Webb, had been in Congress some twenty years, and was later appointed Junior United States Judge for the Western District of North Carolina by Woodrow Wilson. Clyde R. Hoey, a brother-in-law, was a member of Congress. The State has produced no finer, higher-class, honorable, patriotic man. Morrison had a large and lucrative practice, but generous to a fault, was without means. On the 6th day of Decem- ber 1905, he married Miss Lottie May Tomlinson (who was born January 25, 1880), a woman of great charm and loveliness. They had one child, Angelia — well named, an angel child — with all the sweetness of her mother and courage and loyalty of her father. A great shock came to the entire State and to the people of Charlotte when Mrs. Morrison died after a short illness on the 12th day of November, 1919. This v/as a crushing blow that Cameron Morrison received just on the outlook of the contest. The devotion of the couple was as beautiful and their married life was as happy and congenial as this earth permits. They walked together in the Garden of Eden xxviii A Biographical Sketch of of this earth. She looked forward with pride to this con- test. She was ambitious for him to do great things for their beloved Commonwealth — but she was called and he left. He tarried for a great purpose — to carry out a vision of helping to make this Commonwealth throw off its lethargy and wake up its giant strength. How often in the years that have gone by has he come to my office and I have listened to his persuasive and convincing reasoning that this State should be one of the greatest on this earth. Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. He saw the vision of a State of God-fearing people, a climate unsurpassed, a soil rich. He saw the need of a great University, Woman's College, State College for Agriculture and Engineering. He saw the needs for more high schools and schools to educate the masses, vocational schools. He saw the need of good hard-surface and dependable roads and the ports of the eastern shore poten- tial and inviting, closed to commerce. He saw the needs of "those whom the finger of God had touched" — the insane, the feeble-minded, the deaf, dumb and blind, the crippled children, institutions for the wayward boys and girls; the need for schools for our colored people and our duty to them and to the afflicted and wayward. Having this vision, and with the "faith, so that I could remove mountains," handicapped with grief, sick in body and heart, he never wavered. Could he arouse the State and get it to fulfill its mission .f* He had asked me to manage his campaign, and seemed obsessed with that idea. I was getting older and I knew it was a young man's job. The great issues to be put over required youth, strength and vigor. Early in April, 1920, he made a speech at Marion and had caught cold. I heard that he was at home sick in bed and went to see him. I went to his sickbed and said "Cam, I have come to fulfill your request and go to Raleigh to take charge of your campaign." The light of loyal thankfulness shall always linger as a remembrance of friendship. The convention met the Cameron Morrison xxix following week. To forestall the opposition and give courage to the Morrison forces, I went to Raleigh at once and issued the following statement: ^ "I have come to Raleigh to manage the campaign tor Mr Cameron Morrison for the Democratic nominee lor Governor. I have quit my business to enter into this arduous duty for a friend, a labor of love._ ^ -Our Commonwealth and the Democratic party is to be congratulated on having three virile, splendid. North CaroUnians to choose from to govern them-men of character and ability— any one of whom, if nominated, I will take pleasure in loyally supporting. "I believe that our ancient foe, the Republican party, intends following the autocratic leadership of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and his like to venomously attack the men who have, under Democratic leadership, carried to successful conclusion the great World War; President Woodrow Wilson who held the flag of the nation, and our great North Carolinians, Hon. Josephus Daniels, the flag of the navy; Senator F. M. Simmons, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate; Senator Lee S Overman, Chairman of the Rules Committee, and Claude Kitchm, House Leader. . "We had a spectacle of this in the Republican convention at Greensboro in the attack on the President of our nation -a sick man-a sacrifice on the altar of o^5„."°^\'7- At the tragic death of our great President Wilhani Mc- Kinley, I recall how the hearts of those brave North Carolina Democrats went out in sympathy, and public eulogies were held everywhere. There is one man who can best curb this spirit of vicious criticism and that man is Mr. Morrison. . "I am for Mr. Morrison, as he does not apologize, min- imize or criticize the great constructive work of the Demo- cratic party under Mr. Wilson. Another reason, honestly desiring to try out an honest system of taxation and a much needed reform, he speaks out in the open, and stands tor equitable taxation, and if not satisfactory, amend the law to make revaluation just and righteous. Mr. Morrison holds XXX A Biographical Sketch of out no impossible hope for the people and advocates the passage of no unconstitutional nor class legislation. "He will stand with all his eloquence and logic to sustain the wonderful constructive legislation of the Democratic party while in power; the twelve regional banks over the nation, enfranchising the monetary system — the greatest system for humanity since Joseph established the regional granaries in Egypt. He stands for the twelve farm loan banks over the nation, giving the producer, the hope of a nation, a chance for home owning. He stands for opening the South Atlantic ports, so that produce can be shipped to and from South America and the West Indies Islands without first going through northern ports. "He will, and has heretofore, aided greatly in getting better freight rates for North Carolina. He stands for cooperation and mutual harmony between capital and labor, and stands squarely on the Democratic platform, for the right of labor to organize. He stands for the construction of a State system of durable hard-surface highways. If he is elected Governor, he will do his utmost to inaugurate a policy whereby the religious, moral, agri- cultural, commercial and industrial life of the State can be developed by connecting the principal villages, towns and cities with durable, all-weather roads. He stands for better rural schools, and living conditions on the farm, so that farm life, the heart of a nation, will flourish, better pay for teachers, for better health conditions. "He will not forget those heroic men, the flower of our Commonwealth, who at home and abroad, stood the test and upheld the flag, and helped win the World War. "Mr. Morrison has not spent his time in office holding, or office seeking. For thirty years, the Democratic party in North Carolina has called on him to canvass the State in different sections, and our citizenship has been aided by his efforts in the great human issues. He has, in season and out of season, performed his duty. Our great Vance said 'The horse that pulls the plow should have the fodder.' He could have used his great talents in obtaining wealth, but he has used them to make better conditions so that Cameron Morrison xxxi others could labor and get their just rewards. In his campaign, he will spend, if necessary to do so, for legitimate purposes only, what the law has fixed, one year's salary of the Governor. He calls on the voters to volunteer in his behalf, and I appeal to the voters of this great comnion- wealth to rally to his support. If elected, he will go into the high oihce free and untrammeled, with but a single purpose, To serve God and the people of his beloved State." The slogan of the campaign was From the Plowhandle to the Mansion. Some 50,000 large posters with his picture and platform of progress were placed at the courthouse in every county seat in the State, country stores and every available place. Morrison steadily improved, but was weak in body, but strong in courage during the convention. Lieutenant- Governor Gardner's brother-in-law, the distinguished Con- gressman, Clyde R. Hoey, made the keynote speech. After the convention, the contest started in earnest. All three of the candidates campaigned the State. Governor Morrison has frequently remarked that I said to him "Cam, I am going to help make you Governor of North Carolina or kill you," and I came near doing both. But the manager had known the mettle of the racer for thirty years, and knew he had a thoroughbred on the race track. During the contest, in ninety days, he had campaigned the entire State, from the mountains to the sea, and made 103 set speeches, besides numerous side ones. In the first primary, June 3, 1920, Mr. Page was eliminated and Mr. Morrison had a plurality of 87 votes over the gallant Gardner. Then the battle of ballots was waged perhaps as never before in this Commonwealth; the con- structive issues were great, and on July 3, the final primary, he had won by 9,259 majority. He made his last speech in Raleigh the night before the primary, July 2, 1920. It was in the Academy of Music. The place was packed with men and women representing every walk of life. As we went towards the stage, accompanied by Judge xxxii A Biographical Sketch of James S. Manning, W. F. Evans, P. C. Whitlock, and others, the audience rose and cheered and shouted. The band played "Dixie." I have never seen anything Hke it and never expect to. His speech was great, but when he said "If tonight I did not stand by and defend my old daddy I would not be fit to be Governor of this great commonwealth," pandemonium of approval broke loose. His father, a gallant Confederate soldier, after the war for a while a Republican, came back to the Democratic party and was elected Treasurer of Richmond County as a Democrat. He campaigned the State for the Democratic party after his nomination by the primary, notwithstanding his strenuous campaign for the nomination, with the loyal aid of his former competitors, Lieutenant-Governor O. Max Gardner and Hon. Robert N. Page and their followers and a host of militant Democrats. The State was carried for the Democratic party by 78,016, the largest majority up to that time in the history of the State. His inaugural address was a repetition of the vision of his uplifting movement — the platform he had won on in his primary nomination. The deflated period of 1920 set in, a time ever to be remembered, yet he never faltered but stood by his pledges. The road bond money and also building expenditures helped to save the State from deflated wreck. Few public officials have been able to so fully carry out their pledges. This was due to a great people. Our law is founded on the consent of the governed. The people's will is expressed through their officials. In my decision to take charge of the Governor's cam- paign, I shall never forget the loyalty to Governor Morrison of Mr. Wade H. Harris, Editor of the Charlotte Observer, from youth until now a great constructive upbuilder of this commonwealth. He was insistent at all times that I should manage the campaign. The Charlotte Observer was a tower of strength. Many other papers did valiant service — the Charlotte Evening News, Asheville Citizen, Winston-Salem Journal, Durham Herald, Wilmington Star, etc. Other papers that were neutral, were fair and just — the News and Observer, Greensboro Daily News, etc. Many Cameron Morrison xxxiii of the State's leading citizens spoke in the primary in his behalf. I mention a few, taken mostly from his home city, to show the type of men who took part in the contest: Frank R. McNinch, Thos. C. Guthrie, E. T. Cansler, J. D. McCall, E. R. Preston, T. L. Kirkpatrick, W. C. Dowd, D. B. Smith, J. Frank Flowers, J. Lawrence Jones, T. A. Adams, P. C. Whitlock, Jas. F. Barrett, Will Weill, Dr. I. W. Faison and others of Charlotte; W. A. Hart of Tarboro, W. N. Everett, Rockingham, Willis J. Brogden, Gilbert C. White, Durham, Jas. A. Lockhart of Wadesboro (now of Charlotte), W. A. Finch of Wilson, J. Bayard Clark of Fayetteville, Chas. A. Webb, of Asheville, A. M. Scales, R. W. H. Stone of Greensboro, Col. John D. Langston of Goldsboro, J. W. Bailey, W. F. Evans and J. F. McMahon of Raleigh. Many of the State's greatest ministers, lawyers, newspapermen, bankers, business men, farmers, doctors, merchants, mechanics, realtors, mill owners and operatives and men in all walks of life entered into this great constructive contest. His valiant supporters and followers were "all sorts and conditions of men" — all classes. The Legislatures of 1921 and 1923 had the vision of great constructive work which stood for the betterment of this great commonwealth. The first piece of great constructive work was carrying out the vision of a State road system. Public Laws, 1921, Chap. 2. The caption of this act is as follows: "An Act to Provide for the Con- struction and Maintenance of a State System of Hard- surfaced and Other Dependable Roads Connecting by the Most Practicable Routes the Various County Seats and Other Principal Towns of Every County in the State for the Development of Agriculture, Commercial and Industrial Interests of the State, and to Secure Benefits of Federal Aid Therefor, and for Other Purposes." On March 17, 1920, at North Wilkesboro, he made his famous good roads speech. I quote part: "I favor a robust good roads policy, and I declare to the Democrats and people of North Carolina, that if I am elected Governor of the State, I will use every faculty I xxxlv A Biographical Sketch of possess to help put a policy through the General Assembly which will result in the speedy construction of a great system of highways, worthy of North Carolina, the most progressive state in this republic." As given by Hon. Frank Page, the efficient Chairman of the State Highway Commission, the status of this system on October 3, 1924, was as follows: "There are 6,200 miles of road in the State highway system, and we are maintaining approximately 6,000 miles. We have in the State system 1,700 miles of hard-surfaced roads, and about 3,700 miles of other dependable types. The total average cost of maintenance of all types of roads in North Carolina ending July 1, 1924, was 3544.96 per mile. Of course, this varies very much, depending upon the amount of traffic on each road, and also the type of surfacing on the road; but the above figure is an average of the cost. We have completed under the bond issues to July 1, 1924, 2,806 miles, and under construction on the above mentioned date 1,122 miles." The Legislature authorized bond issues of 365,000,000 to build and construct this State highway system: in 1921, 350,000,000; in 1923, 315,000,000. The rate of interest on the bonds could not exceed 5 per cent. For the present fiscal year it is estimated the State will collect about 310,200,000 from automobile and gasoline tax (tax on gasoline 4 cents a gallon). This revenue will be sufficient to pay the interest on the State highway road bonds, the maintenance of the State roads, the upkeep of the State Highway Commission, a sinking fund to retire the bonds, and a surplus of about 33,000,000. There is no tax on land. The automobile and gasoline tax carries the entire burden at the present time. To finance this system, the acts provide for the issuance of serial bonds of the State, payable in not less than ten nor more than forty years from the date of issue — one- thirtieth paid each year— a broad building and loan plan. To protect the sinking fund the following constitutional amendment was adopted at the General Election of 1924: Cameron Morrison xxxv The General Assembly shall not use nor authorize to be used any part of the amount of any sinking fund for any purpose other than the retirement of the bonds for which said sinking fund has been created. To limit State Indebtedness the following constitutional amendment was adopted at the General Election of 1924: Except for the refunding of valid bonded debt, and except to supply a casual deficit, or for suppressing invasions or insurrections, the General Assembly shall have no power to contract any new debt or pecuniary obligation in behalf of the State to an amount exceeding in the aggregate, including the then existing debt recognized by the State, and deducting sinking funds then on hand, and the par value of the stock in the North Carolina Railroad Company and the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad Company owned by the State, seven and one-half per cent of the assessed valuation of taxable property within the State as last fixed for taxation. In the road program that he pledged the people he would Inaugurate, many good roads enthusiasts played an important part. Col. T. L. Kirkpatrick, of Charlotte, President of the Wilmington-Asheville-Charlotte Highway, and President of the Citizens Highway Association, had fought, in season and out of season, for a hard-surfaced and dependable system and with the vision always to start at 350,000,000. Miss Harriet M. Berry, Secretary and Treasurer of the North Carolina Good Roads Associa- tion, through long years of hard work had helped to educate the people up to the wisdom and necessity. Hon. Frank Page had been gradually working towards the end. The State system of good roads had been aided much by him, then chairman, appointed by Governor T. W. Bickett. Both Governors Locke Craig and T. W. Bickett had the vision of a State system. Col. Bennehan Cameron, E. R. Preston, Col. Joseph Hyde Pratt and others had been working for years for good roads. Senator F. M. Simmons fifteen years ago procured the adoption by Congress of the item in a Post Office Appropriation Bill which first committed the Federal government to the policy of co- operation with the states in the construction of good roads. This was the initial National legislation that has since become so popular and effective. The Citizens Highway xxxvi A Biographical Sketch of Association, in conjunction with the North Carolina Good Roads Association, appointed a committee of leading good-road advocates in the State, and they in turn appointed a sub-committee of Heriot Clarkson, Chairman, Miss Harriet M. Berry, John Sprunt Hill, Dr. L. B. Morse and W. A. McGirt, who drafted a bill. One thousand copies of this bill were printed and distributed to aid the incoming Legislature and the frontispiece was as follows: North Carolina Good Roads Association — Suggested Bill: To provide for the construction and maintenance of a State system of hard-surfaced and other dependable highways, together with map, outlining suggested construction districts for an equitable distribution of construction funds. An easy method was provided to take over the roads for the State system, running from county seat to county seat and principal towns and State institutions, etc. A map showing the roads to be taken over was attached to the bill and made a part thereof. The State Highway Commission posted a map of the proposed roads to be taken for the State, at county courthouse doors in each county in the State, and gave notice to the road governing bodies in each county and city and if no objection or protest was made in sixty days they became part of the State system and county seats, principal towns or State institutions, etc., could not be disconnected. Upon objection to taking over the roads the matter was heard by the entire State Highway Commission. The bill requires the State High- way Commission within sixty days after the ratification of the act, to commence assuming control of the State roads by giving notice. At the present time 6,200 miles have been taken over and comprise the State system. Under the system, the bond money is equitably distributed all over the State. The State was divided into nine construction districts with nine highway commissioners — one from each district, and a chairman who heads the commission. The money is distributed as follows: The area of land in a particular district to the total area of land in the State, the mileage of State roads in the district to the total mileage Cameron Morrison xxxvil of roads taken over in the State and the population in the district to the population in the entire State. By this method each district has its equitable and proportionate part of the funds spent in the district, with no favoritism to any section of the State. Those counties that had heretofore hard surfaced a great many of their roads, at their own expense, turned these hard-surfaced roads over to the State systemi without cost. The vote in the State is about two to one in respect to Democrats and Republi- cans, and the bill provided that there should be six Demo- crats and three Republicans. By the present road system, it has been made possible to have through the length and breadth of the State hard surfaced and dependable roads, and anywhere in North Carolina, whether in the mountains of the West or the swamps of the East, the roads are built the same as if in the populous sections of the State, and kept up and main- tained by the State. The State as a unit is the goal in road building and the old local county system is a thing of the past as far as State roads are concerned. The bill gives "equal rights to all and special privileges to none." The butter is spread all over the bread. Each district has an engineer and the central ofhce is located in Raleigh and any disputes over roads are heard by the entire Commission as an appellate body. The material is all tested and every precaution taken by the Raleigh oihce to see that the State gets full value for money expended. The entire system has central and district work shops — all the roads have patrolmen with efficient forces to keep up and main- tain the roads. The salient features of this bill became the Doughton- Connor-Bowie Bill. The Good Roads Committee bill only provided for ^20,000,000 bond issue and an automobile license and gasoline tax of one cent on the gallon, also an ad valorem tax of 5 cents on 3100, but the Governor in his campaign had pledged the people of the State that he would not levy a land tax. This feature of the bill was eliminated by him. He was insistent that the bond issue was too small and suggested ^50,000,000 or 365,000,000 xxxviii A Biographical Sketch of that the system could be built sooner than ten years — the idea of the Good Roads Committee was that it would take that length of time. His determined views prevailed. The consequence is that the State has the best composite road bill and system in the nation — sane and sensible. For this great constructive work, the Governor appointed a remarkable commission of three Republicans, according to the Act, and six Democrats. The Chairman, a Demo- crat, was named in the bill. No men have given more patriotic service to the State. The Commission is com- posed of: Frank Page, Chairman J. Elwood Cox C. R. Wheatley W. C. Wilkinson J. G. Stikeleather A. S. Hanes W. A. Hart A. M. Kistler W. A. McGirt John Sprunt Hill J. C. McBee resigned and A. M. Kistler succeeded him. R. A. Doughton resigned and A. S. Hanes succeeded him. J. E. Cameron resigned and C. R. Wheatley succeeded him. The Commission selected Charles M. Upham State highway engineer, a man of experience and capability. It was he who built the famous Du Pont Road across the State of Delaware. The taxing system of the State that he has helped inaugu- rate is remarkable for its justice and simplicity. No land is directly assessed for tax for State purposes. All land tax is exclusively levied in the respective counties and munici- palities and used for county and municipal purposes. The burden of the State government is borne by taxes on in- comes, inheritance, insurance, franchises, corporation license tax and departmental revenues (except automobile and gasoline), etc. This State tax is used to keep up the State government, annual appropriations for the Univer- sity, the Woman's College, State College, institutions for the insane, deaf, dumb and blind, feeble-minded. State Tubercular Sanatorium, Jackson Training School for way- ward boys. Eastern Carolina Industrial Training School for wayward boys, and Samarcand for wayward [girls, Cameron Morrison xxxix Orthopedic hospital for crippled children, health and welfare work, etc., Eastern Carolina Teachers College, Appalachian Normal School, Cullowhee Normal School, Negro Agricultural and Technical College, Negro Normal Schools, Reformatory for delinquent negro boys and State institutions for afflicted negroes. During his administration some of the noteworthy con- structive things done, other than road system, are: Banking Laws made more stringent. Public Laws 1921, Chap. 4, and amendments. Consolidated Statutes, Vol. Ill, Chap. 5. It is therein provided that every bank shall at all times have on hand or on deposit with approved reserve depositories, instantly available funds in an amount equal to at least fifteen per cent of the aggregate amount of its demand deposits, and five per cent of the aggregate amount of its time deposits. The adoption of the county-wide school plan and the school laws codified. Laws 1923, Chap 136: "An Act to amend and consolidate statutes and to codify the laws relating to public schools." Laws 1923, Chap. 260: "An Act to aid needy orphan children in the homes of worthy mothers" — a most humane and common sense act. Fifty thousand dollars was appropriated to be apportioned among the counties on a per capita basis. The passage of "An Act to make the State law conform to the National law in relation to intoxicating liquors," known as the "Turhngton Act," Public Laws 1923, Chap. 1; "An Act to create and maintain a Training School for delinquent negro boys," Public Laws 1921, Chap. 190. Four hundred acres of land have been purchased in Rich- mond County, the buildings completed. The institution is named after Governor Morrison and has been opened, and now cares for about sixty boys. Fish hatcheries have been and are being established all over the State, the streams being stocked with fish for food. Millions of oysters have been planted and oyster beds established, and the industry encouraged. When he became Governor, after the World War period, the institutions of the State were in great need of repair, enlargement and permanent xl A Biographical Sketch of improvements. By Public Laws 1921, Chap. 105, "An Act to issue bonds of the State for the permanent improve- ment and enlargement of the State's educational and charitable institutions," $6,745,000 was authorized; and the Act provides what institutions of the State, amount to each, and what repair and improvement in minute detail that the money is to be used for. Public Laws 1923, Chap. 163 (Chap. 164), is a similar Act, and provides for 310,667,500. By Pubhc Laws 1921, Chap. 147, "An Act to provide a special building fund to be loaned to County Boards of Education to aid in erecting school houses," $5,000,000 was authorized. Under Chapter 136, Laws 1923, an additional $5,000,000 was authorized. By Chapter 141, Laws 1923, "An Act to provide an equalization fund for certain counties," the sum of $1,250,000 was pro- vided to be distributed by the State Board of Education to aid the weaker counties. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA TOTAL INCREASE OVER A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD 1920 1924 Increase 1. Value school property 324,057,838.00 360,514,130.00 336,456,292.00 2. School expenditures 12,214,250.00 29,747,076.00 17,532,826.00 3. Per capita cost.... 17.67 37.51 19.84 4. Teachers employed 16,854 21,403 4,544 5. School enrollment. 691,249 793,406 101,797 6. High school enroll- ment (White) .... 29,294 67,707 38,413 7. High school grad- uates(White) 2,999 7,023 4,024 8. Rural schools, days (White) 126.4 136.2 9.8 9. Rural schools, days (Colored) 118.3 122.8 4.5 In the last four years our school teachers have increased from 16,854 to 21,403. Of these 5,037 were negro teachers. In 1920, in the tuberculosis sanatorium and other chari- table institutions of the State, we cared for 5,142. In 1924 to July 1, we cared for 6,489 — an increase of 1,347. Cameron Morrison xli In the State educational schools— the University, State College, North Carolina College for Women, and others, including the negro schools, we had in 1920, 9,826 students; and in 1924, 13,864. In the charitable institutions of our gtate— deaf, dumb and blind, crippled children, tuberculosis hospital, Oxford Orphan Asylum, wayward boys and girls, and others— we spent in 1920, 31,217,270; and in 1924, 31,985,142, the year ending June 30. The Stonewall Jackson Training School in 1920 cared for 130 boys, and in 1924 it cared for 345 boys, (now 407) giving them a chance to come back. All this has been done without a cent of tax on real property. There was appropriated for buildings and improvements for the several institutions, including higher education, for 1917-1918, 33,162,000; and for 1919-1920, 31,096,000; making a total for the four years, 34,258,000. The appropriation for supporting benevolent and edu- cational institutions for 1917-1918 was 33,037,508; and for 1919-1920, 34,338,308; making a total for the four years, for both improvement and support, 37,375,816. There was appropriated for buildings and the several institutions, including higher education for 1921-1922, 36,745,000; and for 1923-1924, 310,763,500; making a total for four years of 317,508,500. The maintenance appropriation for 1921 and 1922 was 36,917,400; and for 1923-1924, 39,292,800; making a total for four years of 316,210,200; being a total for the four years for both improvement and support of 333,718,700. Under the laws of 1921 the State relinquished to the counties the State public school taxes that had been paid to the State and returned upon a fixed basis, and in addition appropriated from the funds of the State 31,250,000 for 1921-1922, and in addition 371,000, to cover deficits accruing in 1919-1920 in school taxes; and in 1923 increased this appropriation to 32,031,750; making a total of $7,273,- 500 for four years. The pension appropriation was increased in 1921 from 3650,000 to 31,000,000, making an annual increase of xlii A Biographical Sketch of 3350,000, or a total increase in the four years of ^1,400,000 to the Confederate soldiers and widows. A loan fund of ^10,000,000 in the past four years was provided for building public schoolhouses upon a low rate of interest, which has resulted in the construction of not less than 200 up-to-date first-class schoolhouses. From the 317,500,000 improvement appropriation for the past four years to the institutions and for higher education there were constructed 196 buildings; repaired and rehabilitated, 87 buildings; purchased, 1,612 acres of land, and used 31,470,000 in furnishings and equipment. 1920-21 1923-24 Increase Number Students at University 1,541 2,295 754 Number Students at N. C. Col. for Women 784 1,433 649 Number Students at A. & E. College. . . 750 967 217 Number Students at A. & T. College for Negroes 401 526 125 Number Buildings at University 26 39 13 Number Buildings at N. C. Col. for Women 20 42 22 Number Buildings at A. & E. College... 22 28 6 Number Buildings at A. & T. College for Negroes 11 17 6 Total Public School buildings 7,901 7,360 *541 Number High School buildings 436 738 302 This State is performing its sacred duty to the poor, unfortunate and orphans, as becomes a civilized and Christian State, looking after the human as well as the material. The Duke Foundation, made during Governor Morrison's administration, a gift of 340,000,000, in the power plants of the Carolinas, go for all time and the in- crease to Duke University, formerly Trinity College, and other educational and charitable institutions in North and South Carolina. North Carolina has, perhaps, the best and most efficient Health Department in the Nation. Last year the death rate was 12 per thousand. *Decrease due to consolidation of small schools into larger types of schools. Cameron Morrison xliii Governor Morrison has administered the law fearlessly. There has been no lynching in the State save one a few days after he became Governor. The pardoning power has been carefully, but mercifully administered. Great strides have been made in prison reform. He has seen to it that at all times the law must take its course to protect the white and negro, rich and poor, that law and order, orderly government, shall prevail. In the sale of the State bonds he, with the coopera- tion of the State Treasurer, B. R. Lacy, has been most successful in making most advantageous terms for the State. It is with pride that in the expenditure of this large sum of money for the State's betterment and uplift, the checking up of the Treasurer and his efficient Chief Clerk, W. F. Moody, and the assistants, it was found that every copper was accounted for. It will be noted that in his primary platform a pledge is as follows: "He stands for opening the South Atlantic ports, so that produce can be shipped to and from South America and the West Indies Islands without first going through northern ports. He will, and has heretofore, aided greatly in getting better freight rates for North Carolina." The method of fulfilling that pledge was not set forth. He initated the idea of terminals and ships. The Ship and Transportation Commission was authorized by the General Assembly of North Carolina, Public Laws, 1923, Chapter 94. The Commission appointed by Gov- ernor Morrison consisted of the following leading and distinguished business and professional men: R. M. Miller, Chairman J. Y. Joyner D. D. Carroll, Secretary A. M. Scales Emmett H. Bellamy Charles E. Waddell Joseph A. Brown Charles S. Wallace W. A. Hart The Commission made an exhaustive study of the entire matter and on May 25, 1924, made the following recom- mendation: "That the General Assembly create a Port Commission of five members, vested with full authority to select sites, xllv A Biographical Sketch of construct port terminals with all necessary equipment, and that the said Port Commission be given full power to establish a traffic organization, to enter and prosecute complaints, either through the Corporation Commission or otherwise, in connection with rates and traffic regulations, and to do all things necessary to carry out the purposes of its creation and to bring relief in freight and traffic matters to the citizens of the. State. "That 37,000,000 be appropriated for the use of said Port Commission, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the purposes enumerated above. "That the Port Commission be authorized to purchase or lease ships and operate the same, if in its opinion adequate shipping is not provided by private enterprise, and that 31,500,000 additional be appropriated for this purpose, or so much thereof as may be necessary." The Governor, with the approval of the Council of State, called the Legislature together to meet August 7. They submitted the matter to the people at the November election, 1924. The measure was defeated at the polls although it received an affirmative vote of 126,820. He fulfilled his primary pledge and kept the "whiteness of his soul." Many believed it to be a better program for the State's uplift and material welfare than the good roads program. It was contended that it would lessen freight rates and create wealth and build up the whole State and open up for commerce eastern North Carolina. He threw his whole heart and soul in this contest like a patriot, and campaigned the State. The Governor has a keen sense of humor: When a large and powerful group were pressing him hard in their efforts to defeat the Port Terminal and Water Transportation Bill, he said that this group was as competent to advise the people of North Carolina "as a fox to tell the chickens where to roost." General Albert Cox, a prince among men, managed the Port Bill Campaign with great credit and patriotism. No Governor in the history of the State has had so many important offices to fill. His term is ended and during his official life as Governor the greatest constructive Cameron Morrison xlv work has been done since North Carolina was a State. This could not have been accomplished without a great people speaking through its' Governor and the remarkable Legislatures during the period backing the program. Many magnificient receptions have been given at the Mansion. The Lady of the Mansion during most of his term was his sister, Miss Ida Morrison, until his recent marriage. A brilHant reception was given in the Mansion in October, 1923, on the occasion of the visit of Lochiel to North CaroHna. Lochiel (Colonel Donald W. Cameron) was accompanied by his wife. Lady Hermione Cameron, who was a Graham of Scotland (daughter of Duke of Montrose). In all the qualifications of efficiency, kindness and hospitality. Miss Morrison has proved herself equal to her great brother in her position in life. Recently his friends have rejoiced in his marriage to Mrs. Sarah Virginia Watts, which took place on the 2d day of April, 1924, in her beautiful home in Durham, surrounded by a few close personal friends. Mrs. Morrison before her marriage to Mr. George W. Watts, was Miss Sarah Virginia Ecker, of Belle Isle, N. Y. She is a woman of great charity and benevolence. Pleasing in personality and a universal favorite. None knows her but to love her, None names her but to praise. His life has been one of continued service and sacrifice for this Commonwealth and others. How often he has stood in great audiences and appealed to those present to recollect that what they had, it was in trust for "God and humanity." He has made his impression. Those who have had much have stood by him in this great constructive work, those who have had little have done their duty and borne their part and gladly given of that little. He has been Governor of a great people who trust in God and love their neighbors. He has been fortunate during his term as Governor in the selection of William H. Richardson, Private Secretary, Margaret Willis, Executive Secretary and Mamie C. Turner, Executive Clerk. All have done xlvi A Biographical Sketch of efficient service. Following the achievements of Governor Morrison's administration, the people of the State have elected to succeed him a wise, careful and finely equipped business and professional man of the highest character, Angus Wilton McLean, by a majority of 108,814. It may not be amiss to state a condition in general. Sixty years ago this State was in ashes. Last year we were fifth in the value of farm products in the United States; first in tobacco, second in cotton production and second in textile industry. We have the largest hydro-electric development in the United States. We have the largest towel mill, wood pulp mill, denim mill, damask mill, hosiery mill, gingham mill, chair factory and underwear factory in the United States, the largest bright leaf tobacco market in the world, the largest bulb-growing industry in the United States, and the largest kaolin and felspar mines, first in production of peanuts, largest tobacco factory in the world, 75 per cent of the mica is taken from North Carolina mines. Our population is about 99 per cent native born. We have the largest birth rate in the Union and death rate almost the lowest, 12 per thousand. Our State paid in Federal tax last year about 3157,973,393. The only states that paid a larger sum were New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan. We paid ^19, 291, 739 more than Massachusetts. We have fine banks, building and loan associations, and In every line of farm and com- mercial life have prospered far beyond the dream of the most sanguine. We have gone forward by leaps and bounds. On May 20, 1775, at Charlotte, the first Declaration of Independence, known as the Mecklenburg Declaration (and resolutions of May 31) was promulgated. The Battle of Kings Mountain is credited to be the turning point in the Revolution, fought on South Carolina soil, but by the heroes of Virginia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. The battle of Guilford Court House also helped turn the tide — the sequel of both battles. Lord Cornwallis fell into the hands of Washington at Yorktown and surrendered. Cameron Morrison ' xlvii North Carolina has a wonderful climate — the sand-hills, seashore and mountains. Mount Mitchell Peak is 6,711 feet high, the highest this side of the Mississippi. In the World War, Hindenburg made a line of defense that he thought no people on this earth could break. The Thirtieth Division, composed of North, South Carolina and Tennessee troops, broke through the world-famed Hindenburg Line. In the World War 16 Congressional medals were given by the United States for supreme courage beyond duty — North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, received about one-fifth, thirteen, of these medals. I have known Governor Morrison for thirty years. I have never known him to take a drink of intoxicating liquor or tell an indecent anecdote, either in public or private. He is brave physically and morally, open and above board in all that he does, and he never hits below the belt. He is loyal to his friends, magnanimous to his opponents. He has an intuition as to the right and justice of things. He knows the needs of government and men and has the courage of his convictions. He is as brave as a lion and is as tender and gentle as a woman. The bravest are the kindest and gentlest. He loves this Commonwealth and her people with an intense and unselfish devotion. He has given the best in him to the common weal. He is not a theorist, but a constructionist. He never tears down; he builds up; he is not a destructionist. In oratory he is not surpassed by any of the great of this State, or perhaps in the Nation. This Commonwealth has made great strides in an era of great progress under his administration, but has not lost the faith of the fathers or the ideals of the Christian religion. This sketch is written by a friend. Francis Marion Crawford, in one of his books, has one of the characters to say of another: "He never saw the devil in the angel or the sinner in the saint." Mistakes have been made, but "to err is human, to forgive divine." A critic said he was trying to put a thirty-year program in four. A leading newspaper said this: xlviii A Biographical Sketch of "In a twelve minute farewell address before a joint session of the Legislature (1925) last Friday, Governor Morrison mightily moved a multitude of friends and admirers. In his opening sentence he declared 'I am deeply grateful to Almighty God and the people of North Carolina for the opportunity I have had through the Governor's office to serve humanity and glorify my Creator,' He asked those to whom he may have spoken harshly to ascribe his asperity to his zeal for the good of the State and to the intensity of his nature rather than to private malace or ill will. The Governor was showered with congratulations from his friends at the close of his remarks." This land was founded on freedom of Religion. This does not mean no religion, as some would interpret it, but freedom in religion. This is a Christian commonwealth and he has stood on the rock of ages — the Christian religion. As he journeys on, I bid him God-speed. MESSAGES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR CAMERON MORRISON Delivered at Raleigh Auditorium JANUARY 12, 1921 Ladies and Gentlemen: I warmly thank the General Assembly, the city of Raleigh, their gracious committees, and all friends partici- pating in arranging for our inauguration. It is all so handsomely and generously planned that I am both grateful and delighted. I also desire to express my deep appreciation to all the people of the State, of both races, and of both political parties, for the many acts and expressions of good will coming to me from every section of the State since my election as your Governor. Under our American system of free and tumultuous party nominations and elections we have the most intense and angry primaries and elections held anywhere in the world where there is orderly govern- ment; but after the tumult and shouting of our primaries and elections have passed, and in perfect freedom of discussion and action the people have chosen their officers, we yield to the choice of the majority our most united, generous and whole-hearted loyalty and support. We do this not alone because of our devotion to the basic principle of orderly democratic government, that the minority should submit to the majority, but because we realize that the questions involved in the primaries and elections, about which we differ, while important, are of far less importance than the great principles and policies of government about which we agree, and which are never involved in our elections. We are in complete accord in North Carolina about the more important questions of government, but we allow ourselves to become excited and divided over the less important questions about which we differ, and fail we agree upon plans and methods to have done the things to 4 Papers of Cameron Morrison have most at heart. If for only a few years we would give united effort to having well and generously done those things which all Christians and patriots want done, and refrain from angry division and diverting excitement over the comparatively unimportant things we differ about, North Carolina could be made the strongest and happiest democracy in the entire world. On this, to me, very happy occasion, I want to forget the few things we differ about, and beg for deep con- sideration and broad cooperation from all the people of the State in the accomplishment of some great and noble purpose of State which, above partisanship and petty division, all good men and women desire done, and about which they differ only as to the methods and plans best adapted to their accomplishment. As your duly chosen Governor, I appeal to all the people of the State to unite in a great spirit of Christian concord and patriotic cooperation to write into the life of our State the program I am about to suggest. It is one I have found in the hearts of the good people of this State, and which has been disclosed to me by years of intimate touch with their heart throbs. LAW ENFORCEMENT We must enforce the law against crime in our State with godlike impartiality and justice. We must let the criminal in our midst know that organized society in this State will make no quarter with crime; that our State's conception of justice, though "seasoned with mercy," is inexorable, and that in our practices of mercy, justification for lawlessness cannot be found. The legislative depart- ment of our government must provide ample courts of justice, and sufficient police power to enforce the law in this State with such majesty and thoroughness that the criminal in the darkest corners of the State will know that our State is one of law and order, and that he who defies the law, either by stealth or overgrown power, will be made to suffer for his selfish contempt of decency and right. Messages to the General Assembly 5 our institutions for the unfortunate We must take humane care of all our defective and unfortunate people, whose defects and misfortunes are of a character that they cannot care for themselves, or be adequately cared for by the private efforts of loved ones. In order to accomplish this godlike purpose, the institutions and organizations set up by the State for the care of our defective and unfortunate people must be made adequate for the treatment, care, and training of these helpless and defective ones within our borders in a manner worthy of a people who love deeds of mercy above all material things. And the delinquent girls and boys of our State must be cared for and trained as the conscience of a Christian civilization demands. Our institutions for this sacred and patriotic work must be strengthened and made adequate to carry out this noble purpose. The institutions and organizations which we have set up for these noble purposes are well designed for the great work to be done; but, we have discovered that the work to be done is so much greater than we knew, that they must all be strengthened and equipped to do larger work than heretofore. HEALTH We must throw around the home and life of our people an enlightened world's knowledge of preventive medicine, and make ceaseless war upon sickness, suffering and death in this State. Our great Department of Health must be generously nourished and equipped for this humane service. Disease cannot be successfully prevented by individual effort alone. Modern statesmanship demands that every practical effort shall be made through organized health boards and expert officers to protect the health of the people. Our Health Department has accomplished wonders with the means furnished. I believe I express the deep desire of our enlightened people when I urge increased strength for this great department of our government. 6 Papers of Cameron Morrison education We must make the common schools for the training and education of our children as good as any in the world. We ought to glory in the difficulties overcome and progress made in this sacred and patriotic work in the last twenty years; but we want to go on, and ever on, until the precious boys and girls of our State have an equal chance with any in the wide world for a modern and up-to-date education. Criticism of past achievement is absolutely unjust, and will not be tolerated by the battle-scarred veterans of the war on ignorance in this State, begun twenty-odd years ago under the leadership of Charles B. Aycock, Charles D. Mclver, Alexander Graham, and other leaders of our educational life. The story of our progress in education is a glorious one. Our present weakness grows out of our success. We have attained such glorious results that our equipment and organization is inadequate. There is honor to the State in the fact that our high schools will annually graduate some 4,000 boys and girls and send to our Univer- sity and colleges many hundreds more than can be com- fortably cared for and educated there. The number must be increased, and will be increased. The common schools and standard high schools are just beginning to fulfill the vision of Charles B. Aycock, that all the people of North Carolina should be educated. It is no disgrace that our common schools have been so successful as to overcrowd our institutions of higher learning. But it will be a badge of shame and degradation if the higher institutions of learning are not promptly made adequate for the demands which the success of our effort to educate all the people have so rapidly made upon these institutions. Until recently it would have been an apparent waste of public funds to have expended the money upon the State's insti- tutions for higher learning which we now know to be imperatively demanded. Public sentiment would not have justified it. But today, the higher institutions of learn- ing, public and private, are totally inadequate to give the boys and girls of our State, annually trained by our common Messages to the General Assembly 7 school system, the opportunities to go higher, which they demand; we must act generously and without delay. The condition is unfortunate, but could not have been reasonably foreseen. The splendid work of the standard high schools exceeds all expectations, and this, coupled with the un- paralleled prosperity enjoyed for a period until recently by our people, placed unexpected responsibihties upon these institutions for higher learning. The grand army of young men and young women marching to our University and institutions for higher learning from the standard high schools of our State, and other preparatory schools, asking the State to furnish them training and higher learning, will be tremendously increased year by year. So, now the duty is clear and cannot be escaped. We must make the State's University, the Agricultural and Engineering College, the North Carolina College for Women, the Teachers' Training School, every one of its institutions for higher learning, adequate to discharge the glorious opportunities which our progress places before them. We must not look upon this condition as a liability and financial difficulty. It is our State's greatest asset, and splendid as our accumulation of material things has been for twenty years, it is all of less value than the triumph of our great educational awakening. It is a duty which must be performed, and can only be performed in sacrifice and self-denial; it is at the same time a glorious opportunity to make an investment which is absolutely certain to result in greater profit than any investment which our people could possibly make, and which will result in increased prosperity and strength to every industry in North Carolina. GOOD ROADS We must have good surface roads in the State. The main highways must be of hard surface, and dependable every day in the year. The construction of the main highways must be forced by the State, and constructed under its agents in order to get them through a few unpro- gressive counties that will not construct them, and through 8 Papers of Cameron Morrison a few poor counties which do not have sufficient wealth to justify their construction. We have few such counties, but the few make a completed system for the State impos- sible without State action. It, therefore, becomes impera- tive, if we are to have a reliable system of highways in the State over which the people can travel at all seasons of the year in safety and confidence, for the State to depart from its time-honored policy of leaving the construction and maintenance of roads to the counties. In my judgment, we should not depart from local self-government in the matter of road construction and maintenance any farther than practicality and necessity require. It would be very unwise for the State to undertake the whole duty of building and maintaining public roads, and it should be distinctly understood that, except these main highways, the counties exclusively must provide roads. These main highways, in my judgment, should be constructed without delay, and as a whole system, and not stretched over a long period of years, during which the whole State will be paying for, and only a part of it enjoying, good roads. There is too much danger of injustice in a partial system under which roads will be constructed in some sections and postponed in others, subject to a change in legislative intent, and which could result in these State highways not being constructed in some sections for many years, or possibly never done. And then I believe there is strength and sound business in constructing this entire system of State highways as promptly as possible. It is unwise to start across the State with a road under a plan that may result in our building and wearing out one end of the highway before the other is constructed. We ought to plan for a completed system, under which there can be no injustice to any section. We will build this State highway system. The judgment of our people is formed about it. The only question is: Are we going to build it by piecemeal, and in a large measure dissipate the advertising benefit and strength of it, or will we construct it, as speedily as sound business principles will permit, as a glorious whole ,^ The piecemeal system is Messages to the General Assembly 9 one of weakness and timidity in front of a great duty; the completed system is a policy of courage and wisdom in the discharge of high duty. It is a great question, and involves millions of dollars, and yet I believe the part of wisdom requires that we should boldly move forward and under the wisest plan we can work out and reach concord about, proceed with courage and celerity to construct a complete system of hard surfaced State highways. The piecemeal system will involve the expenditure of just as much money, and in my judgment more, and will largely defeat the only excuse for State action at all, which is to have a complete system for the whole State. There is no argument against authorizing and empowering, through wisely devised agencies, the construction of the whole system, except cowardly distrust of the judgment of our people in standing the shock of authorizing at one session of our General Assembly the great sum of money involved. We need not fear to trust the people to approve wise action, though it may involve some boldness. We ought not to be too sure of our own plan, but put all of our plans before the committees of the General Assembly, and submit our individual judgment and plan to the wisdom of the General Assembly's final action. But I believe I voice the high purpose of the enlightened thought of the State when I declare we are ready to meet the Reactionary and do battle with him in our determination to build this great system of State highways upon the wisest plan that we can agree upon, and as quickly as it can be done upon sound business principles. I am very confident in my own judgment that the counties through which these highways go should be forced by the soverign power of the State to pay a portion of the cost of building these highways; that when they are un- willing to do so, the State, with its unquestioned power, ought to make them do so, and not allow an unprogressive county to stand up against the rest of the State and stay the march of progress through It. The amount which the county ought to be made to pay should be conservative and safely within the ability of the county. 10 Papers of Cameron Morrison The whole expense of building these highways ought to be met upon the sound credit of the State and the counties and without one cent of any kind of taxation at the present for any purpose except to pay the interest on the bonds; and, in my judgment, without one cent of ad valorem State taxation for any purpose in connection with it; the interest should be met through automobile, gasoline, and kindred taxation, and without one cent upon the general property of the State. I believe the upkeep of these State highways should be forced by the State through county action. We will necessarily have county organization for the upkeep of county roads, and it will be duplication to make State provision for the maintenance and upkeep of these high- ways. Legislation can be enacted under which the counties will be absolutely forced to keep the highways up, and in connection with their local roads this can be much more inexpensively done than by the State, with an additional organization and system. The State should provide for inspection, for report and for prosecution of couiity author- ities who fail to obey the State's commands, and the State should give the county ample authority to raise the means with which to keep up the highways within their borders, and then provide through its Department of Justice and through inspectors to force the exercise of this power and the performance of this duty. I would regret very much to see the State adopt a permanent policy of keeping up these highways through State agencies. I am satisfied it would be duplication of county effort, unnecessarily expensive and very difficult to carry out without corruption and inefficiency creeping in. Experience has demonstrated that things which in their nature can be done by the counties will be better done by them than by State or Federal agencies. The State must force the construction of these highways for the reasons I have stated, but there is no reason apparent to me why the State cannot and ought not to force the counties to maintain and keep the roads up after they are constructed, and authorize and impera- tively direct the levy of sufficient tax by the counties Messages to the General Assembly H with which to do so, and require this fund to be kept separate and apart from all other funds. The only necessity for State action about the matter at all is because some of the counties are unable to build these highways without generous State aid. But for this fact I would favor forcmg action by the counties in the construction of the necessary highways to travel through them. After they are con- structed, with wise inspection and proper policing by the State, the county authorities must be made to maintam them,' and it will be easily within their power, for the upkeep of the character of road which the State ought to, and must, build will be less than that of the present roads. It will be impossible, in my judgment, for the State to finance a plan for these State highways which requires the State both to construct and maintain the system, without heavy ad valorem taxation, and public sentiment will not stand for ad valorem taxation for State purposes. After long reflections I urge the construction of this system of highways under a law by the present General Assembly providing for a completed system to be main- tained and kept up, when constructed, by the county author- ities under carefully drawn legislation, providing for State inspection, police protection, and coercion of county authorities failing in the matter of maintenance and upkeep. COST OF THE ENTIRE PROGRAM I am not unmindful of the solemn responsibility of advising the expenditure of the vast amount of money which the program I have suggested requires, but the^ things mentioned ought to be done. Sound business principles require that they should be done speedily and without delay. We cannot progress in our spiritual, intellectual, or material development unless they are done. ^ They will be done, either generously and in a manner to give us as a State the full benefit of doing them, or they will be done by patchwork and over a period of years, and in such manner as will largely dissipate the benefit to the State of doing them and at greater cost in the long run. 12 Papers of Cameron Morrison The entire program which I have suggested will require great sums of money, but in our abiHty to find the money we are one of the most fortunate states in the RepubHc. The pubHc indebtedness of our State is trifling when compared to that of most of the states. If we credit our State's indebtedness with the value of our railroad stocks, it would be almost wiped out. The people are now burdened with unparalleled Federal taxation, and in many counties heavy local taxation. Therefore, we ought not to levy additional taxation upon this State to make any of the suggested improvements, which are permanent in character. But the credit of our State is in a most healthy condition, and those who are solicitous of future generations could not complain of the increase of our public indebtedness for these great purposes when they reflect that North Carolina has heretofore created prac- tically no public debt for future generations to pay; and that we would, if this program was carried out, transmit to those who come after us a heritage nobler by far with the indebt- edness than it would be without it. The necessary improvement at our institutions for the care of the unfortunate, the large expenditure required to place our University and colleges for higher learning in a position adequately to meet the demands upon them, and for the construction of the State highway system of roads ought to be met by a sale of the State's bonds, and an increase of its public indebtedness. TAXATION We must adopt a new system of taxation in which State taxation and county and other local taxation will be completely separated. Under the new system we should levy no ad valorem tax whatever for State purposes, and ad valorem taxation should be confined strictly to local purposes. It is my purpose to address the General Assembly upon this subject at an early date, and I will, therefore, refrain from entering into the subject with any particu- larity at this time; but we must adopt an entirely new system, shot through and through with justice, and one Messages to the General Assemlby 13 through which the burdens of State and county government will be placed equitably and according to the conscience of the State. OTHER SUBJECTS There are other subjects in which, as your Governor, I am deeply interested, but they are less important than those I have mentioned, and some of them being in their nature somewhat controversial, I omit reference to them here, because I most earnestly desire that we may unite for the larger and more pressing purposes I have discussed. AS TO ENTIRE PROGRAM The program I have suggested does not contain new or revolutionary ideas calculated to excite wild enthusiasm, but, in my judgment, it is a program which, if carried out, would make North Carolina the fairest and noblest habi- tation for men, women and children to be found upon the earth. Its adoption in completeness and fullness will require political courage of a high order, not because we do not want the things mentioned done, but because of the danger of disagreement of friends of the program as to the method, manner and time of completing it, and I appeal to the progressive men and women of the State to come to- gether upon this program, moderate their differences about other public questions to such an extent as to make impos- sible all diverting differences, agree to details and plans, and courageously proceed to write it into law, \ The Reactionary will whisper to the timid that this is a bad time to expend much money because of the depressed condition of our whole business life. Business is depressed, and we have recently suffered severe loss and shrinkage in values, but North Carolina is still rich enough to take humane care of its defective and unfortunate, to guard itself as far as an enlightened knowledge of preventive medicine will enable it to against sickness and suffering, to provide adequate schools for the training and education of its children, to build a system of roads suggested by sound business, and to do all other things reasonably necessary in the discharge of the high duties of a great State. Times are hard, but they do not approach the 14 Papers of Cameron Morrison severity of conditions which we have met with courage in the past. We are given in times of great prosperity to think depression and bad times will never come again; and in periods of hard times and depression we are given to think good times are gone, never to return. Twelve months ago we were rolling in prosperity and expected the year 1920 to be the most prosperous in our history. A year ago we could not have foreseen the present depression and dispirited condition of our people. We are depressed and dispirited now; but business is a complex and mysterious thing, and for all the wisest among us may know, we may in this depression be laying the foundation stones for a structure of business and prosperity the like of which our country has never known. We must not give up; prosperous times are sure to return. The United States is richer than any two or three countries in the world, and we have more productive energy and initiative than all Europe comibined. North Carolina is one of the truly rich and great states of the Union, and nothing can keep prosperity from soon returning to us except our own cowardice and pessimism. Let us recall the trials, sacrifices and triumphs of our fathers and mothers, and unite to further upbuild our State and glorify our God. In this hour of trial and depression I appeal to all the people of the State to go forward with courage and determination in every direction in which Christians and patriots are looking. For twenty years we have splendidly progressed in North Carolina, and under the assaults of our great Christian democracy, under the leadership of the Democratic party, we have made "Hell's foundations quiver" everywhere. We are in sight of victory on every battle field where. the flag of Christianity and progressive democracy floats over the noble and the good as they war for righteousness with the reactionary and unprogressive forces of our State. We must not march away and leave any battle field where right, justice and progress are contending with the foes of enlightenment and progress because of unexpected temporary business depres- sion. We must go on, marching as a mighty army, with the "Cross of Jesus going on before," until North Carolina is truly great and nobly good. Messages to the General Assembly 15 TAXATION; DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; COMMISSIONER OF BANKS special message Raleigh, N. C, January 28, 1921. To the Members of the General Assembly: Having called your attention to the larger problems of the State in my inaugural address, and urged your attention to them in a manner which I believe the people have authorized me as their spokesman to do, I now desire your indulgence for some further and more particular recommen- dations upon one of the subjects discussed in my inaugural address, of which I gave notice on that occasion. taxation I refer to the subject of taxation for the support of the State government. I believe I have been peculiarly authorized to speak for the people of the State upon this most important subject, and I therefore speak with confi- dence that I voice the carefully formed judgment of the people. We ought not to levy any ad valorem taxation whatever for State purposes, but completely release to the counties and towns and cities this source of taxation. We ought to levy sufficient taxation, other than ad valorem, to discharge the high duties of a great and progressive State and to administer our State government in rigid economy, though in unquestioned efficiency. Prolonged discussion and consideration of the subject has resulted in a fixed judgment by the people of this State that ad valorem taxation for State purposes is the most difficult of all tax to levy and collect in equity and justice, and that it is also the most expensive to collect; that it is no longer necessary for State purposes, and that the counties and towns and special-tax districts of the State require all the revenu which can be justly and constitutionally levied through ad valorem taxation upon the property of the State. 16 Papers of Cameron Morrison I do not deem it wise to occupy your time with arguments and discussion, because I feel sure that this question has been discussed for so long and with such thoroughness that anything I could say would largely be repetition. We now know that ad valorem taxation is a tax upon the principal property of the people, and that when levied by uniform rule it frequently bears most burdensomely and unjustly upon those least able to pay. A tax upon property necessarily reaches those who by reason of age, infirmity, youth, or sex have little earning capacity and, although possessing some property, need all the income to be derived from it upon which to live. These non-earning classes, although small property holders, may have such small incomes that they are utterly unable to bear heavy taxa- tion, and the State must either tax them oppressively or decline to do many things which the State ought to do and is fully able to do rather than oppress the weak and non- earning property owners with additional taxation. The tax which the counties, towns and cities and other com- munities will levy upon property, the principal money of the people, will require all of the taxation which it is either wise or just to levy upon property in this State. Gov- ernment is becoming more and more expensive because it is properly doing more and more to improve and protect the people. The necessary county and town expenses are great, but the people from their local governments obtain more benefit than in the past, and more than is received in any other country in the world. It is, therefore, necessary, unless we are going to retard the progress of our people, to allow the towns and cities and counties of the State larger revenue. But because we are about to adopt a new system of taxation under which ad valorem taxation will be released to the counties and the towns and cities, we must not conclude that the State will be unable to raise by con- stitutional and just taxation all the revenue which it may need for the purpose of sustaining the institutions established for the care and maintenance of its unfortunate and defec- tive people; to support its institutions for higher learning, Messages to the General Assembly 17 and to discharge all of the duties of a great commonwealth. We can tax the people of the State not only as much without ad valorem taxation as with it, but with greater justice to all classes. There is absolutely no reason why we should not raise through taxation all the money necessary to pay the interest upon a sufficient issue of State bonds to make the permanent improvements necessary at our institutions for the care of the unfortunate and defective of our State and at our institutions for higher learning, and to defray the current annual expenses of an economically administered State government. There should be no extravagance or waste in this State, either in the permanent improvements made at our State institutions or in the annual expenses of their maintenance, and certainly there should be most rigid economy in the administration of our government, not only at these institutions, but in every department of it. No set of men had any right to anticipate what the income of North Carolina would be through taxation for the next two years. The Progressives of the State had just won a great victory. We were pledged to progress. We had amended our State Constitution upon the subject of taxation. We had cleared away the obstacles and made ready to take care of this State's unfortunate and to make our institutions for higher learning worthy of the age in which we live. What the representatives of this new day in North Carolina would do could not be calculated by a Budget Commission, and we ought not to be bridled by its recommendations. We ought to exercise the credit of this State, not merely to give to our institutions for the unfortunate and defective and our institutions for higher learning what we must give to save ourselves from positive disgrace and shame, but what a wis6 statesmanship and a great and progressive civilization suggests as wise and, without waste, necessary to accomplish the noble purposes aimed at through these institutions. We do not want to move and have our being as a crippled, weak and halting State, but we want to stand up like a mighty giant of progress and go forward in the upbuilding of our State and 18 Papers of Cameron Morrison the glorification of our God. The man who whispers, "Go slow; we haven't got the money"; "the people won't stand for any foolishness," is asleep and does not realize that North Carolina is determined to make our government strong for the protection and upbuilding of our people. We must not only take care of these noble institutions, but if we are true servants of the people, we must build a system of hard-surfaced State highways in this State and cease to waste money building mud roads. The people demand that this whole program shall be carried through, and fully know that they are amply able to do it, if they can get their public servants to enact the legislation necessary. If they did not want these things done, why did they elect me Governor of North Carolina.'' For I advocated the whole program in the primaries and in the general election from Swain to Pasquotank. How can we raise the money with which to pay the in- terest for the public improvements and the current expenses of the government.? There is no difficulty about it if we will but get away from the idea that the only thing we can justly tax is the property of the weakling and the widow, and realize that the modern sense of justice in taxation suggests less of the burden upon the principal money of the people and more upon annual income, profits and business. The United States government for some years has been levying and collecting the largest tax bills ever levied and collected on earth, and not one dollar of it is upon an ad valorem basis. It collected from North Carolina last year more than one hundred and sixty millions of dollars, and every source of taxation used by the United States govern- ment is available to the people of this State. Of course, as State taxation, some of it would be most unwise, and I would not for one moment advise some of the taxation levied by the United States government; but we could levy it, and, besides, tax other sources not touched by the United States. The proper committees of the General Assembly ought to ascertain what revenue North Carolina needs to pay the necessary interest upon the money which should be borrowed to put our educational and charitable Messages to the General Assembly 19 institutions upon a sound and wise basis, and to build a system of hard-surfaced highways in this State, and then levy it. The money can be found without oppression or injustice to anybody. We can tax every business and trade in North Carolina and classify the trades and businesses. We can tax incomes; we can tax annual profits; we can levy franchise and inheritance tax, etc. Our difficulty in finding revenue through just taxation is nothing like so great as it is to find the courage and go forward and levy it. We can construct a system of highways in North Caro- lina without increasing the taxation now paid one dollar by simply adopting the modern conception of progressive government: borrow the money, and use the automobile tax to pay the interest, and realize that maintenance and upkeep is not a new burden, but will be a smaller one than is now borne by keeping up the mudholes of the State, called roads. We ought not to waste one dollar of this money building or keeping up dirt roads in the State. The revenue to defray our other interest charges and current expenses should be levied upon the subjects now taxed, and an income tax, and, if necessary, taking exclu- sively to the State some of the license taxes now allowed towns and cities and counties. The income tax is the fairest of all taxes when rightly levied. In my judgment it ought not to be graduated. We would not graduate a tax if we were levying an ad valorem tax upon the property from which the income is derived, and a graduated tax upon the income derived from the property is just as unjust as it would be if levied on an ad valorem basis. If it was proposed in North Carolina to levy a tax of fifty cents on the hundred dollars of value on the man owning one hundred acres of land, and seventy-five cents upon the one hundred dollars of value on persons owning two hundred acres of land, and so on, it would shock the sense of justice of our people and not for one moment would it be tolerated; but when we levy it upon the income, we have followed a popular fallacy and come to believe in graduating the tax. I believe our income tax should be a uniform rate above the 20 Papers of Cameron Morrison exemption and let each man pay according to his income. This is just, and if this principle is adopted there will not be a murmur of opposition throughout North Carolina from the worthy men and women of the State and business interests from whom so much of the income will, and ought to, come; but when we depart from the principle of uni- formity in rate of taxation there is no principle to control us, and the body levying the tax empirically decides how much they will take from those with larger incomes. This produces a feeling of fear and a danger of injustice which frightens people of large incomes. The man with an income of five thousand dollars over his exemption ought to pay a certain amount, and a man with an income of fifty thousand dollars over his exemption ought to pay just ten times as much, and no more. I know I attack almost an accepted principle of taxation in this statement; but, never- theless, a graduated income tax is unjust and denies any protection to those of large incomes, while a uniform rate is just to all, and no man can complain. I most earnestly urge concert of action between the Finance Committees of the General Assembly and the Appropriation Committees, and that they realize that we are in the midst of a formative and history-making period; that North Carolina's income is to be determined now, and at this session of the General Assembly, and not by past history; that the people have voted for greater strength and progress, and that it is their high duty to lead the way to a larger income for the govern- ment of this State and for the upbuilding of its institutions and the construction of a new highway system. The Budget Commission did conscientious and splendid work, but in this formative and constructive period of our history it could not anticipate the action of this General Assembly as to income. I earnestly hope that their report will be considered as valuable and suggestive, but not controlling. The people of this State have paid less tax for purposes of State government for many years than any State in this Union. Our public debt, when credited with our liquid assets, is possibly the smallest in the Union. We are able to go forward. We must go forward. The people, as Messages to the General Assembly 21 forcibly as they could express themselves, have said they want to go forward. They have amended by nearly two hundred thousand majority their Constitution upon the subject of taxation in order that they might without oppressive ad valorem taxation find the revenue with which to execute their progressive purposes. REVALUATION When we have adopted the new system of State taxation and levied the necessary taxes upon the incomes, businesses and trades of the State, franchises, etc., we ought to surrender to the counties of the State complete local self-government in the valuation and taxation for ad valorem purposes. I believe that this General Assembly should provide that whenever the board of county com- missioners in any county find as a fact that the property of a county was valued for more than its actual value in money that there should be a revaluation ordered by them of the property of such county, and under a proper Machinery Act such revaluation should be promptly made; and that hereafter when there should be a revaluation of the property of the State that under a proper Machinery Act such valuation should be made through the officials of each county, with such expert advice and assistance as may be found wise. RECOMMENDATIONS I further recommend the establishment of a new depart- ment of our State government to be known as the "Depart- ment of Taxation and Revenue." ^ This General Assembly should provide for this department and transfer to a Com- mission of Taxation and Revenue all the duties with ref- erence to taxation now performed by the Corporation Commission. I also most earnestly recommend the establishment of a department for the control and supervision of the banks of the State, and that all the duties now exercised by the 1 Acting on this recommendation, the General Assembly passed an Act March 8, 1921, which estabMshed the State Department of Revenue. A. D. Watts was appointed first commissioner. Public Laws of North Carolina, Chapter 40. 22 Papers of Cameron Morrison Corporation Commission with reference to banks should be transferred to a Commissioner of Banks. ^ The Corporation Commission is now charged with duties too burdensome for any three men to discharge. It is their duty to control and regulate all the public-service cor- porations of this State and to fix the rates which they can charge. This is a most important duty and must be met promptly and after long and laborious study and research. The Commission is now engaged constantly in this impor- tant work. They are required, as they should be, in many important respects, still to regulate railroad service in this State. They are required, and they should be, to represent the State in the matter of freight rates. The Commission has performed this duty in a manner above all praise. The State should be constantly represented in this impor- tant matter. Freight rates are in the future a judicial and administrative question. Political agitation about them will accomplish nothing, and the incident irritation will only prejudice us before the Interstate Commerce Com- mission, and more and more the Corporation Commission must continue to look after this most important interest of the State. The prompt and efficient performance of these two great functions leaves them no time adequately to supervise banks in North Carolina and look after taxation and revenue matters. The expenses of the Bank Commissioner and his depart- ment will be defrayed by the banks, and will not cost the taxpayers anything. The banks will have supervision which will be far more satisfactory to them, and the Corpo- ration Commission will be released to discharge their other important duties. The Commissioner of Taxation and Revenue and his organization should be made efficient, and the most generous provision for this will not cost the State anything approaching the present cost of collecting the revenue of the State through the sheriffs and other agents collecting upon a percentage basis. I most earnestly urge the creation of this department because the new system of taxation cannot b-e made successful without it. 1 A bill was introduced in the Senate to establish a commissioner of Banks, but received an unfavor- able report from the Committee on Banking and Currency. Senate Journal, Session 19^1. Messages to the General Assembly 23 appointments to fill offices created If you should adopt my recommendations and create the offices of Bank Commissioner and Commissioner of Taxation and Revenue, and follow the custom of allowing the Gover- nor to appoint, I most earnestly suggest that you make their appointment at the pleasure of the Governor. I think it unwise to give officers appointed by the Governor any fixed term. They certainly ought not to go beyond the term of the Governor appointing them, and I believe it would make for strength and efficiency in the executive branch of the government if all officers who are not elected by the people were subject to removal by the Governor at will and without cause. Our institutions are all in the hands of boards that are almost self-perpetuating. The Governor appoints ^ a few each year, and if he desires to change the policy of any institution it would be most difficult for him to do so. If the first two or three members he appointed were not pretty firm men the management would likely capture them against the Governor's policies before he could make, in the next two or three years, other appointments which would enable him to change the management of the institution. If the General Assembly sat all the time it could exercise the executive arm of the government; but it does not. As soon as it adjourns the smallest officer in this State appointed by the Governor can defy him, and there is no power to remove him until his term expires. The Constitution of the State places the supreme executive power of the State in the Governor's office. I do not desire to ask for any greater power than the General Assembly has heretofore in recognition of the Constitution given the Governor, but I do most earnestly ask that the power given the Governor shall be given in a manner that will enable him to exercise it with energy and efficiency. The Governor is looked upon by the people as the head of the administration during his term, and the 1 A bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator J. Walter Lambeth to amend the Constitution so that the Governor could appoint the Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney General, but on motion of Senator Lambeth, action was deferred indefinitely. Senator Lambeth introduced another bill providing for the appointment of certain offices by the Gov- ^^oi,' pu* "t was also deferred indefinitely on motion of Senator Lambeth. Senate Journal, Session 1981. This bill also provided that the Governor could remove appointees from office for incompetency or misconduct in office. Senate Files, Secretary of State's Office. 24 Papers of Cameron Morrison public hold him accountable for the conduct of the officers appointed by the Governor; and yet by the Chinese-puzzle arrangement through which these boards are created and perpetuated, it is impossible for the Governor to control them. During my term of office I cannot, until near its close, under the present law, change the management or policy, except through moral persuasion, in any department of the State's government, or at any of its institutions. I believe the true spirit of the Constitution intended that the Governor should have the power to control the administra- tion of the executive branch of the government, except as to those executive powers given to officers elected by the people and responsible to the people. Legislative inves- tigation and correction of executive departments of the government is proper and under all conditions to be encour- aged, but on account of the short session of our legislative body the Governor should have the power to remove any officer appointed by him at will. I desire to declare to your great branch of the government that any power given me to reorganize and administer the executive branch of the State government will be exercised not in faction- alism, but in the interest of the whole people of the State. I think it would be most wise to enact a general statute allowing the Governor to call for the resignation and, if not forthcoming, to remove any executive officer appointed by the Governor; and in the future no term should be fixed for appointive executive officers. The man holding respon- sible government positions should be responsible either to the people or to the official head of the executive branch of the government. Those in charge of every institution in the State, all the commissions and agencies set up to discharge the executive functions of our government and appointed by the Governor are absolutely independent of any action which he may take until near the expiration of the Governor's term. I do not believe there is a single institution or commission which I could reorganize or change the policy of until the last year of the term for which I have been elected Governor, and yet the people will hold me responsible for the administration of the executive Messages to the General Assembly 25 branch of our government. I believe this situation has caused a lack of cooperation and unity of purpose in the executive branch of our government destructive of energy and vigor. If the Governor, the supreme head of the executive branch of the government, ought to be removed every four years, it does seem to me that subordinate executive officers ought to go out with him and allow the Governor's successor the privilege of selecting his own helpers in administering the government during his term, and not confine his legal power to tying the hands of his successor. I most earnestly ask the proper committees to formulate proper legislation to correct this evil, and if there is objection to giving me the necessary power to organize and administer the executive branch of the State's government during my term, that the General Assembly will at least enact legislation which will enable my successor to do something more than advise and persuade those selected by me for him. I confess to you that I want the great office of Governor freely accorded the power which I believe the makers of our Constitution intended it to exercise. I want the power in order that I may use it with energy and deter- mination for the people and the greater efficiency of the executive branch of our government; but if the power is not given to me it certainly ought to be given to my successor. I do not know any further recommendations to make to your honorable body. If any other should occur to me during your session I shall feel free to come before you and offer them orally or send them in a written message; but so far as I know now, the recommendations of my inaugural address and those which I have just made are all that I feel it my duty to make. If there is any other subject upon which any committee of your honorable body or any individual member of it desires the Governor's opinion, it will give me great pleasure to confer with you at any time. In conclusion, I desire to say that the people of the State expect from this General Assembly and our adminis- tration a consummation and completion of the patriotic 26 Papers of Cameron Morrison constructive work that our people have been laboring, praying and sacrificing for for twenty-odd years. I invoke a spirit of courage and determination. We have prepared through labor, sacrifice and self-denial for the consummation of our sacred and patriotic ambitions. These are my recommendations, and may God's will about them be done in your honorable body as it is done in heaven. RECOMMENDING DIRECTORATE FOR INSTITUTIONAL APPROPRIATIONS SPECIAL MESSAGE Raleigh, N. C, March 7, 1921. Members of the General Assembly: I appear before you, gentlemen, with profound respect; not that respect alone which the Governor of the State should always feel for the legislative branch of the govern- ment, but with deep respect and admiration for your honor- able body, awakened by the great record which you have made in the face of grave duty. Your record is not excelled by that of any General Assembly which ever convened in any State in the American Union. I am profoundly grateful to you for the high manner in which you have met your great responsibilities. But I appear before you this morning to call your atten- tion to a situation which, if not corrected, may largely destroy the noble work you have done for the institutions for our unfortunate and defective people, and for the institutions of higher learning, and to implore you to remedy the trouble before you adjourn. Under the law as it is now, the millions which you have appropriated to the long list of institutions for the un- fortunate, as well as for our educational institutions, will be expended by a Building Commission and a State arch- Messages to the General Assembly 27 itect. It will be impossible to get a Building Commission to serve without pay, or for nominal pay, and supervise and properly direct the expenditure of all these millions, and to look to the construction of all the buildings involved in the program. It may be that a small building program might be well looked after by a small commission, but the great program for which you have provided cannot be carried out with safety by a small commission of men, and an architect. I want earnestly to advise the immediate repeal of the law providing for a Building Commission. ^ It will be impossible to secure one of competent ability to discharge its duties unless a large salary is attached. I am satisfied that it would not be wise to entrust this whole program, and the expenditure of all this money to a small commission of men, even if there were attached a large salary. I most earnestly urge that the law creating a Public Building Commission be abolished, and that the trustees and manage- ment of each institution to which appropriations have been made for building purposes shall be charged with the duty of expending the money appropriated to their institutions. It will be easy to get the ablest and best fitted men and women in North Carolina to serve on any one of the boards at these institutions, but it is impossible to get men and women of the character and ability required to carry out the whole program without large salaries. I most earnestly urge that you do not put all of your eggs in one basket, when you will be unable to do as Carnegie advised, that it was all right to put them in one basket, provided you could watch the basket. We have embarked at the behest of the people of North Carolina upon the greatest program of construction and upbuilding ever undertaken by a Southern State, and those of us who are the servants of the people in this sacred and patriotic work ought to see to it that the money is expended in a way that there will not only be no scandal, but that the people will have perfect confidence that it is being done with the utmost care. ' The Act creating this Commission was repealed by Act of the General Assembly passed March 9, 1921, which restored to the various institutions, through their Boards of Trustees, the control of the building program at the institutions. Public Laws of North Carolina 1921, Chapter 183. 28 Papers of Cameron Morrison I further urge that In order that the boards at these institutions may be strengthened, the act consoHdatIng the asylum directors, and providing for a purchasing agency be aboHshed, and that the old law providing for a board of directors at each of the institutions embraced in that act should be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, be revived. Under this consolidated policy the directors of each institution have been reduced to three. I think the number too small. We should have a directorate as large as is usually in charge of a high class institution doing a large business. We can get men and women of the very highest order of ability to serve the State on the board of directors of these institutions, and look to the proper expenditure of the vast sums you have appropriated for their enlargement. I most earnestly plead with this General Assembly not to break a quorum or adjourn until this legislation has been enacted, and until I have had the opportunity to make the nominations for the new directors, and let the Senate act upon them. I will be ready in a few hours after the legislation is enacted to name the new directors, and ask the Senate to confirm them. If this legislation is enacted, I most earnestly believe that we will have made a record which will be approved both by the conscience and judgment of North Carolina, but if the legislation is not enacted, I frankly confess to you that I do not see any way to safely carry through our noble purposes. INADEQUATE FUNDS TO MAINTAIN SIX MONTHS SCHOOL CALLING A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Raleigh, N. C, November 7, 1921. To the Honorable, the General Assembly of North Carolina: Believing that an extraordinary occasion for a special session of the General Assembly, such as is referred to in Article III of Section 9, of the Constitution of our State, Messages to the General Assembly 29 has arisen and now exists, as hereinafter set forth; and my own beUef being strengthened by the advice of the Council of State, duly given me in a resolution adopted by the Council at a meeting on the 11th day of October, 1921 : Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby issue this proclamation, calling your honorable body to meet in extraordinary session on Tuesday, December 6, at 11 o'clock, a.m., in the State Capitol at Raleigh, and I respectfully request that the Senators and Members of the House of Representatives assemble in their respective halls on the day and hour mentioned, for the purpose of meeting the emergencies which have arisen by reason of the fact: That the State levy of thirteen cents on the one hundred dollars on property in the year 1920 proved inadequate to provide a sufficient State school fund to pay for three months of the school term in the various counties, as the law for the year 1920 obligated the State to do, in order that the common schools of the State might be run for the six months term required by the Constitution, thereby creating a deficit of about ^700,000, which, under the existing law, cannot be provided for either by taxation or the exercise of the credit of the State; And for the further reason that the Municipal Finance Act enacted by your honorable body at your regular session in 1921, was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the State, whereby many of the towns and cities of the State have been wholly unable, under existing laws, to meet such current expenses as they deemed wise, or to market securities which they deemed necessary for the proper administration of their governments. My judgment is that the difficulties referred to cannot be met through any power in the executive office of your State, and being duly authorized by the advice of the Council of State, I make this proclamation in order that you may assemble and enact such legislation as you may think expedient and necessary to relieve the situations referred to, and for such other purposes as may in your judgment merit your attention. 30 Papers of Cameron Morrison In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed. Done in the city of Raleigh this the seventh day of Novem- [seal] ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hun- dred and twenty-one, and in the one hundred and forty-sixth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. PROVIDE FUNDS FOR SIX MONTHS SCHOOL SPECIAL SESSION Raleigh, N. C, December 6, 1921. To the Honorable, the General Assembly of North Carolina: The necessity for my calling your honorable body in extraordinary session is set forth in the call, and I most respectfully invite your consideration of the two matters therein specifically referred to. Under the Constitution, you have the undoubted right to proceed to act upon any other matter which, in your opinion, merits your attention. I do not deem it my duty to make any recommendations to you other than to ask that you take such action upon the two matters mentioned in the proclamation calling you together as you deem wise. The great program which you provided for in your regular session, I hope, is being administered to your satisfaction. I am well pleased at the splendid service being rendered by the various boards, commissions and other executive agencies charged with the duty of working out your great and patriotic designs. With assurances of great respect, and cordial good will for the entire membership of your honorable body, I am, Most respectfully yours, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Messages to the General Assembly 31 NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE Raleigh, N. C, Adarch 7, 1921. Gentlemen: In compliance with Section 5004 of the Consolidated Statutes, creating the State Board of Charities and Public Welfare, I make the following nominations ^ to fill two vacancies on that board for a six-year term, beginning April 1, 1921, and ask your honorable body to confirm them: Mr. Carey J. Hunter Wake County Mrs. Walter F. Woodard Wilson County Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, March 8, 1921. Gentlemen: Pursuant with House Bill 1545, Senate Bill 1300, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1921, I hereby appoint^ the following to be directors of the State Hospital at Morganton, for terms of two, four and six years, from April 1, 1921, as indicated below, and request that you confirm these appointments: Mr. C. E. Brooks Henderson County two years Mr. J. H. Giles Burke County two years Dr. G. S. Kirby McDowell County two years Dr. J. M. Belk Union County four years Mr. C. C. Cranford Randolph County four years Mr. John M. Scott Mecklenburg County. . .four years Miss Exum Clement Buncombe County six years Mr. Sloan M. Robinson. . . .Gaston County six years Hon. A. M. Scales Guilford County six years Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. iConfirmed by the Senate, March 8, 1921. 32 Papers of Cameron Morrison Raleigh, N. C, March 8, 1921. Gentlemen: Pursuant with House Bill 1545, Senate Bill 1300, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1921, I hereby appoint the following to be directors of the State Hospital at Raleigh, for terms of two, four and six years, from April 1, 1921, as indicated below, and request that you confirm ^ these appointments: Mr. Joseph G. Brown Wake County two years Mr. James H. Bridges Vance County two years Mrs. Marshall P. Williams. Duplin County two years Dr. Leslie B. Evans Bertie County four years Mr. Felix Harvey Lenoir County four years Mr. W. H. Sprunt New Hanover County, .four years Hon, Walter L. Parsons. . .Richmond County six years Hon. L. R. Varser Robeson County six years Mr. John F. Wily Durham County six years Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, March 8, 1921. Gentlemen: Pursuant with House Bill 1545, Senate Bill 1300, of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1921, I hereby appoint the following to be directors of the State Hospital at Golds- boro, for terms of two, four and six years, from April 1, 1921, as indicated below, and request that you confirm* these appointments: Mr. C. P. Aycdck Beaufort County two years Mr. Claiborne M. Carr. . . .Durham County two years Dr. John Daniel Robinson . Duplin County two years Hon. Nathan O'Berry Wayne County four years Dr. H. M. Horton Forsyth County four years Mr. H. C. Queen New Hanover County, .four years ^Confirmed by the Senate, March 8, 1921. Messages to the General Assembly 33 Hon. F. B. McKinne Franklin County six years Mr. W. H. Belk Mecklenburg County. . . .six years Hon. L. M. Blue Scotland County six years Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, March 8, 1921. Ge7itlemen: Pursuant with Section 5873 of the ConsoHdated Statutes I hereby appoint the following gentlemen to be directors of the State School for the Blind and Deaf at Raleigh for a term of six years beginning March 6, 1921, and respect- fully request that you confirm ^ these appointments. Mr. R. S. Busbee Wake County six years Dr. W. A. Rogers Macon County six years Mr. Charles W. Home Johnston County six years Hon. A. L. McNeill Lee County six years Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, March 8, 1921. Gentlemen: Pursuant with House Bill 1545, Senate Bill 1300 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1921, I hereby appoint the following to be directors of the Caswell Training School, at Kinston, for terms of two, four and six years, from April 1, 1921, as indicated below, and request that you confirm ^ these appointments: Mr. Charles Dewey Wayne County two years Mrs. S. C. Sitterson Lenoir County two years Mr. A. H. Powell Granville County two years Dr. M. R. Stephenson Northampton County, .four years Mr. James P. Bunn Nash County four years Mr. W. P. Anderson Wilson County four years ^Confirmed by the Senate, March 8, 1921. 3 34 Papers of Cameron Morrison Dr. I. W. Faison Mecklenburg County. . . .six years Mr. W. P. Parsons Anson County six years Dr. J. L. McMillan Robeson County six years Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, December 6, 1921. Gentlemen: Pursuant with Chapter 40 of the Public Laws of 1921, entitled an act "To Transfer the Powers and Duties of the State Tax Commission to the State Department of Revenue," I have appointed Mr. A. D. Watts as Commis- sioner of Revenue, for a term of four years from May 1, 1921, and request that you confirm ^ this appointment. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Gover^ior. Raleigh, N. C, December 8, 1921. Gentlemen: I beg to submit to your honorable body the name of George Howard, of Edgecombe, whom I have appointed to fill the unexpired term of W. H. Sprunt, of New Hanover, as a member of the board of directors of the State Hospital at Raleigh, Mr. Sprunt having resigned. I beg to request that you confirm ^ Mr. Howard's appointment to succeed Mr. Sprunt, whose term would have expired April 1, 1925, under Chapter 183, of the Public Laws of 1921. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, December 8, 1921. Gentlemen: I herewith present the name of Dr. S. Westray Battle, of Buncombe, whom I have appointed a member of the 'Confirmed by the Senate, December 7, 1921. ^Confirmed by the Senate, December 8, 1921. Messages to the General Assembly 35 State Geological Board, under Section 6118 of the Con- solidated Statutes, to succeed Robert G. Lassiter, of Granville, for a term expiring March 1, 1925, Mr. Lassiter having resigned. It is my request that your honorable body confirm ^ Dr. Battle's appointment. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, December 8, 1921. Gentlemen: I beg to submit to your honorable body for your con- firmation, ^ the following, whom I have appointed directors of the State Hospital at Morganton, acting under Chapter 183, of the Public Laws of 1921: J. R. Boyd, of Haywood, for a term expiring April 1, 1925, succeeding J. M. Belk, of Union, resigned. E. P. Wharton, of Guilford, for a term expiring April 1, 1927, suc- ceeding Alfred M. Scales, of Guilford, resigned. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, December 8, 1921. Gentlemen: I herewith present to your honorable body for your confirmation ^ the name of William C. Wilkinson, of Meck- lenburg, appointed by me as a member of the State Highway Commission from the Sixth District, under Chapter 2 of the Public Laws of 1921, as the successor of Word H. Wood, of Mecklenburg, whom you confirmed at your last regular session for a term expiring April 1, 1925, but who resigned. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. ^Confirmed by the Senate, December 8, 1921. 36 Papers of Cameron Morrison MESSAGE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1923 Raleigh, N. C, January 9, 1923. Gentlemen of the General Assembly: Before proceeding with the recommendations which I appear before you to make, I desire to extend to the member- ship of your honorable body my very hearty congratulations upon the opportunity before you to commence the new year by service to North Carolina. The opportunity before you to serve the State and its people is almost boundless. You succeed the greatest General Assembly , which has assembled in the United States in forty years. Many of its members, rich in service and experience and strong in the gratitude of their countrymen, have been returned with you. May I especially congratulate them upon their return, and say that I am deeply thankful that the State will again have the benefit of their courage, wisdom and experience in legislation. The State expects much from you, gentlemen. You were selected by the people to carry on for them the most progressive program ever undertaken in a Southern State of this Republic. I am sure you will not disappoint the high expectations of your people and listen to the lamenta- tions of the expiring Reactionary. His piteous outcry will be heard again as soon as the breath knocked out of him by the last election can be recovered. Lie will use the same arguments he has employed for a thousand years, and will continue to use them until enlightenment and progress have evoluted him into the glorious realm of the Progressive. We must make North Carolina do the duty of a great and enlightened State. The Reactionary has been crushingly defeated in North Carolina, and the Progressive ordered to lead North Carolina forward. We must go forward. The way is not so dark as It was two years ago, and the road is not beset with so many dangers as that over which your predecessors led North Carolina to glory everlasting. If the same resolute determination and wisdom in interpreting and declaring the will of the people, Messages to the General Assembly 37 dominate your body, as dominated the last Gene,fal Assem- bly, the victory over the Reactionary, who would put North Carolina in the bondage of ignorance and inefficiency to the enlightenment and efficiency of other states and countries, will be complete and final. Gentlemen, I appeal to you not to falter. We can not go on unless you lead the way. The weakness of our American system of government has b'een the failure of the states to discharge the high duties placed upon them under our great American scheme of government. We can never have good government in this country until the states exercise their great powers, or "rights,' to give modern and up-to-date, progressive government in the states. North Carolina has the power to destroy every weakness which affects us, except such as is the common heritage of humanity. But it can only exercise this power through your honorable body. We have written glorious chapters in our country's history for states' "rights," which are states' powers. Now, the period has come for us to show equal nobility in the use of states' rights, or powers. We must use the power for progress and right- eousness if we expect to keep the power. What must we do to progress.? Fortify and extend the great program of the last General Assembly in every particular, and especially do I urge that you go forward in the health, educational welfare, agricultural experiment and extension, and road building parts of the program. INSTITUTIONS FOR DEFECTIVES AND UNFORTUNATES, AND FOR HIGHER LEARNING The last General Assembly authorized the issue of six million and seven hundred thousand dollars of bonds to enlarge our institutions for the State's unfortunate and defective people, and for our institutions for higher learning. I have caused the Department of Commerce of the University of North Carolina to make us a calculation to show what sum placed at interest at 43/^ per cent, would redeem these bonds. The sum required will be sixty-two thousand five hundred and ninety-nine (362,599) dollars 38 Papers of Cameron Morrison annually. I urge you to take from the general revenue of the State this small sum and place it in a sinking fund for their redemption. I hope you will, "in round numbers," duplicate the program of the last General Assembly for permanent improvement at these great institutions for our defective and unfortunate people and for higher learning. Our revenue prospects will amply justify it. This sacred work must go on, gentlemen. Our defective and unfortunate m.ust be cared for. Our institutions for higher learning must be further enlarged to take care of the ever-increasing thousands our common schools are graduating annually. We can afford it. Our new system of taxation under the able adminis- tration of Colonel A. D. Watts has produced ample revenue to meet the relatively large appropriations of the last General Assembly, including all interest charges. We stood up for God and humanity in a trying hour two years ago, and God blessed North Carolina above almost every state in the Union. The revenue account will show the largest surplus, when credited with the railroad taxes which have not been paid, and with the income taxes for this year, which could not be computed and collected until after the end of the year, in the history of the State. If you issue new bonds for the purpose now under dis- cussion, I also urge a full sinking fund from the general revenues of the State for their redemption. Sixty-two thousand live hundred and ninety-nine dollars (362,599) set aside annually will redeem a duplication of the last General Assembly's glorious work for these institutions. The small sum of one hundred twenty-five thousand one hundred and ninety-eight dollars (3125,198) set aside annually will redeem both issues. It is not much for the good it will do. Twelve and one-half per cent of the tax paid on insurance premiums in the State will pay it. There will be many tax payers in the State who will pay enough taxes each to pay it. We can easily carry the interest on the full amount under our present revenue bill without any increase in taxation. Messages to the General Assembly 39 May I, gentlemen, for the broken and defective of ev^ery description, and of both races, appeal to you to let North Carolina do the duty of an enlightened and Christian state to its feeble-minded children, its thousands of insane, its poor, suffering, tubercular people, its blind, its crippled children, its wrecked and morally delinquent girls and boys, and to those M^ho cannot speak or hear or see? Those who will pay the tax under the new revenue bill will approve. Those who believe in the religion of the Christian will approve. May I, also, gentlemen, appeal to you on behalf of the children, the boys and girls of North Carolina, to go forward with the additional bonds for the educational institutions for higher learning.? It will not be an expenditure in the ordinary sense, but an investment which will yield profit more than any other the State could make. I urge at least a duplication of the last General Assembly's provision for the common school system of the State. We must not falter. We have the strength to take the next step in our outlined six-year program. God carried us through the dark period when we could not see the way, and by his goodness gave us the strength to go on and take the next step. ROAD PROGRAM We must go on with the road program. The people expect it. We are able to go on. I most earnestly recommend that you authorize the issue of fifteen millions additional bonds to round out the system, and place an additional tax of two cents per gallon on gasoline. I then recommend that you set up a sinking fund of five hundred thousand dollars (3500,000) per year to be applied to the payment of the bonds when due; one-half of it from the general revenue of the State, and the other half from the automobile and gasoline tax. This will not be adequate for the redemption of the whole sixty-five millions, but it will go about half way. The first bonds are serial, and commence to fall due in ten years in equal installments, and, of course, will require a much larger sinking fund than if they were 40 Papers of Cameron Morrison all forty-year bonds. I think the new bonds ought to be forty-year bonds. With a sinking fund of five hundred thousand dollars annually we can redeem part of the bonds and refund the others, if we do not want to pay all. But my confident hope is that our revenue will justify enlarging this fund from time to time until it will be adequate for their redemption. But the sinking fund mentioned will be sufficient to place the whole transaction on a very high plane, and will not oppress anybody, or embarrass the State's revenues. The revenues from the automobile and gasoline tax for six months of this year amounted to 33,222,741.71. It will go over four millions for the full year without the increase in gasoline tax recommended. We Vv^ill require the two cent additional on gasoline to help pay the interest on the new bond issue, contribute to the sinking fund and maintain the roads. I do not think it necessary to debate the road program. It is approved by the sovereign people. The benefits are universally recognized. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS LIMITING THE STATe's DEBT, AND PROTECTING THE SINKING FUND I most earnestly recommend an amendment ^ to the Constitution of the State limiting the power of the State to contract indebtedness to five per cent of the assessed value of the State's property; and a second amendment ^ that when the General Assembly sets up a sinking fund no suc- ceeding General Assembly shall divert it to any other purpose. I am sure, gentlemen, that these amendments ought to be submitted to the people, and that with this done and the sinking fund suggested set up, we will be able to safely carry through the whole progressive program upon a lower interest basis than without them. And then a good many of our best citizens fear that without a limitation on the State's power to contract debt, 1 Acting on this recommendation a bill was introduced, passed, and submitted to the people in 1924, whose vote made it a part of the State Constitution. 2 This recommendation was also acted upon, and a bill was passed, but was amended by the Special Session of 1924 and in the following November became a part of the State Constitution by a vote of the people. Messages to the General Assembly 41 we might go too far some time. Tlie sinking fund statutes should confine the investment of it to the bonds of the United States, the states and subdivisions, but should prohibit loaning it to any department of the State govern- ment. It would be unsafe to permit buying in our ov/n bonds and holding them as other bonds are held. But, gentlemen, I do not think the duty of your body will be fully met by fortifying and extending the program so gloriously inaugurated by your great predecessor, splendid as that would undoubtedly be. There are other things we must do if we are true to the great spirit of progress under which we are moving. completed program for the continued progress of the state suggested I make the following further recommendations, gentle- men, which I think will "round out" as complete a program for the State's development and upbuilding as I can now vision. GAME AND COMMERCIAL FISH INDUSTRY We ought to replenish our great streams throughout the State with game fish, and give modern and up-to-date cultivation for our fish, oyster and other sea-food industries. The North Carolina inland navigable waters are the finest in the Republic for sea-foods, if not in the world. They belong to the State of North Carolina, subject to the United States government's rights in navigation upon them. My descriptive powers are insufficient to convey to those of you who are not familiar with them a general conception of the immensity of these waters. Currituck, Croatan, Roanoke, Albem.arle and Pamlico sounds, knit together by the inland canal, constitute a great body of water from four to twenty-five miles wide that would reach from here to Shelby. Pamlico Sound is the largest one in the United States, not quite so long as Long Island, but with more water. Running into these waters are great rivers, like the Roanoke, the Neuse, the Pamlico, the Chowan, the Bay, the Pungo, and many others, with bays and other little sounds too numerous to mention. 42 Papers of Cameron Morrison The fisheries upon them were once possibly the most valuable in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of acres of these waters are happily mixed with salt, and make the home of the oyster. Sea-foods of every variety known to our climate are to be found within them. Below Morehead City we have other great waters. The New River in Onslow and the grand old Cape Fear. These waters are the property of North Carolina. From them we ought to receive a great State revenue, and the people in twenty-four or five counties in North Carolina ought to gather immense riches from them. The area covered by these waters is the most valuable property in this State, except that upon which our towns and cities stand, with the artificial wealth placed upon them by great buildings, etc. There is no other land in our State of as great value, and from which so much wealth can be produced as that covered by these immense sounds, bays and rivers. We are neglecting this property. Before we placed any police power over them, our friends to the north of us came down and in fleets of as many as seventy or eighty boats at a trip dredged our streams of the oysters. They took them north and planted them in Chesapeake Bay and else- where. We have stopped that, but we were too late about it. We have allowed most of the inlets to close up and shut out the sea-fish from the sounds and rivers. Prosperous sections there have been almost prostrated by it. Our fishing industry can be revived with little expense. The oyster waters can be replenished and an oyster culture started there that will tremendously contribute to the enrichment of the whole State, and produce a great State revenue. Oysters can be planted over wide parts of the area mentioned for eight or ten cents per bushel. They will yield in three years five bushels for each one planted. But when culled according to modern knowledge of the industry, and only the large ones taken out, they not only yield five bushels but form a culture which will never end, if properly looked after. This ought to be done. Messages to the General Assembly 43 It has been done elsewhere, as well as here, with complete success. It is no longer an experiment; it has been tested out, and we ought to plant a million bushels of oysters annually for three years in these waters. It would take three hundred thousand dollars (3300,000) to do it, but no individual has an opportunity to make such an investment as that would be to North Carolina. We received twelve thousand dollars (312,000) in oyster fees last years at two cents a bushel, with the small area and sorry culture we now have there. We would not only get our money back in revenues to the State, but an immense profit, and an enlarged culture there on modern scientific and up-to-date lines that would yield for all time great riches to the people of that section. We ought to open the inlets and let the fish and the salt water into our sounds and rivers in greater abundance. It can be done economically. Facts and figures have been placed before the Budget Commission about it, and will be placed before the appro- priate committees of your body. Details and particulars cannot be easily dealt with here, but in an orderly way they will be presented through your committees to you. These waters are not only valuable for oysters and fish, but for clams, crabs, scallops; by the way, these scallops are now bringing three dollars a gallon, and the State received eleven thousand dollars (311,000) in revenue from the fees charged and received for gathering scallops there last year. The scallop crop gathered and sold from More- head City was worth more than the cotton crop of Carteret County last year. All North Carolina is interested in the proper conser- vation and improvement of the fish, oyster and other sea- food waters which belong to the State. It will take about 3100,000 to open the inlets which ought to be opened down there, including the waters in Onslow County, which while still open, are subject to obstructions which do not permit enough salt water to go up New River, and are affecting one of the finest natural oyster homes in the world. 44 Papers of Cameron Morrison We ought to raise fish in the non-navigable streams of the State, which, while not the property of North Carolina, yet call for the exercise of our police power and to which the State ought to give modern and up-to-date attention. We have the finest inland waterways in the Republic, all things considered; both the navigable and non-navigable waters. They are diffused over such a wide area of the State, and into almost every section. I call your attention to some maps which I have caused to be prepared by Dr. Joseph Hyde Pratt, State Geologist, with the kind assistance in coloring and printing them of the State Highway Commission. If you will permit me, I am going to have one put up in each house of your honorable body for your inspection. Please examine it. I think you will be proud of our waters. In these non-navigable rivers and in many of the navi- gable ones, we have allowed the game fish to become almost extinct. The other great states of the Union are filling their streams, navigable and non-navigable, with game fish. The cost is small, and the pleasure and food value to the people immense. The unenlightened Reactionary thinks this is all foolishness because he is not informed of the wonderful work being done in other states. In many of them twenty-five or thirty hatcheries are being operated. An ordinary game fish hatchery can be set up on any of our rivers for about four thousand (34,000) dollars, each, and operated by a hundred and twenty-five dollar a month employee. We ought to move up to date, and abreast of the times, and put a little fish hatchery upon every river in the State. Let the man who runs it be a fish policeman for the waters round about, and look to the enforcing of the law. We ought to charge a tax of ^1.00 annually for fishing off one's own premises, with hook and line in North Carolina to help finance it. Some of the states raise large sums of money from such a tax. Some of them charge more than one dollar. I most earnestly advise an investment of five hundred thousand (3500,000) ^ dollars in opening of our inlets, ' Five hundred thousand dollars was appropriated for the Fisheries Commission and for im- provements of the fish and oyster industries. Messages to the General Assembly 45 planting oysters, building and operating hatcheries, In- cluding hatcheries upon the streams of Central and Western North Carolina. The Industry will easily finance Itself, and carry the interest after we get under way. I most earnestly recommend that this General Assembly provide, not for wasting money or burdening this State with expense, but for making an investment In the con- servation of North Carolina's valuable property; It will be shamefully wasteful not to do It. We allowed the most valuable Inlet to the fisheries of Eastern North Caro- lina to close up when if we had expended five thousand dollars to prevent it five years ago, It could have been saved. It will now cost fifty thousand dollars to open It. It ought to be done, and if it Is done, wealth in fish and salt water necessary to the life of the clam and oyster, and kindred Industries, would pour into our sounds and rivers that v/ould more than pay for It the first year. Another great inlet Is about to close which a few thousand dollars will save. I urge action by this General Assembly, complete and sufficient not only for the protection and proper culture of the great commercial fish and sea-food sounds and rivers of the East, but which will replenish the streams all through Western North Carolina with game fish, and furnish protection for them. The game fish will add Immensely to the already wonder- ful attractions of our State to the tourist and pleasure seeker, and thereby increase our wealth. This applies to the East as well as the West. We ought to have three additional departments or agencies of State government: A Department of Commicrce and Industry. ^ A Department of Banking. ^ 1 A bill was introduced to create a Department of Commerce and Industries, but was never passed. House Journal, 1923. 2 A similar recommendation was made to the General Assembly of 1921 (Senate Journal, 1921), but the bill, which was introduced following that recommendation, never passed. The House and Senate Journals do not show that any bill was introduced to create a Banking Department at the 1923 session. The State e.'iaminers of banks remained under the direction of the Corporation Commission. 46 Papers of Caiv^eron Morrison A Department of Water Transportation, to be known as "The North CaroHna Ship and Port Commission." ^ With your kind indulgence we will consider them in the order named. department of commerce and industry We ought to make every important group of our people feel that it has a seat and a representative in the company of those which are directing the executive and adminis- trative branch of the government. We have already set up the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor, and the Fisheries Commission. They have all justified their establishment. What these departments have done for agriculture, labor and the fish industry, a Department of Commerce and Industry could do for our commerce, our manufactures, and industries — other than farming. We wisely give first consideration to our farmers and our laboring people, but we should not longer appear to keep from our highest councils that great group of our people engaged in commerce, manufacturing and industries other than farming. This group now pays most of the tax from which we meet the growing expenses of the State govern- ment. The department would not cost much. It would be paid for largely by the commercial and manufacturing classes. And it is necessary for the best and broadest development of our commercial and manufacturing life. It would gather data and information upon which our hundreds of patriotic chambers of commerce and other commercial organizations could advertise our State's advan- tages In commerce and manufacturing. It would gather data and find our weaknesses, and help lead to their remedies. 'A bill was introduced to create a State Ship and Water Transportation Commission, but was amended until the result was that a commission was appointed by the Governor to make a thorough investigation of the possibilities of water transportation, and report its findings to the next General Assembly. House Journal, 1921. PuhUc Laws of North Carolina 1923, Chapter 91^. In August, 1924, at an extra session of the General Assembly, a bill creating a State Ship and Water Transportation Com- mission was passed, and submitted to a vote of the people the following November, but the people voted against it. Election returns 1924. Messages to the General Assembly 47 It would coordinate the activities of our chambers of commerce and other commercial bodies throughout the State upon matters of state-wide importance to commerce and industry. It would be of very direct benefit to the whole State by the practical declaration its establishment would make that North Carolina is friendly to commerce and industry. The farmer and laborer would not complain of the small cost of the department because they know of the tremendous revenue derived from the manufacturing and commercial classes. The surest way to reduce tax on the farmer in any county is to bring industry to help him pay the tax. May I very earnestly urge you, gentlemen of the General Assembly, to establish the Department of Commerce and Industry, and let us place an able secretary at the head of it to give our commercial and manufacturing people the service which every enlightened and progressive govern- ment is now according them, and as a declaration to all the world that North Carolina is hospitable to commerce, manufacturing and industry of every class, as well as to agriculture and labor. A BANKING DEPARTMENT We ought to establish in my judgment, without delay, a Banking Department, and place an able commissioner at the head of it. It is of the very highest importance that we should have up-to-date and competent supervision and inspection of the banks doing business in the State. It is most important to the people who furnish the deposits. It is important to the banks. This duty is now with the Corporation Commission. It does not cost the taxpayers anything. The banks pay for it, and they ought to have such service as would give them the highest possible standing and credit. They are not getting it. The great mass of the people do not know we have bank supervision and control because it is under a commission not associated with this duty in the public mind. The 48 Papers of Cameron Morrison Corporation Commission is composed of three splendid gentlemen, but without experience which would fit them for this work. Their other official duties are great enough for any three men. We ought to have a commissioner of banking in the State of such standing and experience that when he says a bank is all right, our people can put their money in it with confidence and security. This thing done right would tremendously increase the credit of our banks in the great money centers, and enable our banks to give our people the benefit of their greater capacity to re-discount the credits of our people. I very earnestly hope that personal considerations will not be allowed to enter into this very vital matter. The gentlemen composing the Corporation Commission are very superior men, but if they keep the railroads doing business in the State under proper regulation and control, by exercise of their own power and by fighting our battles before the Interstate Commerce Commission, and then regulate justly and intelligently the price of all public utilities, I am quite sure they will earn their salaries and the gratitude of the State. Three men, however able, cannot possibly properly discharge all the duties now placed upon the three men composing the Corporation Commission. I very earnestly recommend that all their power over banks be transferred to a bank commissioner, and that the banks be required to pay, as they do now, the entire cost of their supervision and control. SHIP AND port commission DEPARTMENT OF WATEP. TRANSPORTATION Water transportation is cheaper than rail transportation. This is recognized by the Interstate Commerce Commission, and most basic freight rate-points are water towns where rail meets water competition. From such basic points the freight rate is radiated to the interior points by a combination of the rate to the basic point plus the local rate from the basic point to the destination of the freight. Under the law the interstate rate cannot exceed the com- Messages to the General Assembly 49 bination to the basic point plus the rate from there to the destination of the freight. So, water transportation is desirable to any State, not because of its own cheapness alone, but because it makes cheaper rail freight rates to all the towns with water transportation and to all towns nearer to them than to any other basic freight rate, or water transportation town. Our freight rates are nearly all based on the rates to the Virginia cities plus the rates from the Virginia cities to our towns. This results in a high freight rate from and to North Carolina and in our being commercially hand-cuffed by Virginia cities, because we cannot get freight from or to anywhere without paying the rate to the Virginia cities plus the rate from such Virginia city to the North Carolina town to or from which the freight moves. We are allowed a certain deduction called a "differential," that is a small crumb thrown to us in recognition of our enslaved con- dition. Through this system we have largely builded the Virginia cities and in commercial life they call us, and we are known as, "their territory." We have no basic freight rate points in North Carolina. All rates are hoisted to us from some other more fortunate state. So we must do business necessarily as the bondmen of the states where the base of our freight rates is situated. We have no water transportation worthy of the name. So we have no basic freight rate towns, because there is no water competition. When we demand equality we are told conditions are different and that v/e have all we are entitled to under the law; that our water transportation is merely potential and not actual; that there is no water transportation for the railroads to meet, and therefore, they have not asked for cheap rates to any North Carolina city; that the cheapest basic rates near us are the Virginia cities' rates, and, there- fore, they base our rates on them, which is all we are entitled to. They give us a little "tip" called a "differen- tial," and tell us to get out. We are helpless, and will be forever unless we make ou water competition actual instead of merely potential. , 50 Papers of Cameron Morrison What are we going to do about it? Remain Virginia territory, or become free and independent? I am for freedom. The Reactionary and the railroad lobbyist will whisper, "you cannot achieve it; you have always been slaves commercially and must remain so." The railroads doing business in North Carolina could not help us if they desired to, because they would be stopped as Henry Ford was by the Interstate Commerce Commission when he tried to cut rates on his own railroad. But we can produce such a change in our basic condition that the railroads doing business in our State will beg the Interstate Commerce Commission to let them reduce rates on the "Hornets' Nest" State to save them from destruction, and they will tell the Commission that conditions are such that they are entitled to the relief. They will be, and they will get it. How can we do this? By establishing water competition in the towns and cities of our State situated where it can be established, of a character so dangerous that the rail- roads will ask the Interstate Commerce Commission to let them meet it. This is exactly what made the cheap rates everywhere they exist. This is the w^ay the Virginia cities acquired the rates with which they long ago "hand- cuffed" us. Suppose we establish water transportation from Wilming- ton, Fayetteville, New Bern, Washington, Edenton, Eliza- beth City, Belhaven, Morehead City, Beaufort, Southport, and other water towns, with barges and small boats feeding them from twenty-five counties situated on navigable waters. What would happen? The water rates would be very much cheaper than railroad rates. The Interstate Commerce Commission could not help it, and would not desire to. The boats would take the freight cheap to the water towns, and it would go out over our good roads on trucks for seventy-five miles around. The incoming freight would land on the cheap water rates in the town, and for a radius of seventy-five miles our people on our own good roads with trucks would go in and get it. Messages to the General Assembly 51 About this time our railroad friends would commence to "holler for help." We need not worry about the freight rates. They would go to the Interstate Commerce Com- mission with great lamentations, crying out that the good roads and trucks and water competition were ruining them; that they must be allowed to lower rates and treat their former slaves like freemen and the equal of Virginians and Marylanders. I hope the Commission will have mercy on them and give them their legal right to meet competition and fight for their life. When the cheap rail rates are estabUshed they will, as a matter of law, radiate to every point nearer to them than the Virginia cities. I urge this General Assembly to set up for all the people of the State water competition with the railroads. This is the way all cheap rail rates have been obtained. We can do it. We must do it, if we are to have an equal chance with the other seaboard states in commerce. We create on our farms and in our factories more tonnage than any state from Pennsylvania, going south, to Texas. We move less of our tonnage to market from our own waters than any seaboard state. We have a long seaboard front, and more miles of navigable inland sounds and rivers than any other state in the Union. Why not use them^.? Along these waters are the finest farms in the Union, paying $S per bale to get cotton to Boston or New York, from where it can be sent to France, Germany, or England for less than 31.25 per bale. Capable of producing enough food stuff to feed Massachusetts, but unable^ to move it on account of heavy rates and sorry rail service. We must strike. The times are propitious for heroic action. The world, for the first time, is full of cheap ships. The dangers of old Hatteras are destroyed by the com- pletion of the inland canal from Boston to Morehead City. Our tonnage is immense, in spite of all our difliculties. The railroads are trying now to raise rates on us to an amount vaulting into the millions annually. The danger is ominous. Maxwell, and the other members of the Corpo- ration Commission, with Judge Clark, formerly of the Interstate Commerce Commission, as chief counsel, are 52 Papers of Cameron Morriso N making a great fight, but the issue is in doubt. We are fortunate in having the brilHant Maxwell to lead this fight. Eastern North Carolina is an agricultural and commercial section. It is hand-cuffed commercially. Give me, gentlemen, two millions of dollars to establish some North Carolina state-owned terminal facilities, and to purchase a fleet of ships; then give me the authority to operate them, and I promise you to save the State more money annually than it costs to run the State government now, and to make it commercially free and independent. I appeal to you to create the North Carolina Ship and Port Commission, with appropriate and ample powers to acquire terminals by lease or purchase, and to acquire and operate a fleet of passenger and commerce-carrying ships. We should act without delay. The cheap ships can be had now, and it is important to act promptly. Let me appoint the commissioners, and the Senate confirm them. I promise you a great commission. Let the bonds issue when the commission says in writing to the Governor and Council of State that they are ready to proceed. If you think caution requires It, insert a provision that if the commission finds It cannot arrange the practical details in a way their judgment approves, they may report their findings to the Governor and Council of State, and they may. If they think wise, suspend further action until the next meeting of your honorable body. They say, "Give us the details." We are ready to place them before your committee, when appointed, through practical men acquainted with the situation, the waters, the ships, and freight rates. Water transportation and good roads and truck trans- portation, competing with rail transportation will save this State more money before the first serial bond is due, ten years from their Issue, than both the roads and ship company will cost the State, and in addition, build ten cities in the Eastern and Cape Fear section of the State. You hazard little, and the possibilities are Immense. The hazard is two millions, and the prospects, ten millions Messages to the General Assembly • 53 profit annually. But we could not lose anything like two millions before we quit. I am satisfied the boat line would pay in its direct operat- ing account, and I know it would if the North Carolina Corporation Commission will use its undoubted power in making rail rates from the water towns into the State. The Interstate Commerce Commission, if it will, can force through joint bills of lading to be issued, and if they did, as I belicA^e they would, the boat line would make more money until the railroads gave us justice in freight than any corporation of like size in the State. Gentlemen of the General Assembly, we can win with the boat line and state-owned port facilities, and I beg your prompt consideration of the whole subject. If we cannot find relief through this plan, then I urge you to evolve from your own councils a plan through which we can be relieved from the difficulties I have men- tioned. The duty of finding a remedy is yours, not mine. I offer my best thought on the subject. If you do not approve my recommendation, then I beg you to give the State a better one. Our commerce must not forever languish. We must not forever remain Virginia territory commercially. PERORATION Gentlemen, I have finished. These are my recommen- dations, accompanied with my reasons for making them. Whatever you may do with them, please consider them as the very soul of a Governor who loves his State, and whose chief passion is for greater strength, power, goodness and glory for North Carolina. 54 Papers of Cameron Morrison PRESS REPORTS BY A. J. MAXWELL Raleigh, N. C, February, 2, 1923. Gentlemen of the General Assembly: A situation has arisen about the financial affairs of this State which, in my opinion, makes it my duty to come before you and submit the remarks and information which I am about to address to you. An officer of the State of North CaroHna, holding a commission of this State for a great and honorable position, a position which he has held for a long while, having before his election to this high office served the State in another important capacity, has made an assault upon the fiscal system of this State and upon the financial condition of this State which must receive from this body grave and prompt consideration. I have given little attention, and I suppose you have given little, to the many false and misleading statements made by that portion of the press of North Carolina, so hostile to the Progressive element of this State and this administration that fairness cannot be expected from it; but when an officer of the State makes such a statement as Mr. A. J. Maxwell of the Corporation Commission published in the press of the State this morning, it must receive from those in authority prompt and fearless consideration. If Mr. Maxwell's statement is true, the Treasurer of North Carolina has made to this body and to me an un- truthful report. If the report of the Treasurer of North Carohna is true, this officer of our State, eating the bread of North Carolina, has made an untruthful statement which tends to vitally and injuriously affect the credit of North CaroHna in an hour when its credit is vital to the noble and patriotic purposes of the people of this -State. I want to ask of this body a prompt and fearless investi- gation. Wherever the wrong lies, place it. The Treasurer of North Carolina made a report to me which I transmitted to you. In that report, he covered Messages to the General Assembly 55 the period of the fiscal year ending last July, which it was his duty to do under the law. In that statement, and in a letter transmitting it to me he says: The statement covering actual revenue operation shows a deficit of ^1,853,895.41. I inquired of Mr. Moody, of the Treasury Department, again this morning, if that statement is correct. He has declared to me that it is correct. Mr. Maxvv^ell in his published statement says there is a prior deficit. What character of report to this General Assembly of the condi- tion of this State can this be which gave the actual condi- tion of the Treasury at the end of the fiscal year last July, if at the end of another and prior year there was an addi- tional deficit not disclosed.? It would be a false report. We are dealing with the fiscal year. If there is another deficit prior to that given, it is a serious matter. Gentlemen of the General Assembly, every recommen- dation which I made to you, every recommendation made by the Budget Commission, is founded upon the absolute truth of the Treasurer's report. Political enemies, inspired by malice and venom, seeking to injure by misrepresentation the Governor of North Carolina, undertake to show that I have made a statement here to you that was not the truth, and in their effort to establish their charge and discredit this State and affect Its financial status and credit, they omit to mention the fact in their publication that your Budget Commission is not an Executive Commission, but a Legislative Commis- sion, composed of the Hon. R. A. Doughton, former Chair- man of your Finance Committee, and In wisdom and character, and in devotion to truth and fairness the equal of any living North Carolinian; from the Senate, represented on the Finance Committee, that devoted churchman and brilliant statesman. Senator Varser of Robeson County, and representing not me, but you and North Carolina^ and under oath; on the part of the House, the Hon. W. n! Everett, probably the most beloved of all North Carolinians, and an able business man; on the part of the Senate, on the 56 Papers of Cameron Morrison Appropriations Committee, ex-Senator McCoin, one of the best business men, and one of the most conscientious of public servants, as well as an able lawyer; and the minority party represented by Ex-Senator Dewar of Cherokee, a graduate of the Naval Academy and an educated man, as fine a man as the Republican party could find in North Carolina. They made a report in the discharge of their duty, upholding every statement I made to you in my address before you. And now this officer of North Carolina, in the statement to which I refer, makes no recognition of that vital and important fact, but he and his co-worker in fellowship in a conspiracy against me, make no reference to that fact. These men, not minions of mine, but the servants of this body, have reported the same thing that I declared. Why? In the mad partisanship that assails my life, they hope to make a few people think the Governor has done something wrong, but they cannot make the people believe that the Hon. R. A. Doughton, W. N. Everett, R. S. McCoin, L. R. Varser and R. A, Dewar have done something wrong. Now, my friends, the fact is that I am not the Treasurer of North Carolina; I never appointed the Treasurer of North Carolina. The people of this State elected him. In some quarters the Governor is held responsible for everything done in the State unsuccessfully, and given no part in the successful accomplishment of anything done in the State. I submit that B. R. Lacy in manhood is the peer of any man whose life has ever touched mine. I believe his report is absolutely true. If it is not, why assail me about it.? How do I become responsible for Lacy's error ? If it is the truth, then what? I said to you, and the Budget Commission has said to you, that crediting his account with the levied but uncollected taxes, income, railroad, and other taxes, the cash book or money box deficit shown by his report would be changed to the largest surplus ever declared in the financial affairs of this State. If that report is not true, then, gentlemen of the General Messages to the General Assembly 57 Assembly, we are all the innocent victims of the Treas- urer's statement of the deficit shown by his operating account. What is the report of the Treasurer? It is in no sense a statement of the fiscal affairs of the State; it is simply a statement of the actual receipts paid into that office, and the actual disbursements paid out of that office. It takes no account, and it is not its business to take account, of assets in the nature of bills receivable. The Treasurer gives you the actual condition of the cash book account on the first day of July. He names it at the mentioned figure. Outstanding at that time and uncollected were millions of levied but uncollected taxes; the actual facts are in the report of your Budget Commission. Mr. Max- well says "there is another deficit back of that reported by Mr. Lacy." Mr. Moody says that under Bickett's administration there was used against bonds being sold for permanent improvements for institutions about 31,800,000, and re- placed when bonds were sold. They paid it out of operating accounts. When they sold the bonds they put it back in the Treasury, and Mr. Maxwell has discovered that, and says it is a deficit. I did not know about that transaction. It is simply the way the Treasurer's office runs, and I will not stop here either to commend or criticize it. It makes no difference. They keep every item of money that passes through their office. I am not responsible for it; the Budget Commission is not responsible for it. I am not the Treasurer. Mr. Maxwell declares that the fiscal year Mr. Lacy's report should cover six months in the following fiscal period, and now he figures up a deficit in the operating account of over five millions of dollars. He knows what an operating account is. The account is credited with what may be called one year's taxes, and charged two years' expenses, and he has totally disregarded outstanding taxes due the State. The period covered in Mr. Lacy's report is the period fixed by law. 58 Papers of Cameron Morriso N If this deficit is correct, and is five millions, but it is not; if the Treasury Department tells the truth in its report and in its statement to me this morning; and if it is credited with all the taxes levied for the period covered by Maxwell's statement, it would be large enough to wipe out every dollar; and he makes no mention of it, and publishes it in a period when North Carolina is marketing its bonds in an effort to carry out your progressive purposes. Members of the General Assembly, I urge upon you that you ascertain the facts and the truth about the deficit in the Treasurer's office at the end of the fiscal year you have required your officers to deal with. They are trying to run things so as to charge this administration with four years operating expense and credit it with three years income. The year I was inaugurated Governor of North Carolina, we changed the fiscal system of this State to a great modern and just system, and he shows his rancor about that. We levied no ad valorem taxes whatever to defray the expenses of the State the first year. We levied, but we could not collect any income taxes until the year was out, and we found out how much the taxes would be. How could we levy income taxes and collect them before the year was out, and the income of the people ascertained .? There is nothing but one year of income taxes collected against two years' expenses because last year's taxes could not be computed until the year was out. Reports have been sent out and returns will soon be received. We collected in round numbers two and one-half millions from income taxes last year. Every intelligent North Carolinian knows that last year we made far more money than the year before that, and the estimate placed upon the income taxes of last year is three and one-half millions. We do not know exactly what it will be, but from the best information we can get, it is estimated at that. This is all that can be done. None of this is credited on Maxwell's statement. We have just won a legal battle with the railroads. The railroad taxes have never been collected for the first year or the last, and now this State ofiicer gives out a statement Messages to the General Assembly 59 calculated to show that we owe five millions, and does not give credit for any of those levied but uncollected taxes. What is the truth? Find it. They say they want "barebone facts." They would not publish them to the State of North Carolina if they had them, under the present administration of this State. "Barebone facts" — take Lacy's report and the report of the Budget Commission signed by men of exalted character. The bone-dry facts are that B. R. Lacy, one of the finest proponents of the Presbyterian religion, has reported the truth. Your duly set up and constituted committees are entitled to respect, and not publications of the character to which I refer. You have Appropriations and Finance committees of your own choosing. The charge is that last year under the evil influences of your Governor you appropriated five million dollars more money than you levied taxes to pay. It is not the truth, and I demand that this man be exposed in this slander of the State whose bread he eats. I thank you, gentlemen. NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE Raleigh, N. C, January 10, 1923. Gentlemen: I hereby submit to your honorable body the name of Andrew M. Kistler, of Morganton, Burke County, whom I have appointed as a member of the State Highway Com- mission, representing the Eighth District, in the place of John C. McBee, resigned, subject to your confirmation. ^ I respectfully request that you confirm the appointment of Mr. Kistler. Cameron Morrison, Governor. ^Confirmed by the Senate, January 10, 1923. 60 Papers of Cameron Morrison Raleigh, N. C, February 22, 1923. Gentlemen: I herewith submit the following and ask your honorable body to confirm * their reappointment as members of the North Carolina Highway Commission for a period of six years from April 1, 1923, pursuant with the provisions of Chapter two. Public Laws of 1921. John E. Cameron, Kinston Second District W. A. McGirt, Wilmington Third District John Sprunt Hill, Durham Fourth District Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, March 1, 1923. Gentlemen: I herewith submit to your honorable body the following names of gentlemen whom I have reappointed as members of the State Board of Charities and Public Welfare: Wm. A. Blair Forsyth County, Winston-Salem A. W. McAHster Guilford County, Greensboro I also submit the name of W. L. Hutchins of Davidson County, Lexington, whom I have appointed as a member of the above mentioned Board to succeed the late Carey J. Hunter, of Wake County. I respectfully request your honorable body to confirm ^ these appointments. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. 'Confirmed by the Senate, February 23, 1923. 2Confirmed by the Senate, March 2, 1923. Messages to the General Assembly 61 SALARIES AND WAGES PAID IN THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE Raleigh, N. C, January 26, 1923. Gentlemen of the General Assembly: As required by Section 6098 of the Consolidated Statutes, I herewith report to your honorable body the salaries and wages paid in the Executive Office: Cameron Morrison Governor 36,500 per annum salary and 3600 per annum traveling expenses. William H. Richardson Private Secretary 33,000 per annum salary. Margaret V. Willis Executive Secretary 31,800 per annum salary. Mamie C. Turner Executive Clerk 31,800 per annum salary. Roach Farrar Porter 321 per week wages. Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. CALLING SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Raleigh, N. C, July 16, 1924. Gentlemen: Believing that an extraordinary occasion for a special session of the General Assembly, such as is referred to in Article III of Section nine, of the Constitution of our State, has arisen and now exists, as hereinafter set forth; and my own belief being strengthened by the advice of the Council of State, duly given me in a resolution adopted by the Council at a meeting on the 16th day of June, 1924: Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby issue this proclamation, calling 62 Papers of Cameron Morrison your honorable body to meet in extraordinary session on Thursday, August 7th, at 11 o'clock, a.m., in the State Capitol at Raleigh, and I respectfully request that the Senators and Members of the House of Representatives assemble in their respective halls on the day and hour mentioned, for the purpose of meeting the emergencies which have arisen by reason of the fact: That the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State relative to the State's sinking fund might be con- strued to prevent the placing of any part of the revenue derived from the tax on licenses to motor machines and gasoline into the sinking fund, and that its submission: to the people in its present form will be hurtful to the credit of the State to such a serious extent as makes it necessary for the General Assembly to consider a correction thereto before it is submitted to the vote of the people for adoption; And for the further reason: That the freight rates now being paid by the people of this State are unjustly high, and that the carriers of freight in a rate readjustment proceeding pending before the Interstate Commerce Com- mission are asking for increases which would place a further burden upon the people of the State aggregating approximately ten millions of dollars annually; And whereas, the State Ship and Water Transportation Commission, appointed at the last regular session of the General Assembly, after prolonged consideration of the matter, have recommended that the State develop certain conveniences to encourage water transportation from and to the State, and, under certain circumstances, establish a line of coastwise freight carrying ships, and have expressed the opinion that through these means alone can the State be protected and lower freight rates obtained; And whereas, it is absolutely necessary to protect the credit of the State that the amendment to the Constitution relating to the sinking fund shall be so changed as to make it clear that certain portions of the fund derived from the automobile and gasoline tax may be placed in a sinking fund for the redemption of the bonds as we are now doing, but could not do if the Constitution was amended as proposed; Messages to the General Assembly 63 And whereas, it is of supreme interest to the welfare of this State that docking and terminal facilities shall be provided at a number of our towns and cities situated on navigable waters, and that in the event private parties cannot be induced to do so, that the State shall lease, or buy and operate lines of ships for the transportation of commerce, in order that the only competition recognized by law for railroad transportation will be available to the people of the State. I, 'therefore, make this proclamation in order that you may assemble and enact such legislation as you may think expedient and necessary to relieve the situations referred to, and for such other purposes as may in your judgment merit your attention. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed. Done in the city of Raleigh, this sixteenth day of July, [seal] in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty-four, and in the one hundred and forty- ninth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. AMENDMENT AND WATER TRANSPORTATION message to special session Raleigh, N. C, August 7, 1924. Gentlemen of the General Assembly: I am sorry that my sense of duty required me to call you here in extra session during this hot summer weather, but I am sure you will recognize that it could not be avoided when you hear with particularity my reasons for doing so. The proposed amendment to our State Constitution enacted by you in your regular session could not be sub- mitted to the people of the State in its present form without 64 Papers of Cameron Morrison serious peril to the credit of the State in respect to its sale of bonds for the construction of highways. Soon after the adjournment of the regular session the defect in this proposed amendment to our Constitution was discovered by the attorney upon whose opinion we were selling the highway bonds, as well as by some of those who were heavily investing in them. This presented a very serious difficulty, and it was only overcome by the State Treasurer and myself assuring them that the amendment would not be presented to the people in its present form, although it might require a special session of the General Assembly to prevent it. We could not have continued the sale of our highway bonds without heavy loss in their price but for making this promise. The defect to which I refer is in the proposed amend- ment's provision prohibiting putting into the sinking fund for the redemption of the highway bonds any revenue received from a special tax levied for that purpose, and requiring that all of such sinking funds should be taken from the general revenues of the State. It was feared this would prevent using any part of the revenue derived from the gasoline tax and for licenses to motor vehicles, being placed in such funds. This was not intended by you, I am sure. It was not intended by the draftsman of the proposed amendment. It is absolutely necessary to correct it. This can only be done by you, and this extra session would have been imperative for this purpose if there had been no other extraordinary occasion for it. AMENDMENT ^ I, therefore, most earnestly recommend that the amend- ment proposed be repealed, and that the one first adopted by you at your regular session be formally reenacted and submitted to the people of the State. I am going to assume that argument in support oi this recommendation is not necessary. I am sure, you, gentle- men, do not desire to make it impossible to use funds J This amendment was passed at the 1923 session of the General Assembly. See note on page 40. Messages to the General Assembly 65 derived from the special taxes upon gasoline and motor machines, and not required for interest or upkeep, to redeem the highway bonds. Before leaving this subject I desire to digress for a moment to call attention to the fact that the bonds author- ized and being issued and sold by the State for the con- struction of highways are serial bonds, and that our pro- vision for a sinking fund from which to meet these serial obligations is without precedent in the issue of bonds by states of the Union. But inasmuch as the serial obliga- tions do not commence to mature until ten years from the date of the issuance of the bonds, the State has wisely commenced to put by funds in order that these serial obligations may be met without any possibility of oppression. But if the serial payments had to be made commencing at once, the income from tax on gasoline and license taxes are amply large for us to extract, after paying the interest, the serial payments required. state ship and water transportation commission 1 But, gentlemen of the General Assembly, I have asked you to assemble for another high and extraordinary service to the State, namely: consideration of the report of the Ship and Water Transportation Commission, appointed by me and unanimously confirmed by the Senate branch of your honorable body, pursuant to legislation enacted by you in your regular session. As you will recall, I asked you for authority to proceed with the Commission's report and findings, if favorable to the undertaking, and if approved by the Governor and Council of State without further grant of authority from you. In your greater wisdom you refused this grant of power to your Chief Executive ofiicer, and required the report^ to be submitted to the General Assembly for final disposition. You were not asked by me, and you did not consider going ahead with the undertaking until the Com- See nSe^in pagr^e"^ ^^® ^*^*^ ^^'^ ^^'^ ^^^^^'^ Transportation Commission waspassed in 1923 Session. 66 Papers of Cameron Morrison mission appointed by me and confirmed by the Senate branch of your honorable body had looked into the matter under oath, and made a favorable recommendation. Then I did ask for authority to proceed without further reference to you. You were sovereign in the matter and, of course, your will had to be done. The question naturally arose whether the report should be submitted to you in extraordinary session or held in abeyance and submitted to the next regular session of your honorable body. I am strongly of the opinion that your body, having commenced the consideration of the subject matter involved, and every man of you having given more or less consideration to it, during the regular session, and from time to time since, you were better prepared to dispose of it wisely than the next regular session would be. The next regular session would take it up for the first time, officially speaking, when they meet in a short session with more legislative business to attend to than can ever be quite satisfactorily done in sixty days. The majority of the members will be new, and the State would lose the benefit of the more mature and thoroughly considered judgment which you can give the subject. And, then, gentlemen, I believe I am justified in thinking you expected to dispose of it yourselves. It was the general understanding that after the report you would come back and act upon it. You ordered copies of the report sent to yourselves and not to members of the next General Assembly, and I think you expected that it would be disposed of by you in an extraordinary session. You know as much about it as any succeeding body will ever know, and I think more. Therefore, I beg you to proceed with your consideration of it, and take such action as in your judgment the welfare of the State requires. The responsibility for action is upon you. It is my duty only to recommend. It is yours to act after a consideration of all my recommendations and of all such arguments as I may employ in support of my recommendations. Messages to the General Assembly dl CAPE FEAR AND YADKIN VALLEY RAILROAD Solemnly mindful of my high responsibility to the whole people of the State, I confidently recommend to your honorable body that you enact the necessary legislation to put into effect the recommendations of the State Ship and Water Transportation Commission with the least possible delay, in so far as the report relates to water ways and water carried commerce; and that you further authorize the Governor of the State to appoint a commission to represent the State in an effort to overcome by every legitimate means the destruction of the old Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad as a railway entity; that this Commission be empowered to take every necessary legal step to cause the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad to be restored as an independent line or at least operated as one continuous whole, and that if it is found necessary and expedient for the State to purchase said road in order to have its independ- ence or continuous operation as one established line, for the Commission to ascertain if it can be purchased, and if ^so, at what price, and that the findings of said Commission shall be promptly reported to the Governor and Council of State, and by the Governor transmitted to the General Assembly. It is not true that the recommendations of the State Ship and Water Transportation Commission with reference to the development of our waterways are dependent upon the ability of the State to purchase the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad, or the construction of an inde- pendent fine. The Commission does advise the acquisition of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad property or the construction of a new line, but it does not base its other recommendations upon the success of the recommendation with reference to the railroad. We cannot purchase the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad unless those who own it will sell it to us, and at a price the State is willing to pay. If successful in the action at law now pending before the Supreme Court of the State in nullifying the illegal and unjust dismemberment of this North Carolina incorporated 68 Papers of Cameron Morrison public carrier, the property may be sold again as a whole, and in such contingency the State can take action in the matter. I directed the suit ^ to be instituted because I verily believe the dismemberment of this road was in cunning defiance of Judge Simonton's decree, - under which it was sold and without any authority whatsoever from North Carolina to divide and operate the road in two parts, as was done. It would be better for the State if it was operated as an independent line; it would be better even if it was operated only as a continuous line, though not independent. The Executive branch of your government and the Department of Justice are doing all that can be done to overcome this ancient wrong to North Carolina and protect the people. It would be best for the State if the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad was reestablished as an independent line and finally made a part of some great western system, but we cannot buy it unless those who own it will sell it to us, and we are powerless in the matter if the courts con- summate the wrong done many years ago by its dismember- ment. The only power we will have then is by private treaty, or to get the Interstate Commerce Commission to use its great moral power to upset the sale and dis- memberment, and have it operated either as a continuous line or grouped with some other independent system, I desire to notify you that through the ablest talent I can acquire I am moving not only before the courts of the State, but as soon as their decision is handed down I am ready to move with celerity in every way which able counsel can devise to protect the rights of the people in the miatter. If we lose in the case before the courts I am ready with the best talent I can obtain to present the matter with all possible power before the Interstate Commerce Commis- sion and to beg them to order the only relief they are able to give us. 1 The State lost its suit before the Supreme Court, after which a suit was started in the Federal Court, but the State again lost its suit. A notice of appeal was filed, but no further action has been taken. 2 See 82 Federal Reporter, page 345, and 87 Federal Reporter, page 393, Also see "The Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad," by Roland B. Eutsler, North Carolina Historical Review Volume II, page 427. Messages to the General Assembly 69 I think the commission of the character suggested would be imposing and give dignity and power to the State's program about the matter. But, gentlemen of the General Assembly, as much as I sympathize with the determination of some of our people to undo the wrong committed upon the people of this State by the dismemberment, without authority of law, and contrary to the judgment of the court, of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad, I want to declare with all the emphasis I can command that overcoming this is not vital to the development of water carried commerce from and to our State. It would be helpful, and I favor the most aggressive action consistent with orderly procedure and justice to have it operated as an independent line and if possible, finally grouped with some great western road; but, gentlemen, we must not forget that the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad was operated for years as an independent and continuous line, and yet it did not help us appreciably in obtaining just freight rates because we did not have docks, warehouses and other terminal facilities, and ships moving from the Wilmington terminus of the road. It would not help us again if we had it operated as an inde- pendent or continuous line appreciably unless we hitch cheap water transportation to the Wilmington end of it. It would help us then, but not in greater measure than hitching cheap water transportation to the Wilmington end of the old Carolina Central branch of the Seaboard Air Line, running from Wilmington nearly to the city of Ashe- ville, and stopping at its terminus in the town of Ruther- fordton, and by our modern hard-surfaced highway, one and one-half hours from Asheville, the metropolis of the great West. It would help us to have the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad and hitch cheap water commerce to the Wilmington end of it just as it will help us to hitch cheap water transportation to the Norfolk Southern, operated as an independent line clear through the State from More- head City and New Bern to the great manufacturing city of Charlotte, situated in the very heart of our manufacturing district. 70 Papers of Cameron Morrison It would help us just as it will help us to hitch cheap water transportation to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad system, being operated as an independent line and running from the great manufacturing city of Winston-Salem over the Southbound Railroad, jointly owned by the Atlantic Coast line and the Norfolk and Western, running far into the great West, and from Winston-Salem on across the State line to Florence, S. C, and then taking a bee line to the city of Wilmington, which has by this every advantage as a final port terminus over other Southern ports, including Charles- ton and Savannah. It gives Wilmington the benefit of direct connection with the great western trunk line of the Norfolk and Western. It would help us to own or have operated as an inde- pendent or continuous line the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad and hitch cheap water transportation to the Wilmington end of it just as it will help that great western area of ours traversed by the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio recently leased to the Louisville and Nashville and the Atlantic Coast Line jointly with a contract to construct a high grade connecting link between Elkhorn, Ky., and McRoberts, Tenn., giving almost a direct western trunk line over the Atlantic Coast Line and the Louisville and Nashville to Indianapolis and Chicago and all through the great West, and running from Indianapolis and Chicago directly across our State by Marion, in McDowell County, and on to Spruce Pine, to Spartanburg, S. C, then over the Coast Line to Florence, and with almost equal mileage to the port of Charleston or to Wilmington; and all railroad men will agree that the run from Florence to Wilmington is a better railroad run than from Florence to Charleston, although 1 ,(y miles longer. The distance from Florence to Wilmington is 110.4 miles; to Charleston, 102; to Savannah, 217. For all freight moving west or east, Wilmington has the advantage of any other Southern port through its connection with the great Louisville and Nashville system over the Carolina, Clinch- field and Ohio, and with the Norfolk and Western over the Southbound from Winston, Messages to the General Assembly 71 The same can be said of hitching cheap water trans- portation to the branch Hne running from Rockingham to Bennettsville where it strikes the Coast Line, and then takes its direct course to Wilmington, as it does to Charles- ton, or various other through lines running on down through the State, in Scotland County, Robeson County, etc., running over the Coast Line trackage and from there on to the port at Wilmington or Southport. The contention that because the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad has been dismembered and operates in two parts, one owned by the Coast Line and the other by the Southern Railway, it is impossible forever to successfully establish water carried commerce in such manner as to benefit the people of North Carolina is utterly absurd and ridiculous. If the argument for great benefit to accrue from the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley line being operated continuously is to be given all the force and effect suggested, it would apply only to benefit the section of our State west of Sanford, from which point the old Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad ceases to be operated as an independent line. But how about benefiting that great and patriotic part of our population from Sanford on to Wilmington, rich, prosperous, and determined to go forward as that section is? It would seem to me that it would be worth while to carry some benefit and opportunity to the people living between Sanford and Wilmington, and in the many good towns along the line, although it could not be extended further west than Greensboro and Mount Airy. consignor's right to route his freight But, gentlemen of the General Assembly, under the law, independent direct and continuous railroad connection is not essential, though desirable, for the development of water carried commerce where the water possibility is found, because the law permits the consignor of freight to route it without his being penalized or charged extra for doing so. Under the law, the consignor of freight at Mount Airy or Greensboro can direct that his freight be routed to Wil- mington and from Wilmington over the water, if the oppor- 72 Papers of Cameron Morrison r tunity Is there, and the carriers must comply with his directions. So the importance of independent and con- tinuous railroad connections is not so imperative as it used to be. The consignee of freight from without the State is able, as is usually done in commercial transactions, to have the consignor from whom he is purchasing route the freight just as he directs. Aided and strengthened by this law. North Carolina has very remarkable railroad con- nections to all of our principal towns situated upon navigable waters. I vv^ant you to realize that this law is sovereign, and under it, the Southern Railway can be absolutely made to route freight over either the Norfolk Southern where it connects with it, or the Coast Line or Seaboard, or any other system going to a water town, from which and through which combination water and rail rates have been estab- lished. We are, therefore, independent of the difficulty which anciently arose over not having independent or continuous lines to our waterways. Coming from the great West, freight may be routed by the consignor or consignee over the Coast Line or Louis- ville and Nashville to Bostic, where it crosses the Seaboard, and then over the Seaboard direct to Wilmington or Southport, but do not forget that if the freight consignment went entirely over the Coast Line it could get to Wilmington better than it could get to Charleston, and the fact that It runs across the line a little into South Carolina before taking its flight eastward to Wilmington makes no difference as a railroad proposition. The railroad situation is not only not detrimental to a modern and up-to-date development of water carried commerce from North Carolina, but the facilities for getting commerce to and from our water towns Into other parts of our State, except two or three remote counties In the East and West, are almost unprecedented for a southern or western state. ESTABLISHING A GREAT COMMERCIAL CITY There is some thought In the State that we cannot build a great city upon our waterways because of lack of con- Messages to the General Assembly 73 nection with great western trunk line railroads. The situation is not generally understood, for our connections are very far superior to what is commonly accepted as a fact. However, my primary and controlling reason for so earnestly desiring to see my beloved State develop water carried commerce is not in the hope of establishing some mighty commercial city upon our waterways, though if the recommendations found in the report of the State Ship and Water Transportation Commission are adopted by you, I confidently expect to see not one but several cities of large proportion established there; but my chief concern is not to build an important city there upon commerce from Tennessee or Ke'ntucky carried through our State to such a city. This is desirable, but it is nothing Hke so desirable as to see an additional and far cheaper mode of transporta- tion made available to the farm, factory, fishery, or other industrial establishments in North Carolina. I am far more interested in furnishing an additional and cheaper mode of transportation for the farmers, merchants, manufacturers and others engaged in industry in this State than I am in creating a more direct route for freight in the states west of ours, to pass through our State to the world. MAY NOT BUILD CITIES We may never build a city at Wilmington, Southport or any other place in the Cape Fear basin, or at New Bern, Morehead City, or any other port near Cape Lookout, but this does not prevent our taking modern and up-to-date steps to carry to almost every nook and corner of North Carolina, in more or less degree, the blessings and oppor- tunities which would go with the development of water commerce carrying facilities from and to our counties and towns situated upon navigable waters. It may be true that we need other trunk line railroad systems penetrating the great West in order to successfully build a great commercial city upon our waterways, but there are literally hundreds of small towns and villages and wide areas of country around them., situated on or near navigable waters, who enjoy i/he blessings of competition 74 Papers of Cameron Morrison between rail and water carried commerce. Our people are entitled to the same benefits and can have them if we will develop water carried commerce, although we may never have a city. WATER TRANSPORTATION Primarily, the big thing to be accomplished through the undertaking under discussion is water carried commerce. This would be highly desirable for a great area of our State, and a large per cent of our population, absolutely independent of the freight rate question. It would be almost magically energizing and animating and practically helpful to twenty-five of our counties in North Carolina which are situated upon navigable waters, and to twenty- five more counties, over our good roads and with the truck, within fifty or sixty miles of navigable waters, although the benefit did not radiate beyond this area to the remainder of our people. Anything so vitally affecting the power, opportunities and possibilities of that great area of our State stretching from Currituck Court House on down our sounds and Atlantic front and way out on dozens of our great rivers to Wilmington and on to the extreme southern border of the State, and up the Cape Fear into the historic county of Cumberland and the hopeful city of Fayetteville, penetrating as these navigable waters do twenty-five counties, and dozens and dozens of fine, buoyant and for- ward going towns and cities, giving our State more miles of ocean front and navigable sounds and rivers than any other State in the Union enjoys, is not a local question. It is utterly ridiculous to look upon a project which affects in area one-half the State and directly touches the prospects, hopes and opportunities of more than one-third of the State's population, as being a local question. It is too far-reaching for any such small view. I do not see how any intelligent man can combat the proposition that the development of our waterways through the wide area so imperfectly described would be of com- mercial benefit to that area and the people who inhabit it. The entire intelligence of the world recognizes the benefit and opportunity which go with water transportation Messages to the General Assembly 75 possibilities for commerce. I am not going to insult this State by undertaking to debate the affirmative of the prop- osition that water commerce carrying facilities are desir- able and highly valuable to any people where they can be had. I ask you, gentlemen of the General Assembly, to stop right here and answer as patriotic North Carolinians if this great boon ought not to be developed and made available for the great eastern and Cape Fear basin areas of our State, although it may not radiate elsewhere in the State. I cannot conceive of any member of this great body which has done so much for progress in North Carolina, failing to respond enthusiastically to the proposition that the project is not local, and ought to be done for the benefit of the great area and population directly and immediately aifected, although the benefit did not radiate elsewhere. North Carolina is one great whole; all of it is concerned with what will develop every part of it. We are moving as one great people towards higher things and finer oppor- tunities. It will bless the great eastern and Cape Fear section of our State to adopt the suggestions of this great commission beyond the remotest shadow of a doubt. I now pause to beg this great body to go forward with this undertaking, although they think it will only benefit the great area which I have described. But benefits from this development will not stop with the great area I have mentioned. The beneficent influence of it will extend far more widely, and become State-embracing. freight rates The next view of the matter I ofi"er some thought upon is the eifect of the development upon freight rates in the State. I beg you, and through you, all North Carolina, not to dismiss this subject with the dictum that it is a very difficult subject to understand, that you cannot under- stand it, and therefore will not think about it. It is true that the unjust system of freight rate making for railroad carried commerce is founded upon such absurd principles and results in such ridiculous conclusions that it is difficult IG Papers of Cameron Morrison for a man who thinks logically and straight to understand it; but it is a matter of such vital consequence to the whole people of the State that they must study and understand it, or suffer more than they will suffer from any other imposition to be practiced upon them. The total cost annually of the progressive government which the State of North Carolina is now enjoying, and sometimes is criticized for its liberality and expenditures in the many activities which the State is engaged in, aggre- gate about twelve millions of dollars exclusive of expend- itures for highways and permanent improvements. The total freight charges paid by the people of this State aggre- gate fifty-five millions of dollars annually. There are many lamentations from many sources in the State about the expenditures of twelve millions annually by the State government which carries so many blessings to the people of this State, but very little attention is given by the whole citizenship to the fifty-five millions expended in freight carrying charges upon our commerce. There are mighty outcries by certain watchers of State expenditures for good government against the small annual interest charges to be added to the expenditures by the State, if this water development project is carried through; but these same gentlemen are silent over the proposition which is being seriously made and pressed, in a readjustment and over- hauling of freight rates going on before the Interstate Commerce Commission, wherein the rail carriers of this State seek to increase the freight charges upon only a part of the commerce of this State, a sum greater than ten millions of dollars annually. In some way the art of publicity is so influenced or controlled in this State that no attention whatever, or scarcely any, is being given to the cold, cruel, and relent- lessly pushed effort to add to the fifty-five millions of dollars paid the railroads in freight charges by this State an additional ten millions annually — a sum amounting to nearly as much as the total cost of our State gov^ernment. It would be interesting to know how such use of the mys- teries and means of publicity in North Carolina are obtained. Messages to the General Assembly 11 I beg your calm attention, and may I crave your official respect while I present to you mature and seasoned argu- ment in favor of the development of water competition to rail service in the carrying to and from our State of our great tonnage of commerce. I want you to realize that it is of vital importance in the consideration of this subject to divide into distinct classes commerce moving from and to our State. It must not be thought of as a whole; there are different types and char- acters of freight, and for the purpose of considering the benefits of developing our water commerce, I beg you to realize the importance of dividing freight or commerce into the three following types or classes: First. Shipments moving from one port or navigable water town, to another port or navigable water town, and which do not necessarily have to be carried for any part of the distance upon a railway. For instance, shipments moving from Wilmington, Southport, Morehead City or other navigable water towns in North Carolina, to Balti- more, Philadelphia, New York City, or other navigable water towns or cities outside of the State; or shipments moving from the towns or cities mentioned from without the State to the towns or cities mentioned within the State, or other towns upon navigable water. Second. Shipments of commerce which can be moved partly over water and partly over rail, as for example, shipmicnts moving from Lumberton, Kinston, Goldsboro or Sanford to New York, Philadelphia, Boston or other towns or cities situated on navigable waters; or from New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia or other port cities to the North Carolina points named, or others similarly situated. Third. Shipments which cannot be moved partly over the Vv^ater, but move entirely upon the railroad, and the economy of its movement cannot be contributed to be a partial water haul. I most earnestly submit that the tonnage of our commerce coming under the first class is large and worthy of the State's aid and protection in every fair way, and when supplemented by the second class, to wit: that which can 78 Papers of Cameron Morrison be moved partly over the water and partly over rail, that we will include a large part of all the commerce moving from this State. The third class, it may appear, will not be directly affected, but I expect to convince you before finishing my argument that even this class of freight may be and quite likely will be affected to the great saving of North Carolina by developing our possibilities of water transportation. How will the establishment of water competition in the carrying of our freight affect the freight rates upon the people of this State .'^ I have prayed for power to speak at this point with clearness and in a style that you and the great body of the people of North Carolina may understand. I doubt if any North Carolinian ever undertook to make clear to the people of the State a question of such tremendous import to their welfare. I strive to speak in terms of clearness, and not in expert or professional terms. Primarily, and as the first step, we seek by setting up water competition to substitute cheap water borne trans- portation of commerce for high priced and unjust railroad transportation for as much of our commerce as possible. The first step is not to reduce freight rates, but to sub- stitute water rates, cheaper and in many respects preferable, into and out of twenty-five counties of North Carolina, and to substitute in twenty-five more counties cheap water, and expeditiously carried truck rates, over our good roads, combined, for high priced and unjust railroad carried service. In addition to the great volume of water carried commerce referred to in the foregoing, we seek to supplement and add to this vast volume of water commerce which can be carried the longer part of the way to its destination upon the water at cheap rates and only the shorter part of the way upon high priced railroad rates. Is this not a boon to be desired by every man who loves North Carolina and its whole people better than he does some railroad carrier, or special interest.? It is not unjust to the railroad carrier of freight. It has blessed and given strength to other states and countries Messages to the General Assembly 79 throughout the ages; it will bless and give greater strength and power and opportunity to North Carolina. Water competition to rail transportation may be through all water transportation, or only part water and part rail, but nevertheless, competitive, and recognized as competitive, by the Interstate Commerce Commission. As to transportation of the first class of freight, com- merce or shipments to which I have referred, the Inter- state Commerce Commission is without any regulatory authority whatsoever. Commerce may be sent over the water the entire distance from any other navigable water town to twenty-five counties of our State, or if transported from there by t_ruck, over our good roads, to fifty counties of our State, and there is no government tribunal. Federal or State, which has any jurisdiction whatsoever over it. It is most important that you should accept this state- ment as a fact. It is a fact. If we had water borne com- merce moving from twenty-five counties in the State, and coupled with the good road and truck, from fifty counties of the State, to the coast towns of other states, and back again, the railroads would have competition in transporting the first character of shipment referred to by me, and they could not go to the Interstate Commerce Commission, or any other governmental body for protection from it. A great volume, I cannot give you the percentage, of the tonnage of our total commerce could be moved from the fifty counties upon navigable waters, or in such prox- imity thereto as that the good road and truck make them able to use the water transportation. It embraces that area of our State where the best farming in the Union is being done; where per acre planted and per farmer engaged the annual crops are more valuable than anywhere else in this Republic. The lumber interests are still large. Manu- facturing, while not comparable to that of the Piedmont or Western section, is nevertheless far from insignificant. For the great area and large population I have mentioned we can undoubtedly provide cheap water transportation in- stead of high priced railroad transportation for a large per- centage of the total commerce moving in and out. And there is no power to prevent, hamper, or hinder it. 80 Papers of Cameron Morrison As to the second class of freight or commerce mentioned by me, to wit: that moving the longer way over water and the shorter way over the railroad, the Interstate Commerce Commission has jurisdiction, but this great tribunal is just and rightfully enjoys the confidence of the whole country. It is not controlled by any prejudice against North Carolina. It is high above any improper influence of any character. It will accord to us as a matter of law just opportunity to avail ourselves of the longer haul by water and the short haul by rail. It will undoubtedly, and as a matter of course, permit the establishment of through bills of lading between the railroad carriers of commerce and responsible water carrying commerce companies. If a responsible ship com- pany asks for a through bill of lading between it and any railroad and its connections doing the business of a common carrier from such water town in our State upon terms that did not undercut and discriminate against the ports or water towns in other sections of the country, it would be allowed without contest of question. If a responsible ship company asks for through rates and a through bill of lading from Wilmington with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad to towns on the old Carolina Central Railroad on up to Rutherfordton, including Charlotte, putting the port at Wilmington as to such shipment upon an equality with Norfolk or Savannah, there could be no contest about it, and after this through bill of lading had been provided for by the Interstate Commerce Commission, any consignor of freight from anywhere could route it that way instead of over the competing road and the Seaboard Air Line Rail- road would be compelled, as a matter of law, under heavy penalty, to send it in the way directed. The same would apply to a ship company asking for general rates through and joint bill of lading out of New Bern or Morehead City over the Norfolk Southern into the interior anywhere the Norfolk and Southern or its con- nections go. The same would apply to a proposition for a through bill of lading between a ship company and the Atlantic Coast Line from Wilmington or Southport or other water towns from which it does the business of a common carrier to anywhere its lines of construction go. Messages to the General Assembly 81 There is no way to prevent upon just and proper terms the people of this State forcing a common railroad carrier of the State to do business with those carrying freight by ship to and from our towns situated upon navigable waters upon just terms. If this were done, we could cut our rates so as to put us on an equality with port cities in other states, and then, coupled with the railroads, write a cheaper water transportation into the life of every community in North Carolina situated nearer to our water towns than to Norfolk, Charleston or Savannah or some other city from which water commerce is carried. If this was successfully done, and there is no earthly reason why it cannot be, then to the large volume of our commerce carried altogether over water at cheaper rates than rail would be added a mighty volume of our total com- merce moving a longer part of the way cheaply over water, and only a short part of the way at high rates over rail, making a total rate for the whole haul at substantially less than an all rail rate would be. It would not affect directly the third class or division of commerce or freight enumerated by me, but it would quite likely affect this class as water competition has done every- where else it has been made actual throughout the United States. The third class would be aifected in this way. The result of healthy, vigorous water competition would be not the creation of a situation in which any shipper could go to the Interstate Commerce Commission and demand a reduction in freight railroad rates, but it would give him an opportunity at substantially less cost to avail himself of water transportation. It would be cheaper and in many instances faster and more dependable. This would result in the substitution of cheap water rates for much of the commerce or freight of our State, which could be carried either wholly over the water, or over the water and the good road by truck, or the longer part of the way over the water and only the shorter part of the way by rail, that the rail- roads would be absolutely forced to meet the competition or lose annually millions of dollars for carrying over their roads the commerce of North Carolina. 82 Papers of Cameron Morriso N Would they meet this competition? They declare now their policy is not to meet water competition. When I was arguing cases during the Craig administration before the Interstate Commerce Commission for the reduction of our rates, the whole cry then was that we had not actual water competition, and they did not have to meet competition which was only potential. I do not know whether they will undertake to meet the competition or not, but I do know that if we will establish good service from our twenty-five counties from which it is possible to carry commerce over water and the twenty-five adjacent counties which, coupled with the good road and the truck and the water, can be moved without railroad help, and establish through bills of lading through our water towns upon a fair basis the rail- roads will either have to meet the competition or lose millions of their annual income now taken from the people of this State. The Interstate Commerce Commission permits them to recognize this water competition not to the extent they were formerly allowed to do, when they cut rates so low that the companies carrying commerce on the water were unable to compete with them, and had to perish away, but they are still allowed to recognize this competition to a liberal extent by judgment and action of the Interstate Commerce Com- mission. They are whispering it about over the State that their policy is now not to recognize such competition. If they do not, North Carolina will save millions of dollars annually upon the first and second class of shipments mentioned, in spite of them. If they do meet the competition which the Interstate Commerce Commission will allow them to do, and which I am absolutely certain they will have to ask for the right to do, then they would ask to cut their rates to the towns where they felt the competition in order to meet it. They have done this everywhere water competi- tion has faced them throughout the United States. If they did ask to meet it, then it would result necessarily in their not only cutting their charges upon the first two characters of shipment mentioned, but upon the third as well, for there is no practical or possible way that they can Messages to the General Assembly 83 meet the competition in the carrying of the first and second classes of shipments mentioned without reducing all the rates on freight carried by them to or from the towns where competition in the first two characters of shipment affect them. It is not practical to find any way by which the railroads can reduce freight rates upon the two characters of shipment first mentioned. They can find no segregation or classification to meet the situation. They must reduce rates to the places affected on all freight in order to meet the competition on the first two types of freight mentioned. And if they do reduce freight to the towns where they feel water competition, (and this refers to the interior towns where the competition is only part water and other part rail or truck), then the law automatically extends such reduction to all towns near by, that is, nearer the town where such reduced rates applied than to some other town enjoying as low or lower rates. This is a matter of law. I cite you to section four of the Interstate Com- merce Act as amended June 18, 1910, and further amended February 28, 1920. In other words, the railroads cannot charge higher rates for transporting from and to a distant point than they charge to some intermediate point, plus the rate from such intermediate point to the distant point. If the railroads reduce freight rates under permission of the Interstate Commerce Commission to meet competition of all water rates to Wilmington, or part water and part truck and good road to Lumberton, or to Charlotte to meet rates based on the longer part of the haul by water and the shorter part of the haul by rail through Wilmington to Charlotte, or Greensboro, then automatically, points further on and around about, the towns where such reductions were made would at once and as a matter of law, not favor, enjoy the reduction because they could not charge a greater rate to a more distant point than the rate to one of the towns mentioned, plus the local rate on to such distant point. It is impossible under the law for the railroads to reduce freight rates to Wilmington, New Bern, Greensboro, Char- lotte, or other towns without automatically and as a matter of clear cut legal right, granted the people by Congress, 84 Papers of Cameron Morrison without radiating such reductions to other towns more distant, and yet not nearer to a better rate, than the new rate would be. In other words, any town takes the nearest competitive rate to it. Do you not see, gentlemen of the General Assembly, that through vigorous water competition we can either supply cheap water transportation for high and costly rail transportation upon a great portion of our commerce, and thereby save our people millions of dollars annually, or batter down the fabric of injustice and discrimination upon which the whole freight rate fabric of the railroads in our State is based. There is no possible escape from the logic that water competition may be wholly water or partly water and partly rail, or partly water and partly truck, and that such competition will either have to be met by the railroads by substantial reductions of freight charges, or the people will enjoy upon a mighty volume of their commerce cheap water rates, instead of high and costly rail rates; and that if they do undertake to meet this water competition, they will be compelled to readjust their whole freight rate fabric in this State and reduce rates substantially to practically the entire State, because we can make competition reach far into the interior of the State, and when this com- petition is met under the law it can only be met by reducing rates to the towns where the competition affects them, and this will radiate from such towns to far areas around and about. This is not only worth doing, but it will result in greater benefit to the people of this State than any measure ever enacted affecting material things. When asked whether the building of docks, warehouses and depots can be operated by private capital, if possible to obtain it, or by the State if we cannot, will reduce freight rates in North Carolina, for rail carried commerce, I confidently and boldly declare that, if it does not reduce the freight charges of the railroads for carrying water com- merce, millions of dollars annually, it will furnish the people of North Carolina an additional and far cheaper mode for the transportation of a large percentage of their commerce, Messages to the General Assembly 85 which will undoubtedly save them millions of dollars an- nually. It comes to the same thing. The railroads will not be required as a matter of law to reduce freight rates to meet the competition; in fact, they would not be permitted to do so to an unlimited extent and for the purpose of destroying, as they have done for a long time in many sections of our country, water com- petition, but they would be permitted by law administered by the Interstate Commerce Commission to make reason- able reductions in their rates so that they could hope to get part of the first two classes of shipments referred to by me, provided they reduced their charges upon all three classes into which I have divided freight. If you go forward with the recommendations of the State Ship and Water Transportation Commission, gentlemen of the General Assembly, and the railroads do not reduce the charges for carrying freight by rail into North Carolina, we will supplant it, I verily believe, by a cheaper water transportation, or part water and part truck transporta- tion, or longer part water and shorter part rail transporta- tion, to an extent that will save the people of North Carolina a larger sum annually than the twelve millions of dollars which it costs to administer our State government, exclu- sive of our highway development and other permanent improvements. I, therefore, with great confidence urge that you enact the necessary legislation to give the people speedily and without delay the great opportunity to transfer all of their commerce which can be carried over water, or over water and by truck on the good road, or a longer part of the way by water and only the shorter part by rail from the present cold and cruel opportunity of transporting it exclusively at high, discriminatory and unjust rates by rail. recommendations of the state ship and water trans- portation COMMISSION How is it proposed to accomplish the setting up of this almost incalculable opportunity for our people.'^ The great report of the State'^Ship and Water Transportation Com- 86 Papers of Cameron Morrison mission sets forth with particularity how it can be done. They advise the appointment of a commission clothed with power to represent the people in all phases of the estab- lishment of possibilities for carrying our commerce over the waters penetrating so many of the counties of our State. A commission clothed with power to represent the public, to be appointed by the Governor and confirmed in the regular way by the Senate branch of your honorable body. They recommend that this Commission be clothed with power to cause the issue and sale of seven millions of the bonds of the State at a rate of interest not to exceed five per cent for the purpose of building docks, warehouses, depots and other necessary terminal facilities, and making physical connections between such depots or warehouses and railroads running into and out of such towns; that these facilities shall be placed in such towns as the Commission may select and find adapted to water transportation of commerce. It does not recommend the establishment of a so-called State port; it recommends putting all the towns so situated as to make it possible for them to enjoy the benefits of water transportation for coastwise business in condition to do so, and that so much of the seven million dollars as may be necessary, in the opinion of the Commis- sion, may be used for such purposes. I need not go into greater particularity. What they seek to cause to be done is to construct and make available for the use where it can be profitably done, such reasonable terminal facilities as the business reasonably expected requires, and leaving entirely to the new Commission's discretion, as servants of the people, where such places are and what is required. They find as a fact that a large number of places have sufficiently deep v/ater to justify the moving of coastwise business from and to them. There is absolutely no question in the world but what these findings are founded on truth and fact. I will not quote from the report of the Commission. It is before you and can be examined. The Commission was made up of nine highly capable men representing every section and well nigh every business Messages to the General Assembly 87 in the State. They were under oath. They were unprej- udiced. They were honorable men, and they unanimously found the whole project feasible and practical, and advised the State to go forward with it. It is not a revolutionary or socialistic proposition. What they advised with reference to building docks, warehouses and other terminal facilities upon navigable waters of North Carolina has already been done in almost every other free State upon this earth blessed with navigable waters. For the State to do it is not substantially different from the way it has been done elsewhere. It is true that in most states the development and facilities required were estab- lished by cities and towns, rather than by the State, but everywhere this was done, it is now recognized as a mis- take, and in some form or other the states everywhere are trying to take from the cities within them the control and monopoly of port facilities, and control and manage them for the whole people of the State. In our case, we have not had towns and cities large enough to devolop the necessary facilities and make the necessary fight with the railroads. It was a dream of our fathers that this development should be made. They fought and sacrificed to try to bring it about. Obstacles beset them which could not be overcome. The obstacles which prevented the consummation of the dream of Dr. Caldwell and of Governor Morehead and other great patriots of their day have been largely removed. We need nothing now but courage to go forward to make the whole scheme completely successful. The Commission wisely recommended that we do not risk putting seven millions of dollars in docks, warehouses and depot terminal facilities without giving the State power to see to it that they shall be used. It would be a hazard- ous thing to invest the seven millions of dollars in develop- ing terminal facilities, and then risk the competitive battle between the rail carriers of commerce, and possibly weak and unsupported companies that might undertake to set up the competition. Water competition has been bought off by railroads in many sections of the country. I am 88 Papers of Cameron Morrison morally certain that it has been done in North Carolina, The private ship companies have difficulty in standing up to fight them. They may make it more to the interest of the private companies not to do the business in this State than to do it. You ought to grant power to your Commis- sion, if you adopt the project, to buy or lease and operate ships if private enterprise cannot be induced to do it upon just and fair terms to our people. With this power in the Commission, I believe private enterprise v/ill give North Carolina, and every county within it enjoying navigable waters, reasonable service at a fair price. Without the power there vv'ould be a mighty effort by the rail carriers of freight or their agencies to smother and destroy the competition in its infancy. It is true that it is somewhat contrary to the thought of our people to authorize the State government to operate ships and carry com.merce, but this is a mxodern state of the mind of our people and is passing away in front of the solemn duty to protect themselves. The gentlemen who assail the proposition as unsound and socialistic ought to remember that but for the fact that North Carolina in the heroic days of Morehead and Bragg builded through the State from Charlotte to Goldsboro the North Carolina Railroad, and then on from Goldsboro to Morehead City, and then builded the railroad from Greens- boro to Asheville, later sold by the State, and for a long time all operated by the State, we would be today a weak and helpless State. I hear it said by those who would thwart this movement to establish water carried commerce in the State that government ownership and operation has always proved a failure. If the State of North Carolina had been con- trolled by this dreamy sentiment and theory when we builded the great railroads through the State, without which the present North Carolina could not have been made, we would now be one of the weakest states in the whole Re- public. I hear occasionally some uninform.ed person tell- ing the story of how the State failed in railroad building, etc. The greatest investment ever made in the State was building of our State constructed railroads. We did not Messages to the General Assembly 89 lose money upon them; the State fooHshly sold one of them at a great profit over the cost of construction. The other two which we still own are worth many times more than the cost of the construction to the people. When the State was operating them we did not lose money upon them. They are owned by the State now, though under lease, one of them to the Southern Railway and the other to the Norfolk Southern, and worth ten times more than they cost the State, and we have had good interest upon investment all the while. As a general policy I do not believe in State ownership or the State's engaging in business, but we are confronted by a condition due to long neglect which makes it abso- lutely necessary for us to make a slight exception to the general policy of our State, as we have done before, and provide that after we have built our docks and terminal facilities, if private enterprise will not operate the ships for us, the State authorize its Commission to use a sum not to exceed one and one-half millions of dollars to protect the people by the operation of ships by the State to give them the great privilege of cheap water transportation in competition with high priced rail transportation. It is no more a violation of Democratic or Republican principles than Morehead, the great Whig, committed when he builded the railroad through the heart of the State from Charlotte to Goldsboro, or than Bragg, the Democrat, committed when he carried the dream of Morehead and Dr. Caldwell on from Goldsboro to Morehead City. I do not believe any intelligent North Carolinian would brand Morehead and Bragg and Dr. Caldwell as socialists because they builded and for long years operated a great system of railroads without which the present proud and growing North Carolina would have been an impossibility. Young individualists may hurl "Socialist" at me if they desire to, but I proudly crave the privilege of helping carry out the noble vision of the great constructive Gover- nor, Morehead, and of the almost equally great Bragg, the Democratic rival of the great Whig statesman, More- head, by going a little further with the kind of Socialism 90 Papers of Cameron Morrison they led North CaroHna to, which has resulted in making it easily the strongest and most promising of all the Southern States, in spite of high and discriminatory freight rates. I am not a Socialist. The men who want to see this great development made and water competition in the carrying of our commerce set up against monopolistic rail carrying commerce are not Socialists. The nine men com- posing the Commission — Mr. R. M. Miller, Mr. Chas. E. Waddell, the Hon. A. M. Scales, the Hon. Emmett H. Bel- lamy, the Hon. Joseph A. Brown, the Hon. J. Y. Joyner, the Hon. William A. Hart, the Hon. Chas. S. Wallace, and Dr. D. D. Carroll — are not Socialists. They are all men of common sense and sound American views of government, and they have sense enough to know that theories and for- mulas must give way to exception in front of practical neces- sity. They found that North Carolina ought to make these terminal developments in our water towns; that the State ought to put seven millions of dollars, if it requires so much, into that development, and then they were not willing to risk the money all being wasted by selfish interests smother- ing the use of them, and the great opportunities for the further development of our State lost, rather than give the Commission representing the State a small amount of money and the power to see to it that they were used, and that water carried commerce did move from our water towns to the great benefit of our people. The interest upon the whole eight and one-half millions of dollars, if so much were invested, at four and one-half per cent would be only 3382,500 annually. This is a considerable sum to add to the interest charges of the State, but how trifling compared to the great benefits hoped for! Some very cautious gentlemen inquire how in the world can we pay it. This is the old, old cry that kept North Carolina in weakness and inefficiency so long. North Carolina is amply able to pay for the doing of anything which sound business and its interests suggests would be wise. A very trifling increase in some license taxes would meet it, but, in my judgment, the present Revenue Bill will be ample year in and year out to defray the whole expense of Messages to the General Assembly 91 the operation of this State's government and to meet its interest charges. It has been settled that the first two years of revenue levied to meet the first two years of the expense of the present administration yielded more than one million of dollars above requirements. Gentlemen have already commenced to prophesy a deficit for the next two years. This is pure guess and conjecture. I am morally certain that when all the taxes due for last year and this are collected and applied to the expense of the government for the year ending on the 31st day of December next, they will be found ample to meet every current charge against the State. Who can say that the yield for the next two years will not be sufficient.? We are just getting under way in North Carolina, and I do not believe that there is going to be any necessity for increasing any character of taxes in this State for years to come if the government is administered with economy and without waste. The sinking fund required for the redemption of the bonds in forty years will amount to 379,416.78 annually, and this is on the supposition that all of them are used, making a total for interest and sinking fund of ^461,916. 78 an- nually. It will require a sinking fund annually, if all the money was used for ships, of ^14,014. 73; and for terminals, if all the money was used, of 365,402.05 annually. But I am satisfied that if this enterprise is embarked on under the leadership of a practical and competent Commission, which I promise to offer to the Senate branch of your General Assembly, if the law is passed giving me the power, the State will make far more out of the investment annually than the interest charges and sinking fund will require. Gentlemen who oppose this measure assume that nothing whatever will be made upon it direct, and that the whole benefit, if any, will come from the benefit upon trans- portation charges. They cannot sustain this contention. If we build a few docks and a good warehouse or depot, with physical connections with the railroads in a dozen towns in North Carolina upon land given by the town for the erection of the buildings, I am satisfied they will 92 Papers of Cameron Morrison be the best paying pieces of real estate in the town very soon after their construction. We want free and open ports everywhere, in every county where we have navigable waters, but by free and open ports, we do not mean we will not make the customary charges for the facilities afforded. A good warehouse for the assembling of the products of our farm and factory and forest at New Bern, Morehead City, Bayboro, Plymouth, Hertford, Edenton, Belhaven, Washington, Wilmington, Southport, and many other towns, will be good property and pay well in the hands of a competent clerk representing the public and looking out for the interest of the shippers. If we were to build a modern depot with icing arrangements for fish and seafood products at Manteo, we would make there one of the greatest fish and seafood markets in the world, and make money on the investment; and carry untold opportunity to the people of Dare County. The Commission would naturally build such structures and facilities as the business of the place requires. There should be at the present a greater development made in the Cape Fear basin than elsewhere. This development should be made at both Southport and Wilmington, because through the Cape Fear basin there is every opportunity for sea-going trafiic and the world trade. Port facilities have paid almost everywhere the public has ever invested in them. There is no reason whatever why the development suggested upon the navigable waters of our State will not pay. I am confident they will, but if we paid the entire interest and sinking fund charges suggested, and made no money upon it, if we furnished the people of North Carolina water competition in the trans- portation of our commerce, the profit would be incalculable, certainly it would mount into the millions annually. There is widespread activity and demand in the circles of the opposition to know where we will get the money to pay the interest charges and the sinking fund require- ments. We will make the money in the enterprise, is my answer, confidently offered. But I want to inquire of those who insist upon knowing where we will get the money Messages to the General Assembly 93 to pay the additional interest charges and the sinking fund requirements, where will we get the money to pay the op- pressive and destructive charges for rail carried freight borne for long years and still being borne by the people of this State. I ask of them the further question why their solicitude as to where North Carolina can raise the com- paratively small sum of money, considering the importance of the matter involved, to set up cheap water carried com- merce with high priced rail-carried commerce, instead of giving some of their solicitude as to how we are going to raise the money to pay the additional ten millions of dollars annually which the railroads are pitilessly seeking to add to the fifty-five millions now collected from the people of the State for their service to them in carrying their commerce. Nine of the best business men in North Carolina, under oath, have found that in their opinion the development of water carried commerce in the manner suggested by them in their report will pay in actual operating account, I feel sure of it. It is said that the farmers of North Carolina, that is, in some sections of it, on account of the drought will make little money in North Carolina this year, and do not want additional taxes and burdens. This is pure demagoguery because under the amended Constitution and the new program of taxation adopted in this State, neither farmers or any other class of our people are going to pay anything for the support of the government of this State, unless they make money. No farmer or any other man pays now, or will, in my judgment, for years to come, any taxes upon the value of his property for the support of the government of this State, and under the Constitution as amended in the same election in which I was a candidate for Governor, there cannot be levied upon the value of property in this State anything in excess of five cents upon the one hundred dollars of value. Even if this five cents should be levied, we would still pay practically nothing upon the value of property for State purposes, but it is the fixed policy of the people of this State not to levy any ad valorem taxes for any State 94 Papers of Cameron Morrison purpose, but to leave all revenue derived from the taxes upon the value of property to the counties, towns and cities of the State. No longer can the great mass of our farmers or any other group of citizens be frightened with the threat of pressing ad valorem taxes — it simply cannot be levied and every intelligent man in North Carolina knows it can only be done to the extent of five cents on the one hundred dollars, and there is scarcely any sentiment in the State to levy this small amount. The farmers of North Carolina may not make money this year, but they certainly would make far more than they will make if they were not ground down by high and unjust discriminatory freight rates. Taxation in North Carolina is a mere trifle compared to freight or transportation charges by rail. Oppressive taxes for the purpose of sup- porting the State government will never hurt the farmers of this State, but the rail freight rates have been for years oppressing them and will continue to oppress them unless the State furnishes another and cheaper mode of trans- portation than rail transportation. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NECESSARY LEGISLATION I urge you, gentlemen of the General Assembly, to enact in full and complete form the necessary legislation to put into effect the recommendations of this great Commis- sion which looked into and advised us about this matter, but I also recommend that you provide that this legisla- tion shall not take effect until after the same has been approved by a majority of the qualified voters of North Carolina at the general election in November. I urged you with all the power I could command to enact the necessary legislation at your regular session, and if the Commission approved it after a thorough investigation under oath, and so reported it to the Governor and Council of State, and they approved it, to go forward with it with- out even referring it back to you. I did not fear the people's approbation of that course. In other words, I wanted your body to let us go forward with it in the status we now find it without even referring it back to you for further Messages to the General Assembly 95 action. I did not believe it was necessary to submit the matter either to you, or in direct referendum, to the people, but finding a great many patriotic members of your body feared the assumption of so much responsibility and felt doubtful of the verdict of the people upon the matter, out of consideration for the doubts over the question of good men, and further fearing that your body might not enact the legislation unless it was submitted to the people, I decided that I would call you together and advise that you take the course I have suggested. I do not fear the appro- bation of the people if you enact the legislation for going forward immediately with the great undertaking, nor do I fear the result of a referendum direct to the people, I believe if it is submitted to the people it will carry every county in North Carolina. I am not one of those who think the people cannot understand this question. I think the great body of the people understand it very much better than the expert and professional classes think they do. The great body of the people may not be able to under- stand the intricacies of the freight rate fabric or how to navigate ships, but they do know and understand the deep philosophy of the whole subject. They know and under- stand full well that North Carolina has only one means of transportation and that it is costly and oppressive. They know that all other enlightened states and countries where the possibility of water borne commerce exists, have ex- pended money and developed water carried commerce, either through the State government or some subdivision of it, and have given the people the blessing of a cheaper and competitive mode of transportation. They know that the cost involved is trifling compared to the saving made elsewhere and hoped for here; they know and understand that it is an honest, practical endeavor to strike the shackles of commercial inequality from the ankles of North Carolina and permit it to go forward in its commercial life and in its manufacturing and agricultural life with equality of oppor- tunity in transportation. They know and understand that it means a greater and stronger North Carolina. Their courage is high, their determination absolutely dependable. 96 Papers of Cameron Morrison It will not hurt the Democratic party to submit it to the people in a general election. It is not a political question; it is greater and bigger than any political question before the people of this State today. Men of every calling, from every section, and of every party, are assuring me that they are willing to go forth and do battle for the adoption of this last great plank in North Carolina's new program of progress. You and your great predecessor enacted the program of progress into law. It is all accomplished and working well. North Carolina has attracted the attention of the whole Republic, and commendation glitters from the pages of the greatest journals and magazines of the country. It has made our people proud and happy. We have worked together in working out the program. It required courage, but it is all gloriously successful. I want to beg you not to hesitate now to carry the pro- gram completely through. There is only one more thing to do. I beg you to complete the work, or if you fear that the people will not approve, I beg that you enact the neces- sary legislation under which the heroic people of North Carolina can finish the program for themselves. Messages to the General Assembly 97 APPOINTMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE Raleigh, N. C, August 22, 1924. Gentlemen: I herewith submit to your honorable body for confirma- tion the following whom I have appointed as members of the Commission to study the feasibility of the establish- ment of a State Constabulary: ^ John Hall Manning Raleigh John B. Langston Goldsboro J. E. L. Wade Wilmington Gallatin Roberts Asheville Gordon Smith Raleigh Respectfully submitted, Cameron Morrison, Governor. 1 An act was passed at the extra session of the General Assembly of 1924, authorizing the appoint- ment of a commission to investigate the feasibility o establishing a State Constabulary, Chapter 94, Public Lairs, extra session. The above appointees were confirmed August 22, 1924. A report was made to the General Assembly of 1925, after which a bill was introduced to establish a Department of State Police, but it received an unfavorable report. PROCLAMATIONS MOTHERS' DAY, 1921 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, the General Assembly of North Carolina, in House Resolution 874, Senate Resolution 648, ratified March 8, 1921, authorized and requested the Governor "To issue annually a proclamation calling upon the State officials to display the United States flag on all State and school buildings, and the people of the State to display the flag at their homes, lodges, churches and places of business, and other suitable places, on the second Sunday in May, known as 'Mothers' Day': " Therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby accede to this request, in letter and in spirit, and call upon the people of North Carolina to carry out the provisions of this resolution on Sunday, May 8, 1921; and I further urge that every citizen of our Common- wealth who has a mother living show her some act of kind- ness and rededicate his love to her; that, in each case where the mother has passed on to the Great Beyond, the surviving son or daughter pause to ponder on her love, and resolve to emulate her noble example in life. Done in our city of Raleigh, this the third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine [seal] hundred and twenty-one, and in the one hundred and forty-fifth year of our Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. 102 Papers of Cameron Morrison NEAR EAST RELIEF Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, as Wednesday, June 1, has been set aside as a day in which the Near East Relief will make a special appeal to the American people for old and worn clothing, for the use of the suffering nations in the Near East, it is my hope that the men, women and children of North Carolina will give their cooperation to this worthy cause. It is not asking much of us to give our discarded clothing to the suffering people of these, the most devastated countries in all the world; and I am sure that no better use for these articles can be found. It is little that is asked, and there should be few who cannot give something to this call. I earnestly appeal to all Christian ministers in our State to bring this matter to the attention of their congregations, to the end that they may cooperate to the fullest extent in this undertaking. I am positive that if they are made acquainted with the existing need for help, they will gladly and generously respond. This movement for helping the stricken inhabitants of Bible lands is headed by Hon. Josephus Daniels, as State Chairman, and has the approval and backing of leading citizens throughout our great Commonwealth. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do earnestly call upon the good people of North Carolina to give this call your immediate attention and cooperation, and to help the leaders in this movement make it a great success. This, the 25th day of May, 1921. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. Proclamations 103 LAW AND ORDER IN CABARRUS COUNTY Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Representations of such character were made to me through sources which I credited that I thought it my duty to send State troops to the city of Concord to aid the local officers in keeping the peace. I hope this condition will quickly disappear, so the troops may be withdrawn. I recognize the industrial condition there creates a delicate situation, and I want to warn the people of the county to be prudent and temiperate in conduct, and respect the legal rights of all parties. People who desire to go in any of the mills and work have a legal right to do so, free from menace, insult or intimidation of any character. The strikers have the right to present their cause by fair argument and in an orderly manner, through such representatives as do not amount to an overawing crowd, to such of the ingoing laborers as are willing to hear them; but they have no right to menace or threaten the ingoing laborers in their effort to present their cause; they have no right to force any person even to listen to them talk unless he wants to; they have no right to assemble such numbers as by their weight and demonstration put the ingoing laborer in fear. ordinance not recognized I will not recognize the validity of the ordinance of the city of Concord which forbids representatives of the strikers by fair argument to endeavor to make laborers who desire to take the place of strikers agree with their cause and refrain from work. I believe in the basic law of the land. The strikers have a right, when they will do so respectfully and in good nature, and without threat or menace, to present their argument to a person about to take their place, and if such a person agrees with them, to induce him 104 Papers of Cameron Morrison to quit work, or not commence, because a person about to go to work, being a free man and having a right to do so or not to do so, as he pleases, it then follows that a person breaks no valid lavv^ who undertakes to persuade another to do that which he has a legal right to do. I will, therefore, request the officers in command of the military forces on duty to permit reasonable sized com- mittees, as long as they will conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully, to present their cause to anybody they may see fit to present it to, but the officers will be directed to disperse all large assemblies brought together for the purpose of overawing and intimidating, by a display of numbers, those who desire to go to work, and to suppress all efforts at intimidation and insult of every character calculated to produce a breach of the peace and riotous conditions. Striking laborers have a right to use argument to such extent as they can do so orderly, but they have no right in any manner whatsoever to put a person about to take their place in fear and by manifestations of physical force or thus, through display of numbers or manifestations of violence of any kind, to drive him from, an exercise of his free will to work when and where he pleases. MUST RESPECT LIBERTY The liberty of every person must be respected in this State, and order maintained. As Governor of North Carolina, I appeal to all law-abiding men and women in the county of Cabarrus to respect the orders and directions of all military and police forces in the county of Cabarrus, and that they make such resistance as they feel should be made to such orders only in court and through due process of law. It is the solemn purpose of your Governor to cause the military forces of the State to respect the legal right of all persons, and take no part in any peaceful economic battle which the conflicting forces of your county may engage in, but all must realize that our State is one of law and order, and that the full power of the State should be exercised to Proclamations 105 suppress any effort to substitute force and intimidation for argument in a controversy in this State. Issued from the city of Asheville, on this the [seal] 15th day of August, 1921. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. FIRE PREVENTION DAY, 1921 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Careless destruction! It is a reproach that North CaroHna should suffer millions of dollars of loss annually from fires caused by pure negligence. It is inexcusable that the careful, cautious property-owner should lose his home or other building because of his careless, reckless neighbor. Yet how passively we view this destruction as we watch fearless firemen play streams of water upon a raging fire, or read the daily toll of lives and property, sacrificed through fire to the god of carelessness and waste. Destruction by fire of either life or property is not more justifiable nor less deplorable because the sufferers are entitled to and do receive the sympathy of the more fortunate. Conservation of human life is man's noblest work. Next in importance is the protection of our property assets. The destruction by fire during 1920 reached such enormous proportions as to leave us little room for pride. In North Carolina alone it reached the startling sum of six million dollars in property and 337 lives. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North CaroHna, in order to arouse our people to a vivid sense of the danger of fire, and to induce them to take a more active interest in its prevention, do hereby set aside 106 Papers of Cameron Morriso N and designate, Monday, the 10th day of October, 1921, the fiftieth anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, to be observed as Fire Prevention day, and earnestly urge our people to observe it in such a manner as to impress upon their minds lessons of prevention. Let local authorities give attention to building regulations, fire prevention ordinances, and let them furnish the fire departments adequate and up-to-date apparatus for fire- fighting. Let the people reduce the fire hazard by cleaning up trash, rubbish, and waste from their premises. Let all heating apparatus and chimneys be carefully inspected and put in proper shape for winter use. Let all public and private institutions be carefully looked over and necessary changes made to safeguard the lives of the occupants. Let our people lend impetus to this movement by attend- ing civic and public gatherings called to devise prevention means. Let the press aid by timely publications pertaining to fire and accident prevention. Let fire drills be held in institutions, factories, in public, parochial and private schools, and let the teachers instruct their pupils as to the dangers of fire and accidents, and the simplest means of prevention. Let every one cooperate with the State Insurance Depart- ment in striving to make North Carolina safe for life and property. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the 17th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-one, and in the one hundred and forty-sixth year of our American Independence. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson Private Secretary. Cameron Morrison, Governor. Proclamations 107 ARMISTICE DAY, 1921 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, Chapter 287 of the Pubhc Laws of 1919 desig- nates November 11 of each year as a legal holiday in North Carolina, and calls upon the people of the State to observe the same in an appropriate manner; and. Whereas, said day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, marking the defeat of our adversaries in the late World War, and pointing the way to a new era of world peace and democracy; Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby call upon the people of our State to enter into the spirit and significance of the day, and, on November 11, 1921, ponder upon the bravery of those who made the supreme sacrifice on European battle fields, and upon loyalty, devotion and patriotism of those in the homeland who, without murmuring or complaining, sent the best they had, the flower of American manhood, to the fields of honor, and to resolve anew to make noble and good and true in our domestic life; And, further, I appeal to the churches and religious people of the State to assemble in their respective houses of worship on that day, at a time to be appointed by their pastors, and to spend one hour in prayer for the reduction of the armiaments of the nations of the world, and for peace on earth; And, finally, I call upon the educational leaders of the State to conduct such exercises as may be convenient and expedient. Done in our city of Raleigh, on this the fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord one [seal] thousand nine hundred and twenty-one, and in 108 Papers of Cameron Morrison the one hundred and forty-sixth year ot our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. . THANKSGIVING DAY, 1921 Executive Department Raleigh ^ Proclamation by the Governor One of the most sublimely beautiful religious customs of our country is that of the President of the United States, and the governors of the various states of the Republic annually fixing a day pursuant to law, upon which the people are officially called upon throughout the country, publicly in the houses of religious worship, and privately to acknowledge God and render thanks, and ask for future blessings and guidance. The day has always been a sweet and sacred one throughout the growth of our State. The President of the United States having designated Thursday, the twenty-fourth day of November, as a day of thanksgiving, devotion and prayer. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, hereby designate and proclaim Thursday, the twenty-fourth day of N vember, 1921, as a day of Thanksgiving in this State. The General Assembly having designated the day, when fixed, as a legal holiday, I respectfully urge that all business be suspended, and that all of our people assemble in their houses of religious worship to acknowledge and recognize Almighty God; and that in their homes, and private places, they recall God and their absolute dependence upon His goodness and mercy. Proclamations 109 As a State the year is richly laden with blessings for which we ought to render thanks unto Him from whom all blessings come. The year's triumphs along lines of material and business endeavor are unusual under all the circumstances. We should be grateful, and with devout hearts render thanks; and generously dedicate the wealth created to sacred and benevolent purposes. As a part of our thanksgiving devotions and mani- festations, I beg that those who are strong and able remem- ber the orphanages for the unfortunate children of our State, and that they contribute liberally through their various religious agencies to augment the capacity of these beautiful and practical expressions of religion made through the orphanages. Let us not only render thanks for the blessings we have received, but let us also on bended knees seek divine aid and guidance for our future. I ask the prayers of the people for strength, righteousness and wisdom for all who are in authority, in State and Nation; that they may deal justly in all things affecting the discharge of their official duties. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed. Done at the capitol, in the city of Raleigh, the eighteenth day of November, in the year of our [seal] Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty- one, and in the one hundred and forty-sixth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. 110 Papers of Cameron Morrison JEWISH RELIEF WEEK Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, there is great suffering among the Jewish people of Europe, thousands of whom are reported as being entirely destitute and in a dying condition, due to the lack of food and other necessities: and, Whereas, our own land has been blessed with a prosperity that not only guarantees our own safety but which enables us and should impel us to share our bounties with our less fortunate fellow human beings in other lands: Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby set apart by this proclamation the week begining Monday, February 6, and ending Sunday, February 12, as Jewish Relief Week. I ask that all news- papers of the State give wide publicity to this week, devoted to such a worthy cause; and I especially ask that on Sunday, February 5, notice be given in all the churches that the following week will be observed as Jewish Relief Week, and that the ministers, Sunday school superintendents and teachers, and others urge their people to seize this oppor- tunity of helping the suffering and contribute to the relief of these worthy distressed people so far as their means of relief will permit. In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the sixteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-two, and in the one hundred and forty-sixth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm, H. Richardson, Private Secretary . Proclamations 111 MOTHERS' DAY, 1922 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation hy the Governor Pursuant with the provisions of resolution No. 38, of the General Assembly of 1921, and in accordance with my own sentiments upon this subject, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 14, 1922, Mothers' Day and call upon the people of the State to observe it as such in an appropriate manner, carrying out, as nearly as possible the provisions of said resolution, which call for the display of the National colors upon schools, churches, lodges, business houses and other suitable places, as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our State and an inspiration for better homes and a closer relationship between the home and the Commonwealth. Further, I call upon the ministers of the Gospel to make proper reference to the day and its significance and to impress, especially upon the youth of North Carolina the importance of a proper reverence and respect for mother- hood and womanhood. In conclusion, I implore every man, woman and child in our State to do some special act to gladden the heart of his or her mother. If she still lives, convey to her some message of love and affection. Make the day bright for her by a letter or a visit. If she has gone to her reward, let her passing mean the blazing of the trail to that God whom she taught you to revere. Strive to emulate her virtues and to stimulate within your heart the inspirations she planted there. Whether she be living or dead, wear a flower in her honor. This the 13th day of May, 1922. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. 112 Papers of Cameron Morrison ROCKY MOUNT STRIKE Executive Department Raleigh An Announcement by the Governor The Sheriffs of Nash and Edgecombe counties, and the Mayor of Rocky Mount, have appHed to me, for reasons set forth in a written paper filed, to send troops to the town of Rocky Mount to uphold the law. These officers state that the situation is such that the forces at their command are inadequate to cope with the situation. I am satisfied, as the situation now stands, that disorder and threats of violence of such character as the officers state exist, and I would order troops to the situation instantly but for the fact that his Honor, H. G. Connor, of the United States District Court, has issued an injunction restraining the parties mentioned, and others, from com- mitting acts of menace and violence. The injunction or restraining order of Judge Connor, I hope, will bring the excited parties to reason. His Honor, I am satisfied, under the law has full power to use United States marshals or such forces as will enforce respect for the orders of his court. I am of the opinion that having assumed juris- diction over the situation as he has, order can be restored there with less trouble through the police officers of his court and by his order than by State troops; but if order is not restored there within a very short time I shall order General Metts to put sufficient military forces in the town of Rocky Mount to restore order, uphold the law, and protect life and property. There are disorders elsewhere in the State incident to this strike. They must cease, regardless of the reasons offered for such lawless conditions. I shall use every power the State possesses to restore order and to keep the peace everywhere in this State. I warn those who are engaged in this lawlessness and threats of lawlessness that they cannot prevail against organized society, and that if they Proclamations 113 do not at once come to order and conduct their cause with argument rather than with menace, threats, and violence, I shall throw all the military powder of this State against them without further delay. Done in the city of Raleigh, this the 17th day [seal] of July, 1922. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. ROCKY MOUNT STRIKE Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Representations of such character were made to me through sources which I credited that I thought it my duty to send State troops to the city of Rocky Mount to aid the local officers in keeping the peace. I hope this condition will quickly disappear, so the troops may be withdrawn. I recognize the industrial condition there creates a delicate situation, and I want to warn the people of the counties of Nash and Edgecombe to be prudent and temperate in conduct, and respect the legal rights of all parties. People vv^ho desire to go in any of the shops or workhouses and work have a legal right to do so, free from menace, insult, or intimidation of any character. The strikers have the right to present their cause by fair argument and in an orderly manner, through such number of representa- tives as do not amount to an overawing crowd, to such of the ingoing laborers as are willing to hear them; but they have no right to menace or threaten the ingoing laborers in their effort to present their cause; they have no right to force any person even to listen to them talk unless he wants to; they have no right to assemble such numbers as by their weight and demonstration put the ingoing laborer in fear. 114 Papers of Cameron Morrison The strikers have a right, when they will do so respect- fully and in good nature, and without threat or menace, to present their argument to a person about to take their place, and, if such a person agrees with them, to induce him to quit work, or not commence, because a person about to go to work, being a free man and having a right to do so or not to do so, as he pleases, it then follows that a person breaks no valid law who undertakes to persuade another to do that which he has a legal right to do. I will, therefore, request the officers in command of the military forces on duty to permit reasonable sized com- mittees, as long as they will conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully, to present their cause to anybody they may see fit to present it to; but the officers will be directed to disperse all large assemblies brought together for the purpose of overawing and intimidating, by a display of numbers, those who desire to go to work, and to suppress all effort at intimidation and insult of every character calculated to produce a breach of the peace and riotous conditions. Striking laborers have a right to use argument to such extent as they can do so in an orderly way, but they have no right in any manner whatsoever to put a person about to take their place in fear and by manifestations of physical force or through display of numbers or manifesta- tions of violence of any kind to drive him from an exercise of his free will to work when and where he pleases. The liberty of every person must be respected in this State, and order maintained. As Governor of North Carolina, I appeal to all law-abiding men and women in the counties of Nash and Edgecombe to respect the orders and directions of all military and police forces in the counties of Nash and Edgecombe, a,nd that they make such resistance as they feel should be made to such orders only in court and through due process of law. It is the solemn purpose of your Governor to cause the military forces of the State to respect the legal right of all persons, and take no part in any peaceful economic battle which the conflicting forces of your counties may engage in, but all must realize that our State is one of law Proclamations 115 and order, and that the full power of the State should be exercised to suppress any effort to substitute force and intimidation for argument in a controversy in this State. Issued from the city of Raleigh, on this the [seal] 21st day of July, 1922. Cameron A/[orrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. SPENCER STRIKE Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Representations of such character were made to me through sources which I credited that I thought it my duty to send troops to the city of Spencer to aid the local officers in keeping the peace. I hope this condition will quickly disappear, so the troops may be withdrawn. I recognize the industrial condition there creates a delicate situation, and I want to warn the people of the county of Rowan to be prudent and temperate in conduct, and respect the legal rights of all parties. People who desire to go in any of the shops or workhouses and work have a legal right to do so, free from menace, insult, or intimidation of any character. The strikers have the right to present their cause by fair argument and in an orderly manner, through such number of representa- tives as do not amount to an overawing crowd, to such of the ingoing laborers as are willing to hear them; but they have no right to menace or threaten the ingoing laborers in their effort to present their cause; they have no right to force any person even to listen to them talk unless he wants to; they have no right to assemble such numbers as by their weight and demonstration put the ingoing laborer in fear. 116 Papers of Cameron Morrison The strikers have a right, when they will do so respect- fully and in good nature, and without threat or menace, to present their argument to a person about to take their place, and, if such person agrees with them, to induce him to quit work, or not commence, because a person about to go to work, being a free man and having a right to do so or not to do so, as he pleases, it then follows that a person breaks no valid law who undertakes to persuade another to do that which he has a legal right to do. I will, therefore, request the officer in command of the military forces on duty to permit reasonable sized com- mittees, as long as they will conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully, to present their cause to anybody they may see fit to present it to; but the officers will be directed to disperse all large assemblies brought together for the purpose of overawing and intimidating, by a display of numbers, those who desire to go to work, and to suppress all efforts at intimidation and insult of every character calculated to produce a breach of the peace and riotous conditions. Striking laborers have a right to use argument to such extent as they can do so in an orderly way, but they have no right in any manner whatsoever to put a person about to take their place in fear and by manifestations of physical force or through display of numbers or manifesta- tions of violence of any kind to drive him from an exercise of his free will to work when and where he pleases. The liberty of every person must be respected in this State, and order maintained. As Governor of North Carolina, I appeal to all law- abiding men and women in the county of Rowan to respect the orders and directions of all military and police forces in the county of Rowan, and that they make such resistance as they feel should be made to such orders only in court and through due process of law. It is the solemn purpose of your Governor to cause the military forces of the State to respect the legal right of all persons, and take no part in any peaceful economic battle which the conflicting forces of your county may engage in, but all must realize that our State is one of law and order, Proclamations 117 and that the full power of the State should be exercised to suppress any effort to substitute force and intimidation for argument in a controversy in this State. Issued from the city of Raleigh, on this the 19th [seal] day of August, 1922. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. FIRE PREVENTION DAY, 1922 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor We cannot make poverty a crime while we regard extrav- agance as a virtue, neither can we shut our eyes to careless- ness and waste and thereby postpone the day of financial exhaustion. Living in a land of plenty, we are apt to console ourselves with the delusive thought that what we lose we can replace. How about what we destroy.? That which is lost may be recovered; that which is destroyed by fire is beyond resto- ration. Fire Means Destruction, Not Loss. How improperly, therefore, do we continue to refer to our annual toll of burned property as "Property Fire Loss".'* It is destruc- tion; deplorable because preventable, criminal because murderous. North Carolina waged a more intensive campaign in the cause of fire prevention during the past year than in any like period of its history; yet 166 persons lost their lives in burning buildings, while property destruction reached the unprecedented sum of 37,500,000. Are we becoming more thoughtless, more careless, more wasteful, or must we admit that we are becoming a State of incendiarists.? Let each community determine the cause and meet the problem with 118 Papers of Cameron Morrison a determination to apprehend the criminal, reform the careless, and eliminate the enormous and unnecessary iire waste. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, in order to emphasize our dereliction and our imminent danger, and to arouse in our people a more active interest in fire prevention, do hereby set aside and designate, Monday, the ninth day of October, 1922, the fifty-first Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, as Fire Prevention Day, and urge our citizens to observe it in such a way as to visualize and prevent the irreparable loss we annually sustain through individual neglect. The accumulation of rubbish, waste, and other combus- tible material should be made a crime as well as a reproach. Local authorities are urged to give publicity to fire prevention ordinances, to inspect thoroughly all business and residential premises with the view of eliminating conditions which may cause fire. Public and private institutions are urged to make a thorough examination of heating apparatus, chimneys, and to effect such changes as will properly safeguard the lives of occupants. Institutions, factories, public, parochial and private schools are urged to instruct their pupils as to the dangers of fire and accident, and the simplest means of prevention, to hold fire drills in order to facilitate escape without panic. Your individual cooperation with your Fire Department, your Building Inspector, and the State Insurance Depart- ment will go far towards eliminating the cause of fires and making North Carolina safe for life and property. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the 18th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-two, and in the one hundred and forty-seventh year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary, Proclamations 119 ARMISTICE DAY, 1922 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Pursuant with the provisions of Chapter 287 of the Public Laws of 1919, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North CaroHna, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 11, 1922, a legal holiday in this State, commemorating the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918, when Prussianism yielded to Democracy and victory perched upon the banners of those who had enlisted in the cause of humanity. I call upon the people of our State to observe the day in an appropriate manner, not in a spirit of haughty pride, but with a sense of profound gratitude to Almighty God, Ruler of the world's destinies. Done in the city of Raleigh on this the fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord one [seal] thousand nine hundred and twenty-two, and in the one hundred and forty-seventh year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. THANKSGIVING DAY, 1922 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation hy the Governor In keeping with that beautiful and time-honored custom which has found a permanent place among the traditions of our national life, and has been handed down from one 120 Papers of Cameron AIorrison generation to another by the presidents of the Republic and the governors of the several states, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim and set apart Thursday, November 30, 1922, as a day of Thanksgiving and call upon the people to observe it reverently by suspending all business, except that incident to the actual needs of humanity, and assem- bling at their respective places of worship, in order that we may publicly return thanks to Almighty God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us during the year now drawing to a close, renew our allegiance to Him and seek guidance for the future. We have passed through crises, but without bitterness or bloodshed, because we are a united people, and the spirit of brotherly love has prevailed. No great calamity has befallen us. Law and order have been respected. We have held fast to the faith of our fathers; and, consequently, we have enjoyed that real, abiding prosperity which comes only to a God-fearing people. Our accomplishments have been many and the future holds great possibilities for advancement along all lines. Let us render thanks for these and for all other blessings, and let us publicly acknowledge our dependence upon God for all things worth while. I respectfully ask that the people of North Carolina, at their Thanksgiving services, invoke Divine guidance for all In civil authority, that they may have a deep sense of their obligations to God as v/ell as to the people they serve. Done in our city of Raleigh, on this the eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one [seal] thousand nine hundred and twenty-two, and In the one hundred and forty-seventh year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. Proclamations 121 CLEAN-UP WEEK, 1923 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Cleanliness is not only next to godliness but partakes of it in that it points to the saving of human life. This is true not only in the care of the human body but in the prevention of fires and accidents which take each year an appalling toll of lives. In failing to remove from our homes and places of business all rubbish and fire breeding conditions we set aside both the laws of God and man, accepting the charge of criminal negligence and inviting the murderous sacrifice of human life as well as the wanton destruction of property. In the 38,000,000 loss of property in North Carolina by fire during the past year no statistics will ever be able to measure our individual guilt nor penalize our carelessness, yet the responsibility is there, and the fact that it is a public burden, an open reproach, does not lessen the personal offense. Cleanliness in our lives, in our homes, in our places of business, is a duty we owe our families, our neighbors and friends. Let us glorify that duty in the discharge of it. Cleanliness is impossible amongst trash and rubbish; then let us clean up. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, in order to impress upon our people the menace of carelessness and to induce a general and active interest in fire and accident prevention, do hereby designate the week of March 26 to 31, 1923, as Clean-up Week and urge that it be observed by devoting a part of each day to a thorough inspection of attics, closets, basements, storage rooms, and the remioval of all waste, trash, or other accu- mulation that might cause a fire or accident. Let us accept a personal responsibility in making North Carolina safe for life and property by first cleaning up our own premises and then cooperating with our city authorities 122 Papers of Cameron Morrison and State Insurance Department in removing hazardous conditions from our schools, institutions, factories and other pubHc places. Done at our city of Raleigh this the sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-three, and in the one hundred and forty-eighth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. "BUNDLE DAY," 1923 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, it has been established that the suifering Armenians and other Christian people of the Near East are, from reasons beyond their control, unable to rehabilitate themselves; and Whereas, it is reported by reliable Americans that, aside from the old clothing which America sends them, these people have nothing but burlap bags and flour sacks to keep out the cold of winter, their climate being similar to our New England States; and Whereas, unless sufficient clothing is sent from America this summer many thousands will freeze to death next winter; and Whereas, the North Carolina Division of the Near East Relief has set 150,000 pounds of warm usable clothing, which it is estimated will save 30,000 humans from death by freezing next winter, as its goal; Therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby declare May 1, 1923, "Bundle Day," and request the people of our State to gather all of their Proclamations 123 discarded winter clothing and either turn it over to their Near East Relief County Chairman or other agency which is collecting clothing for the Near East Relief, or send it to the Near East Clothing Warehouse in Raleigh, where it will be sent with all possible dispatch to the suffering Christian people across the sea. This the 9th day of April, 1923. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. MOTHERS' DAY, 1923 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Pursuant with the provisions of resolution No. 38, passed by the General Assembly of 1921, I hereby proclaim Sunday, May 13, 1923, Mothers' Day and call upon the people of North Carolina reverently to observe it. As a public expression of love and respect for motherhood, you are asked to display the National colors. Each individual is requested to wear a flower, in honor of his or her mother, whether she is living or dead. The above, at best, are merely the outward signs of an inward devotion, which each heart must interpret for itself. Each soul must light its own altar fires on Mothers' Day. This the 8th day of May, 1923. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. 124 Papers of Cameron Morrison CITIZENS MILITARY TRAINING CAMPS Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor I hope that every young man who can arrange to do so will attend one of the Citizens Military Training Camps to be conducted by the Fourth Corps Area, in which unit of our national military organization, North Carolina is found. We have a traditional military policy which definitely provides for a small army of regular soldiers which is augmented in times of national emergency by citizen soldiery. A wise provision of our national defense provides that the frame work of the organization of the citizen soldiery shall be developed in times of peace through the patriotic service of our young men. The training under our law is entirely voluntary. These camps offer a vacation opportunity which has proved of inestimable benefit to those who in the past two years have had the benefit of their training. The purpose of these camps is to promote good health, good citizenship and a capacity and willingness for national service in time of need. Our boys can either go to Camp McClellan near Anniston, Alabama, to Fort Barancas near Pensacola, Florida, or to Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina. These camps begin August 1 and conclude on August 30. The government pays all expenses. Including transportation, uniform, food and medical care, and exacts no service obligation for such attendance. The camp schedule calls for elementary drill in the beginning and later for special training in the different branches of the service. Physical health and development are especially emphasized. The army sergeant examines each candidate carefully on his admission to camp and a record is made of each man's progress during the month of training. A large part of each day Is given over to athletic sports under expert supervision. Army chaplains of different faith care for the moral and religious life of Proclamations 125 those at the camps. The training given results in a broad- ening of the views and an increase of the value of our youth as citizens. General Albert L. Cox as State Civilian Aide to the Secretary of War, has charge of applications from North Carolina for these camps, and information together with application blanks may be secured from him or from the chairman appointed in each county, or from any regular officer on duty in the State. I cannot recommend too highly the training given to our youth by these camps, and urge upon the men of the State their interest and cooperation in seeing that North Carolina recognizes its opportunity by filling the quota allowed it. This the 20th day of June, 1923. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. FUNERAL SERVICES OF PRESIDENT HARDING Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Funeral services over the remains of the late beloved President of the United States will be held in the Capitol at Washington during the noon hour on Wednesday the eighth, and I ask the people of the State on that day and at the hour of twelve noon to suspend all business for fifteen minutes. On Friday, the tenth, at some hour vv^hlch has not been definitely fixed at this time, the remains of the President will be interred in the city of Marion, in the state of Ohio. The hour will be announced by the press later, and can become known to the people. At the hour of interment 126 Papers of Cameron Morrison in Marion, Ohio, I ask the people of the State to arrange in every community in the State to have a joint rehgious service, and pay spoken tribute to the great pubUc servant who has departed. I am sure in this hour of sorrow and sadness over the death of our President we recognize the smallness of party differences between the citizens of our great country, and that in all fundamental principles of Americanism we are one people and have sustained a universal loss. The President of the United States has set aside Friday, the tenth, as a day of mourning and prayer, and I hope upon this day the people of North Carolina will suspend all social amusements, refrain from everything of a festive and merry character, and in every possible way make due acknowledgment of our dependence upon God. This the 6th day of August, 1923. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. JAPANESE DISASTER Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Gover^ior The great disaster which has befallen the people of Japan necessitated an urgent Red Cross appeal to the entire country for five millions of dollars with which to enable this great organization to carry proper help to distressed Japan, and North Carolina has been asked by the Red Cross to give twenty-five thousand dollars of this sum. Our quota is small, and I most urgently appeal to the people of North Carolina to make prompt and generous response to the appeal of the Red Cross for funds with which to meet this sacred duty of humanity. Proclamations 127 North Carolina has been unusually blessed in material things this year when compared with the many distressed disasters elsewhere in the country, and I hope there will be an expression of appreciation of our blessings through a prompt giving of the small sum requested for the aid of suifering Japan. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the sixth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-three, and in the one hundred and forty-eighth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. ARMISTICE DAY, 1923 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Under the provisions of Chapter 287 of the Public Laws of 1919 it becomes the duty of the Governor annually to proclaim and set aside November 11, Armistice Day, as a legal holiday. This year this date falls on Sunday. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim and set aside Monday, Novem- ber 12, 1923, as a legal holiday commemorating the signing of the armistice and I earnestly call upon the people of the State to observe it with appropriate exercises, not in a boastful spirit but with gratitude to the God of nations who brought us through the conflict victorious, because the fight was a just one. 128 Papers of Cameron Morrison Done at the city of Raleigh on this the thirty- first day of October, in the year of our Lord one [seal] thousand nine hundred twenty-three, and in the one hundred and forty-eighth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. THANKSGIVING DAY, 1923 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor North CaroUna has been blessed with a year of great prosperity in material things. On the farm, in the factory, and in every line of business, God has most generously rewarded the labors of our people. We have been led by God to make a liberal use of our material prosperity for the benefit of the defective, and for improved educational opportunities for our children; Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, following the previous action of the Pres- ident of the United States, in his proclamation of Novem- ber 6, 1923, do hereby proclaim and set apart Thursday, November 29, 1923, as Thanksgiving Day and call upon our people to observe the day by assembling in their respective places of religious worship and giving thanks to Almighty God for his many mercies and blessings to the people of the United States, and of this State, and to pray for Divine guidance in the future. May I implore the people of strength on Thanksgiving Day to remember the orphan, and the weak and defective of every class by some act of generosity and helpfulness. Proclamations 129 Done in the city of Raleigh on this the fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord 1923, [seal] and in the one hundred and forty-eighth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. WOODROW WILSON'S DEATH Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Woodrow Wilson, after a long illness, died at 11:15 o'clock this morning in Washington City. The hour of the funeral has not been announced. It can be ascertained from the press later. As an expression of respect for the great Ex-President, I ask that all business be suspended for thirty minutes during the funeral services and that our people refrain from all social merriment and festivity from now until after the funeral. He was our President for eight years, and guided our country through the great world conflagration. It broke his health and killed him. It was for his country and humanity that he labored, suffered and died. Announcement of a date and hour for State-wide memorial services will be made later. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the 4th day of February, in the year of our Lord 1924, and in [seal] the one hundred and forty-eighth yearof our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. 130 Papers of Cameron Morrison WOODROW WILSON MEMORIAL SUNDAY Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation hy the Governor In addition to the marks of respect which I have asked the people of North CaroHna to show to the memory of our great Ex-President, Woodrow Wilson, until after the funeral services tomorrow, with the approval of the Council of State, I hereby appoint Sunday, the tenth day of Feb- ruary, at 3 :30 o'clock, p.m., as the occasion for memo- rial services throughout the State, when the deep sense of loss, reverence and appreciation for the life and public services of this great deceased world leader can be given expression. We suggest that in every city, town and community throughout the State the people arrange a joint meeting place for appropriate religious and memorial services at the hour named. Done in the city of Raleigh on this the fifth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-four, and in the one hundred and forty-eighth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. MOTHERS' DAY, 1924 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Pursuant with the provisions of resolution No. 38, passed by the General Assembly of 1921 in regular session, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do Proclamations 131 hereby proclaim and set aside Sunday, May 11, 1924, as Mothers' Day and call upon the people of the State to observe it in their homes and in the churches. Following the spirit of the resolution, I earnestly request that wherever it is possible children visit their mothers on next Sunday and that where this is not possible, they write them letters; also that every North Carolinian wear a flower in honor of his or her mother, whether she is living or dead. Issued this the 6th day of May, 1924. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. NATIONAL DEFENSE Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, the President of the United States has author- ized the War Department to proceed with the project for a demonstration of national defense plans on September 12, 1924, the sixth anniversary of the battle of St. Mihiel; and Whereas, It is of vital necessity for the success of the defense test that every patriotic citizen lend his or her hearty support; now, therefore: I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do solemnly and earnestly enjoin each and every citizen of this State to do the utmost in his or her respective power, either by active participation or sympathetic support, to demon- strate fully the patriotic spirit of this great State and cause the aforesaid defense test to be a complete success. 132 Papers of Cameron Morrison Done in the city of Raleigh, this the eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-four, and in the one hundred and forty-ninth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK, 1924 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation hy the Governor "Willful waste makes woeful want," and since two- thirds of our fires are preventable they are unnecessary and fall within the class of willful waste. The total fire loss in the United States for one year is more than five hundred million dollars. In North Carolina this fire waste has reached the enormous sum of more than six million dollars a year. It makes toil fruitless, for no amount of labor can restore property destroyed by fire. Individual carefulness and the assumption of personal responsibility for fires constitute our only hope of a permanent cure for this delinquency in our citizenship. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do urge the concerted effort of the people of this State in the direction of its avowed aim to make North Carolina safe for life and property by the prevention of fires, and do hereby designate the week of October 5 to 11, 1924, as Fire Prevention Week. Remembering then that unmeasured ill is bound to follow unnecessary waste, let every citizen of our Commonwealth make safe from fire his own premises by removing all fire breeding conditions, and cooperate with the Fire Prevention Proclamations 133 Bureau of the State Insurance Department in spreading the gospel of fire prevention during the week above designated, and let the city officials, civic organizations, churches, schools, newspapers and all public institutions lay the matter with emphasis before all people within their reach. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the 31st day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-four, and the one hundred and forty-eighth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. ARBOR DAY, 1924 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Whereas, nearly two-thirds of the total area of North Carolina is now covered by forest growth, the greater part of which has been cut over by lumbermen and devastated by fire to such an extent that its annual yield is less than one-half what it should be; and Whereas, the soil is the material source of our strength and upon its right use depends the permanent prosperity of the State; and Whereas, the present generation is coming to reahze that the use of the forest and the soil has not been in accordance with proper economy in as much as forests have been destroyed by axe and fire, steep lands have been cleared and unwisely used and ruinously cultivated; and Whereas, the coming generation of forest and soil users is now in our public schools; and upon the school children of the State is to fall the task of repairing the loss caused by our carelessness or indiflterence; and 134 Papers of Cameron Morrison Whereas, the General Assembly of this State has seen fit to enact an Arbor Day law; Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of the State of North Carolina, realizing the value which the suitable observance of this day will be to the State in interesting the rising generation in a proper appreciation of our forests, our birds, our trees and our shrubs, do hereby proclaim that Friday, the seventh day of November, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-four, shall be appro- priately observed as Arbor Day by the teachers and children of all the public schools of the State by recitations, drills, songs and exercises appropriate to the occasion, and by the planting of trees and shrubs on the school grounds. Let this be done that the purpose of Arbor Day may be imbued upon us and upon the youth and interest awakened in a subject the consideration of which will add to our general prosperity and the future wealth of North Carolina, and will greatly add to the happiness of us and our children. Done at our city of Raleigh, this the 28th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand [seal] nine hundred and twenty-four, and in the one hundred and forty-ninth year of our American Independence. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. ARMISTICE DAY, 1924 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Pursuant with the provisions of the North Carolina law on the subject and in conformity with what has become an established custom, I hereby proclaim and set aside Tuesday, November 11, 1924, as a public holiday in this Proclamations 135 State and call upon our people to observe it as the sixth anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended active hostihties of the World War. It is fitting that patriotic celebrations should be held throughout the State, commemorating that memorable event when autoc- racy bowed before democracy. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. THANKSGIVING DAY, 1924 Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor Gratitude to Almighty God has ever been a dominant factor in our national and domestic hfe. While our Repub- lic was yet in its infancy, the beautiful custom of setting apart one day in each year for the specific purpose of returning thanks to Him was established. This custom has been perpetuated by the chief executives of the Nation and the governors of the several states until it has become one of our most ancient and honorable customs. Now, therefore, I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim and set apart Thursday, November 27, 1924, as Thanksgiving Day and call upon our people to observe it in a spirit of reverence and gratitude. Let all unnecessary business be suspended on that day, in order that all may have the opportunity to gather about their family altars and to attend public worship in the churches, to express thanks to God for his loving kindness tov/ard us. During the year now fast drawing to a close we have been singularly blessed along all lines. Material pros- 136 Papers of Cameron Morrison perity has been ours. The God of harvest has crowned our agricultural efforts with success and mother earth has yielded proper and wholesome food for the nourishment of our bodies. The hand of God has protected us from famine and plague. We have been spared from serious epidemics. The cause of education has been advanced; the spirit of enlightenment has continued to drive back the darkness of ignorance and illiteracy. Our social and industrial relations have been unmarred by strife and discord. We have dwelt together in unity of purpose. The cause of Christ has been strengthened through a sympathetic cooperation on the part of our people, as shown in reports submitted to the various religious gatherings recently held in our State. For these and all other blessings that we have enjoyed during the year let us return sincere thanks, at the same time invoking Divine guidance in all our undertakings and reconsecrating our lives to the service of God and our fellow-men. Issued this the 22d day of November, 1924. [seal] Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS Executive Department Raleigh A Proclamation by the Governor I, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby certify that it has been legally ascertained that at the election held in this State Tuesday, November 4, 1924, the following were duly elected as Electors of President and Vice President of the United States. They are hereby Proclamations 137 publicly notified and directed, as required by law, to meet in the State Capitol at Raleigh on Monday, January 12, at noon, there to cast the electoral vote of the State for President and Vice President of the United States. Walter D. Siler, Elector at Large. D. F. Giles, Elector at Large. Herbert R. Leary of the First Congressional District. J. H. Matthews of the Second Congressional District. W. A. Brown of the Third Congressional District. Thos. W. Ruffin of the Fourth Congressional District. ^ F. W. Hancock, Jr., of the Fifth Congressional District. Murchison Walker of the Sixth Congressional District. K. R. Hoyle of the Seventh Congressional District. J. M. Boyette of the Eighth Congressional District. Geo. W. Wilson of the Ninth Congressional District. C. C. Buchanan of the Tenth Congressional District. In witness whereof, I, Cameron Morrison, Gover- [seal] nor of North Carolina, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed this the 9th day of January, 1925. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. APPEALS TO THE PUBLIC THE EX-SERVICE MEN TO JOIN THE AMERICAN LEGION Raleigh, N. C, April 19, 1922. To the Ex-Service Men of North Carolina: It has been officially brought to my attention by Dan S. Hollenga of Hamlet, National Committeeman for North Carolina for the American Legion, that the Legion is engaged in a membership campaign and that he is very anxious for North Carolina to lead all other States. Mr. Hollenga makes this interesting statement: At the beginning of the race, we were not among the twenty honor states; a little later we took sixteenth place, and then made the first "home run," taking twelfth place. A week later we took eleventh place, and I am trying my very best to get us in first place. Wallgren, the famous cartoonist, has made me a cartoon showing North Carolina leading all the other states. Mr. Hollenga requests that I address a communication to the ex-service men of North Carolina, urging them to help put North Carolina at the head of the list in this great American Legion membership campaign. This I cheerfully do. It is nothing but fitting that the State whose sons smashed the Hindenburg line should take the leader- ship in this campaign. Therefore, I appeal to every ex- service man in North Carolina who has not done so, to connect himself with the American Legion. Organization means strength. It not only means strength in the generally accepted term, but it will mean strength in after years in the matter of keeping the records straight and seeing that North Carolina, when history is fully written, shall receive the credit that it is due. We begrudge no state its just merits. The World War taught us tolerance and to give credit where credit is due. At the same time, if we do not hold up our record, nobody will do it for us. In addressing this letter to the ex-service men of the State, I wish also to congratulate the American Legion 142 Papers of Cameron Morrison on the progress it has thus far made in the campaign, and to asssure its leaders of my best wishes. Cameron Morrison, Governor. OBSERVE CRIPPLE CENSUS WEEK Raleigh, N. C, October 9, 1922. To the People of North Carolina: It is the inahenable right of every one of God's creatures to have the opportunity to Hve his or her Hfe as usefully and as happily as possible; and since every person has the right, we, as citizens of a great and benevolent Commonwealth, ■owe it to those who are physically incapacitated to do all within our power to either eliminate or alleviate their disabilities. In the fulfillment of this obHgation, we will not only be of real service to the maimed and crippled, but will serve our State. In order that as many of such people as possible within the borders of our State may receive assistance that will aid them in rehabilitating themselves, I earnestly request the people of North Carolina to set aside the period of October 30 to November 4, inclusive, as Cripple Census Week, and urge that during that time, especially, all our citizens who may know of crippled persons notify officials of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation of the State Department of Public Instruction and the Bureau of Child Welfare or the State Department of Public Welfare, who have these matters in charge. By thus taking a census of those of our people who are physically disabled or incapacitated because of some bodily impairment and whenever possible, securing treat- ment or vocational training for them, we will surely help to improve the usefulness and welfare of a portion of our population which merits aid from those of us who are more fortunate. Through a census, the Department of Vocational Rehab- ilitation may enlarge its work in helping the handicapped Appeals to the Public 143 man or woman help himself or herself, and the Bureau of Child Welfare may widen its service by ascertaining the number of crippled children who need treatment and by aiding them to receive it. Your individual cooperation is earnestly sought. I feel that this appeal will meet with sympathetic approval. In seeking out the crippled of your community and giving their names to the superintendents of Public Welfare, superintendents of schools, health officers, nurses. Farm and Home Demonstration agents. Red Cross and Y secre- taries, you will help toward the rehabilitation of this unfor- tunate portion of our population, and will increase the general welfare of North Carolina. Cameron Morrison, Governor. INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTION Raleigh, N. C, 1922. To the People of North Carolina: North Carolina has been pushed to a high comparative position among the states of the Union in the production on our farms of money crops for the market; but our whole agricultural life is weakened by the fact that we have neglected the production of sufficient food on the farms of the State to make our agricultural life independent, and give it strength to stand the periodic vicissitudes of mis- fortune to the money crops, due to slump in prices, or other causes sure to occur. Much improvement has been made in the last few years in this well understood weakness of the State, but there is yet much to be done. It is hard to "get out of a rut." A highly competent authority declared recently: "There is not a single county in the State in which there is raised enough food in value or quantity for the human and animal life of the county." 144 Papers of Cameron Morrison fight weevil with food Independently of the approach of the boll weevil, this phase of our agrlcltural life should be strengthened throughout the State; but the approach of the boll weevil threatens a serious blight to a large area of the State, particularly the great areas devoted largely to the growth of cotton. If the boll weevil should have the devastating effect upon the crops this year in the cotton sections of the State that it has had in some of the states to the south of us, and if the people in the cotton sections of the State do not raise more food supplies for themselves and their animals than they have heretofore raised, it will certainly result in widespread suffering and destitution. This threat- ened danger and distress can be largely averted, if it comes, as there is reasonable ground to fear it may, and at the same time a policy adopted in the agricultural life of the State which will greatly strengthen the whole life of our people, not only in the cotton sections, but in the entire State. We must so order our agriculture as not to require the immense outlay of money rendered necessary largely to buy the food upon which the people live who grow money crops in the State for the market. The small farmers and tenants cannot stand the periodic slumps which occur from various causes, and the wealthier men and large landowners cannot withstand the boll weevil blight, if it comes, and feed their tenants and farm laborers through it. Buying our food elsewhere and raising money crops requires too much capital, and is too hazardous for our people to engage in on an extensive scale. DEPARTMENTS COOPERATING I have made every effort to excite the interest and active efforts of the State College of Agriculture and Engineering, the Agricultural Department, the Department of Education, and the Health Department of the State government to lead the people to organize and prepare without delay to increase the production of food raised in the State for home consumption, not only in the threatened areas, but in the whole State. These great departments of our State Appeals to the Public 145 government are splendidly organized and equipped to help the people in this all-important matter and they are now moving with energy through their splendid organization of expert men to help. I appeal to the people of the whole State for their active cooperation in the movement. WE MUST INCREASE OUR HOME SUPPLY OF MEAT We cannot raise beef profitably In a large part of the State, but we can raise hogs and poultry of every description on account of our long summer seasons as easily and cheaply as it can be done anywhere in the Union. We must increase our meat supply through hogs and poultry. We can raise vegetables of almost every known variety; and keep and main- tain milch cows probably more cheaply thafi it can he done elsewhere in the Union. If we would but realize the import- ance of this matter, we could make hog meat, chicken, turkey and other foul meat, eggs, butter and milk so plentiful in the State, particularly on the farm, that our food bill would be trifling compared to the enormous outlay, with the business hazards accompanying it, which we now annually pay. Independently of the boll weevil threat, because of the periodic slumps in the prices of cotton and tobacco, now raised at such enormous hazard upon purchased supplies, the State ought to tremendously increase hog and poultry raising, home gardening, and the supply of milk, butter and eggs in the State, not for the purpose of making them our money crops, but in order to have abundant, wholesome and cheap food, whatever vicissitudes may overtake the money crops; but the approach of the boll weevil makes it absolute folly not to do so. And further, our illiterate and uninformed people ought to be made more generally aware of the supreme importance to health of the balanced ration, and of an enlightened world's knowledge of the necessity of nutritious and varied foods. APPEAL TO ALL THE PEOPLE In furtherance of the foregoing purpose, and in coope- ration with the State College of Agriculture and Engineering, 10 146 Papers of Cameron Morrison the Board of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education, I appeal to the people of the State to have community meetings, and give consideration to this important matter; and to quickly organize for the purpose of promoting a State-wide program for more and better home gardens, a heavy increase of the poultry and eggs and milk and butter supply, and the raising of more hog meat in the State. We urge the people of the State to a careful study of how to make this increase in food in the State economically^ and that they adhere to it, not only during the threat of the boll weevil disaster, hut until North Carolina becomes a great food raising State, independent of the threat of periodic disaster through failure to make profit on the crops. I do not think it will be wise for our people generally to undertake at first to raise foodstuffs for the market; they will not be successful at first in making money, and will become discouraged and stop. In course of time, through study and experience, we are quite sure these foods can be raised by our people for the market profitably; but present efforts had best be confined to supplying the family, and feeding the labor raising the money crops. We ought also to raise every pound of food necessary for our animals. The annual bill of North Carolina for food purchased elsewhere for our animals is enormous. We must raise it all. It is pure speculation to buy food for men and animals upon which to raise cotton and tobacco in North Carolina. Let us organize and learn how to raise all the food we need to feed the animal life of our State as well as the people. For years we have known this would make the State rich and independent and yet we have failed to do it. We suggest no new thing, but we are moving with great hope that we can arouse the people to do what they have long known ought to be done. Your obedient servant, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Appeals to the Public 147 HELP REHABILITATE ELON COLLEGE Raleigh, N. C, February S, 1923. To the People of North Carolina: - Calamity has befallen one of the State's most honored and efficient institutions of learning. Elon College is in ashes, but its spirit lives. The call for funds to rebuild has gone forth; and to this appeal it is my pleasure and privilege to add a word of exhortation to our people. I hope that every North Carolinian who can do so will contribute liberally toward the rehabilitation of this beacon light of learning, which had gained and most creditably maintained the standard of a class A. college. Contributions may be addressed to Dr. W. A. Harper, President of the College, at Elon College, North Carolina. Cameron Morrison, Governor. FOREST PROTECTION WEEK, 1923 Raleigh, N. C, March 23, 1923. To the People of North Carolina: His Excellency, the President of the United States, in a proclamation issued March 5, 1923, calls upon the governors of the various states to designate and set aside the week of April 22-29 as Forest Protection Week. As Governor of North Carolina, it is my pleasure to accede to this request and to call upon our people to observe the period designated by the President in an appropriate manner. The President asks that a study be made of the waste from forest fires and ways of preventing and reducing such losses. Cameron Morrison, Governor. 148 Papers of Cameron Morrison THE HARDING MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION Raleigh, N. C, December 8, 1923. To the People of North Carolina: Upon request of the Harding Memorial Association, I hereby designate the period of December 9-16 as Harding Memorial Week and ask that on Sunday, December 9, the min^isters of the State, in their respective churches, make some fitting reference to the late President, consistent with their form of worship. I have appointed the Hon. John J. Parker of Charlotte, Chairman for North Carolina. Under his direction the work of raising funds for a memorial to President Harding will be carried on, and I hope the response will be generous. Cameron Morrison, Governor. PURCHASE AND WEAR A POPPY Raleigh, N. C, May 26, 1924. To the People of North Carolina: Whereas, the President of the United States has expressed the hope that, in accordance with the custom established and officially supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the people of the United States shall wear a poppy on May thirtieth "to perpetuate and strengthen the national sentiment of obligation to those who served their country in the World War," and Whereas, poppies are being made by disabled service men and the proceeds from the sale thereof are used to alleviate the condition of disabled comrades and their families; Now, therefore, I urge the citizens of North Carolina to support this custom by purchasing and wearing a poppy on May thirtieth, which is National Memorial Day. Cameron Morrison, Governor. PUBLIC ADDRESSES TRAINED MEN TAKING THE LEADERSHIP IN THE STATE ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE COLLEGE MAY 31, 1921 I congratulate you, gentlemen, upon having won, through your industry and intelligence, a diploma, or certificate of proficiency from this great institution of learning. Your class is the largest one ever graduated by this institution. I am truly thankful that the State is to have the help of ninety-nine young men so splendidly equipped and ready for the service of the State. I am a great believer in the character of education and training given by this institution. In many important fields of the State's endeavor men are better equipped and prepared here for service than in any other institution of learning in our State. Our institutions of higher learning must furnish education of several distinct types. The high purpose of your institution is to furnish the State with trained engineers, chemists, educated agriculturists, and other men who have a more technical and practical training than is given by the other institutions set up by the State for the higher education of our people. The State needs men of the type you are prepared and equipped to be. The graduates of your institution are taking the leadership in manufacturing, engineering, farming, and all business requiring practical and technical training. This practical training is not in conflict with general culture, but supple- ments and strengthens it. We can never become the strong inventive and wealth producing State which we ought to be, and which we are rapidly becoming, without the leadership of the type of men which this great institution declares you to be. I most heartily congratulate you, and as the Governor of the State, welcome you to the ranks of those who are so splendidly developing our mighty resources, and taking 152 Papers of Cameron Morrison from the old State's brow the stigma of poverty and inefficiency along technical and practical lines. The creation of wealth is absolutely necessary to progress in every direction in which good men and women are looking. Money and material things are not above spiritual and cultural things, but it is absolutely necessary to have wealth for the State to progress in its religious, patriotic and cultural purposes. I hope fortune will smile upon your efforts in the fields of practical endeavor, and that you may meet with success in the tasks to which you may apply yourselves. I am quite sure no other ninety-nine young men can be found in the State from whom it has a right to expect more than from you. I do not beheve you will disappoint the State. I am quite sure there is some man among you who will be worth more in a material way to North Carolina than the entire cost of running this institu- tion for the last year will amount to; the uplifting influence which your class will radiate in the State, I am sure, is above all material calculations. You leave here and take up your various tasks with the good will of all the State. I am quite sure that you will not only perform your private tasks with efficiency, but as citizens of the State, your Influence in all constructive undertakings will be com- manding and helpful. We are trying to work out and write Into the life of this State the most constructive program for the upbuilding of our people and the strengthening of all business in the State ever inaugurated In any state. I hope you will Investigate this new program, and give to it the strength of your young manhood and the Influence which I am sure will soon be yours. We must make this, and the other institutions of higher learning in our State adequate to discharge their full responsibility to the State. We must make our system of common schools equal to the best under the sun. We are trying, and must succeed in making, all the institutions for our defective and unfortunate people adequate to their demands. Public Addp^esses 153 We must protect the health and Hfe of our people by a full use of our knowledge of preventive medicine. We must push agricultural experiment and extension to its highest perfection. We must build a system of dependable highways in North Carolina so our people in happ> =;ocial communion can enjoy the wondrous beauties of our /lite. We must animate and push the old b.ate forward in every direction in which an enlightened Christian and true patriot wants to see it go. KNOW YOURSELF RELIGIOUSLY AND POLITICALLY ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA JUNE 15, 1921 Mt. President and Members of the Faculty, Members of the Graduating Class, and the Student Body: I desire to congratulate all of you upon the successful close of another scholastic year. My information is that all concerned regard the year's work very satisfactory. North Carolina is to be congratulated that you have graduated such a large class of young men and women, and contributed them, equipped and ready, to the service of the State. As Governor of the State, it gives me great pleasure to welcome this class into the various fields of the State's active endeavor. It is not my pleasure to know many of you personally, but my information is that the faculty regards this class as fully equal to any which this historic institution has sent forth in the past to strengthen and ennoble the State. The schools and colleges, public and private, are working quitely but with powerful effect in the solution of the State's greatest problem; that is, the education of all the people of the State. It is impossible for me to form a 154 Papers of Cameron Morrison vision which makes North Carohna truly great without a citizenship educated and trained to grapple with the complex business and governmental questions which con- front us in the future, and to display the elegance and beauty of the refinements of social culture. This noble institution has prepared and contributed to the State many of those who have helped arouse the mighty spirit of progress in which this State is now glorified. As Governor of the State, I thank you for this splendid company of one hundred and seventy-three young men and women who have taken the course prescribed here, and now stand ready to take the part of men and women in the problems and opportunites of life. Young ladies and gentlemen, in welcoming you into the ranks of those who are striving as grown people to serve God and country, I urge you to adopt certain principles of reasoning and living, which I will suggest as almost certain to result, if followed, in happiness to you and in benefit to your country. Accept the existing order of things as a result of past struggle and experience; believe that which exists is likely the most wise; and put the burden upon yourselves and others who would change the existing order of things to prove the wisdom of any proposed change. But remember that although the presumption is in favor of the existing order of things, nevertheless, improvements can be made, and will be made, but they never will be made by those who blindly and recklessly presume that the existing order is all bad, and that everything must be changed; but improve- ments will come from those who, conceding the burden to be upon them to show the benefit of such changes, are, nevertheless, able to assume the burden and to show the wisdom of changes, of which the consequent result is progress. A young man or woman who starts forth on the assumption that their daddies were all ignoramuses, and that everything they find is wrong, will accomplish little in life, except to dazzle the thoughtless with the brightness of their criticism; but one, who starts forth with the assump- tion that most things have been as well done as time and Public Addresses 155 environment would permit, but that new conditions call for new methods, and in moderation and respect for the past seek to find new and better ways, makes the first step in useful citizenship. In this spirit I most earnestly advise that you first settle your religious beliefs. If you have not already done so, you ought to determine what is the truth with reference to your creation, and what you are to accept as the religion of your life. The man or woman who has no religion must of necessity be of an uncertain, halting and stumbling character. Before a man or woman can be adjusted to this life, it is necessary to determine, not what church to join, but what they do verily believe in reference to a God and a religion by which they are willing to live and die. The man or woman who goes through life without settling this all-important question lives very closely to the life of an animal. Of course, I think that consideration of this great problem will result in accepting the religion of the Christian; but whatever its result, no intelligent human being can escape the logic of the proposition that this great question as a matter of ordinary, common sense ought to be determined at the very threshold of rationality and responsibility. When you have determined the great matter of your relation to a Creator and the religious principles by which you ought to live, I then suggest that you take the next step, and determine your attitude, as a citizen, to your country. Men and women cannot live privately, and by religious or political principles made for themselves alone, but they must live as creatures of a common Creator, and as citizens of the country in which they reside. Every man and woman ought first to fix their religious principles, and then their political principles. What is going to be your attitude to your country.^ Do you understand its complex character .f' If not, it is your duty to study and comprehend it. I believe a study of our country and its institutions will make you a devoted American, not simply because you were born one, but because it is the strongest and most orderly system of government, and at the same 156 Papers of Cameron Morrison time, the most liberal one under which men and women have ever lived. You will find, as I know those of you who have thought about it have already found, that we have two governments in one, and that a man must love both of them, or be half a traitor to his country. The United States government, even as interpreted by the most pro- nounced Hamiltonian who ever lived, is only a partial government, and without the beneficent protection of the State government there would be no government over us worthy the name; and that the State government, without the supplement given by the general or United States government, would be totally unworthy of our allegiance and support because of its lack of power to protect us from foreign aggression, and to serve us in many other vital respects. The United States government was set up to exercise only a few great powers or functions of government. It was given none other. The other powers or functions of government not granted to the United States govern- ment are to be exercised by the State, or not at all. So it takes both to give us good government, and the powers granted to both the United States government and the State government are subdivided and put in different departments, and so checked and balanced against each other as to constitute the most wonderful and successful system of government the world has yet discovered. I urge that next to your duty to your God comes your duty to your country, and that in order to understand your country, and the precious principles upon which it rests, you must intelligently study it. What are you going to do about your country.'' Are you going to learn the principles upon which it is constructed.'' Are you going to ascertain the different contentions and conflicts of parties growing out of it, and with deep seriousness, fix your own principles and then adhere to them.'' I hope so. Men and women should have some fixed beliefs with reference to political principles by which, as citizens, they are to be guided. When you have determined your religion and your politics, I think you will have approached very nearly Public Addresses 157 determining your character. If it were possible to ascertain what a man truly thought with reference to God and his country, we would very nearly know his character in all relations of life, because a true lover of a good God and a great, just and democratic country must be so exalted and glorified that the good will dominate over the bad in every conflict of life. I am satisfied that a man's life, or a woman's, when guided by proper religious principles and proper principles of patriotism, will naturally take to the virtues of private life, rather than to its vices. When the God and country of a human being is selected, then it follows, as the night the day, that he will seek such private virtues as will glorify his God and upbuild his country. I implore you to study the principles of the Christian religion, and the principles of our great democratic, or republican, form of government. True devotion to these great principles will cause every virtue to flower in your life. Experience has demonstrated that respect for the virtues and standards of private life taught in the revealed word of God, from whence comes the entire philosophy and religion of the Christian, makes for human happiness, and that practices taught by this code to be vices make for human misery and woe; and the principles of govern- ment upon which our country rests, and which are found in the Constitution of our State and the Constitution of the United States, furnish a government under which human liberty, civil and religious, can alone be orderly enjoyed. I do not believe that strength can be found in any other philosophy save the religion of the Christian and the patriotism of the Democrat or the Republican to success- fully contend with the trials of life. If we have the dignity and the strength given by true religion and true patriotism, it will surely give us the intelligence and strength to meet the difficulties we confront in business and in the trials of private life. I beg you to seek knowledge of every virtue which en- nobles the philosophy of the Christian, and when found, to embrace it and cling to it as you love the peace of your 158 Papers of Cameron Morrison own soul and the betterment of humanity. Also seek knowledge of every vice as taught by the philosophy of the Christian, and shun it and keep it from your life as you value the happiness of your own soul and as you dread the demoralization of humanity. As your Governor, I proudly invite you and welcome you into the ranks of the men and women who are seriously trying to make North Carolina progress. We need your help. With deep reverence for the great past, conceding everything to have been well done, difficulties considered, by those who have gone before, we are nevertheless trying to make those conservative improvements which the best judgment of the State decrees. With conservatism, yet with determination and energy, we are striving to protect the health of our people with the modern knowledge of preventive medicine; and in our greater material strength to take better care of all the State's unfortunate and defective people; to enlarge and strengthen our school system in order that all the children of the State may be educated; and to build a system of surface roads through our State upon which our people may move about and in happy social communion know and love each other better. THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD AND HELPFULNESS AN ADDRESS TO THE FARMERs' UNION CONVENTION AT RALEIGH AUGUST 16, 1921 Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Farmers'' Union: The honor of welcoming you to the Capitol City is a very great pleasure. I am quite sure I voice the sentiments of the citizenship of this city when I tell you that we are glad to have you here, collectively and individually, and wish you every possible pleasure during the session of your convention. Public Addresses 159 Interest In your convention and its deliberations Is not confined to the city of Raleigh, but is statewide. The intelligence of all North Carolina looks with interest to the outcome of your deliberations, and earnestly hopes that you may initiate something which will contribute to the progress and prosperity of agriculture In this State, and the happiness of the farmers of North Carolina. The whole State is proud of the relative position to which the farmers of North Carolina have pushed the State in agriculture. It has become our proudest boast, and you can quite appropriately reverse the old order of thmgs, and urge the other class groups in North Carolina to wake up, and help you make the State rich and strong. We are the sixth state in the value of our annual crops; but per capita, we are second, and per acre planted, first. As Governor of your State, I congratulate the farmers of North Carolina upon this great record. It is truly a glorious achievement, and yet, I confidently expect you to carry the State to a higher comparative position. I am not going to tell you how to do it, but I am going to throw all the influence of my great office behind your Union, and the Agricultural Department of the State, and try to help the farmers, along fines blazed by them, go on until we have the most intelligently diversified, compactly organized, and prosperous agriculture life In the world. I am not going to discuss any controversial matter before you today. It Is not, In my opinion, an appropriate occasion upon which to discuss matters of a political nature, certainly those about which there Is division. It has long been deemed bad taste before Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, commercial bodies, and such like, to discuss con- troversial or political questions, but for some strange reason, every fellow allowed to address a convention of farniers seems to think he can make himself as offensive as possible by wading into the most delicate questions about which the people are divided. I think It Is a bad custom and ought to be stopped, and that upon such occasions^ you ought to be treated as other bodies of mixed political 160 Papers of Cameron Morrison complexion are treated, and such subjects as may be offensive to any tabooed in your conventions. But I desire to beg you for your deep sympathy and support for every other legitimate industry in our borders. North Carolina must progress. We cannot do so on your industry alone, although it is first, and will continue to be first in importance. We must animate commerce, manufactures, and every industry in which our people are honorably engaged in the creation of wealth in this State. We must enlarge and extend every industry. Nothing could go further to enrich and strengthen the other industries of this State than for each and every one of them to know that they have the good will and sympathy, and will have the protection of the farmers of North Carolina. We must all move in a spirit of brother- hood and helpfulness. The man who radiates class prej- udice and hatred in this State must be squelched. No industry in this State can promote its own welfare by treading down any other industry. The interest of every industry is, in every reasonable way, to make other indus- tries prosper. Let us all work together in mutual regard, and with unyielding determination to make all who work anywhere in this State in the legitimate creation of wealth feel that their efforts are appreciated, and that injustice to them from any source will not be tolerated by the farmers of North Carolina. LAW AND ORDER GUARANTEEING LIBERTY MUST BE MAINTAINED AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CABARRUS COUNTY AT CONCORD AUGUST 19, 1921 My Fellow Citizens: My own judgment was against my coming here and speaking on this occasion; but Mr. Barrett, head of the Federation of Labor, and other prominent officials of organ- Public Addresses 161 ized labor, after our conference in Asheville on Wednesday, the 17th, gave me most positive assurance that in their opinion my views of the situation and of the difficulties which beset all concerned here would be of great benefit. I frankly confess that I yielded my judgment in the matter to theirs because of my great desire for them to know that I was ready and anxious to do any proper thing to help arrive at a compromise of the difficulties so distressing to all good people which surround this community and threaten others in the State. I have not come here to apologize for sending State troops here at the urgent request of the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and upon the statement of the Sheriff that he and the police could no longer control the situation. If I erred, it cannot be helped now; but I do want to express in the most emphatic language I can command that these soldiers were sent here simply to uphold the law, and preserve peace, and that if they, or any one of them, take sides in any improper manner, I will use my influence as Commander- in-Chief of the troops to bring them to militar}^ trial for such misconduct. I want to take them away from here at the very earliest moment that orderly conditions can be established, and that I can get the reasonable assurance of the local officers that they can control the situation, protect liberty, and preserve peace. As patriotic North Carolinians and loyal citizens of our country, let us calmly and with charity for all, even those who err, consider the principles involved, and see if we can arrive at a basis and agree upon principles which ought to control every good man and woman interested in this situation. What is the duty of the government in respect to indus- trial controversies such as yours.'* After deep reflection, I declare to you that it is my honest judgment that if this really is a land of orderly liberty, then the government has nothing whatever to do with it, except to preserve the peace and let the contending parties in an orderly way exercise 162 Papers of Cameron Morrison their liberty and determine for themselves the questions involved. It is the highest duty of any orderly government to protect the liberty of its citizens and preserve order, so that its citizens can make their contracts and transact their business about labor or any other matter free from intim- idation and fear. I do not believe that the executive branch of the government, or the judicial, has anything whatsoever to do with the settlement of a situation such as yours, except to uphold the law, as it has already been made by the legislative branch of the government. Let us examine the principles involved fearlessly and honestly seek a sound basis from which to act. I do not deem it wise or proper for the government of North Carolina to interpose and interfere with the making of a contract between citizens of this State. The freedom of contract involves the very foundation of free government. For the government of North Carolina to endeavor to force men to make a contract in this State against their will is, in my judgment, a very improper thing to do. Labor in North Carolina has a legal right to organize and to collectively bargain when organized, provided, however, that they can get somebody willing to bargain with them. Their right to collectively bargain cannot be taken away from them under the constitutional securities of liberty, which are the very life of our Republic. No man has any right to call labor to the bar of public senti- ment and lecture it for seeing fit to exercise its undoubted right to organize, and endeavor when organized to bargain for all concerned. I declare to all North Carolinians that it is wrong to undertake to create prejudice against and excite enmity of the laboring people in North Carolina, because they see fit to exercise their liberty for their interest in their own way. So far as I am informed, organized labor does not contend for any principles or legal right of import- ance of which I have not been, and am now, as a citizen, a champion. As to how they shall exercise their liberty, and whether they always exercise It wisely or not, is no Public Addresses 163 man's business, and the lecturing and abuse of them which emanates from some quarters should be stopped. On the other hand, employers with whom they want to contract have the right to contract with them or not contract with them, as they see fit, and deem it to their interest. This would no longer be a free country if citizens were forced to contract with any individual or group of individuals with whom they did not want to contract. There is no law under which the Governor or any other official can make them contract. None could be enacted under our Constitution. Dearer than our entire industrial fabric and all the wealth we have accumulated is the principle of liberty involved in the right, duly regulated by law, to freely contract and be contracted with about any lawful and moral matter, properly the subject of a contract. It is true that we are our "brother's keeper," but I think the time has arrived when we had better recognize more of our brother's liberty, and permit him to attend to his own business. No man owes anybody an apology in this country for entering into, or refraining from entering into any business contract, or refusing to enter into a business contract, which he m.ay see fit to refuse to enter into. There is a wide opinion that public sentiment must jerk up every large employer of labor and by abuse and vilification bring him into contempt when he exercises his undoubted privilege to refuse to enter into a contract which he does not want to enter into with his employees. It is his own business, and no man has any right, even those who want to make the contract which the employer In the exercise of his undoubted liberty will not make, to become angry with him, and abuse him and hate him. We are coming upon serious times in this Republic, and we had better recur to the primary principles of liberty, and recognize the freedom of contract, and respect it. If the mill employers of this city and county will not enter Into contracts with union labor, or with the individual laborers concerned, which labor wants them to enter into, it is absolutely nobody's business but their own. 164 Papers of Cameron Morrison If the foregoing statement of principles is not correct, then freedom of contract is destroyed in this Republic, and we are no longer free, but, under an absurd interpretation of the principle that we are our brother's keeper, we have reached the place that no man can attend to his own business, but must transact it as liberty despising public sentiment, fostered by ignorant leaders, requires him to do. Let us, before it is everlastingly too late, recognize the liberty of each citizen, or group of citizens, as long as they will act orderly, and respect the peace, to transact their business according to their own sweet will. Without any law to justify me, if I should interpose in a controversy over a contract of employment in this State, the stage would finally be reached when I thought one side or the other willing to do the right thing, and then such influence as my high office has would be thrown against the side I disagreed with. This would result in an effort to do by moral ofiicial force that which every intelligent citizen will readily admit cannot be done by force of law, and which would result in an end of free government if it could be done by law, I am unwilling to throw the influence of my office against any citizen or group of citizens to force him or them to enter into any contract which they may not desire to enter into, however foolish or unwise his course may be. I would be most happy to see a freely arrived at adjust- ment between the conflicting industrial forces of Cabarrus County, or elsewhere, but I am satisfied that settlement arrived at through coercion, governmental or otherwise, other than purely economic, would not bring permanent understanding. We must go to basic principles about these controversies, and recognize the absolute freedom of individuals, or groups of individuals, in this State to contract and be contracted with, without coercion by influential public officials, or by intimidating coercive assemblies engaging in insult and intimidation. I believe in recognizing every legal right of organized labor; but I also believe in recognizing every legal right of employers of labor, and every legal right of unorganized labor. Public Addresses 165 Furthermore, if I should inject myself into this con- troversy, and endeavor to adjust it, I fear I would no longer have the confidence of the side I had come to a judgment against, in my efforts to uphold the law which a continued conflict might necessitate. In respect to the disorder which had assumed threatening proportions in Cabarrus County, I think it arose largely from the fact that the local police officers did not clearly comprehend their duty, more than from any unwillingness to discharge it. There has been much confusion in the public mind as to what would constitute illegal practices in a tense situation produced between striking laborers and those about to take their place. I announced in my letter to Sheriff Cochrane of Mecklenburg, some time ago (by the way, the widely published statement that Sheriff Cochrane called for troops was untrue; he merely asked me for instructions), that it was the duty of the local police authorities to use all the necessary power to keep order and suppress intimidation and interference of anybody's rights, but that I would unhesitatingly send troops any- where they were needed, whatever cause produced the trouble. Of course, I recognize that there will be criticism of my action in sending troops to Cabarrus County, but I thought it to be my duty, and I declare now that during my term of office as Governor, liberty, law, and order shall not be stifled in any community in this State; no citizen who wants to work shall be intimidated and prevented from doing so through fear of any influence, however powerful. If all officials, from the highest to the lowest, and the public, will recognize that liberty to contract and be con- tracted with, or not to contract and be contracted with, is more priceless than any other principle of liberty, except that of life and personal security, and that this liberty must be orderly enjoyed, and under this principle let conflicting parties to these industrial disputes settle their own diffi- culties as other people have to do, we will have arrived at a basis which will clear up the whole situation. 166 Papers of Cameron Morrison If public sentiment, high State officials and the press were to undertake to dictate to the farmers of North Carolina, and those who work for them, the merchants and other business people in the State employing small numbers of laborers, how, and when, and at what price, they should make their contracts, it would become laughable, and would not be tolerated by the freemen of this State for one moment. The underlying principles are the same. A controversy between a great manufacturing plant and fifteen hundred employees is of no more sacred importance, and should be dealt with upon the same principle as a controversy between a merchant and his two clerks, or a farmer and his two plow hands. As Governor of North Carolina, I have nothing to do with the contracts made between the people of this State about matters subject to contract, and which are not illegal or immoral in their nature, other than when conditions arise which threaten the peace and order of the community in which they are being made, and it then becomes my duty to uphold the law. Hundreds of men and women in Cabarrus County wanted to go to work. I have nothing to do with whether they ought to have gone or not. They had a legal right to work, and a government which would not protect them from jeering, insulting and intimidating crowds numbering hundreds, would be unworthy of the loyalty of patriotic men. Troops under my command will not in this emergency, or any other, violate the hberty of any citizen of this State, or interfere, further than the preservation of peace may require, with the orderly movement of its citizens; but as I understand my duty, I propose to see that peace and order prevail in every community of this State. The troops under my command will not overawe and intimidate any human being in North Carolina, save one who stands for the standard of insurrection and enmity to orderly government. To the insurrectionist or champion of mob government, the State of North Carolina, so far as I control its official action, has nothing to offer save its righteous Public Addresses 167 condemnation, and the assertion that to the full power entrusted in the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces of this State, they will be suppressed, and made to live in order, and respect the liberty of the humblest laborer, as well as the largest property owner within the State's borders. I think I fully understand the legally established rights of laborers on strike, and of those who may desire to take their place. I set them forth in the proclamation which I issued a few days ago to the people of Cabarrus County. I do not know who was to blame for the condition of threatened lawlessness here which caused the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and many good citizens to call upon me as Governor of the State to send troops here to preserve the peace and protect life. I pass no judgment. The immediate provocations may have come either from the ingoing laborers or from those on strike, or not from either, but from meddle- some sympathizers; but, however this may have been, my sole desire was to preserve the peace, protect human life, and allow a peaceful struggle under the law between the conflicting forces here. No law-abiding citizen should look with awe and dread upon the heroic men who wear our country's uniform. I suspect the lawful intention of any citizen of this land of law and order who hates the sight of the men who wear the uniform of our country's military forces, and who, in the hour of peril to our liberties and all we hold dear, will take the lead in standing forth to preserve for us and our children the principles of liberty upon which the country rests. Some of the men who are trying to bring into derision and contempt the military forces of this State ought to remem- ber that most of them are men who stepped under the country's flag with a courage worthy of the heroes who established this country, and met on Europe's bloody battle fields the hosts of the Hun, and through sacrifice and suffering kept every flag symbolizing liberty on earth from being torn down and tramped under foot by the autocrat. The troops here are under the command of General J. Van B. Metts, who commanded the One Hundred and 168 Papers of Cameron Morrison Nineteenth Infantry Regiment of the Thirtieth Division in the Hindenburg Hne fight, and side by side with the Tenth Infantry Regiment, commanded by another North Carohna colonel, carried the standard of law and order and liberty through the Hindenburg Hne, and finished the downfall of the liberty-hating Hohenzollern and Hapsburg dynasties. He loves liberty and peace, and has made proof of it as daring as any patriot who ever faced shot and shell and fire and death for free government. No man except the enemy of order and liberty and peace need fear any body of men under the command of Metts and the heroic captains who command the three companies in this county. But I want to move them away from here, and I appeal to all men in this county, whether you are standing under the standard of union labor and doing what you can to aid the striking laborers, or on the other side. Whoever you are, and wherever your sympathies may be, I appeal to you as a citizen of North Carolina to give your influence quickly and without delay to the sheriff and the police officers, and establish by common concord of all good men in this county a respect for order, liberty and peaceful argument which will justify me in moving the troops here from your county. They neither want to stay, nor do I want them to stay. They are here at immense sacrifice to themselves and only for the purpose of enabling each side to this controversy to enjoy all the liberty guaranteed its followers by the law of the land. It is along these lines, and upon these principles, that we can continue to enjoy liberty in this State and country. Finally, I want to appeal to all conflicting classes to sub- merge and forget their class consciousness and class interest in an unselfish devotion to the precious principles of our government. This country ought not to be governed, and must not be governed, by direct group government, nor by the overpowerful and rich, nor by any class, but it must be governed by men who, above material things and above any class, stand together upon the great basic principles of human freedom. Public Addresses 169 I beg, in conclusion, that the Christians and patriots in this community quickly come together as brothers and establish law and order and quiet in your community, and if this industrial conflict cannot be settled, which I devoutly hope the parties to it can do, then let it proceed until one side or the other has whipped in a peaceful economic contest. SAVE FOR HUMANITY THE FABRIC OF GOVERNMENT FOUNDED UPON THE COMPETITIVE SYSTEM A SPEECH BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, AT HENDERSONVILLE AUGUST 18, 1921 I will not attempt, with my feeble capacity for panegyric, any eulogy of the soldiers of the World War. The judg- ment of mankind and the deep gratitude of humanity for your sacrifices, daring and accomplishments may some day be adequately expressed by some divine poet or some Gibbon, Hume or Macaulay of history. The ordinary public man only makes himself ridiculous in an effort to eulogize the soldiers of the World War. I can only lay at your feet the simple tribute of a grateful heart for all you have done to keep the standards of liberty in the sky, and let this world continue to be fit for free people to live in. I am satisfied that you have contributed more to the cause of freedom and orderly government than any men who come after you, will ever have an opportunity to do. I think your victory over autocracy was a final one, and that democratic government will live forever by reason of the great victory to which you contributed so gloriously. There are many phases of the struggle that all reflective minds must dwell upon; but I want only to say to you in the few minutes I shall trespass upon your courtesy and kindness that I verily believe one of the greatest compen- 170 Papers of Cameron Morrison sations for the sacrifice of blood, health and treasure made is the American Legion. For many years I have viewed with alarm the growing sentiment that our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were obsolete, and that only the Reactionary and old fogy steadfastly believed in their principles. Socialism, Soviet- ism, and every form of wild-cat thought moving in the earth has been finding followers in this great free Republic. Political parties devoted to the principles of Americanism for a quarter of a century have been losing influence, and command less and less of the loyalty and support of the American people. It is true that good citizens were organizing into class groups for business purposes, and clashing with each other for class supremacy and class legislation, but there has been no sufficiently vigorous and commanding organization fearlessly standing forth to do battle with Extremists, Radicals, Socialists and Bolsheviki of various descriptions v/ho were assailing the principles of the great Declaration of Independence and of our Consti- tution. I am truly glad that the men who stepped under the country's flag and carried it to final victory over the standards of autocracy and absolutism have seen fit to organize the men who saved liberty on earth into a great legion under a constitution the principal purpose of which is to save and keep alive in the hearts of our people the principles of Americanism, as expressed in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. I earnestly Implore every young man in North Carolina who stood under the flag in the hour of trial to join the American Legion, and with its constitution wrapped about him, help fight back the rising tides of Socialism and Sovietism, and save for humanity this great free fabric of government founded upon the competitive system, and the individual liberty of the citizens. The Grand Army of the Republic in the Northern section of our country and the United Soldiers of the Armies of the Confederacy from the Civil War until the World War were the most powerful influences for good government in the Union. Each had the weakness of Public Addresses 171 sectionalism, although they were patriots as loyal and true as ever walked the earth. Your great organization will have the strength of both without the weakness of either. Our country should not be governed by men who come together in class groups and struggle for class selfish- ness; nor by ignorant demagogues who hold the basic principles of our government in contempt, but by patriots who come together from every class and calling in common devotion to the principles of the Declaration of Independ- ence and the Constitution of our country. The questions which divide the great political parties of our country are important, but they are not vital, and we all should remember that we differ about questions of policy only, but that every true American lives in devotion to the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of his country, the first real chart of orderly liberty the world ever knew. We must know our complex system of government, and learn that it takes both the United States government and the State govern- ment to give us full and complete government; that a man can be a traitor to this country if he loves only the State or Nation and despises the other; that neither is a full govern- ment, but that it takes both to give the citizen a govern- ment worthy of his loyalty and love. I am deeply thankful for your organization, and I want you to knov^ that I see more hope in the defense which you are making for the basic principles of our government than I see in any other organization in this Republic. I hope you will be militant and aggressive, and never lower the standards, and compromise with the forces of confusion, disorder and contempt for respresentative demo- cratic or republican government, so wisely provided for in the Constitution of our country. 172 Papers of Cameron Morrison PROGRESS NEEDED IN NORTH CAROLINA SPEECH DELIVERED AT CULLOWHEE, N. C. MAY 8, 1922 North Carolina must continue to progress. We must not only progress, but we must do so at an ever-increasing rate of speed. Difficulties overcome being taken into account, our progress for a quarter of a century makes a splendid story; and yet our natural resources considered, North Carolina ought to be ashamed that we are not a richer and more efficient people than we are. Our natural resources and advantages compare most favorably with any state of like area in all the world, and if we had, even fifty years ago, commenced to educate all the people of the State and to make them efficient in industry, we could easily have been many times stronger and richer than we are. The curse of North Carolina through the ages has been its unwillingness to spend money in necessary development of the natural resources of the State, and in training and making efficient the great mass of the people. For many decades we were "Hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the better trained and more efficient sections of our own country and of the world. We have in the recent past made notable progress, past history considered, but we are far from performing now the proper functions and duties of a great modern state. The true way to reduce taxation is to educate, not only cul- turally, but technically, the youth of the State and make them more efficient in industry and varied in capacity to create wealth, in order that there will be more wealth created to bear the burden; to take care of our defective and unfortunate in order that there will be fewer defectives and unfortunates to take care of; to guard through govern- mental agencies the health of the people of the State; to enforce the law and in every proper way discountenance vice and prevent crime. We must have a modern and Public Addresses 173 up-to-date government, not only doing the old-fashioned^ primary things that governments did, but one which realizes that the beneficence of government is as truly expressed through the schoolhouse as the courthouse, and which has intelligence enough to regard the Sanitary and Health Officer and the Farm Demonstrator as of equal dignity and importance with the sheriff and policeman. A modern government organized to do something for the people more than to prevent them from robbing and killing each other will require a greater investment than the old government performing only the duties of the judge, the sheriff and the coroner, and an intelligent citizen understands that the taxes paid for such a govern- ment is the best investment he makes, and will return a greater yield, if not for himself, certainly for his children, than any he can make individually for them. I am ashamed to say that North Carolina is more econom- ical in the payment of taxes and the things we do collectively than we are in the things we do as individuals. If we practiced a small part of the economy in our individual and private lives that we demand in the State's affairs, we could pay our taxes and yet soon possess very great accu- mulations. We can never get ready to make true progress until we cease to think of taxation in the old way as a mere contribution to a few officers who did little else than keep order and protect us from robbery and other crimes. We must realize that taxation in the town, county and state largely goes to the education of our children, the protection of our health, the building of our roads, the improvement of agriculture and other business, and the doing of things without which we cannot be a strong and successful people, and which we cannot do for ourselves individually, but which must be done by collective action through the State and its subdivisions. Ninety-seven cents of every dollar paid into the Treasury of North CaroUna goes to some great governmental purpose, and only three cents of it goes to the cost of administration. No private business in the world is run upon such a small overhead cost, and no other State government in the Union 174 Papers of Cameron Morrison is conducted at such a small overhead or administration expense. We must learn that when we rage about taxes in the State we are setting ourselves against expending money for the culture and efficient training of our youth, the protection of the health of our people, the building of roads, the care of our insane, feeble-minded children, the deaf, dumb and blind, and other defectives. The most effective enemy through all the years North Carolina has had is the man who has stood out with no greater conception of statesmanship and the duty of democratic government than to fight against any public debt for permanent improvements and the development and con- servation of our resources and against all propositions to increase through taxation the technical training, general culture and efficiency of our youth. When I was inaugurated Governor of North Carolina the State owed about eleven millions of dollars, with an interest charge from it of about 3460,000 a year. It owned the controlling interest in the North Carolina Railroad, running from Charlotte to Goldsboro, and the controlling interest in the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, running from Goldsboro to Beaufort, which are worth, in my judgment, at least as much as the entire debt. About one-half of the debt had been contracted in the construction of these two roads. We received annual rent from the lease of these two roads of a little more than one-half the entire interest charges on the State at the time of my inauguration. We were very proud of this small debt, and yet we had fifteen hundred crazy people in North Carolina in the jails, poorhouses, cribs, and homes of the people of the State because there was not adequate room at the asylums of the State to take them in and perform a Christian civiliza- tion's duty towards them. We had thousands of little children who were feeble-minded, many of them susceptible of being restored to strength, that we could not take to Kinston to the institution for the feeble-minded children, and mend and care for the poor little wrecks. We had hundreds of deaf, dumb and blind in the State that our Public Addresses 175 institutions were inadequate to care for. Our great institution for tubercular people was totally inadequate. Our institution for the morally delinquent girls at Samar- cand and the morally delinquent boys at the Stonewall Jackson Training School were inadequate to take hundreds who appealed to a Christian civilization by their helpless- ness and defectiveness for protection and training. Our institution for higher learning at the University, the State College of Agriculture and Engineering, the Woman's State College at Greensboro, the Teachers Training School, your school, and the other normal schools of the State were totally inadequate to take many thousands that appealed to us for training in order that they might be more efficient to bear the burdens of a democracy and make the State richer and better. The enlargement of these institutions could not be made from current taxation; they could not wait until some wild Russian-minded dreamer succeeded in getting the govern- ment to issue fiat money instead of bonds. Our low bonded indebtedness, with these duties pounding upon the Christian heart of North Carolina, was a disgrace. We Issued ^6,700,000 to discharge these duties to God and humanity. The annual interest charge Incurred will aggre- gate about 3300,000 a year, not over this amount, if so much. Less than one-half of the one-tenth of one per cent franchise tax annually collected will pay it; one-third of the tax paid by the Insurance companies doing business in the State upon their Insurance premiums will pay It; one-third of the annual inheritance tax paid In the State will pay It. The burden placed upon us by the bond Issue and the small annual interest charge will be light, but the burden of the wails of the mad, the tears of the broken and defective children, the boys and girls being brought up, without training and opportunity, doomed to hew wood and draw water for the more enlightened countries would have con- stituted a burden which no God-fearing people could have borne. The bond issue and the small annual interest charge will never hurt us, but If we had listened at the unenlightened fool who said: "Let the insane, the feeble-minded, the weak, 176 Papers of Cameron Morrison the sick and suffering go," as the pagan has everywhere let them go, it would have dragged us down to hell. We must make no apology for the discharge of such plain duties as I have mentioned. The men and women in North Carolina who want to see us progress must stand up against the Reactionary and the little statesman who has no comprehension of the modern duties of statesmanship and only mind enough to appeal to the unenlightened and ignorant against every tax, regardless of its necessity. North Carolina collectively and through its government must discharge its duty to God and humanity, and the people must become enlightened enough to frown down the ignorant demagogue who seeks their suffrage through wild harangues against bonds and taxes, regardless of the purpose for which the bonds are issued and the taxes levied. Some of these enemies of civilization and humanity are ready without regard to truth or justice to charge any government which contracts any public debt or levies any additional taxation for any purpose, however necessary, with waste, extravagance, etc., in order that they may be exalted, if not to some ofhce they are unfit to fill, at least to the leadership of some ignorant faction which will give them some supposed dignity and power to harass the forces of enlightenment and progress. North Carolina in natural resources and advantages is not surpassed by any similar area on the earth. If we will but intelligently develop, and train and educate our youth, as youth can now be trained and educated, the government of North Carolina will not be a burden to anybody whose good fortune it will be to live amid its blessings. In the streams of Central and Western North Carolina we have between one and a half and two millions of horse- power susceptible of development and transmission at high voltage for long distances. We have developed only about 350,000 of this horsepower. When fully developed it would give us additional productive energy greater than that possessed by ten million unskilled Chinese laborers. We must develop it. It can and will be developed if the Public Addresses 177 State will only let those who do develop it be assured of a fair return upon their investment. These non-navigable streams of Central and Western North Carolina do not belong to the State, but to the individuals who own the land along the banks of the streams. If we want to progress in North Carolina we ought to encourage the development of this great productive energy. In Eastern North Carolina the State owns navigable sounds and rivers constituting the finest body of navigable waters in the Republic, and probably in the world. They constitute, the finest fish, oyster and sea-food grounds in the Republic. We have done little for the protection and development of this great asset of the State. It must be done. The program now being worked out by the State looks to the care of the unfortunate and defective of the State; the protection of the health of the people and the prevention, as far as possible, of defectives in the rising generation; the education of all the children of the State and a practical efficiency for them which those who have gone before had no opportunity to acquire; the building of a great system of hard surfaced dependable State highways; experiments in scientific agriculture and its extension; the enforcement of the law and the protection of all business from riot and disorder. For the carrying out of this program no burden will be placed upon anybody who is not able to bear it. The revenue is raised through a system of taxation nicely adjusted, and one which will require men to pay according to their ability to pay. Some effort to stir up opposition to the program is manifested. We must be ready for the fight. As far as I am concerned, if it must come, I promise unflinching determination in front of it. The forces of enlightenment and progress must not falter. We must go on. This State must be developed; the oncoming youth trained and made efficient to avoid the poverty and suffering which we have had to undergo. Victory for the constructive and progressive forces of the State does not mean oppression and burden, but it means prosperity, strength and happiness. 178 Papers of Cameron Morrison NORTH CAROLINA MUST PROGRESS address delivered to the graduating class AT north CAROLINA STATE COLLEGE MAY 30, 1922 Gentlemen of the Graduating Class: I congratulate you upon the successful completion of your courses of preparation for life's duties provided by your State and country in this great institution. This college was established by North Carolina, and is generously aided by the United States, to equip and train men as you have been. You are the products of modern statesmanship. You were not a possibility in North Carolina, or elsewhere in the South twenty-five years ago, or forty years ago, of any state in the Union. The State's highest hopes are in you and the graduates of our other institutions for higher learning. We expect much of all the graduating classes from our colleges, both State and private, but from you we expect strength and service of a supremely important character which the others have not been trained to give. We need your technical training and leadership in every field in which you are educated to work. We thank this college for one hundred and thirty-five educated leaders in agriculture, manufacturing; engineering, chemistry, me- chanics, etc. It is indeed a noble contribution to the strength and practical efficiency of the State. I am proud of you, and joyously welcome you to the State's unmatched opportunities In all fields for which you are trained. You come into active life at a good time. The high pur- pose of the State is recognized throughout the Republic. We are moved by great progressive and constructive purposes. We have been anxiously waiting for you to act as officers on the various fields of practical endeavor for which this great training camp has prepared you. Please hurry to the work. We have long suffered for lack of trained Public Addresses 179 officers and you must don the uniform of industry and go into camp at once. Reinforcements are coming to the camps of the Progres- sive in North CaroHna this year in unprecedented numbers from Davidson, Walie Forest, Trinity, the University, the Woman's College, the Greensboro Female College, Peace Institute, Saint Mary's, Meredith, Queen's, Elon, and many other institutions for higher learning. It is all glorious. Back of the colleges, seventeen thousand teachers, in school season, are daily calling into seven thousand schoolhouses seven hundred thousand children, and endeavoring to prepare them for college and for life. We must keep the work going and, as rapidly as we have the means, improve the character of it. We cannot do much better than we are doing until we can make more money to pay for it with. If North Carolina is to continue to go forward we must make more money. If we are to make more money we must first realize that to do so is both a sacred and patriotic duty; that wealth is absolutely necessary for progress, and that its noblest use is not selfish, or private, but public. I believe in our competitive system, and abhor Socialism; but the competitive system can only be sustained in the oncoming conflict with Socialism by a reasonably generous governmental subjection of individually or corporately created wealth to the upbuilding of humanity through schools and colleges, care of the defective, and other recognized agencies of modern and progressive government. We must be moderate and conservative but men must realize that wealth is no longer created for mere selfish and private enjoyment, but in part for great collective purposes without which the great mass of people would remain in ignorance and misery. On the other hand, it would never do to follow the Socialist and take it all for collective purposes and ignore the rights of the individual who created it, or the most of it, for purposes of private happiness and individual liberty. We can easily make greater annual profits in North Carolina, and we must do so, both for individual and 180 Papers of Cameron Morrison public purposes. We are going to do it as fast as we can educate our people and increase their capacity. We ought to study horticulture and increase a thousand times our wealth from this source. We have accomplished much, but our net annual profits from agriculture ought to be easily quadrupled. We are almost at the foot of the list of states in commerce proper. We must make up in this great basic industry, and at least control our domestic commerce. We can tremendously augment our manufactures. We can silence demagogues and let our great non- navigable water-power be developed, and thereby multiply by ten our productive energy. We can give proper protection and culture to our fish and oyster and sea-food industry, and take from our inland navigable waters wealth equal to our present cotton crop, and at greater net profit. We beg you for your very best for North Carolina. We are progressing mightily. Put your shoulder to the wheel without delay, and justify the State's investment in this college. I want you, young gentlemen, to join me today in a high resolve; one that I believe will elevate your life, and make you a useful man. It is this: North Carolina must progress. AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED IN NORTH CAROLINA ADDRESS DELIVERED TO THE GRADUATING CLASS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLEGE FOR WOMEN JUNE 6, 1922 Young Ladies of the Graduating Class: I congratulate you upon having taken the course pre- scribed here. You must be splendidly prepared for your life work, and I wish you every success and joy life can give. Public Addresses 181 The State expects much from this year's long list of college graduates. We never had so many before in our history. We need and value them all. But we regard you, my dear young ladies, as the most precious and promising class of them all; because the State needs young women educated and technically trained as you have been more than it does any other type of college graduates. I wish you every success and all the joy life can know. I also congratulate the under-graduates upon the prog- ress made, and urge them to persevere until they finish the great, practical course provided in this institution, and join the finest aristocracy this State has ever known — the technically and culturally trained graduates of the State College for Women. Your State, under the inspiration of that truly great educational statesman, Charles Duncan Mclver, set up this institution to give the girls of the State a more technical and practical education than had before been possible in the State. It has grown in the confidence of the State year by year until today it is the pet and pride of every intelligent North Carolinian. I congratulate the Board of Trustees and the Faculty for the great work accomplished, and assure them of my sympathy and appreciation. MUST MAKE NORTH CAROLINA COLLEGE BEST We must make this college the equal of the best in America of its type; and do it without delay. I am ready to throw all the power and influence of my office into the fight to accomplish it, because North Carolina can not do a nobler, grander thing than to give its precious daughters an opportunity to obtain a practical and technical education. Commencement is a sad and yet sweet occasion. There are few occasions upon which those in attendance think more deeply and unselfishly upon the real, primary things of life than at college commencements. The commencement speaker quite naturally feels disposed to moralize and preach. This is appropriate and proper, and I hope the usual type of commencement address will 182 Papers of Cameron Morrison continue to be a dissertation on moral philosophy and reli- gion, adorned with every literary embellishment; but with your kind indulgence today, conscious of my limitations and lack of ability to edify you in either literature or moral philosophy, I will discuss what seems to me a very vital and practical subject to the people of North Carolina; and one to which this great institution and its alumnae ought to give very serious attention. AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE It is the condition of the State's agriculture and horti- culture. The agriculture of the State, with improvement in one respect, can be made the most successful in this great Republic of agriculture. The improvement to which I refer can easily be brought about if we can make the people realize the necessity for it. Horticulture is almost wholly neglected, and the difficulty there is greater. AGRICULTURE What is the matter with agriculture.? The gross value of our annual farm crops per capita exceeds that of any other state in the Union. Per acre planted, the annual value of our farm crops is first where any real farming is done; one or two states where only a little trucking, etc., is done, exceeds us. We are the fifth state in aggregate value, although the twenty-seventh in area. This comparative position is a source of great pride to us, and yet, in spite of this glorious achievement, our farmers are not prosperous. They never have been pros- perous since the Civil War, except for a year or so during the World War. They never will be prosperous upon the character of agriculture now practiced in the State. Why.? Public Addresses 183 SCIENCE OF AGRICULTURE NEGLECTED Because it is not the noble science of agriculture at all which we practice. We have almost totally neglected either to study or practice agriculture in the broad, world-accepted definition of agriculture. What we call farming in North Carolina is little more than speculation in the price of cotton and tobacco. It is, of course, distinguished from pure speculation morally, but the hazard is the same, and is periodically visited by the same vicissitudes of disaster. The hazard to the speculator in cotton or tobacco is less than to the grower. How long are we going to keep it up.? Through a long period of years we have tried it with about this result: One year we will make a little money, and the next two lose it. We have blamed hostile legislation for the result. This did frequently aggravate it. We have blamed the trusts for manipulating the market, and I have no doubt they have hurt at times. But the fact remains that raising cotton and tobacco in large quantities for the market upon food supplies purchased with borrowed money is a highly speculative business, and will remain so under any govern- ment, and independently of the trusts and market manipu- lations. Those engaged in it have never prospered, and never will. WHAT SHALL WE DO.? What are we going to do about it.? Keep up the fight along old lines.? It is absolute folly to do so. We may, by temporary, artificial means improve matters from time to time, in certain aspects of the business, but raising cotton and tobacco for the market can never be made anything but a highly speculative and hazardous business. The element of hazard cannot be removed, and we ought to face the facts. But we can tremendously decrease the hazard by adopt- ing a very simple change in system and business method. We ought to study the noble science of agriculture and horticulture, and practice them in connection with our speculation in cotton and tobacco. 184 Papers of Cameron Morrison We have the finest growers of cotton and tobacco in North CaroHna to be found in the world, but we have very fev/ great masters of the science of agriculture and horti- culture. I am satisfied our tobacco and cotton growers would make the finest farmers in the world if they could be induced to undertake it. As specialists in cotton and tobacco they have beat the world, and I am sure as general practitioners in agriculture and horticulture they would be gloriously successful. MUST RAISE OUR OWN FOOD We must cease growing cotton and tobacco upon food supplies purchased in Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and elsewhere. We ought not to grow a pound of tobacco or cotton on a farm in this State except upon food grown upon the farm. Cotton and tobacco are very good money crops, but neither these or any other crop for the market ought to be the chief concern or basis of our agriculture. The primary, basic concern of every farm ought to be plenty of home-raised food for every human being and every animal on it. The food ought to be abundant and of great variety. The extent of the money crops for the market should be regulated by the food supplies at hand upon which to grow them. We can never have a prosperous agriculture upon any other basis ; and upon this solid founda- tion the farmers of North Carolina can defy and laugh at all their would-be oppressors. women's PART IS VITAL The women of North Carolina must play an important part if we are ever to change our suicidal system. This insti- tution and its alumnae ought to lead the way. You could do it gloriously. I beg you to organize and take up the fight. We must hurry, for the boll weevil makes the danger of the old system greater than ever before. We want the women of North Carolina to help us put a small home orchard on every farm home in the State, in- cluding one around every tenant or cropper home. It can Public Addresses 185 be done for ten or fifteen dollars a home. It is a shame to raise children, even negro ones, in any home on a farm with- out plenty of good fruit around it. It can be done so cheaply. It would pay every landlord tenfold for the small outlay. We ought to add a few berry bushes and a grape vine; and where they will grow, a scuppernong vine. MUST BOOST HORTICULTURE We must excite study and interest in horticulture. It is a noble science, and the great mass of our people must be- come interested in it. We ought to add a few nut trees on every farm. The additional cost will be trifling. I wish I had time to dwell upon the picture, and point to the fine cultural effect the orchard, grape vine, and nut trees would produce. My dear young ladies, you can help cause this to be done. It will contribute to the health and happiness of unborn millions; and then it is so easy to do if we could only want to. It would be splendid to see the women organized and leading the people to put these inexpensive fruit and nut trees, berry bushes and grape vines around every home in the State where children may live. GARDENING VITALLY IMPORTANT Next we must study gardening, and practice it. It ought to be a felony not to have a garden in connection with every home in town or country in this State. The women are the natural gardeners. They must take the lead in this most vital matter. The garden will always pay. Neither the tariff, the trusts, nor any other age-old goblin of disaster can prevent it. We are very poor gardeners. We ought to master the sub- ject and fill the State with the finest vegetable gardens in the world, and then learn to eat vegetables. We cannot grow healthy children or keep healthy ourselves without vege- tables. The garden has been looked upon as a nuisance by the men folks, and tolerated as feminine folly. We must 186 Papers of Cameron Morrison dignify the garden and get fifteen or twenty per cent of the food to make us independent from it. poultry and eggs Next, poultry and eggs. Here the women must take the lead. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves not to give the children of North Carolina more chicken than we do. The little fellows expect chicken on Sunday, and when the preacher comes, or other company. They ought to have chicken every other day, and eggs every morning. We must become more ambitious. Why, we only aspire to turkey Christmas and Thanksgiving Day. We ought to have a turkey dinner in every thrifty country home every other Sunday, and invite the poor town friends and rela- tives out to a good meal. We must have poultry and eggs in abundance, and cut the food bill we are paying the Northwest for "white side and fat back." HOGS, cows and milk Next hogs. Hogs with four legs are our best defense against the two-legged variety who have been eating up our tobacco and cotton growers. We ought to raise every pound of hog meat we eat. The women are not the natural leaders in raising hogs. It suits men better. We under- stand hogs better than women do. But the women must see that we attend to it. Next, milch cows. We cannot grow healthy children without plenty of milk, butter, etc. Fruits, nuts, grapes, vegetables, poultry and eggs, milk and butter, cheese, bees and honey, these and kindred things will make North Carolina independent and happy. We would be strong enough to raise cotton and tobacco in large quantities without disaster, if we had all these other things. Then, women of North Carolina, fill the State with flowers, vines, shrubbery, and beauty. This is your work, too. The State has never been moved by greater purposes than now. We are glad to be reinforced by the long list of Public Addresses 187 trained men and women coming this year from the colleges. You have the deep interest of the whole State. YOUR "angel dream" It is the period in your lives when God is likely to send your "Angel Dream." Doane in his beautiful "Sculptor" says: Chisel in hand stood a sculptor boy With a marble block before him. His face lit up with a smile of joy As an angel dream passed o'er him. He carved that dream on the yielding stone With many a sharp incision. In Heaven's own light the image shone, — He had caught that angel vision. Sculptors of life are we as we stand With our lives uncarved before us, Waiting the hour when at God's command Our life-dream passes o'er us. Let us carve that dream on the yielding stone With many a sharp incision, — Its heavenly beauty shall be our own, Our lives, that angel vision, I hope the "life-dream" of many of you will be a greater and nobler North Carolina; made stronger and more effi- cient to serve humanity; and that the beauty of it will be in your very soul. The State is our all, except the precious chain that binds us to the Union of States. It is not the fifty-two thousand square miles of beautiful area comprised that makes the State. It is not the two and one-half million souls living in it. It is not the beloved dead and the graves of our loved ones; it is not the proud history and the glorious traditions. It is all these, and, in addition, all the hopes and aspirations of future greatness, power and goodness which may sur- round our children and keep them safe from harm, when we are gone. 188 Papers of Cameron Morrison There is a land, of every land the pride, Beloved by Heaven o'er all the world beside; Where brighter suns dispense serener light. And milder moons imparadise the night; A land of beauty, virtue, valor, truth, Time-tutored age, and love-exalted youth. Where shall that land, that spot of earth be found? Art thou a man? a patriot? look around! Ah! thou shalt find, howe'er thy footsteps roam, That land thy country, and that spot thy home. ROBERT BURNS SPEECH DELIVERED BEFORE THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF AMERICA, AT NEW YORK JANUARY 25, 1923 Robert Burns was born on the 25th day of January, 1759, on a farm of seven acres, which his father did not even own, but had leased for a short term of years. He lived only a little more than thirty-seven years. He never became a landowner, for most of his short life he was a very small tenant farmer. The only other occupation he followed was that of a revenue or tax collector, for a short while in the district in which he lived. His annual salary for this work was small. He read few books during his short life, and attended only an inferior community school for awhile when a boy. He was always grindingly poor, and knew little happiness on this earth. He had personal weaknesses and sins that caused him much unhappiness; and yet in spite of his harsh environment, the literature he created out of materials around him, and from the things he saw, and discovered in the rugged people of his beloved Scotland, is being taught in every university in the world. He grows greater year by year, and is destined to grow until the poetry of Robert Burns dominates the hearts of men and women everywhere. Public Addresses 189 Although the world did not recognize him, during his short Hfe, for his real worth, he was unquestionably the greatest democrat who ever lived. Robert Burns did not radiate bitterness against the fortunate classes, but he exalted the virtues of the poor and struggling with a power that will never die until men look through externals and acknowledge everywhere on earth that "A man's a man for a' that, for a' that and a' that." Burns is winning the battle of the masses by arousing their own pride, self-respect and independence without teaching class hate and meanness. The most powerful presentation of democracy in all liter- ature is "The Cotter's Saturday Night." The law ought to require every university in the land to teach this poem. Students ought to be required to stand a satisfactory exam- ination on it, before being allowed to graduate. It is required in may universities. This noble poem teaches the life of an obscure class, small tenant farmers, but it is a uni- versal type, and, in kind, found all over the earth. The picture of the "toil-worn cotter," having finished the week's labor, collecting his spades, mattocks, hoes, etc., coming home to spend the Saturday night, and hoping "The morn in ease and rest to spend" has touched the hearts of millions, and will forever touch the heart of those who reverence real worth. The picture Burns draws of the "toil-worn cotter" in his humble home with wife and children about him, for- getting his labor and his toil, is one of the noblest pictures ever drawn from obscure truth by genius. The beauty of the family gathering, the homely virtues, the industry, the sweet affection, the deep religious attitude, the patriotic touch embracing every virtue as it does in this obscure and humble home, constitute an appeal so powerful for democracy that it can never die. The picture of the young daughter, Jenny, and the neighbor-boy beau gives a glimpse of pure love never approached by the genius of Byron. The picture of the industrious mother is glorious. The religious touch is sublime. 190 Papers of Cameron Morrison The admonition of the "toil-worn cotter" father before supper: An' O' be sure to fear the Lord alway! An' mind your duty^ duly, morn an' night! Lest in temptation's path ye gang astray, Implore His counsel and assisting might: They never sought in vain that sought the Lord aright! Then after their scant meal of porridge, cheese, etc. The sire turns o'er, wi' patriarchal grace The big ha^ -Bible, ance his father's pride: and then with solemn air commands: Let us worship God! Burns, after the religious service, one of the sweetest and most beautifully sublime ever held under the creative genius of a poet, says : Compared with this, how poor Religion's pride, In all the pomp of method, and of art, When men display to congregations wide. Devotion's ev'ry grace, except the heart! The PowW, incensed, the pageant will desert, The pompous strain, the sacerdotal stole; But haply, in some cottage far apart, May hear, well-pleased, the language of the soul; And in his book of life the inmates poor enroll. Then the pride and patriotism of Burns over the picture he has drawn when he bursts into an expression of admira- tion and patriotism that stirs the blood even now: From scenes like these old Scotia\r grandeur springs, That makes her loved at home, revered abroad; Princes and lords are but the breath of kings, "An honest man's the noblest work of God!" And certes, in fair virtue's heav'nly road. The cottage leaves the palace far behind; What is a lordling's pomp! a cumbrous load. Disguising oft the wretch of human kind, Studied in arts of hell, in wickedness refined! Public Addresses 191 O Scotial my dear,, my native soil! For whom my warmest wish to Heaven is sent! Long may thy hardy sons of rustic toil Be blest with health, and peace, and sweet content! And, O! may Heav'n their simple lives prevent From Luxury's contagion, weak and vile! Then, howe'er crowns and coronets be rent, A virtuous populace may rise the while, And stand a wall of fire around their much loved Isle. O Thou! who pour'd the patriotic tide. That stream'd thro' Wallace's undaunted heart; Who dared to nobly stem tyrannic pride. Or nobly die, the second glorious part, (The patriot's God, peculiarly thou art. His friend, inspirer, guardian, and reward.) O never, never, Scotia's realm desert; But still the patriot and the patriot bard, In bright succession rise, her ornament and guard! But while Burns presents the cause of the masses, the downtrodden and the oppressed everywhere, as no other man who has lived on earth has presented it, he did not assault and arouse bitterness against the classes. For the supreme glory of Burns's poetry and philosophy is summed up in the last verse of "Is There for Honest Poverty" : ^ Then let us pray, that come it may, As come it will, for a' that, That sense and worth, o'er a' the earth, May bear the gree, and a' that. For a' that, and a' that. It's comin' yet for a' that, That man to man, the warld o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that. Robert Burns never radiated class hatred, but taught, and is still teaching the world, reverence and love for all mankind. What we need in this country today is a real baptism in the democratic poetry of Robert Burns, and the demo- 'This is the first line in "A Man's a Man For A' That." 192 Papers of Cameron Morrison cratic statesmanship of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is the statesman of democracy, as Burns is the poet. Jefferson did more than any statesman in all the sum of time to hasten the day to which the great hearted Burns referred when he said: It's coming yet, for a' that, That man to man, the warld o'er. Shall brothers be for a' that. Jefferson, the statesman, taught the United States, and will finally teach the world, that the way to make Burns's all-embracing poetic democratic thought a reality is: Equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political, or as more often expressed: Equal rights to all and special privileges to none. The danger to democracy in our country is in the class grouping of our people. We are dissolving into organizations of manufacturers, capitalists, laborers, farmers, etc., each fighting for the rights of his class, and exciting more and more class contention and rivalry. We must arouse the country against the danger of Soviet or class government. We must light for "equal rights to all," and against "special privileges to any class," whatsoever. Democracy rests upon the principle of exact and equal justice to all, and regardless of class or station in life, looks anxiously to the day of universal brotherhood. Its great- est danger today is that the principle is being forgotten in the clash of groups contending for supremacy and selfish advantage. This country must not be dominated by merchants and manufacturers, or bankers, or labor, organized or unorgan- ized, but it ought to be dominated by just men moving from these, and every class with the poetry of Robert Burns in their hearts and the statesmanship of Thomas Jefferson in their minds. Public Addresses 193 Men of every class are losing sight of the basic principles of democracy upon which the government rests; and if we do not come to reason soon, and call together men from every class, v/ho love democracy and justice, to do battle with those who are standing under the yet mild Soviet ban- ners of chambers of commerce, labor unions and farm organi- zations, this great Republic of ours will be shaken to its very foundations. We have one class of men in this country who seek to use the taxing power to tax the whole mass of the people for a few favored ones; and another class who seek reprisal by unjust and confiscating sur-income taxes upon all the rich, although they ought to have sense enough to know that one injustice can never be safely destroyed by another injustice, and that the reprisal tax will get those who are not bene- ficiaries of the unjust tariff tax, as well as those who are. The supreme defense of democracy is justice. The democracy of the United States has no greater enemy than the vaporing, crack-headed, class-hating demagogue who, in the name of the masses unjustly attacks the fortunate classes, and instills hate in the hearts of the American people. Some men are doing this who think they are demo- crats. The)/' are mistaken. It is meanness that has pos- sessed them, and not democracy. Under our free, representative, constitutional, demo- cratic scheme of government, the rich are merely "toil- worn cotters," who under the great opportunities of our government have been successful. Fools and scoundrels are busy trying to make great masses believe that the rich and successful are but the beneficiaries of rascality and scoundrelism. Such men are the greatest danger to democ- racy and free government, and if their influence is not counteracted, they will subvert our great democracy, and substitute a Soviet government of some class, founded on the principles of oligarchy and class selfishness. The competitive principle of civilization is the only one upon which a democracy can rest. We must destroy special privileges in our government wherever found, and then, under a representative, democratic and just govern- 13 194 Papers of Cameron Morrison ment give all men the opportunity to attain and enjoy as much success as their genius or labor can win. The successful men of every class in the United States are but examples of the opportunities of a free and demo- cratic government. It is an infamous lie that success in the United States is, as a rule, the result of cunning, favor- itism and rascality. Success has usually come only to those who believe in justice, dealt fairly, won the confidence of the public, and had ability and worth. Of course, rascality has now and then seemed to succeed for a time, but not as a rule. In a free democracy, such as ours, if the "toil-worn cotter" cannot move out, and take advantage of the great opportunities offered in our free country, without being pilloried by demagogues and hypocrites as a robber and scoundrel, if successful, then the American principle is wrong, and free government ought to be replaced by a despotism under which individual initiative and oppor- tunity would be restricted, and men not allowed to rise through labor, genius or ability above a fixed standard of success, allowed by some socialistic dreamer who might be in power. Such a government would not be a democracy but a despotism, under which what men could do would be fixed by the few who happen to control the government at the time. I believe in a government which looks down with rever- ence upon the tired Christian and patriot as he gathers his family about him in a cottage to enjoy his Saturday night and Sunday rest, and which looks to the education and training of his children, so that the offspring of the cottage dweller may have an opportunity by increased efficiency and power to climb the loftiest heights of business, intellectual or literary success. It is the glory of American democracy as expressed in our fabric of free government that the girl or b>oy of the "toil- worn cotter," typified and glorified in Burns's immortal poem may attain the wealth of a Baker, a Rockefeller or a Ford; and that America will salute him for his success and Public Addresses 195 not loot and destroy him by infamous class legislation in the name of justice and democracy. In conclusion, may I appeal for men and women from every class to study Burns's poetry and Jefferson's politics, and come together for a determined defense of representa- tive, democratic government against every group flying a hostile banner. Let our answer to the dreamy Socialist, to the apostle of Lenin and the Sovietism of Russia, to the conceited, empty-headed followers of every hostile flag be: The government of the United States and the constitu- tional principles of representative government upon which our fabric of free government rests is final and ultimate truth about government on this earth, and in its defense we live, ever ready to die against traitors within or foes from without. Through this government and the example it will set will finally come the democracy for which Burns and Jefferson so powerfully wrought. NORTH CAROLINA DAY SPEECH DELIVERED BEFORE THE ROTARY CLUB, CHARLOTTE, N. C. OCTOBER 1, 1923 My fellow Citize7is: I appear before you this evening to justify, by fair argu- ment, the record of the Democratic party in the administra- tion of your State government since the inauguration of the present administration, and to urge your acceptance and endorsement of the future program of the party as declared in the recently adopted party platform. The record of the party back of this period is glorious in achievement for the State and its people, but as it has been endorsed by the people at biennial elections, up to the present administration, I shall not consume the time appro- priated for this address in laudation of that which you have already endorsed and in which I know you take great pride. 196 Papers of Cameron Morrison Logically, it seems to me the important administration in the coming election is the present one, and the important plat- form the one upon which the candidates soon to be voted for stand. I shall, therefore, forego the delight I would find in studying with you the great history of the past, and invite you to the consideration of the problems and duties of the hour. I cannot make a regular campaign, partisan stump speech. I have made them. I may make them again; but not while I am Governor for all the people of North CaroHna. The language of fervid campaign oratory would not be becoming in the Governor for all the people of this great State. I shall not use it tonight, or on any other occasion while I am Governor. But in as near the language of the calm business man as I can command, and with broad charity and tolerance for our opponents, I shall endeavor to establish that the record of the present administration merits your endorsement, and the promises of the present platform should have your enthusiastic support. What is the record.? Every promise of the last campaign sacredly kept in generous measure. I challenge our opponents to show wherein we have failed the people in a single expectation excited by the platform, or campaign promises of the candi- dates two years ago. The Democratic party is a loyal people's organization, and when it was again entrusted with power it did what it had always done when entrusted with power — faithfully and proudly executed the will and crystallized judgment of the people of the State. It was necessary to do some bold things, under the circumstances brought about by the depressed times, very bold things, but confident we were duly commissioned by the people to do them, and trusting to the loyalty of the great people we served to uphold and sustain us, we proceeded in their name and for them to carry through the greatest program of constructive statesmanship in the history of the governments of the states of this great Union. Public Addresses 197 We boldly held everything progressive and constructive already set up, and fortified it with our endorsement and increased support. We found the State had grown so fast that we were not equipped to take humane care of our defective and afflicted people, the insane, the deaf and dumb, the blind, the feeble- minded children, the tubercular people, the morally delin- quent boys and girls of the State; and that our institutions for higher learning were sadly inadequate; that our common school system had to be strengthened, as biennially had been done for a long period, and yet must go on to meet the ever increasing responsibilities; that our roads were a disgrace to the State, and in many sections of the State impassable. What were we to do about it.? Your will, and God's. This was the duty of the Democratic party. We met the responsibility. We made North Carolina do the duty of a great and enlightened State as you wanted us to do. We authorized an issue of six million seven hundred thousand dollars of the State's bonds, at interest not to exceed five per cent with which to do it, and I am here tonight, not to apologize for it, but to justify it and to establish that Noth Carolina had to do it, or rot and decay. But that having done it, and in the way we did it; that is the fiscal policy employed and the justice attained in plac- ing the burden, we stand before the United States and the world uplifted and glorified, and tonight North Carolina can stand up and look God and man in the face and declare we are trying to do the duty of a Christian civilization and glorify our Creator. Look into the bond matter with me. We issued six million seven hundred thousand dollars worth of bonds for the enlargement of the institutions for our defective and unfortunate people and for the insti- tutions for higher learning. This will entail an added annual interest charge to the State of about two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. I will show you in a few minutes how we provided for its payment 198 Papers of Cameron Morrison But what have we done with the proceeds of these bonds ? My time will not permit me to describe it in all its glory. We have taken, or will soon finish taking, fifteen hundred insane people out of the jails, poorhouses, and houses where they could not be cared for, and carried them to the great Insane Asylum for colored people at Goldsboro, and the great asylums for the insane of our own race at Raleigh and Morganton, where we have provided for their care and treatment by the greatest medical staffs treating the insane of any state in all America, if not in the world. We have provided for about three hundred more feeble- minded children to be carried to that great institution at Kinston, and administered to and mended. We have provided for seventy-nine more tubercular people to be carried to the Sanatorium in Moore County, and ministered to by the best skill. We have provided for about one hundred more patients at the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Morganton, and minis- tered to by the best skill. We have provided for about fifty more blind people at the great Asylum in Raleigh. We have provided at the Stonewall Jackson Training School at Concord, for over a hundred more boys who were morally delinquent and on the way to ruin. We have provided for sixty crippled children at the Orthopedic Hospital at Gastonia, to be ministered to by the best skill. We have provided for about one hundred more morally delinquent or imperiled baby girls at Samarcand. We have not established, but we will, a refuge for the poor little wrecked colored boys. We have provided for over five hundred more girls at the Women's College in Greensboro. We have provided for one hundred and forty more boys at the State College of Agriculture and Engineering in Raleigh. We have provided for over five hundred more boys at the University. Public Addresses 199 We have enlarged all the Normal Training Schools, at Cullowhee, in Jackson County; Appalachian, in Boone, Watauga County; East Carolina Training School, at Green- ville, Pitt County; and similar institutions for the colored people, in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Elizabeth City, also the Indian Normal School, at Pembroke, Robeson County. This is incomplete. I have not told all. All this for an added charge on the State of two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars per year — one-half the tax of one corporation in the State; one-fourth the inheri- tance tax; less than one-third the tax paid on insurance premiums. The great mass of the people will never pay one dollar of it. Five millions of the bonds were to create a loan fund to save the counties and towns from high interest rates on money to build school houses. They are getting millions at four and one half per cent, and no expense, instead of paying a lawyer fees, and six or seven per cent interest. This will not cost the State anything. This is all except the road bonds. We authorized fifty millions for roads. The people were paying automobile tax anyway. We increased it some, not much; put one cent per gallon on gasoline, and converted it all into an interest paying fund, and instead of frittering it away as it came trying to build roads with it, we are selling the bonds and building the finest system of highways in America. We did not increase tax on anybody to do it except on the automobile owner, and on him very little. We simply applied sound business principles to the situation and behold the magic-like construction of the system. We enlarged our welfare work, and under the leadership of that great North Carolina Democratic woman, Mrs. Clarence Johnston, we are recognized as a model for the states. We enlarged our program for health, and increased our war-fare on sickness, suffering and death. There are onl}^ six states in the Union where a human stands a chance to live longer than in North Carolina. Under the leadershid 200 Papers of Cameron Morrison of Dr. Rankin, the greatest health officer in the United States, we are going to the top, and but for the poor colored people we would be there now. But we are going, anyway, for his department is working wonders among the colored people. We have enlarged the program for agricultural experi- ment and extension work. We are working wonders in that great field. We enacted an enlarged program for the development of the fish, oyster and sea-food industry, and we are pledged to greater things in this great work. We can make this one of the great industries of the State. We are going to do it. The party platform promises it. But, my fellow citizens, I cannot tell it all. Time will not permit. There are many other things to tell. How have we found the money to do it all.^ We adopted a new system of taxation, as we were pledged to do, and under this system we get the money and reduce taxes upon the great mass of the people, not in dema- goguery, but in justice. We realized these things had to be done if the State was to progress. We also realized that the great mass of the people were paying all the taxes upon their small homes, farm.s and other property, for local government and their schools, they could stand. We knew that ad valorem, or tax on property according to its value, was a tax on the principal of what people had; that many of them who had a little property yet had a hard time to live; that old men, helpless women and children might have a little property, but they were unable to make money. We knew that ad valorem taxation bore equally upon those who could earn and those who could not, and that it would justly stand no more than the counties and towns required, so we discarded it altogether as a source of State revenue, and left all tax on the value of the property to the coulities and towns. Under the new system we raise the funds to run the State altogether from license taxes of various kinds, franchise taxes, inheritance tax, income, etc. We put the whole burden of running the State government upon a new basis. The tax is light and does not burden anybody. But Public Addresses 201 the basis of it all is that the tax comes from all the people of the State, according to the business done and the success attained. It is just. We are the only Southern state which does not levy tax on the value of property for state purposes. We are the only Southern state which could wisely adopt our system, for none of them have the business and wealth to justify it without oppression. We were able to do it because we are the first state in the Union in the manufacture of tobacco; the second in the manufacture of cotton textiles; high up in the manufacture of furniture, and in many other lines a great manufacturing state, as well as the first per acre planted in agriculture, and the fifth in the aggregate value of our annual farm crops, although the twenty-seventh in area and the fourteenth in popu- lation. We made all the great necessary improvements I have mentioned, and yet for state purposes the great mass of the people pay less tax than they pay in any state in the Union, and yet we do no injustice to any class. We had to adopt the new system if we were to perform the high and sacred duties of a great state. It could not be done under the old. I want to congratulate and thank the great business interests of the State for the loyal manner in which they have accepted it. I honor them for it. When we were having the contest over it before the General Assembly I talked to a high official of the company we knew would pay more than any other in the State. He said it would cost them a great deal of money, but he agreed with me that it was the only way to raise the necessary money to run the State without oppression of the masses, and that he was in favor of doing it. I asked him if he would say so to some members of the General Assembly. He said he would, and he did. His company paid more state tax under it last year than every lawyer, farmer and poli- tician in the State combined. Under this new system we not only meet every dollar of the State's obligation, under the enlarged program, with- out any tax on the value of property, but we give one 202 Papers of Cameron Morrison million four hundred thousand dollars to the common school system, and from this help more than fifty counties run their local schools. We give the old Confederate soldiers a million dollars a year, and not one cent from property tax. And yet there are demagogues who complain at the injustice to the masses by the administration in the matter of taxation. The system is just, and yet that the classes who pay it are big and broad enough to do it without lamentation and complaint, fills me with gratitude and admiration. It has been administered without graft or waste. True value has been received for every dollar expended. A great many people bemoan the lack of business methods in the administration of the State's affairs, declaring so often, "If we only could dispense with politics and apply business principles to the State government, how splendid it would be." This sentiment comes from the unbusiness-like habit of the most business-like, in their private aifairs, not looking into their State's government, and ascertaining the true facts. If they would but look into the State's affairs, I am sure they would find that the State's business was run upon as sound business principles and with less overhead, or administration cost as any business of similar size and volume of a private character conducted in this country. Aside from the political duties of the government, the business of the State is immense. Many entertain very sincerely the conviction that it is attended to in a very unbusiness-like manner, simply because they have never exercised their citizenship sufficiently to acquaint them- selves, which could easily be done, with any knowledge as to how it is conducted. The State operates its business affairs largely through boards of trustees, or directors of the various institutions and departments. The institutions for the insane of the white race at Morganton and Raleigh, and for the colored race at Golds- boro, the institution for feeble-minded children at Kinston, the institution for the deaf, dumb and blind, and the many other institutions for our unforunate and defective people, Public Addresses 203 and our institutions for higher learning have a business side of great magnitude. They are run by boards of trustees, and I venture the assertion that any of them is operated by a board of greater weight in the business world, of broader intelligence and business standing, than the directorate of the largest private business corporation in the city of Charlotte, or the state of North Carolina. The trustees or directors of the great State institutions are selected from the very flower of the State's business life. They not only have one or two able men on the boards, as the board of directors of most private institutions are con- tent with, but the entire board is men of first class business standing and experience. The institutions for higher learning, the University, the State College for Women in Greensboro, the State College of Agriculture and Engineering in Raleigh, are controlled on their business side by great boards of trustees, acting through executive committees, finance committees, etc., in an up-to-date and approved business way. I think I could successfully challenge any private corporation doing busi- ness in this State, railroad, bank, trust company, cotton mill, tobacco factory, or any other enterprise, to show a board of directors equal in their entire personnel to the trustees of any one of these institutions. There are many institutions not mentioned through which the State expends large sums of money, and I invite the most careful investigation and scrutiny of the personnel of these boards, and challenge the business men of this State to show where any private busi- ness is in the hands of abler or more upright men. They serve practically without compensation. Some of them are allowed their expenses and a little per diem when they attend meetings, but experience has shown that a great many of them never collect it. The penitentiary is a very large business concern, and is controlled by a board of directors the equal in business sagacity, experience and attained success of the directorate of any institution in the State. Who are the men at the head of these institutions through which so much of the people's money is expended.? I 204 Papers of Cameron Morrison cannot name them all, and I dislike very much to appear to make distinctions between these men, for they are of equal standing, but in order that you may have some idea of them, I want to name a few: On the board of directors of the asylum at Raleigh we have men like Mr. Jos. G. Brown, president of the Citizens National Bank at Raleigh, Mr. John F. Wily, president of the Fidelity Bank at Durham, Flon. Walter L. Parsons, president of the Bank of Pee Dee at Rockingham, Mr. Felix Harvey, the great merchant and farmer at Kinston, Mr. George Howard, manufacturer and farmer of Tarboro, Hon. L. R. Varser, the great lawyer of Robeson County. On the board of directors of the Morganton Asylum, Mr. John M. Scott of the Charlotte National Bank of this city, Mr. Sloan M. Robinson, manufacturer and business man at Gastonia, Mr. J. R. Boyd, banker, farmer and business man of Waynesville, Mr. C. E. Brooks, banker and business man of Henderson, Mr. C. C. Cranford, manufacturer, farmer and business man of Asheboro, Mr. J. H. Giles, farmer and business man of Burke County, Mr. E. P. Wharton, banker and business man of Greensboro. I have not mentioned even all of the directors of these institutions, but I mention these men to show you the type of business men who are serving the State in attending to the business of the State, which is largely transacted through these great boards. They are all able, patriotic men, unselfishly giving the best of which they are capable to the management of these great business enterprises; through which the State is taking care of its unfortunate and defective, and helping to train and educate the youth of the State. At the penitentiary, which has a business side that makes it one of the largest business institutions of the State, we have as chairman of the board, the Hon. James A. Leake, of Wadesboro, with long years of experience as a banker, a great farmer and merchant, and with him, Mr. R. M. Chatham of Elkin, business man of all-round ability, Mr. A. L. Bullock of Rowland in Robeson County, a great ar mer, whose store there covers enough ground for a man Public Addresses 205 to make a living on if the store was torn down, Mr. W. M. Sanders of Johnston County, one of the most successful merchants, farmers, and business men of the State, Mr. E. B. Ficklen, a great tobacco manufacturer and business man of Greenville. In truth, every institution of the State is in the hands of as good a board of directors as can be found. I would like to call the roll of all the great men who are serving North Carolina so unselfishly in transacting the great volume of business connected with the administration of the State's government. The trustees at our institutions for higher learning are of the very flower of the business life of the State, but as I go about among the people I find some good old citizen who is uninformed, who says, "That may all be true, they are good men, but do they act.^"' Yes, they do act; they are not only attending to this business, but they realize, all of them, they are serving humanity, and most of them had rather be on these boards than hold any office in the State Vk^hich can be given them — in fact, would have no other type of office, and some of them in attending to the business involved have rendered the State a service that, if known, would be appreciated throughout the State. Your own citizen, Mr. John M. Scott, the calm, calculat- ing man of business, who through a long business life seems to have had the capacity to make everything he touched successful, rendered humanity a service that, in spite of his modesty, I want to make known throughout the State. He is on the board of directors of the Morganton Asylum, and I know that the business life of this city will recognize him as capable of helping to attend to the business of the institu- tion, but I wanted to Improve the medical staff at the insti- tution, and at the other institutions for our defective and unfortunate in the State. I urged the State to evolve some plan by which these unfortunate people could have the benefit of better doctors and higher skill than it was possible with the funds at hand to assemble as resident physicians In the institutions. I explained the difficulty — that we would have one able superintendent, with two or 206 Papers of Cameron Morrison three young men as assistants, and that we ought to have something better. Whereupon, this hardheaded banker suggested that the way to do it was to get the doctors to serve for nothing; that if the State could not employ them to go there and stay, we could organize a large staff with the varied talent required and get them to serve for nothing a few days in the year; that a large part of the doctors' time was given for nothing anyway. I took his idea, and we have either organized, or are about to complete the organization of a staff of the finest medical talent and skill that ever served the unfortunate of this or any other State, and all without a cent of cost in the way of fees or salaries to the state of North Carolina. This man, with this suggestion, performed a service to humanity that I believe will live and grow until it will help powerfully in giving to the afflicted of every state in this Union the benefit of the best medical talent within the borders of the State. But I am particularly addressing myself to the contention that the business of North Carolina is attended to in as business-like way, and by as able business men as the State has developed, and the overhead of administration charge of all the State's business, according to any established definition of what properly is overhead or administration cost, will show that ninety-seven cents of every dollar appropriated by North Carolina to accomplish any of its purposes of a business character go to the purpose, and only three cents of the dollar to the overhead or administration cost. I challenge any big business establishment in America to show a better record, or any state in this Union. The executive officers of the State attend to more business and do it well for less pay than any other men in this State. Col. J. Bryan Grimes, the Secretary of State, Major Baxter Durham, the State Auditor, Hon. B. R. Lacy, the State Treasurer, Hon. E. C. Brooks, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Hon. J. S. Manning, Attorney General, all get 34,500 a year, and in addition to these positions, the}^ are Councilors of State. They not only earn all they get in the discharge of their own official duties, but each and every one of them is worth his salary as a Councilor of State. Public Addresses 207 No banker in North Carolina attends to more business of great importance than Treasurer Lacy. He does it for 34,500 a year, and my own opinion is that there is no banker in North CaroHna who can do it any better, and yet some of them get five times his salary in private business. Attorney General Manning in private business, for the work he does for North Carolina, would get more money than any lawyer in North Carolina makes. These men are all Councilors of State, as I have said, and sit around the Governor and help him weigh and solve every problem or difficulty that confronts the State. The other State ofiicers who are not Councilors of State are of the highest order and type of men. They are fre- quently called into conference about the State's aifairs, and I want to declare now that whatever success I have had in meeting the heavy responsibilities of my great office is largely due to the generous help, the loyal support and experience of the patriotic and efficient State ofiicials who have counceled me in every emergency, and helped in every great concern of the State. We have stood together, and worked together, and I declare that I do not believe that any men do more work for the salary received than the executive officers of the state of North Carolina. I, of course, exclude the Governor, whose salary is notoriously munificent, and who has so little to do that the health of the occupant is usually shattered before his term expires. It is distressing to see such widespread opinion that the business of the State is butchered by politics. This is a mistake, a cruel and grievious mistake. The overhead or administration cost of administering the business of this State everywhere is very light, and we invite the closest scrutiny of every institution and of every department. Our great Insurance Commissioner attends to a great business for the State. He turns into the treasury of the State 31,000,000 a year from the business looked after and attended to by him. His salary is 34,500 a year, and it is one of the best investments North Carolina makes. He is a great fire fighter, and through his department gives greater 208 Papers of Cameron Morrison security against the incendiary to property in North Caro- Hna which can be consumed by fire. I am not going to mention all the departments, but I endorse and approve the conduct of all of them. They are business-like ; they are economically managed. The business of the State is carefully attended to, and its interest jeal- ously guarded. Our overhead or administration cost is the lowest in the Republic, according to the latest figures compiled. It does seem to me that this ought to satisfy the most critical. The Highway Commission, which is building the great system of highways for which the General Assembly provided is composed of Mr. Frank Page of Moore County, business man of high standing and large interests; Mr. J. Elwood Cox, one of the State's ablest bankers and an all-round business man; Mr. John Sprunt Hill, a banker and business man of large and varied interests and of great ability; Mr. William A. Hart, manufacturer and farmer and all-round business man; Mr. W. C. Wilkinson, president of the Aierchants and Farmers National Bank of this city, banker, manufacturer and, as all of you know, a man of the highest business ex- perience and standing. I will not mention them all, but they are as able a body of men as ever undertook to execute a great purpose of the people of this or any other state. They are working without compensation, except a small per diem, with the exception of Mr. Page, who receives 35,000 a year for his services, and he has been offered more than twice as much to quite us and go somewhere else. They are doing more business at less cost for adminstration to the State than is being done by anybody in private business in the State. The State has expended a large part of the money provided by the great bond issues for the institutions of higher learn- ing, hospitals for the unfortunate, and roads of the State. The building program is unprecedented for a State the size of ours. There has been no charge of graft; there can be none. There has been no charge of inefficiency and waste; there can be none. The State is receiving as much value for every dollar expended as the finest business intel- Public Addresses 209 lect of the State can get. We invite the severest scrutiny of every dollar expended and of the results obtained. The program was great, and its execution and administration has been equally great. Never before in my day has there been such slight inter- est in an approaching election, and yet I have never known such general intelligent interest in governmental affairs as the people of North Carolina are now taking. The unprec- edented lack of interest in the approaching election is not due to the lack of interest by the people in good government, but because there is almost universal security felt that the supremacy of the Democratic party in the State was never before so secure, or victory by the Republican party less promising. I cannot with sincerity sound any alarm, because I believe the Republicans are almost heartbroken with disappointment over Harding's administration, and I am pleased to think they are intelligent enough to know that a successful assault upon the Democratic state admin- istration is impossible. But it will be necessary, my fellow citizens, for the Democrats to arouse our voters, and do the necessary party work to get those who are not registered upon the regis- tration books, and to get the voters out to the election. We do not want a small vote because the very contentment which would cause it would be construed by our opponents into condemnation of our great constructive and uplifting record. Experience in American politics demonstrates that the satisfied citizen has a tendency not to vote, while the dissatisfied citizen is almost sure to find his way to the registration books and the ballot box, and sound aloud his disapprobation of conditions. The Democrats of North Carolina ought to register and vote to show their approval of the record of accomplish- ment of their senators and representatives in the Congress of the United States and the administration, through their duly chosen servants, of the State's affairs, I am quite sure this record is approved, but if the Democrats do not register and go to the ballot box and say so, it will dishearten the delegation in Congress and the officers of the State, and tend 14 210 Papers of Cameron Morrison more powerfully than anything else to discourage the pro- gressive and constructive purposes of the people of the State. The record of Senators Overman and Simmons, heroic Major Bulwinkle and the other members of the House of Representatives in Congress has never been surpassed in intelligence, fidelity, distinction and wisdom in the entire history of our State, They have truly represented the people who have sent them to Washington. I am not going to discuss their record with any particularity this evening but individually and collectively, they are a credit to the State, and ought to be endorsed, and the Congressmen, all of whom are candidates for reelection, ought to be sent back by increased majorities to continue their brilliant opposition to special privilege-granting New England Re- publicanism as represented by Lodge; and to socialistic, order-attacking, crack-headed, business-hating, populistic Republicanism, as represented by LaFollette and Hiram Johnson; they ought to be sent back to continue their brilliant championship of orderly democracy, constitutional, representative American government, order and justice to every class and section, as represented by Woodrow Wilson. If the next House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States is Democratic, the Hon. Claude Kitchin of the second North Carolina Congressional District, will be the Speaker, and our other Congressmen will all have high and influential committe assignments. A vote against any member of the Democratic delegation will be a vote against giving our State power and influence there greater than it has had since the foundation of this Republic. It does seem to me that every Democrat ought to go to the polls without being importuned, and cast his vote for the Democratic candidate for Congress in his district, not only because he will vote for a worthy and able representative, but because it will be a vote to make that great parlia- mentary leader, democratic and patriotic, Claude Kitchin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the second most pov/erful and influential position under the United States government. Public Addresses 211 MUST FIGHT THE BOLL WEEVIL AND THE BOLL WEEVIL POLITICIAN SPEECH TO THE SAND HILLS FAIR AT PINEHURST, NOVEMBER 2, 1923 I want to congratulate the Sand Hills section, as it has come to be called, upon the splendid contribution it has made to the present strong and hopeful North Carolina. I do not think any section of the State has made a more distinct and larger contribution in the making of the present North Carolina than the splendid citizenship of the Sand Llills section. The improvement in agriculture, as well as in horticulture, in this section for the last ten years is unsur- passed by the progress made in any other section of the State, and you have contributed not alone to the material strengthening of the State, but progressive government is as strong through this section as through any other in the South. In the work of the church and the schools your great section has for many years stood up for the minister and the teacher and their great purposes. You have played a noble part in pushing North Carolina forward along every line wise men and women want to see it go. The peach business is a great and new industry. So is the berry business. But this is not a full story of your progress. Your whole agriculture life is abreast of the times, and the whole spirit and thought of your people makes your great section one of the noblest brigades in the great army of progress assaulting the camps of the Reactionary in North Carolina. As Governor for (not of) all the people of North Carolina I want to heartily congratulate and thank you for all you have done for your State. ^ We are going forward now superbly in North Carolina, in spite of the boll weevil and the boll weevil politician. I think we have whipped both. Everywhere North Carolina is measuring up to the best thought of the day. 212 Papers of Cameron Morrison We are upholding law and making every man feel that a just government will see that the courts of law and justice, not mobs, dominate this State and protect all the citizens of both high and low degree. We are fighting sickness and suffering and death with great success. We are taking unsurpassed care of the insane the feeble minded, the deaf, dumb and blind, the tubercular, the crippled children, the morally delinquent girls and boys, and the defective and broken of every class and description. We are educating the children of the State in more than 7,000 schoolhouses through the services of more than 17,000 teachers in a way never approached before in any other state in the South. Our associated high schools graduated 6,500 girls and boys last year against 1,500 only four years before. We have enlarged our institutions for higher learning from the standard high schools up to the University of the State, the State College of Agriculture and Engineering, and the Woman's College by more than doubling their capacity in the last three years. We are conserving at last the State's great asset in its unrivaled waterways, and taking measures to make our oyster and sea-food waters the most productive in America, and at the same time, planning to fill the streams of Central and Western North Carolina full of game and edible fish. We are doing everything that a modern scientific and up-to-date government can do to help the people of the State in their business and in their moral and intellectual development. We are doing all this under a system of taxation the most equitable and just to be found in the Republic. Under this new system for purposes of State government the great mass of the people pay less tax than they pay in any other state in the Union. The new revenue bill produces ample revenue to meet the increased interest charges placed on the State by the great program of public improvements, to meet the annual expenses of the State to mantain all of our great charitable and educational institutions, and to provide sinking funds adequate for the redemption of the bonds issued for permanent improvements. Public Addresses 213 Pending the collection of taxes each year, some of which cannot be collected until after the full expiration of the year, it is necessary to borrow money from time to time or let the State's bills go unpaid. Some gentlemen call this borrowing a "deficit." It is not a deficit in taxes levied, but simply the necessary and business-like conduct of the State's affairs. The taxes are principally paid annually, while the State's bills must be paid monthly. We cannot pay bills monthly and wait to the end of the year to get the taxes. We did not have for the last two years a deficit in the amount of taxes levied upon the people to meet the require- ments of the State, but a surplus by actual collections of 3834,028.08. We did borrow money to meet the bills of the State .and take care of its unfortunates, etc., but ample taxes had already been levied to meet all this which have since been collected. For this year and next certain gentlemen prophesy there will be a deficit. This cannot be definitely known until after we have collected the taxes, but the intelligence and courage of our people having thrashed the boll weevil and done an unprecedented business in every line this year, I am satisfied we are going to thrash the deficit and boll weevil politician by being able to show, when the taxes for this year have been collected, a comfortable surplus in revenue levied for the year and collected over the appropriations and expenses. Some gentlemen declare we have expended too much money. I dare them to specify where. Have we expended too much upon God's defective and afflicted.^ If so, name the institution at which we have expended it. Did we expend too much on the Woman's College at -Greensboro, or the other institutions of higher learning in the State .f" If so, boldly stand forth and charge it. These gentlemen are trying to fill the State with insinuation and innuendo that we have been extravagant and wasted money. I dare them to specify and particularize. 214 Papers of Cameron Morrison Are we expending too much upon the crippled children at the orthopedic hospital? It is run under a great board of business men, and with economy and success. Are we expending too much at the institution for feeble- minded children at Kinston? We have doubled its capacity, and yet there are at least 1,500 begging for admittance there which we cannot take. Are we expending too much at the insane asylums at Raleigh, Morganton, and Goldsboro.'' We have made room for nearly 2,000 more than when I was inaugurated Gover- nor and yet there is not a vacant bed in any of them, and until the new buildings now being erected are finished, there will be several hundred insane people in the State that cannot be taken in. Are we expending too much on morally delinquent and lost boys at the Stonewall Jackson Training School.^ Or the lost and wrecked girls at Samarcand.'^ If so, let the deficit politician stand up and specify. Where is the money being wasted .f' We are doing the duty at last of a great and enlightened State. The appropriations of the last two sessions of the General Assembly were made by the practically unanimous vote of both parties and both houses. They thought they levied enough taxes to meet the bills, and they did, but of course from time to time, pending collection of the taxes levied, there will not be money on hand to meet the bills, and sound business principles suggest that the State borrow the money and pay cash, so they will get good prices, etc. I do not yield to any gentlemen in devotion to the priciple of government that the maintenance and current expenses of the State should always be met by a sufficient levy of taxes, but it is no violation of this principle, pending the collection of this tax, to borrow money to meet promptly the State's obligations, rather than to make people with whom it does business wait for the intermittent and annual collection of taxes. Some of the newspapers of the State have stated that under a cash system of keeping books, the State was in debt the 31st of last December something over five millions of Public Addresses 215 dollars. This is not correct. There is no system of keeping books, cash, or otherwise, which excludes credit for bills receivable or other assets. Some gentlemen seem to have come to the conclusion that the cash system of bookkeeping means nothing but a cash book. This is not correct. The cash book only gives one item in a financial statement of any business. It must be used in connection with a statement of assets, bills receivable and bills payable, etc. It is perfectly ridiculous, and I am sure the most ordinary business man in North Carolina will understand the absurdity in claiming that a mere statement of the cash on hand or borrowed is a com- plete financial statement of any business. These papers have tried to spread the thought in the State that under a cash system of keeping books the State is in debt millions of dollars, but that by a change to the accrual system of keeping books, our face is saved, and the deficit turned into a surplus. This comes from mere igno- rance, for any sensible man knows the cash system and accrual system come to the same result, if correctly kept. Under the cash system we would get the cash item fixed, whether a deficit or a surplus, and then take into account all money due and all money payable to the State. Under the cash system of keeping books, if credited with bills receivable, we had a surplus as of December 31, 1922, as shown by actual collections since that day of ^834,028.08. Under the accrual system of bookkeeping we simply credit monthly the Budget Commission's estimate of taxes for the year and then making final correction when returns were in, and it was known whether the estimate had been exceeded or whether there was a shortage in the estimate. The accrual system of keeping accounts is not a credit system at all, but simply estimates and credits each month's part of the estimated revenue of the State, making the final corrections at the end of the account. The cash system goes on to the end of the fiscal year and then by a proper accounting for bills receivable and bills payable arrives at exactly the same result. 216 Papers of Cameron Morrison We are not making any effort to put this State's current and annual expenses upon a credit basis. Adopting the accrual system of keeping books does not do this. It has no effect whatever upon the question of borrowing or not borrowing money. If we would levy taxes payable by the month, we could pay the State's bills monthly, without borrowing money, but just as long as the citizen pays an annual tax, and the State meets its bills monthly, there w^ill be the necessity for borrowing until the year's taxes come in. The system of keeping books whether accrual or cash system, has no effect whatever on it. The accrual system simply writes into the account monthly the estimated revenue in order that it may be known whether or not expenses are exceeding the legislative expectation of revenue, and this is all the good the accrual system of keeping books does. Finally if collections are under the estimate, the books will have to note this fact; if over expectations, this will have to be noted, and the account finally comes to exactly the same thing as the cash system, accompainied by a consideration of bills payable and bills receivable. The effort being made in this State to protect those who have made the startling misrepresentation of the State's financial condition that we had run five millions of dollars behind in two years and in two years more would be ten millions of dollars behind, by creating the impression we have covered it up by a change in the principles of book- keeping, is far-fetched and ridiculous. It does not make any difference what system of bookkeeping is used, there is none recognized by a civilized people under which this State can be shown to have failed two years ago by five millions of dollars to levy the necessary taxes to meet the interest charges and current expenses of the State. Of course I can- not tell until the taxes under the revenue bill for this year and next have been collected what the result will be, but I am confident that we will have at least some surplus. It is impossible for any General Assembly to be exact in writing a revenue bill. There never was one written which did not result in either a surplus or a deficit. States- Public Addresses 217 men differ as to which is most to be avoided, a small surplus or a small deficit, but certainly it is desirable that it should not be too much either way. The General Assembly of 1921 levied ample taxes to take care of the enlarged program of progress. The last General Assembly did not raise taxes because they thought the same rates of the two preceding years would raise revenue to meet expenses and interest charges for this year and next. I am satisfied the results will show they were correct. The claim that there will be a deficit of ten millions of dollars is utterly ridiculous and its circulation an outrageous in- justice to the State, but until the taxes are collected, we will be temporarily borrowing money to meet the State's bills. The items of borrowed money simply take the place of the bills paid and cut absolutely no figure whatever in whether there will be a final deficit in the taxes for any year. I want to declare to the progressive Republicans and Democrats of North Carolina who in the last two sessions of the General Assembly enacted the program of progress into law, that the revenues of the State are all right; that there was no deficit for the first two years and that all indi- cations promise a good surplus for the next two. I believe the income tax for next year will aggregate five millions of dollars. We have collected about 33,800,000 for last year. The road law is yielding greatly above expectations. We have already collected for four months of this year 34,700,800, about 3500,000 more than for the whole of last year. The indications are that the road law will yield 38,000,000; it will certainly go to 37,000,000. We only expected 36,000,000 when we enacted it. The revenue from the road law on automobiles, trucks and gasoline will pay the interest on the whole 365,000,000 of bonds, give two millions to the upkeep of the roads, and put around 32,000,000 into the sinking fund for the re- demption of the bonds. Everything, absolutely everything, is turning out better than we hoped for. I want the Progressives of both parties in the State to make ready for the oncoming battle with those who have tried in every way possible to embar- 218 Papers of Cameron Morrison ras, impede and beat the State back in its grand march forward. We must fight. It is not a question of electing a Governor alone, but North Carolina's public affairs must not fall into the hands of that set of politicians who have done all they could to destroy the State's credit and keep it in the mud and generally behind the times of the great enlightened day in which we live. Progressive Republicans and Democrats were both united in putting the program of progress through in the last two sessions of the General Assembly. We are vic- torious everywhere. Let us press on with force into the primary of our political party next time, and fight the Re- actionary crowd to a finish. I hope devoutly that both parties in the State will be dominated by the Progressives and that each will write platforms endorsing what their members in the last two sessions of the General Assembly did for the glory and up- building of this State. I do believe we have the strongest, most hopeful and happy democracy in this great Republic of democracies, ^ and we must fight to prevent the boll weevil and the boll weevil politician from undermining and destroying the accompHshments which have quickly made us the wonder of the whole Republic. STATE PRIDE AND A FINER FIGHTING SPIRIT FOR NORTH CAROLINA SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF REYNOLDS AUDITORIUM, WINSTON-SALEM, MAY 8, 1924 This noble memorial is the result of the great life of Mr. R. J. Reynolds and the beautiful conception of his lovely wife of how to express appropriately her estimate of him. It is truly a noble monument, and an honor to the Public Addresses 219 life of the great man whose Hfe it commemorates, as well as the noble wife who caused it to be constructed. I hope the example set by Mrs. Johnson will be followed by others in the erection of monumental expressions of their love, admiration and loss in the death of loved ones; and that we will have less marble and granite vanity and selfishness, and more love and social service in our monu- ment building. It is indeed most appropriate as a monument to Mr. R. J. Reynolds and as an expression of his practical and serviceable life. We are coming more and more to appreciate the men '"who by genius for organization and business create or \ gather by honorable effort in trade the wealth necessary to accomplish the vision of the statesman, or to give life and reality to the golden words of the orator or poet. Mr. Reynolds made for North Carolina millions of the money without which the present progressive North Caro- lina government would be an impossibility. The great business which he organized and made successful pays more tax to support the State government than all the individual taxpayers in the State, and every activity of the State government would be lowered but for it. Aycock's eloquence in the cause of education will live forever, but it could not have builded the present great school system if North Carolina's great captains of industry had not created and brought to the State great wealth to help the farmer pay the cost. Mr. Reynolds did not use his mighty genius to create wealth for selfish purposes alone. He had greater aspira- tion and nobler inspiration. He loved the South. He loved North Carolina. He wanted to see it great and i powerful and good. He had sense enough to know we had ' to make money if we progressed. He succeeded, and his success is one of the chief contributions in the making of the present strong and hopeful North Carolina. The State is now performing the noble functions of a liberal and enlightened State in as full mxeasure as any state in the Union. The cost to the people is very low compared to governments in other states, because of our 220 Papers of Cameron Morriso N fgreat investment in industrial enterprise. Because of this jwe do not levy any tax on the value of property for State [purposes. We are the only State in the South or West I which does not. And yet we are doing the greatest and / most progressive things through the State ever attempted I by any state of like population. We have invested more money in the last three years in permanent improvements at our institutions for higher learning and for our defective and unfortunate people than had been invested from the foundation of our State. We are doing many great things. Time will not permit particularity. It is not due to the eloquence of orators or the states- manship of anybody. It is due to the fact that North Carolina is no longer poor and Aveak. We are rich and strong and able to go forward. /^ What orator, poet or statesman did more to bring it ' about than the man who created the business which sends its products into every land under the sun and brings back profit for the State.? Not one. North Carolina must progress. It will progress as long as it appreciates the life and service to it of men like R. J. Reynolds. May I, in conclusion, appeal for a greater love for North Carolina ? We want more State pride and a finer fighting spirit for the old State. "Witlings no longer defame us." We have taken that line out of "The Old North State." Let us press forward along every line. The little personal politician must die. The mean, scurrilous state-stabbing editor must go. North Carolina is pressing to the front by the united eiforts of her patriotic sons and daughters. We will graduate at our high schools this year a grand army of eight thousand girls and boys against only sixteen hundred just six years ago. The graduates at our Univer- sity and other colleges will double those of six years ago. We are going on. Winston-Salem must lead the way. The spirit of R. J. Reynolds will inspire you to greater efforts. Public Addresses 221 I hope this noble auditorium will be the scene of the graduation of an ever increasing annual class, who will go forth to fight for a greater and stronger North Carolina. To honor the memory of him to whom this great auditorium was constructed, ought to give courage and high resolve; and the memory of her by whom it was constructed ought to give gentleness, graciousness and love of the beautiful to every class graduating here. As governor for all the people of North Carolina, and as ex officio chairman of the Board of Education for the State, I thank Mrs. Johnston for this generous and beauti- ful contribution to the school property of the State, and assure her of the State's appreciation, not only for the prop- erty and its architectural beauty, but for the sentiment which inspired the gift and that it is in honor of one who did so much for a greater North Carolina. STATEMENTS AND INTERVIEWS FOR THE PRESS STATEMENTS AND INTERVIEWS FOR THE PRESS JULY 16, 1921 The Council of State unanimously gave their consent this morning for me to call an extraordinary session of the General Assembly to assemble on Tuesday, the sixth day of December next. It was with very great reluctance, and after the most careful consideration, that we reached the conclusion that an extraordinary session of the General Assembly could not be avoided without great injury to the State, and to the towns and cities of the State. I had very earnestly hoped to the contrary, but the statements from many towns and cities of the State disclosed the fact that most of them are already seriously hampered, and cannot hope to go for two more years under the present authority to borrow money and levy taxes. The General Assembly of 1919, which enacted the revaluation legislation, provided that the towns and cities of the State could not levy in the aggregate more than ten per cent more taxes than was levied in 1918. The towns and cities of the State had looked forward to an increase in their revenues from the usual revaluation made every four years for many years. The limitations placed by the General Assembly upon them which forbade their collecting more than ten per cent more than in 1918 denied the towns and cities of the State the usual increase in their revenues, which had taken place at each four years period for many years. If the revaluation bill had never been passed, and the property had been valued in the old way, the towns and cities of the State would have had their revenues increased much more than was done under the revaluation with the ten per cent limit. It was an unusual limitation upon the right of local self-government in the towns and cities. The Municipal Finance Act passed at this same session of the General Assembly restricted and changed the old law with 226 Papers of Cameron Morrison reference to the right of towns and cities to borrow money for necessary purposes. The towns and cities, in conse- quence of this, were very much hampered for two years. It was generally expected when the General Assembly met In 1921 that this limitation of ten per cent In excess of the revenues of 1918 would be removed, and the Municipal Finance Act did remove It, and gave the towns and cities a somewhat more liberal right to govern themselves. Through an error or an oversight of a clerk, the Municipal Finance Act was not passed In the manner required by the Constitution, and was held Invalid by the Supreme Court. The towns and cities, therefore, have no power to levy any tax except an amount which In the aggregate will not exceed ten per cent of the amount levied In the year 1918. The towns and cities of the State have all been growing, and we do not believe the town and city governments in the State can be operated from now until the next general meeting of the General Assembly without serious embarrassment. The General Assembly will not assemble to order the towns and cities of the State to put an additional taxation upon the citizens of such towns and cities, but simply to give the towns and cities the right to tax themselves If they see fit through their proper officers to do so, and to authorize them to borrow money within certain limitations when they deem It to the Interest of the towns and cities to do so. Another emergency grows out of a deficit of about 3700,000 in the school funds of the State for the year ending June 30 of this year. The General Assembly of 1919 provided that the State should pay the expenses of three months of the six months common schools, and the counties for the other three. The tax levied by the regular session as amended by the special session of 1920, raised the amount of money which was required according to the estimate of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Board of Education, but the schools cost seven or eight hundred thousand dollars more money than the estimate. The fact of this deficit was not brought to the attention of the Budget Commission, nor was it brought to my attention, Statements and Interviews 227 nor to the attention of the General Assembly of 1921. It was brought to my attention only some three weeks ago. When the General Assembly of 1921 was in session, the school year had not ended, and the school authorities were unaware, and did not foresee, the deficit. There is no provision in the law under which the Treas- urer of the State can pay or borrow 3^00,000 to make good the deficit. Some of it has been advanced by the counties, expecting it to be refunded at the close of the school year by the State. Some of it has not yet been paid, and in a few counties the teachers are unpaid. It would be a positive wrong for the State to fail to meet this obligation earlier than it could be done if we waited until the next regular session of the General Assembly. We have decided to advise the various county authorities to make provision to carry the State's unpaid part in their county until the extraordinary session of the General Assembly can meet and provide for its payment. We do not think any serious harm can come to the counties by being forced to wait until December, but we do think it would be almost impossible for many of them to carry the indebtedness through another year, and meet their current obligations for schools and other purposes. The reasons for the call of this extraordinary session will be set forth with formal precision as required by the Con- stitution, when I issue the formal call, which will be done in due time. We desire no change in the legislation enacted for this year and next to defray the expenses of the State govern- ment, and to meet the constructive program adopted by the General Assembly. We not only do not anticipate any deficit, but time has confirmed my judgment that the last General Assembly adopted a program of taxation just and wise. The policy of making the school system of the State partially a county system did not work well, and the last General Assembly relegated the whole matter to the coun- ties, and ceased the experiment of making it partially a State system. 228 Papers of Cameron Morrison The fear being expressed in a portion of the press of the State that the General Assembly will have to convene to provide for carrying on the schools for the coming years is, of course, unfounded, because the counties hereafter will have the entire school taxation, except a few hundred thousand dollars appropriated from income, inheritance, license and other taxes, by the State for the purpose of helping the weak counties. We have gone back to the old policy in raising the revenue for our schools. I earnestly contended for this policy before the General Assembly, and it met with Dr. Brooks's entire approbation. There will be no trouble with the revenues for school purposes in the future, because the State levies no property tax whatever in North Carolina, and gives to the counties all the power contained in the organic law to raise revenue through ad valorem taxation. The rumors abroad in the State that there is necessity for any legislation with reference to the program of the last General Assembly are utterly unfounded. We do not want the right to sell the bonds of this State at a higher rate than five per cent, and until the money market is such that we can sell the bonds at this price, we will do as the General Assembly ordered us to do, borrow short term money at the lowest rate of interest obtainable. We will have no trouble getting all the money we need in the meantime to carry out the State's program. We have never paid over six per cent for any money yet, and hope we will not have to. If it gets too high, and we cannot go forward with our pro- gram without paying unreasonable rates of interest or sell- ing long term bonds at a higher rate of interest than five per cent, we will stop the constructive program, and wait until we can. Statements and Interviews 229 HARRIS'S ELECTROCUTION^ OCTOBER 20, 1921 It is untrue that the Baptists in North Carolina have made any threats against me, in the event I commute the sentence of Harris. It is untrue that Mr. J. E. Swain made any effort to influence me in the matter. It is untrue that I have a contingent fee in any law suit pending before Mr. J. E. Swain or elsewhere. In the case of the Hardaway Construction Company versus one of Mr. Duke's power companies, I was paid fully for all I did for Hardaway, and I stated in open court a few days before I was sworn in as Governor that my connection with that litigation or any other ended with my inauguration as Governor. The murder of Mr. Monnish was an assassination. There can be no possible controversy that the crime was murder in the first degree, if the perpetrator had mental responsibility. The jury and the court tried this question. They con- victed the prisoner. He has been here in the penitentiary for some time. No man claims he is now insane. Since his trial he has been sane. The verdict of the jury seems to me to have been the only possible one. The Supreme Court refused a new trial. I gave the able attorneys who represented Mr. Harris as courteous hearing as I have manners to give. But I did notify them that with me the presumption was that the court had done the right thing. I heard Mrs. Harris and her daughter. I heard Miss Harris and the son, Mr. Paul Harris, today. Telegrams and letters have been pouring in to me. A regular organized effort to have it done is known to me. I deny that I have any feeling in the matter whatever. I simply do not believe I should interfere with the judg- 1 This man, J. T. Harris, was convicted of the charge of killing F. W. Monnish. 230 Papers of Cameron Morrison merit of the court for any reason brought before me. I will not enter into controversy about it with anybody. I believe in upholding the dignity of our courts and the law of the land. My interpretation of the pardon power, vested in me by the Constitution, is not such that I can substitute my will for the law. I think that the crime was an awful murder and that the prisoner was not only duly convicted in the courts, but he was guilty and ought to have been convicted. I presume the courts come to just judgments, and the burden is upon those who petition me to change them to satisfy me that I ought to. This has not been done in the Harris case. THE CROP CENSUS MAY 4, 1922 The crop acreage data collected during May by the tax listers in compliance with Chapter 201 (page 498), the Public Laws of North Carolina, 1921, is of vital importance to the farmers of the State, and the efforts of the tax listers to secure this information should receive the vigorous cooperation of every farm owner. The proper analysis of the tabulated county and State figures tends to stabilize the market, and helps to save the farmer from losses that otherwise might result from a manip- ulation of the market by speculative interests. Although this acreage data is collected each year by the tax listers it has nothing to do with any increase in taxation. An annual crop acreage census is a forward looking, pro- gressive movement, that bears the same relation to agricul- ture as an industry, that an inventory does to other forms of business. Statements and Interviews 231 STATE TROOPS TO ROCKY MOUNT JULY 17, 1922 The Sheriffs of Nash and Edgecombe counties, and the Mayor of Rocky Mount have appHed to me, for reasons set forth in a written paper filed, to send troops to the town of Rocky Mount to uphold the law. These officers state that the situation is such that the forces at their command are inadequate to cope with the situation. I am satisfied, as the situation now stands, that dis- order and threat of violence of such character as the officers state, exists, and I would order troops to the situation instantly but for the fact that his Honor H. G. Connor of the United States District Court has issued an injunction restraining the parties mentioned, and others, from com- mitting acts of menace and violence. The injunction or restraining order of Judge Connor, I hope, will bring the excited parties to reason. His Honor, I am satisfied, under the law has full power to use United States marshals or such forces as will enforce respect for the orders of his court. I am of the opinion that having assumed jurisdiction over the situation as he has, order can be restored there with less trouble through the police officers of his court and by his order than by State troops, but if order is not restored there within a very short time, I shall order General Metts to put sufficient miUtary forces in the town of Rocky Mount to restore order, uphold the law, and protect life and property. There are disorders elsewhere in the State Incident to this strike. They must cease, regardless of the reasons offered for such lawless conditions. I shall use every power the State possesses to restore order and to keep the peace everywhere in this State. I warn those who are engaged in this lawlessness and threats of lawlessness that they cannot prevail against organized society, and that if they do not at once come to order and conduct their cause with argument 232 Papers of Cameron Morrison rather than with menace, threats and violence, I shall throw- all the military power of this State against them without further delay. WITHDRAWING TROOPS FROM ABERDEEN, ROCKINGHAM, RALEIGH AND ROCKY MOUNT AUGUST 2, 1922 I have directed General Metts to withdraw the troops from Aberdeen, Rockingham, Raleigh and Rocky Mount. According to information which I have I think conditions are now so orderly and composed that there is no further danger of violence in any of the disturbed areas. I earnestly hope that all parties will respect the law, keep the peace and respect the lawful directions of the local officers. If there should be disorder anywhere and danger to life, liberty and property should arise, I shall not hesitate to call the troops to assist in restoration of order. TROOPS ORDERED TO SPENCER AUGUST 19, 1922 I ordered troops to Spencer this morning about 9:00 o'clock. I do not mean by this action that I think Mr. Ellis and the leaders of organized labor there did not exert themselves to uphold the law yesterday, but the situation there is still tense, according to my information. Tragedies are happening all about. Last night a man was beaten in the city of Raleigh, and his piteous cries for help heard in the near-by homes. An outrage was reported from Rocky Mount. Mr. Miller, vice president of the Southern Railway, last night urged me to give them protection at Spencer, and said Statements and Interviews 233 they could not undertake to operate the railroad without protection. He detailed to me an incident there, which I investigated and did not find the strikers censurable for, to the extent the railroad authorities thought they were; but I have become nervous and afraid that a tragedy may take place at Spencer in spite of the cooler heads, and that the honor of North Carolina may be degraded. I have ordered troops there, and they go under the same instructions they went to Rocky Mount and to Concord, a year ago. They are instructed to uphold the law, as I understand it, and respect every right of the striking laborers, protect life and property, and keep the peace. I do not think it just in me to leave upon the shoulders of the heroic Sheriff of Rowan County longer the full responsibility of upholding the law and keeping the peace there. The troops are sent there simply to uphold the law and the rights of all parties. They will be under the com- mand of upright and honorable officers, and will do no in- justice, I am sure, to any man's rights. I ask for the sympathy and support of all the people of North Carolina who respect the law and want to see order and argument prevail in the State. It is, in my honest judgment, unwise to risk further the honor and good name of North Carolina at Salisbury and Spencer in the tense situ- ation there without having the law represented by adequate forces to uphold it. NO AUTHORITY TO FIX THE PRICE OF COAL AUGUST 26, 1922 Neither I nor any department of the State government have any legal right to fix the price of coal to the consumer in this State. This could only be done as New York State is doing by calling a special session of the General Assembly to^ enact the emergency legislation necessary, but the com- mittee appointed by me to represent the State in this matter have been instructed by me to fix the price of coal, and to 234 Papers of Cameron Morrison see to it that those who will not put coal to the consumer at the price fixed are not given any part of the State's allot- ment of coal for distribution, but it shall be given to those dealers who will respect the price fixed. Of course, the State's whole action in this matter is with- out warrant of law, but circumstances force it upon us. There is no other way to get the coal except through the agencies recognized by the Federal government. As we have to assume this much authority it seems to me to be logical and within the power of the committee appointed by me to control the price in the way I have stated. I hope the people of the State will respect this policy and uphold it. It is the only way to guard against possible profiteer- ing and extortion, and I think the committee representing the State have a right to control the price to avoid this, under all the circumstances. There is no other way to do it, unless I call a special session of the General Assembly to enact the necessary legislation. I would hate very much to do this, and as the coal allotted to the State will be dis- tributed under the directions of the committee appointed by me, for which Mr. Self is so energetically and intelligently acting, I think they should distribute it in such manner that profiteering and extortion will be impossible. I now think this plan will be successful. If it is not, I see nothing else to do except to follow New York State and call the General Assembly into extraordinary session to fix the price. I have directed the committee to fix a price reasonable and just. I shall approve the price fixed by them unless I shall be convinced that it is unjust. ELECTION RETURNS: NORTH CAROLINA'S FUTURE NOVEMBER 8, 1922 I am greatly rejoiced by the election news, both from the State and other states. The returns are not yet com- plete enough to ascertain the full significance of the con- Statements and Interviews 235 gressional elections. It Is certain, however, that we have made large gains. I am very glad of this, because I do not believe the Republican party is measuring up to the responsibilities which confront the United States govern- ment. Everything points to a Democratic victory next time. In the State the victory is unprecedented. The final figures will show the largest majority the party ever received, and it is now certain that we have carried more counties than ever before. I am, naturally, very happy over this result, although I know the opposition of our people to the weak and inefficient government at Washington power- fully contributed to this crushing defeat of the Republican party. I also know that the Democratic party's adminis- tration of affairs in the State was approved. The great victory in the State ought not to make us vain but all the more seriously determined to faithfully serve the people, whose servants we are, and give them constructive and progressive government, which I am sure they have voted for, and expect. We must not offend our Republican neighbors by offen- sive boasting. They are our fellow citizens, if they do disagree with us, and we must radiate among all the people tolerance and good will. Republicans and Democrats can easily agree about a great many things looking toward the development of our State. We should agree where we can, and all move together for a greater and stronger North Carolina. SHIP SUBSIDIES NOVEMBER 23, 1922 The fight against the establishment of a ship company has been conducted for some days very insidiously and with great shrewdness. All manner of misleading statements are being circulated about it. One of the arguments its opponents are circulating over the State is that it is a ship subsidy proposition, and that 236 Papers of Cameron Morrison while all the Democrats in Congress are fighting a ship subsidy with might and main, the Democratic Governor of the State is trying to pass a ship subsidy here. Of course, the Democratic administration of Woodrow Wilson established a ship company and the United States government now owns the ships. I want to do the same thing in North Carolina. Mr. Harding's administration has so badly managed the ship company that it has proven of little value, and of great loss. If it has been conducted everywhere else as it has in regard to the commerce of North Carolina, I am surprised the loss is not greater than it is. They have never sought a dollar's worth of business in North Carolina, although the tonnage is heavy, and a great business might have been developed here. The Democrats in Congress are fighting efforts to give this fleet away to private concerns at slaughter prices, and then pay them subsidies to operate them. The United States government ought to keep the ships, and put an administration in power that would operate them in competition with the railroads, as far as our coastal business is concerned, and do a world carrying trade. If North Carolina establishes a corporation to own a ship company and develop the commerce of our State, I am quite sure that under Democratic government there will be no subsidy to anybody about it, or loss, because we will operate it in competition with the railroads, and make money on it. We want basic points in North Carolina, and from them we want to radiate the freight over the State. It certainly cannot hurt any part of North Caro- lina, and I am sure it will help the whole State by immedi- ately and almost magically revolutionizing the commerce of the eastern section of our State. In due time the whole matter will be put before the State, and the people called upon to get behind it and strike off the commercial handcuffs by which North Caro- lina has been manacled so long. Of course, demagogues are already spreading it over the State that this will result in great increase in taxes on the Statements and Interviews 237 value of property in the State. This is ridiculous, because we will never have any more taxes on the value of property for any purposes if I can help it. This proposition has nothing to do with the port bill projected and has nothing to do with Mr. Bowie's railroad propositions from the West. It will be presented to the State upon its merit and upon carefully ascertained facts. I am opposed to the sale of the North Carolina stock in either one of the railroads, and have frequently so declared. I will fight to the limit any proposition to swap or trade them. NEAR EAST RELIEF NOVEMBER 27, 1922 Current news events and information given by reliable Americans, indicate that Christian civilization is con- fronted with a very serious emergency. Over 800,000 refugees of the Turkish victory and massacre at Smyrna have been thrown on the hands of the Near East Relief and Red Cross in Thrace and Greece respectively. The Near East Relief is already overtaxed to take care of the 110,000 little orphans. Christian martyrs of Armenian war heroes, whom they are saving from the Turk and building into a new Armenian nation. The President of the United States recently appealed for funds to take care of the emergency created by these refugees from Smyrna. I am informed that the response has been altogether inadequate. It would seem that the people of North Carolina and the United States, have not readily grasped the magnitude and pathos of the situation involving the absolute destitution and near starvation of the women, children and old men. I therefore make this additional appeal, at this season of Thanksgiving, for God's blessing to us, for the Christians in the stricken area, whose plight is a result of their loyalty to Christ. Unless we respond immediately, I am informed, 238 Papers of Cameron Morrison thousands of these unfortunate refugees from Smyrna will be dead before Christmas. I request the mayors, women's clubs business men's clubs, philanthropic organizations and all other citizens of North Carolina, to hold this tragedy in mind during Thanksgiving week, and I appeal to you again to make your response equal to the emergency, and worthy of the generous heart, humanitarian and Christian spirit of our great state of North Carolina. That this may be organized and definite, I hereby desig- nate Sunday, December 3, as a special day of mass-meeting in our communities, and the date on which those who are able to help, may send their contributions either to the Near East Relief in Raleigh or to their local county chairman for this work, as the climax of this extraordinary appeal. Cameron Morrison, Governor. THE REVENUE BILL AND THE DEFICIT FEBRUARY 5, 1923 The only way to escape the responsibility of granting the appropriations requested for education, farm extension, experiment work, the equalization fund to help the weaker counties, the institutions for the State's unfortunate, and the institutions of higher learning, is to show that the present revenue bill of the State will not justify it. The present revenue of the State does justify it, and there will be no excuse for the General Assembly's not proceeding to make provision according to the recommendations of the Budget Commission. The two years income which will be derived under the present revenue bill, together with the taxes already levied but not collected, make ample funds for all these institutions for our unfortunate and defective people, and to do every- thing which the State ought to do. I simply cannot comprehend the hellishness with which a few political rivals and enemies of mine are undertaking Statements and Interviews 239 by an oriental manipulation of figures to show to the contrary. There is no deficit in the State Treasury of this State, except in the mere cash on hand, and today we are in process of collecting taxes levied by the last General Assembly, but not yet collected, aggregating about the following sums: Income taxes 33,500,000 Railroad taxes 600,000 Insurance premium taxes 415,000 Miscellaneous taxes, at least 400,000 Total 34,915,000 One great corporation was written up since the Budget Comimission's report and the auditors claim they owe 3300,000 more income tax for 1921 than they have paid. From the facts given to me I think this will be collected. I am satisfied that outstanding taxes will make a cold five millions of dollars, but in their vindictive desire to break down this administration they insist this ought to be disregarded, and that this General Assembly cannot make appropriations against the two years taxes to be levied by it, because it will be necessary to use these taxes to meet deficits. It is not the truth. We expect to establish it, and show up the men who are undertaking to do it not only as enemies to the Democratic party but to the State and to humanity. The trick they are trying to play on me is to charge against my administration two full years of operating expenses and exclude five millions or more of the revenue provided by the last General Assembly to pay them. THE RECORD OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MARCH 6, 1923 Upon the whole, I am greatly pleased at the record of the General Assembly. It has only one rival in the history of southern general assemblies, and that is, its great predecessor of 1921. 240 Papers of Cameron Morrison I am sure the people will endorse its great constructive work. It will come back again, in my opinion, and add to its great record the necessary legislation to establish water carried commerce on our wonderful navigable waters. PROGRESS IN NORTH CAROLINA THROUGH HARMONY AND COOPERATION MARCH 26, 1923 The Governor ^ spoke for progress in North Carolina through concord and cooperation of its people. He declared that in bringing about the adoption of the new program, including the new tax system, unparalleled investments in schools, hospitals, roads, etc., there had necessarily been some friction and acrimony; that he had at times felt it to be his duty to strike back at the critics of the program which his whole heart was set on inaugurating in the State with some acrimony; but that the adjourn- ment of the last General Assembly marked the practical completion of the program which he had set out to help adopt in the State; that he had no bitterness about the contest through which he had come, and earnestly hoped that even those who had opposed the program would now realize that the high interest of the State required that the conflict should be forgotten, and all unite to administer and work out the unfinished part of it in concord and harmony. He said that various stories were afloat about political intrigues of his own, but that he was not in any political intrigue with any set of men; that the only aspirations he now had in public matters was to see the program enacted by the last General Assembly for the further enlargement of the institutions for the unfortunate, for the extension and strengthening of the common school system, for the enlargement of the institutions for higher learning, the construction of more miles of good roads, the extension of iThis is a report of Governor Morrison's speech before the Current Topics Club of Rocky Mount. Statements and Interviews 241 the agricultural experiment and the extension work, the carrying out of the great program of the Health Depart- ment, the rehabilitation of the great fishing, oyster and sea food industry of the State, and the filling of our inland streams throughout the State with fish, and other activities of the State looking to its upbuilding and strengthening. He expected to dedicate the remaining period of his term as Governor, not to political activities, but to the purposes mentioned, and to make use of all the strength he could command to keep alive the campaign to make North Carolina raise more hogs, chickens, turkeys, vegetables, nuts, and berries, and to help fill the State with happiness and plenty. He considered it of the highest importance that the people should not be torn asunder by political questions, but as a united brotherhood work together for those things high above political considerations, which would make North Carolina stronger and its people happier and more efficient. The Governor said he had had a pretty stormy time since he entered the race for Governor, but that he hoped the remainder of his term should be devoted to the quiet administration of the duties placed upon him by the last General Assembly. He declared that if the people of the State would keep alive the spirit of concord and cooperation, and go on with the great tasks to which they had set themselves, North Carolina in a few years would be the wonder of the entire Republic. He urged the business men of Rocky Mount to a broad spirit of community cooperation, and that they exert themselves to radiate a spirit of good fellowship and cooper- ation throughout the State. The Governor then pictured the State with a modern and scientific agriculture, termendously augmented manu- facturing industries operating with power from the develop- ment of our own waterways in Central and Western North Carolina, a great fish, oyster, clam and scallop industry in our waters in the East, with a great commerce moving 16 242 Papers of Cameron Morrison upon railroads to our own waterways, and from our own seaport and water towns to the other states of the Repubhc and to the world. INVESTIGATION OF PRISON CONDITIONS IN THE STATE MAY 11, 1923 I have decided to assume full responsibility for the in- vestigation of prison conditions in the State. The sentiment of the public upon this matter has arrested my attention, and I am ready to proceed vigorously with an investigation of the whole question and to take action. The responsibility is upon me, and I think my power is ample under the present law, and I have decided to with- draw my request to the Board of Charities and Public Welfare for assistance in the matter. Since I have been Governor, so many large questions have required my thought and effort that I possibly have not given the attention to reform in the penal institutions that its importance required; and too, I was under the im- pression that the legislation enacted during the adminis- tration of Governor Bickett, when the entire subject was up for consideration, was satisfactory to the people. If, when I have finished what I contemplate doing about the matter, the public is not satisfied with results, then other agencies may take the situation in hand. I have decided that until the next General Assembly meets, the responsibility is ultimately mine, and I purpose to discharge my duty the best I can. I ask the public to await results before indulging in criticism. I am thoroughly in accord with modern and progressive thought upon the subject of prison reform, and under the law as it is now written, I am satisfied the whole system can be put in modern and up-to-date shape, if it is not now in such shape. Statements and Interviews 243 COMMUTING NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINE PRISONERS JUNE 29, 1923 Before leaving his office tonight, preparatory to taking his departure for Asheville, where he will spend July and August at Grove Park Inn, Governor Cameron Morrison issued an order commuting the terms of 959 convicts at the State's Prison to indeterminate sentences. This does not include 206 who are already serving indeterminate sentences, nor those serving life sentences. Prisoners who have served less than one-half of their sentences get one- fourth of their remaining time taken off. Those who have served more than one-half get a third of their remaining time cut off. This action is a part of the Governor's prison reform program recently announced, when corporal punishment was abolished. A. J. MAXWELL'S PART IN THE REVENUE BILL OF 1921 JULY 25, 1923 After full reflection, I have decided that the interests of the State require that I should make this further state- ment in the controversy over the State's financial condition. In answer to Mr. Maxwell, I beg to refer the people, not only to the opinion, study and audit in detail of the Price-Waterhouse Company, one of the three greatest auditing companies in America, and to the study and opinion of the great legislative committee, speaking through its brilliant chairman, the Hon. W. L. Long, one of the chief executive officers of the largest taxpayer in North Carolina, east of Raleigh, and by far the largest manufacturer of damask in the world, but I desire to cite as a further authority in refutation of Mr. Maxwell's latest discourse, the action and opinion of Mr. Maxwell himself, before he 244 Papers of Cameron Morrison joined the opposition to the administration. On the prin- ciple of appeaHng from "PhiHp drunk to Philip sober,". I want to appeal from Maxwell angry to Maxwell the good-natured and satisfied servant of the State and of the Finance Committee of the General Assembly; from Maxwell mad and in opposition to the administration to Maxwell satisfied and in support of the administration. If the Revenue Bill of 1921 failed to levy the necessary revenue upon the people of the State to meet the appropria- tions and expenses for the two calendar years ending December 31, 1922, Mr. A. J. Maxwell is more responsible* for that fact than any other man connected with the legisla- tion. He wrote the Revenue Bill of 1921. He approved it and at the time took great pride in it. He was the expert of the Finance Committees of the two houses; and was recognized as the man with full knowledge of practical details, and regarded not only as an expert, but almost as an oracle by the committees and the General Assembly. Following a custom as old as the biennial sessions of our General Assembly, the appropriations were made for a period of two years and a Revenue Bill drawn designed to raise adequate revenue to meet the appropriations by taxation for the same period. If it was not done correctly Mr. A. J. Maxwell is more responsible for it than any other man. I had very little to do with the details of the legislation. I had urged in my inaugural address and in my later address to the General Assembly that North CaroHna should provide for the enlargement of its institutions for our defective and delinquent people, and our institutions for higher learning, and levy upon the people adequate taxation to meet the increased interest charges for per- manent Improvements and the enlarged expenses for mainte- nance and current expenses. The committees on appropriations and finance were charged with the duty, if they adopted the enlarged program of working out details. Mr. Maxwell was, as I have said, Statements and Interviews 245 their chief adviser and helper. He not only had the perfect confidence of the committees, but to a very unusual degree, my confidence. Why did he keep silent and allow North Carolina, according to his present contention, to draw the Revenue Bill which failed by five millions of dollars to accomplish what the General Assembly desired to accomplish.'' I desire to relate with some particularity the following incident which details about all I had to do with the partic- ulars of the bill, and give the circumstances under which Mr. Maxwell expressed the opinion before a large number of gentlemen that the Revenue Bill would accomplish what the General Assembly sought to do — that is, levy adequate revenue to meet the appropriations and expenses for the ensuing two years. The incident is as follows: Towards the close of the session, I was informed that the Finance Committee had informally decided that in order to meet the appropriations to be made, it would be neces- sary to levy an ad valorem tax of five cents on the hundred dollars of value. This was a clear-cut defeat of my tax program, and to that extent, a failure to adopt the system to which I was committed, and for which I thought the people had voted when they elected me Governor. I was familiar with the construction of the Revenue Bill, and I thought I was prepared to convince the committee that they had been misled, and that the levy of five cents on the hundred dollars of property value in the State was unneces- sary. My friends on the committee put a resolution through inviting me on the following afternoon to appear before the committee and express my views. I appeared before the committee the following afternoon in the building occupied by the Corporation Commission. My friend, Governor Rufus A. Doughton, was presid- ing, and by his side sat the committee's oracle and expert, Mr. A. J. Maxwell. After the preliminary courtesies, I proceeded with my argument substantially as follows: 246 Papers of Cameron Morrison Addressing the chairman of the committee, I stated that before proceeding with my argument, I would Hke to ask the committee for information about one or two matters. The chair signified the committee's pleasure to give me any information they could. I then asked what amount was necessary to prevent a deficiency between the appropria- tions to be made and the revenue expected from the Revenue Bill. Governor Doughton addressed Mr. Maxwell, and inquired if he would not answer my question for the committee. Mr. Maxwell arose and replied: "3750,000." I then inquired of Mr. Maxwell, who continued to stand, if the committee changed the Revenue Bill as drawn, so that the State would take its income tax before the United States government took theirs, (and at that time this would include excess profit taxes), what difference would it make in the yield to the State. He replied: "Several hundred thousands of dollars." The bill was tentatively drawn so as to permit the United States government to take the taxes going to it before the State did. I then asked him if the bill was changed so as not to permit the deduction from the income tax of the franchise tax levied, what difference in revenue that would make. He said it would make a large amount, I forget his exact figures. I then asked him, if the two changes I had referred to were made, would not the bill then raise the necessary revenue to meet the appropriations without the five cents on the hundred dollars of value. He replied in the presence of that room full of people: "/ think it wouldT I then proceeded to make the argument that it was very unwise for the State not to avail itself of the provisions of the United States government's Revenue Act, and take its income first, which the act of Congress permitted, and that it was very unjust to permit the deduction of the franchise tax from the income tax, because it would result in corporations paying franchise tax which did not make any income, and releasing those that did make an income, etc. Statements and Interviews 247 I retired after finishing my argument, and a few minutes afterwards, the committee voted to make the two changes I had asked for in the Revenue Bill, and to eliminate the ad valorem tax outright. Now Mr. Maxwell claims that he and the committee missed it five millions of dollars, and bases an onslaught on me and the administration upon that fact. Mr. Maxwell, satisfied and faithful to the administration of the Democratic party, is more to be relied on than Mr. Alaxwell angry and in assault upon the administration and upon his own actions. The only deficit in this State's revenues was in that portion of the Revenue Act prior to my administration levying thirteen cents on the hundred dollars of value to pay the State's part of the expenses of running the schools of the State. This did result in a deficit of more than 3710,000. My evil influence had not at that time invaded Raleigh and disturbed the sanity and wisdom of Mr. Max- well and his associate experts in running the State govern- ment. This deficit resulted in a special call of the General Assembly. I did not hear a word of criticism anywhere, although it had occurred and was based on the "good old," "much-regretted" ad valorem tax. I had nothing to do with this. The men who caused this deficit were not criticized and ought not to have been, because they could not definitely foresee what the expenses would be, but now I am to be criticized, and my associates in the present administration are to be criticized, because in the first two years of my administration, we were not able to catch up and pay this 3710,000 in full. According to the auditors, we could pay 3220,000 of it; and I am quite sure that the under-estimate made by the auditors of the unpaid taxes due the State for the two tax years ending December 31, 1922, will prove to be sufficient to wipe out the whole 3710,000 deficit, occurring, as I have explained, under a revenue bill drawn prior to my administration and with which I had nothing whatever to do. I am satisfied Mr. Maxwell had more to do with the 248 Papers of Cameron Morrison bill under which this school deficit occurred than any other man in the State. He was supreme authority in all revenue and tax legislation at that time, as he was in 1921. I regret very much to participate further in this contro- versy, and had first thought I would not, but I think it is important for the people of the State to have the facts herein stated, in order that they may consider them in connection with Mr. Maxwell's present contention that we made the most monumental failure to meet appropriations and expenses by an adequate levy of revenue ever made in this or any other state. THE REVENUE BILL OF 1921 JULY 26, 1923 The Revenue Bill of 1921, which Mr. Maxwell declared to me in the presence of the joint Finance Committees of the two houses would raise the necessary revenue to meet the appropriations carried in the Appropriations Bill, was not drawn to cover the recommendations of the Budget Commission to the General Assembly. It was drawn to cover the action of the Appropriations Committee upon the recommendations of the Budget Commission. The Appropriations Bill had been completed at the time Mr. Maxwell made his statement, to which I have referred. The two houses were acting jointly and in close contact. The Budget Commission's recommendations had been somewhat exceeded, not very largely, but Mr. Maxwell knew this as well as everybody else did. We had under consideration, not the Budget Commission's recommenda- tions, but the Appropriations Bill. I am quite sure this dodge of Mr. Maxwell will be understood by an intelli- gent citizenship, for everybody must know that revenue bills are not drawn to meet recommendations of a Budget Commission or anybody else, but to meet the action of ithe General Assembly in its appropriations bills, after consideration of all recommendations. On the occasion referred to, I did not ask him anything Statements and Interviews 249 about the Budget Commission's recommendations, and there was absolutely no discussion of that question, but the question was, meeting the appropriations and the State's expenses carried by the Appropriations Bill. If Mr. Max- well at that time had stood up and declared that against the appropriations and expenses for the two years ending December 31, 1922, we could credit only such portion of the revenue to be raised for the current two years by the Revenue Bill as would be collected at the end of the second year, he would have been laughed at by the entire committee of intelligent gentlemen. He did not do this, because it would have been absurd for him to have done so. Now he claims that only such part of the revenue should be credited against appropriations and expenses for the two years as had been actually collected on December 31, 1922. Of course, this would exclude the income tax for one whole year, insurance premium taxes, for six months, and various other miscellaneous taxes, aggregating in all, according to the Auditing Committee, 34,700,000, which we know is an under-estimate, because collections actually made since the Auditing Committee finished its work show their estimate to be too small. We have since collected the money and applied it to the account, as the bill drawn by Mr. Maxwell intended it should be applied. The difficulty with Maxwell arises not because the Appropriations Committee of 1921 exceeded the recommen- dations of the Budget Commission, as he claims, but because he excludes from the account a very large portion of one of the two years revenue. DEATH OF PRESIDENT WARREN G. HARDING AUGUST 2, 1923 I'm deeply distressed, and I am sure the entire citizen- ship of North Carolina will be, to learn of the President's death. 250 Papers of Cameron Morrison President Harding was one of the most lovable men who ever filled this great position. I think the whole country esteemed him as one of the most lovable presidents and there was universal admiration for his personal traits of character. He was very popular in this State. NEWSPAPERS SHOULD GET THE FACTS ABOUT THE DEFICIT AUGUST 9, 1923 I noticed from the streaming headlines in the Greens- boro News, the Raleigh News and Observer, and a few other papers of the 6th, that it is a fixed and settled fact that there was a deficit of a little more than five millions of dollars on December 31, 1922, in the State's revenue. The statement of the special committee appointed by the two houses of the General Assembly, including one prominent Republican, is totally ignored; the balance sheet made by the great auditing company, which cost the State about 350,000, is totally ignored; the whole matter is summarily and conclusively disposed of. As Governor of all the people of North Carolina, I want to declare to the people of the State that there was not a deficit in the revenues of the state of North Carolina for the period ending December 31, 1922, and to urge the patriotic press, even that part of it so hostile to me and the administration of which I am the oificial head, to ascertain the facts for themselves and give the people of the State the truth. If it can be established that North Carolina failed by five millions of dollars in the two years ending December 31, 1922, to levy revenue to meet the appropriations and expenses of the State for that period, we cannot market any longer, at a price anybody would take, the securities of this State. The fact that we have been able to do so, since the assault was made upon the revenues of the State, Statements and Interviews 251 is due to the fact that the great financial institutions and brokers of New York, who have examined into the charge, know it to be false; and yet, the securities of our State finally go to investors, and these assaults published here in our State upon the financial policies of the State have been broadcasted over the country to the great hurt of the State in the matter of marketing its securities. This is not a matter which the most bitter opponent of the administration can afford to be partisan or unfair about. The truth must be ascertained. It can easily be done. If the press of the State will cease to pay so much attention to what the leading figures in the controversy say and go to the audit and get the facts and give them to the people, as their own statements and not as quotations from the disputants in the controversy, the matter can be settled. I appeal to them to do so, and without a tinge of partisan- ship, but in love of their State, and the truth. What are the facts.? The revenue provided for in the State's Revenue Act of 1921-1922 proved to be ample to meet the appropria- tions made for the two years, and the fixed expenses against the State. But it is true that, pending the collection of the taxes for each year, the State had to borrow money or let its bills go unpaid. The borrowing reached its peak at the end of the second tax year, to wit: December 31, 1922, because practically all the appropriations and charges against the State for the period of two years had been paid at that time, and a large part of the taxes for the year 1922 had not been collected. The amount borrowed is called a "deficit" by Mr. Maxwell and his followers, and for this he is hailed as savior and hero, and his friends are now about to make him a candidate for Governor, according to the reports from Raleigh. Deficit in what, I would like for the press of the State to make clear to the people. Why, of course, a deficit only in collection of taxes, and not in the revenues levied for the period. On the 31st of December, 1922, against this borrowed money, in the shape of over-drafts on the special accounts of the State, and in 252 Papers of Cameron Morrison money borrowed on notes of the State, there were out- standing all the taxes due by the railroads of the State for both 1921 and 1922, because the roads had tied this up in law suits and we could not collect it. We won the law suits since the 31st of December, 1922. The income tax for the year 1922 of course had not been collected, because it could not be computed until after the 31st of December, 1922. It is now known that it will exceed all expectations when collections are fully made. The tax on insurance premium receipts for the six months ending December 31, 1922 had not been paid because it could not be computed until the full expiration of the year. Various miscellaneous taxes in the nature of bills receivable were due the State, together making ample money to repay that which had been borrowed pending their collection. Now, what is the sense of an oriental manipulation of figures and facts to assert to the world that this temporary borrowing against taxes constitutes to its full amount a deficit in the State's revenues, when as a matter of truth and fact, there had been levied, as I have explained, fully enough money to meet every appropriation and expense of the State for the period ending December 31, 1922, and the only difference was that the taxes were of such character that they could not be fully ascertained and computed and collected until the full expiration of the year. There was a deficit of actual cash on hand at the close of the two year period. Everybody knew this. There was a difference as to the amount of it, and I will explain later to the people why. It grew out of the fact that the old special school account had always been treated as a special account, but owing to the change in the system, the old account had not been written up and closed out. When it was done, it, took a sum of money which was totally unex- pected by anybody. Mr. Lacy did not include this in his statement to the Budget Commission, and, therefore, the difference in the findings of the auditing company and Mr. Lacy's figures, to a large extent. But whatever this borrowed amount was, at the end of the fiscal period, December 31, 1922, there was ample Statements and Interviews 253 outstanding taxes levied for the very purpose of paying it. The gentlemen who make this attack upon the financial poHcies of the State are dealing in misleading intellectual gymnastics. They most unjustly and misleadingly say there was a deficit to the full amount of this borrowing. There was, of course, a deficit in cash on hand, but there was no deficit in revenues levied for the period, and the leaders in this deviltry know it. STATE DEFICIT; THE METHOD OF FINANCING THE GOVERNMENT AUGUST 9, 1923 What the "State deficit" crowd calls a "deficit" in the revenues of the 1921 and 1922 period is simply the aggregate of sums of money borrowed from the special accounts of the State and from the banks with which to pay appropriations and bills pending the collection of the taxes levied by the Revenue Act for that period. It has no more to do with whether there was a deficit in the amount of revenue levied in the Revenue Act for 1921 and 1922 than if it had never been borrowed at all, because it simply takes the place of the bills and appropriations to which it was applied. It was borrowed against the out- standing taxes in order to prevent the State's bills from going unpaid, and, of course, took the place of the bills paid. Whether or not there was a deficit in the Revenue Act could only be settled when the taxes were collected and credited on this borrowed sum, just as it would have been on the bills paid with the borrowed money, if they had not been paid. It is just as ridiculous to try to run the State with no books except a cash book as it would be to run any other business that way. The State Treasurer's account of cash receipts and disbursements simply gives one item in 254 Papers of Cameron Morrison the financial statement of the State's affairs, to wit: the cash or overdraft item. The United States government, the states and towns and counties all borrow money against outstanding taxes, and it has no more to do with whether there is a final deficit in the Revenue Act than if it was not borrowed at all. The item of borrowed money is simply substituted in the final statement for the bills it was used to pay. The deficit would arise if the borrowed money exceeded the outstanding taxes to the extent of such excess. The money that had been borrowed on December 31, 1922, will not exceed the taxes which had been levied, but were uncollected for that period. These taxes include all the franchise tax due by the railroads of the State for the two years, 1921 and 1922, and the income tax for the year 1922, which items alone aggregate over four millions of dollars; the insurance premium taxes, which aggregate over ^400,000 for the six months ending December 31, 1922; and various miscellaneous uncollected taxes which would easily cover the borrowed sums, that are so erroneously called a "deficit." PRESIDENT HARDING— A NOBLE GENTLEMAN AND AN ELOQUENT DEFENDER OF FREE GOVERNMENT AUGUST 10, 1923 The state of North Carolina mourns with the other states of the Union the death of President Harding. The people of every class and of both colors feel a keen sense of loss in the President's death. A majority of the people of this State were not in accord with the President upon the political questions of the day; but all recognized in President Harding a noble gentleman and an eloquent defender of the basic principles upon which our whole fabric of free government rests. He largely gave his life to the service of humanity and Statements and Interviews 255 his country, and now the whole world is sorrowed by his death. We ought to realize in this sad hour the danger to our country of partisanship and bitterness in our public life, and learn from the sweet and gentle life of Warren G. Harding a lesson in tolerance and good will. LAW AND ORDER AT SPRUCE PINE SEPTEMBER 27, 1923 A serious situation has arisen at Spruce Pine, in Mitch- ell County, which caused the Governor to dispatch Adjutant General Metts there by the first train. He is instructed to keep in touch with developments and advise the Governor immediately if any assistance is needed in maintaining law and order. The Governor late this afternoon received a telegram from local authorities indicating that there has been some movement started toward driving colored labor away from the place. He immediately informed the authorities that he would afford the community ample protection, in order to safeguard the rights of all its citizens, both white and colored. His telegram follows: Hon. a. N. Fuller, Mayor, Spruce Pine, N. C. T. W. Dayton, Sanitary Officer, Spruce Pine, N. C. Dr. Charles A, Peterson, Spruce Pine, N, C. Dan W. Adams, Spruce Pine, N. C. Please call on local authorities to uphold the law and protect every- body in their rights, including the colored people. I am directing Adjutant General Metts to leave for Spruce Pine tonight. I will afford all protection the local authorities may require. Cameron Morrison, Governor. 256 Papers of Cameron Morrison THE REMOVAL OF DR. McBRAYER FROM OFFICE NOVEMBER 26, 1923 I have not been applied to by Dr. McBrayer ^ for a pardon in his case, but notwithstanding this fact, I have been considering the matter. It appears that under my power to pardon I have no right whatever to annul the law applicable to Dr. McBrayer's case, except so far as it relates to the 350 fine. The language of the law is that one guilty of trading with himself in violation of the terms of the Statute "shall be forthwith removed from his position in the public service." Section 4390 of the Consolidated Statutes of North Carolina. I do not think the Governor or any court has any right whatsoever to annul this law. It is a clear-cut mandate of the lawmaking power o the State, and unmistakably within its constitutional power. Of course, the appeal from Judge Sinclair's judgment stops the execution of his judgment until after the appeal is determined, but if Judge Sinclair is reversed by the Supreme Court, it will not affect in the slightest, in my judgment, the duty of the board of trustees to comply with the law. I am truly sorry that Dr. McBrayer is faced by this situation, because I believe he has rendered humanity and the State great service, notwithstanding the errors com- mitted in his administration. We have stood by him until we are faced with a dictum of the lawmaking pov/er of the State which cannot be defied. I knew of the statute forbidding officers and agents of the State from trading with themselves, but I did not know until the trial before Judge Sinclair of the provision that required the removal of the officer guilty of its breach. I informed Dr. Long and Senator Harrison of the board today that it was up to them; they had my opinion,*;^and I could not modify it. 1 Dr. L. B. McBrayer was superintendent of the State Sanatorium for Tubercular Patients at Sanatorium, N. C. Statements and Interviews 257 I have the right only to pardon men from the judgment of the courts for fines, imprisonment, etc., for violation of the criminal law, but I have no earthly right to say a public official shall not be removed from office under circum- stances where the General Assembly of the State says he shall be. This seems to be a hard case, but the law is a good one and ought to warn every officer in North Carolina that the matter of trading where self-interest is involved is a high offense and cannot be tolerated in this State. GEOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SURVEY SHOULD BE LOCATED AT RALEIGH; APPOINTMENT OF BRENT S. DRANE FEBRUARY 2, 1924 At a meeting in Asheville, about a year ago, the board passed a resolution, in favor of moving its headquarters to Raleigh, but this course was deferred, on request of Dr. Pratt, who stated that he contemplated resigning and thought it wise to wait until his successor was appointed. Dr. Pratt having resigned and his successor having been appointed, the office will be moved to Raleigh, barring legal obstacles. The Board of the Geological and Economic Survey is composed of the Governor and four members of the board, appointed by the Governor. The State Geologist and Director was for a long time Dr. Holmes; he was succeeded by Dr. Joseph Hyde Pratt, who has just resigned. This organization has done a great deal more for North Carolina than is generally understood. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Pratt were both able men, and we have about as complete survey of the soils, forests, waterways, and min- erals of our State as can be made. The office of the board has for a long time been at the University of the State, but not in actual legal contact with it. In my opinion, the office of this board ought to 17 258 Papers of Cameron AIorrison be moved to Raleigh, and with a sHght amendment to the law, the duty of a modern Department of Commerce ought to be placed upon this board. In fact, under the law as it now exists, in my judgment, it has the power, and it is its duty to do almost everything which a Department of Com- merce could do. Its name is som.ewhat difficult and does not appeal to the popular imagination. The name ought to be changed to: "The Department of Commerce, Industry and Economic Survey," or some name that would include the idea of a Department of Commerce. Upon the resignation of Dr. Pratt yesterday, I appointed Mr. Brent S. Drane of Charlotte to succeed him. Mr. Drane was with the United States Geological Survey for some fifteen years after graduating from the University of this State. He is educated and highly trained in the pro- fessional work required of the Department, and in addition to this, is one of the finest boomers in the Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte. He was at one time chairman of the school board of the city of Charlotte, and is an aggres- sive and capable business man. I am satisfied that he is ideally fitted not only to perform the technical and pro- fessional work and studies of this Department, but he is as well qualified as any man who can be found to head the Department of Commerce. This enlargement of the duty of this board can be made without any additional expense to the State. The appro- priation made to it, in my judgment, is approximately suffi- cient to discharge not only the duties now performed, but to put on it a little more of the work of a strictly Depart- ment of Commerce. The Department of Commerce cannot intelligently function without the information about the State which the Geological and Economic Survey has, and which they are authorized to acquire as extensively as possible. I cannot see why any one would object to converting this body into a Department of Commerce, and require it to Statements and Interviews 259 do what can be done to advertise and make available for popular use the abundant data about the actual resources of this State which It has already compiled, and which It Is adding to by study all the time. THE DISMEMBERMENT OF THE CAPE FEAR AND YADKIN VALLEY RAILROAD MARCH 21, 1924 The utterance of the Republican State Platform upon the subject of the dismemberment of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Railroad ^ Is most unfortunate at this time. I am astounded that the Republicans, evidently opposed to the dismemberment of the road, should have declared against the State in the suit now pending before the Supreme Court of the State. They say the road was dismembered under a legislative grant of the General Assembly of North Carolina. If they are right about this, then our fight against the dismemberment of the road is futile, and we will lose our case. It is not true that the Cape Fear and Yadkin Railroad was dismembered under any grant of authority from the General Assembly of this State. It was not dismembered under any legal authority. Judge Simonton's decree of sale did not authorize its dismemberment. It was sold as a whole. The purchasers divided the road. For a long time it was thought the division was made under the authority of Judge Simon- ton's judgment. For a long time efforts were made to get the Attorney General of the United States to authorize the Institution of an action in the Federal Court to annul the dismemberment. The authority could never be ob- tained. After hearing the contentions of the parties presented to the General Assembly, I requested, and, so far as I had the power, directed Attorney General Manning to bring a suit In the State court to annul the dismemberment and 1 This suit has never been settled. See footnote on page ( 260 Papers of Cameron Morrison partition of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Railroad. I did not believe it was dismembered by any legal authority. It was a matter for our own courts to determine. The holders of the dismembered parts of the road now come into court and plead authority under acts of the General Assembly, In these acts of our General Assembly there is no reference to the Cape Fear and Yadkin Railroad whatsoever. The roads claim that certain acts of the General Assembly gave them the power to do what they did. If the legislature gave any such power, they did not know it, and I am satisfied no such authority is found under the acts which the railroads claim to have acted under. It is not proper for me to discuss this matter, as it is pending in court, but I cannot let this declaration of the Republican party go unchallenged. The case is now pending, and will be argued next week. It is not now a matter which can be properly discussed. I have associated the Hon. A. L. Brooks of Greensboro with Judge Manning. Mr. Brooks knows more about the facts in connection with this dismemberment than anybody else in the State. I did not associate Mr. Brooks at first in this case because I feared he was not in harmony with my determination to have our own Supreme Court say whether the dismemberment was legal or illegal. I knew Mr. Brooks had done his best to get the Attorney General of the United States to authorize suit in the Federal Court, but I found in my first interview with Mr. Brooks that he was in entire accord with my action. He and Judge Manning are prepared in the case, and will present it to the Supreme Court next week. If the Supreme Court of North Carolina says that the dismemberment of this road was done lawfully, then we are helpless in the matter; if it was done illegally, then all the power of the government of this State will be wielded to undo the wrong. I would not hesitate to call the General Assembly into extraordinary session, if the Council of State would permit me, to authorize the purchase of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Railroad, and make certain that it was forever kept an independent road. Statements and Interviews 261 I am satisfied a fair consideration of the whole record will show that this road was dismembered without any authority of law whatsoever. The acts of the General Assembly under which they claim to have acted gave no such authority as was exercised. Judge Manning, Attorney General, is a truly great lawyer, and when I asked him to institute the suit in the State court, he expressed the opinion that this was the only course open to us and that we ought to win it. He is now most hopeful of victory. If we are successful in the case, I promise quick action to protect the State. MAY CALL AN EXTRA SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY JUNE 2, 1924 I have definitely decided that if the Council of State will advise and consent thereto, I will call at an early date an extraordinary session of the General Assembly, and urge the enactment of the necessary legislation for the development of water carried commerce, and name a commission to have charge of the whole matter, so the people will have full information as to who is to administer the law and spend the money contemplated by the develop- ment, but not to be operative unless approved by a majority of the voters at the next general election. I have recognized all the while that this proposition is one of great magnitude, and I have sympathized with those who feared the investment of such a large sum of money without being assured of popular approval. I believe the fair, and in the long run, wise thing is to enact the necessary legislation, subject to the approval of the people of the State. It can never be successful without the approval of the people, and, deeply convinced as I am, of the wisdom and justice of the measure, I recog- nize that this is a government by the people, and I think 262 Papers of Cameron Morrison that a movement of such magnitude should not be under- taken without their approval. I am confident that the people of the State do favor the development of our waterways and the setting up of water competition with rail transportation. I am quite confident that the measure can be fully presented to the people, and when they understand it, I am fully confident of the result. But if I am wrong about this, after all it is the business of the people, and finally would be determined by them. This will avoid political difiiculties which might accompany direct and final action of the General Assembly. MR. HENRY TO STUDY THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS AUGUST 22, 1924 It is not true that Mr. Henry ^ has any commission from me undertaking to connect him with the League of Nations. The sensational trash being circulated over the country, based on that interpretation of my simply giving Mr. Henry a commission to study as a commissioner for North Carolina the League of Nations, is ridiculous. Mr. Henry is a gentleman of great dignity and fine personality and I am quite sure he has only presented himself in a becoming manner as one interested in the study of the League of Nations. Knowing the man as I do, and his fine sense of propriety, I am quite sure he has not done anything unbe- coming or which warrants such foolishness as is being circulated. The commission he bears is not addressed to the League of Nations, but is simply a general appoint- ment of him to study that great subject. He is doing it without any cost whatsoever to North Carolina, and when he returns I am satisfied the people of the State will be treated to one of the most elucidating and reliable reports upon the study of the League of Nations. iPhilip S. Henry of Asheville. Statements and Interviews 263 OPPOSITION TO HIS WATER TRANS- PORTATION BILL NOVEMBER 1, 1924 The scurrilous telegram received by me, signed by Fred N. Tate and J. T. Ryan of High Point, cannot be dignified by a direct reply to them The insulting character of that communication makes it impossible. Authority for the statement that the furniture people were opposing this measure because of favorable rates which they had succeeded in securing is established by the following : In a special to the Greensboro Record, the issue of Friday, September 19, from High Point, the following appeared : J. T. Ryan, traffic expert of High Point, will oppose Governor Mor- rison's Port Bill, it was learned here Thursday afternoon. Interference with the status quo is said to be the basis of Mr, Ryan's opposition. Fifteen or sixteen years ago, it was stated yesterday, Mr. Ryan secured certain railroad rate concessions that were very favorable to furniture shippers, and it is feared that the Southern may abolish or modify these rates in case Governor Morrison's Port Bill is adopted in the state- wide referendum to be held in November. In the Greensboro Record of September 26th, in a news article reporting a discussion between Senator Mendenhall and Mr. Ryan, the following statement is made: Mr. Ryan's opposition to the bill lies in his fear that the railroads, if the measure is adopted by the people, will withdraw certain favorable rates extended the furniture manufacturers of High Point and Thomas- ville, rates that have done much to encourage the industry. I was in Charlotte some weeks ago, the date I do not remember, when I met a prominent gentleman connected with the furniture industry. He told me they were having a meeting there then about the port bill, that Mr. Ryan, their freight expert, was advising them to oppose it because it might interfere with their commodity rates. Mr. Ryan was quoted in other papers as saying that some sixteen years ago the furniture people succeeded in 264 Papers of Cameron Morrison getting an adjustment of their freight rates of the railroads upon which the furniture industry had been built. I am truly glad that the furniture industry and the tobacco industry both enjoy commodity rates upon a large part of their products, but my heart is with the great mass of people of the State who are under the general classifica- tions, and I think those who enjoy such favorable treat- ment from the railroads are making a great mistake to in- sist that freight rates in this State are now satisfactory, when as a matter of fact if the cotton manufacturers, the tobacco manufacturers, and the furniture manufacturing industries had to pay the general classification rates they could not exist. The meeting held in Winston a few days ago, in point of personnel and character, could not be excelled by any gathering that could be brought together in the State. Many of the gentlemen are owners of railroad stocks, enjoyers of commodity rates for the products which they manufacture, and owners of short-line railroads. Some of these men are among my warmest personal and political friends, but I do not think it unfair argument to make the point that they are not disinterested and that their opposition to the port bill may be influenced by their environment and interest and the fact that the general classification of freight rates does not apply to their business. As to Mr. Robert N. Page and my so-called attack upon him, I desire to say that I know few men for whom I have a higher personal esteem, but Mr. Page was raised up in the railroad business. For a long time he and his family owned and operated a railroad. In other fights between the people and the railroads, Mr. Page has been on the railroad side. I do not consider Mr. Page an Impartial judge where the railroads are concerned, nor do I consider his judgment about the matter equal to the fourteen men who, under oath, investigated this whole proposition for the State. Their personal and business standing is equal to his. T. M. Miller, chairman; D. D. Carroll, Emmett H. Bellamy, J. A. Brown, J. Y. Joyner, W. A. Hart, A. M. Scales, Chas. S. Wallace, and Chas. E. Waddell composed Statements and Interviews 265 the Commission. They found the facts. I believe they found them truly. No man in this campaign has success- fully refuted any facts found by them. I have not at any time during this campaign transcended the proprieties of debate, but I have boldly pointed out the interest of gentlemen and the bias of gentlemen where I knew it existed, who were fighting the measure. I know the influence leading the fight against the bill in this State. Many of my friends are in it. I know their business connections. I know a great many of them are bankers who have deposits from the railroads, manufacturers who have commodity, special rates, owners of short-line railroads, large owners of railroad stocks, and I think many of them are unconsciously influenced by self-interest to oppose this measure. I am prepared with names and facts, and if the gentlemen desire to push the matter I am prepared to establish that the leaders in this fight, including my very dear friend, Governor Doughton, Mr. Page and others, have had en- vironments that give them railroad leanings, and if the gentlemen take offense at my pointing out these facts, I am sorry, but the people are entitled to know the facts. I do not think it is a reflection upon a man that he is interested in railroads, but I do think it is a reason why he should not be viewed as a disinterested adviser of the people when he undertakes to oppose the destruction of railroad monopoly in transportation and the establishment of water competition. The chickens of North Carolina had as well consult the foxes about where to roost as for the people to consult the group assembled at Winston-Salem the other day about what to do to cheapen transportation charges in this State. Some of my good friends from High Point were there, who own a short-line railroad. I noticed a telegram from a gentleman in Duplin County to the meeting regretting his inability to be present, who is, or has been until right recently, the owner of 310,000 worth of railroad stock; one from a gentleman in Scotland County whose family owns 266 Papers of Cameron Morrison two short-line railroads. They are both very fine men and good friends of mine, splendid citizens, but I fear they are not unprejudiced upon this matter on account of self- interest. A great many of those gentlemen are heavy stockholders and owners of railroad stocks, are collectors of the unjust freight rates being paid in this State. They are much more afraid of losing the freight rates which they are collecting on their railroad stock than they are of any tax they will ever have to pay in connection with this matter. I have no earthly feeling against any of the gentlemen whose disinterestedness in this campaign I have questioned. I think they have made a great mistake to fight this move- ment to establish a maritime business over the waters of our State, and especially do I condemn those who, having secured relief for themselves, desert the great mass who have not. We must stand firm and work until sundown Tuesday and a great victory for progress is certain. I am absolutely confident. The people are determined everywhere and cannot be diverted from their purpose to win equality of opportunity for the State. We must destroy railroad monopoly in transportation and establish transportation competition. I appeal to the Progressives of the State to go to the polls Tuesday and complete their progressive program for a greater North Carolina. Cameron Morrison, Governor. WATER TRANSPORTATION BILL DEFEATED NOVEMBER 6, 1924 It now looks as if the Port and Water-carried Commerce Development Bill has been defeated. It is close, but I feel that the final count will disclose a small majority against it. Statements and Interviews 267 When I was running for Governor against Mr. Gardner and Mr. Page, I promised the people, in a prepared and signed statement addressed to the Just Freight Rates Association, to do all that I could to establish just freight rates for this State. Of course, there is no other way to do it except by the development of water competition. I have done all I could to keep my pledge. The greatest thing which can be done for North Carolina in the future is the development and utilization of our waterways for purposes of transportation. It will be done, I have no doubt, in the course of time. The matter was not considered altogether upon its merits. I did my best to keep it out of politics, but this could not be done altogether . in a general election. North Carolina will not long be content to pay enormous- ly, as it will do in every rivers and harbors bill passed by Congress, for the development of the waterways in other states, and let North Carolina's waterways go undeveloped and unutilized. This election has caused consideration of the matter in the State, and if it has the merit which I verily believe the measure has, it will live and triumph yet. Progressive propositions are usually defeated at first, and we must not be discouraged, keen as our disappointment is in this matter. ORAL ARGUMENTS OR PETITIONS FOR PARDONS DECEMBER 15, 1924 Governor Morrison announced this afternoon that after today he would not hear oral arguments or see people in pardon cases until after Christmas, and possibly not again during his term, except in the capital cases now before him. The Governor stated that all parties interested in pardon cases would be notified to file briefs and documents per- taining to the various cases before him, and they would be given every possible consideration, but that incident to going out of office imperative official duties would make it 268 Papers of Cameron Morrison impossible for him to continue to give his entire time, as he has been doing for three weeks now, to hearing pardon cases. In any cases that the Governor feels he should see parties interested, he will ask upon his own motion that they come before him; otherwise, he will not hear people under any circumstances. This course is rendered absolutely necessary as there are other important duties of the Governor's office which must have attention during the last few weeks he is in office. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT LIMITING THE STATE'S INDEBTEDNESS AND CREAT- ING THE AMORTIZATION FUND Governor Morrison favors setting up a redemption or amortization fund to pay the State's indebtedness, provided the fund can be protected by a constitutional amendment prohibiting any future General Assembly from appropriating the fund to any other purpose than the payment of the State's indebtedness. It became known today that he had requested Attorney General Manning in connection with the constitutional amendment limiting the State's indebtedness, to prepare an act for the General Assembly with a constitutional amend- ment safeguarding the plan when adopted by the General Assembly. The Governor thinks the yield from the present revenue bill and from the automobile and gasoline taxes will easily justify the extraction of, say, 3250,000 from the general revenue of the State, and 3250,000 from the automobile and license taxes, to be placed in a redemption or amortiza- tion fund. He has become convinced that this would not in the slightest embarrass the revenues of the State. The figures used are merely to illustrate, but a sum somewhere around that will easily do the work of redemption. Statements and Interviews 269 He has asked Dr. Carroll, dean of the Commerce Depart- ment of the University, and Dr. E. C. Branson to work up a mathematically perfect amortization proposition on the principle of one-half of the fund to come from the general revenue of the State, and the other half from the automobile and licenses tax. Dr. Carroll and Dr. Branson will meet with the Governor tomorrow, and General Nash is already at work on the act and the constitutional amendment SHIP CORPORATION TO GO TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE I cannot at this time present to the State the argument in favor of the ship corporation which I have proposed. In due time I expect to present the situation to the people of the State and to the General Assembly. I do hope the people of the State will withhold any adverse judgment until they are made acquainted with the exact condition which confronts the State. There need be no alarm about a great amount of money being expended. Ships are being sold by the United States government at prices never before heard of. I notice some gentleman suggesting that it would take five millions of dollars. We would be unable to use five millions of dollars worth of ships and other equipment at present prices. I am satisfied the corporation can be organized and put m operation with an increased interest charge on the State of not in excess of 370,000 per year. The ships can be operated not only at a profit, but at a great profit if the people will only patronize them. I am satisfied when the people know the facts and how vital to the future growth and prosperity of this State such a shipping company is, they will give the necessary patronage. It cannot fail if they will do so. If we should go into it, and the people would not patronize it, and it had to go down or be run at a loss, we 270 Papers of Cameron Morrison could quit without much loss. We expect to organize the people of the State not only to construct and operate the company, but to patronize it sufficiently to make it a success, and If they will. It will save the people of the State more money, and be worth more to the business of the State annually than the entire tax paid for purposes of State government. The great chain of inland waterways In Eastern North Carolina constitutes the finest body of Inland waterways In America. Under the present law, as Interpreted by the Interstate Commerce Commission, they are of little value to us as freight rate basic points because they are not used for shipping purposes. There will be direct and immediate benefit to at least thirty-five of the one hundred counties of the State, and Incidentally, benefit will be radiated to all the other counties. Freight rates are based on rates to a few basic points, plus the local rate from such points to the destination of the freight. Our present freight rates are largely based on Virginia cities' rates, plus the local, and thereby we are commercial bondmen to them. J. W. BAILEY'S ATTACK ON THE APPOINTMENT OF A. D. WATTS I herewith hand the public a letter which Mr. J. W. Bailey wrote me urging the appointment of Colonel A. D. Watts as Tax Commissioner. At the time this letter was written, and when I appointed Colonel Watts, Mr. Bailey was probably closer to me than any other public man in the State, and at that time, I regarded him as one of my most valuable advisers and devoted friends. When Mr. Bailey wrote this letter, he knew Colonel Watts well; they were thoroughly familiar with the political methods of each other, and for a long time had been as close together politically as any two men In North Carolina. He assails Colonel Watts most mercilessly now. Statements and Interviews 271 If I erred In the appointment of Colonel Watts, Mr. Bailey is the last man on this earth who ought to attempt to create prejudice against my administration on account of that error. I am satisfied now that Colonel Watts is just as honest as Mr. Bailey told me he was In his letter herewith given the public. It is true that Colonel Watts has the power to value railroad property for taxation under the revenue bill. He stated at the time he discovered that this power was in him that it ought not to be so, and that he would earnestly seek to have the law amended so that the full responsibility would not be upon him. However, this much is true, that he so exercised this power that all the principal railroads In the State are fighting valuations fixed by him In the courts, and are resisting paying the taxes. Whatever power he has seems to have been exercised for the people, and not corruptly against them. Mr. Bailey opposed the constitutional amendment under which we were able to levy an income tax upon unearned, as well as upon earned Incomes in the State. His views were defeated by 175,000 majority In the State. It ought to have been sufficient to persuade him to subside on the subject of taxation. Colonel Watts stood with the people for this righteous and just measure. The great political power which he wielded In the State was. In this Instance, used for those who had to work for the incomes taxed, and for the great mass of the small property owners of the State who were bearing heavy burdens. Mr. Bailey was against the masses upon this sub- ject. No man In North Carolina Is entitled to greater credit for the adoption of the present just tax system than A, D. Watts; no man Is entitled to less than J. W. Bailey. As to corruption in primary elections, we have a splendid corrupt practice act, as well as a good primary law. The corrupt practice act was drawn by the Hon. E. J. Justice, one of the greatest and most sincere reformers this State ever produced. The act has as many teeth in it as Mr. Bailey or anybody else can Insert. It will not do any 272 Papers of Cameron Morrison good to pass any more laws, for Mr. Bailey cannot bring about the enactment of any better one than we now have. If he knows of any corruption, I am sure if he will investi- gate it, he will find the law ample to punish it. DENYING ANY PERSONAL ATTACK UPON THE CORPORATION COMMISSION It is not true that I made any personal attack upon the Corporation Commission either in my speech at Asheville or at the summer school at the State College a few days ago. I do not think, and never intimated, that the State Corporation Commission or any member of it is corruptly under railroad influence. I did say, and have been saying, that not only the State Corporation Commissioners and other bodies charged with the regulation of freight rates, but also the rate experts employed by chambers of commerce and traffic associations, have come to favor railroad transportation as against any other mode of transportation. I do not think this fact grows out of corruption, but men who have studied this mode of transportation and worked with it, and whose jobs are connected with it, seem to become friendly to it. Of the many men that I have talked with about water and surface road and truck com- petition with railroad traffic, I at least thought I found an undue and almost inexplicable partiality to railroad trans- portation, and hostility to water or truck and surface road competition with it. The last General Assembly came in an inch of conveying to the Corporation Commission the power to regulate rates for hauling freight for hire over the public roads of our State. I was very hostile to this, and because of the fact that the Corporation Commission made, not a recommen- dation for it, but a recommendation that the General Assembly should give it serious consideration, and were Statements and Interviews 273 generally understood as being favorable to giving them the power, I was forced into combat with them. I did state that the railroads were ready to run to their friends, the Corporation Commission, for protection against competition from the truck and public road transporta- tion. I do not think the Corporation Commission and their experts should be allowed to influence the public against the development of competition with railroad transportation, through water transportation and a free use by the public of the public roads. The final safety of North Carolina against unjust intra- state freight rates is through a free and untrammeled use as far as charges for transportation go, of the public roads of the State and truck and other means of transportation of freight and passengers, and the only hope of relief and justice in the matter of interstate freight rates is the development of water transportation in the thirty-odd counties of the State (where it can easily be established) and the use from the water towns of the public road and truck transportation, free from Corporation Commissioners or other control. I do not understand the Corporation Commission to be in accord with my views on this subject, and I have endeavored to combat their influence in the matter, but at no time have I consciously said anything reflecting upon the integrity of any one of them. Two of the three are my friends, or have been, and I am theirs, but I am in pro- nounced disagreement with them upon the proper policy for the State to pursue in regard to building up and maintaining water and surface road and truck competition with the rail- roads. If I have seemed at any time to transcend the proprieties in debate and make any reflection upon the integrity of any one of them, it was certainly far from my intention; but I will fight to the limit any effort to confer upon anybody the right to regulate charges upon the public roads of this State for hauling freight and passengers. Of course, I do not object, but favor proper police regula- tions to protect the roads, and fair and just taxation, but 18 274 Papers of Cameron Morrison this is a very diflPerent matter from allowing any body of men to impose restrictions and fix charges upon carrying freight and passengers for the purpose of protecting rail- roads against the competition of the surface road and truck transportation, which is so valuable to the people of the State, and which, coupled with the development of water transportation, means more to North Carolina than any- thing the State Corporation Commission has power to accomplish for us. The State Corporation Commission is charged with certain duties with reference to freight rates upon the rail- roads of the State. I have made no criticism of them in the manner in which they are discharging their duty, but when they allow their influence to be thrown in favor of stifling competition from the surface road and truck trans- portation and against the development of commerce over our unrivaled waterways, they can very easily hurt the State a great deal more than they can do it good. It would be much better to abolish the State Corporation Commission altogether, and without restriction develop competition for the railroads over our waterways and over our good roads than to keep the Corporation Commission and permit it to lead or back up with the influence of their great position the fight against the development of our waterways and truck and public road competition. PUBLIC LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS PUBLIC LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS Sanatorium, N. C, May 18, 1922. To His Excellency, Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, North Carolina. My dear Governor; It gives me pleasure to transmit herewith copy of resolution passed by the Medical Society of the state of North Carolina at its last annual session, April 26, at Winston-Salem in regard to the needs, etc., of a medical college in our State giving the third and fourth years, and also copy of resolution endorsing the Governor's "Live at Home" campaign. With appreciation and esteem, I am. Very sincerely yours, L. B. McBrayer, Secretary-Treasurer. Winston-Salem, April 26, 1922. The following resolutions ^ offered by Dr. Cyrus Thomp- son were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina heartily thank Dr. L M. Manning for bringing the matter of North Carolina's need of a medical college to our attention, and that we heartily endorse every movement looking toward the consummation of this end and that we urge the serious consideration of this matter by the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina. Resolved, That we most heartily endorse the "Live at Home" campaign of Governor Morrison and assure him that the medical profession of the State appreciates the splendid work he is doing along this particular line and desires to offer its hearty cooperation. iThese extracts were taken from the minutes of the annual session of the Medical Society of N orth Carolina, and enclosed to Governor Morrison by Dr. L. B. McBrayer in his letter of May 18, 1922. 278 Papers of Cameron Morrison [Telegram] Winston-Salem, N. C, April 27, 1922. Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. The Medical Society of the state of North Carolina in regular session endorses most heartily your food and nutri- tion campaign. H. A. Royster, President. L. B. McBrayer, Secretary. [Telegram] Washington, D. C, May 18, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C. Apparently all agree that every young man who is willing to prepare himself for the defense of his country should be given the opportunity. To this end, I suggest that you bring to the attention of the citizens of your State the opportunity presented to them now by the Citizens Military Training Camps which will be conducted during the coming summer without any cost or military obligation to them- selves. The young men accepted for these camps will be given training which will be of inestimable value through the physical and mental development received which will unquestionably increase their value to the Nation and to the communities in which they live. Warren G. Harding. Letters and Telegrams 279 [Telegram] [May 18, 1922.] To His Excellency, The Honorable Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, Washington, D. C. I have your telegram in regard to military training camps, and it will give me great pleasure to accede to your request and give the matter as wide publicity in North Carolina as possible, with my hearty commendation. Cameron Morrison. Rocky Mount, N. C, July 16, 1922. To His Excellency, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C. The undersigned mayor of the city of Rocky Mount, sheriff of Edgecombe County, and sheriif of Nash County respectfully show to your Excellency that the strike of the employees of the Emerson Shops of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company at South Rocky Mount has, for the past several days, been accompanied by increasing disorder, culminating at midnight on Saturday, July 15, 1922, in an assault, by a mob of approximately five hundred strikers and strike sympathizers, upon fifteen railroad guards, who had been sworn in as special policemen by the mayor of the city of Rocky Mount and assigned to the duty of protecting the Emerson Shops and terminal yards of said railroad company at South Rocky Mount, together with railroad workmen assigned to duty in connection therewith; which assault was followed by the abduction of said special police- men, the disappearance of eight of them, and the serious injury to others. And the undersigned further show that the mayor and police force of the city of Rocky Mount have exhausted their power in an effort to deal with the disorders incident to said strike, and that the sheriffs of Edgecombe and Nash counties have it not within their power to afford such 280 Papers of Cameron Morrison efficient aid to the city authorities as will assure the pro- tection of the railroad property and its workmen assigned to duty in said Emerson Shops and railroad terminal yard at South Rocky Mount; and that they verily believe that there is need for prompt drastic action by your Excellency, in order to prevent the occurrence of disorders of a more serious nature than those that have heretofore accompanied said strike. Wherefore, the undersigned*request that your Excellency will order that troops be sent to Rocky Mount for the protection of the workmen and property of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company and the maintenance of the supremacy of the law. C. L. Gay, Mayor of the city of Rocky Mount. J. W. Thomas, Sheriff of Edgecombe County. J. L. CORNWELL, Sheriff of Nash County. [Telegram] Hamlet, N. C, July 17, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor, Raleigh, N. C. Believing you would weigh justly both sides of the labor controversy, I am sorry to say from reports in the evening press that troops have been ordered to different points in our State. If this is true you have violated your duty to the workers of North Carolina. Federated Shop Crafts. Felix Cannon, President. R. S. Mauney, Secretary. Letters and Telegrams 281 [Telegram] Hamlet, N. C, July 17, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor, Raleigh, N. C. We wish to remind you that Richmond County is still a law-abiding citizenry and need no State troops to hold us in due bounds. We will bitterly resent troops sent anywhere in this county. Division 435, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. [Telegram] Hamlet, N. C, July 17, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor, Raleigh, N. C. Be it resolved that we advise Governor Morrison that the engines are being run out of Hamlet in a dangerous condition and in violation of the law. Division 435, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, July 18, 1922. Division 435, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Hamlet, N. C. Very sorry for the temper of your telegram. None but the lawless need ever fear troops under my command. I am standing squarely upon the principles of my Concord address and will see that every right of labor is protected in this State while I am Governor. No good citizen need fear the sight of the uniform of his country's soldiery which protects orderly society. I devoutly hope it will not be necessary for me to take military charge at Hamlet, Rocky Mount or elsewhere, but if I do, only those who want to break the law need be worried about it. I know the labor 282 Papers of Cameron Morrison people of Hamlet are of the highest character and finest citizenship and am sure their influence will be exerted for peace and against a repetition of the lawless incidents evidence of which has been put before me Cameron Morrison, Governor. [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, July 18, 1922. Felix Cannon, President of Federated Shop Crafts, Hamlet, N. C. Your wire received. Sorry you take the view you do. Troops under my command will never violate any right of labor. I cannot conceive of as fine citizen as you thinking I would permit troops in any sense to do you or your cause any injustice. Sworn testimony was presented to me showing conditions most deplorable. Many incidents nar- rated if true I am sure would not meet your approbation. I thought it my duty to put military forces in the State in such proximity to the trouble that if necessary they could be used; but I want you to understand even if I send troops to any point nobody but the lawless need fear their presence. I wish I could see you and talk with you about the situation. My own opinion is that any exhibition of sympathy on the part of the leaders of labor with lawlessness or any resent- ment of the orderly processes of government is the worst thing that could happen for labor. There is no important principle contended for by labor that I am not ready to defend and to prevent anybody violating in this State, but such lawlessness as has occurred at Hamlet and Rocky Mount is not approved by labor. I hope very much your fine influence will be exerted for order, and you may rest assured no troops will be put into Hamlet by me except to establish order and protect life and property. If sent there, troops will uphold every legal right of labor. Cameron Morrison, Governor. Letters and Telegrams 283 [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, July 18, 1922. J. F. Barrett, Hamlet, N. C. Your wire received. You know very well that no legal right of labor will ever be trampled under foot by any troops commanded by me. I am standing squarely on the principles of my Concord speech. I do not understand your attitude towards troops. What harm they will do you I cannot for the life of me see. Under my command, if I do have to use troops anywhere, it will be only for the protection of orderly society and not impose on any man's rights. Cameron Morrison, Governor. [Telegram] [July 18, 1922.] Division 435, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, . Hamlet, N. C. Your wire received. The matter you refer to should be reported to civil authorities. I have no authority in the matter unless I should take military charge of affairs at Hamlet. I am satisfied you good people will not permit a condition to arise there making this necessary. I want to respect every right of labor, but according to evidence presented to me, there will be trouble there unless cool heads exercise their influence to prevent it. I am not in any sense hostile to any legal right of labor, but we must have peace in North Carolina, and order, whatever the provocation, must not be overcome anywhere. Cameron Morrison, Governor. 284 Papers of Cameron Morrison [Telegram] Washington, D. C, July 18, 1922. Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. The proposal of the Federal government to the United Mine workers and the various coal operators whose mines are under suspension to submit all questions in dispute to a National Coal Commission for arbitration has been declined. The mine workers declined as a body. The majority of the bituminous operators pledged unqualified acceptance. The anthracite operators filed unconditional acceptance. A minority of the bituminous operators accepted the principle of arbitration but made specifica- tions which could not be considered. I had proposed that the operators and mine workers in dispute should immedi- ately resume coal production under the wage scales and working conditions which prevailed at the time of the strike on last April first, that every question in dispute should go to a National Commission to be composed of three representatives of the mine workers, three representa- tives of the operators, and five representatives of the American public. It was proposed to make the Commission the final authority on all disputes until next March, and meanwhile the Commission was to inaugurate a searching inquiry into every phase of the coal industry in order to recommend the way to maintain understanding between workmen and employers, to promote steady employment, and assure a continuous and ample fuel supply. The failure to secure the acceptance of this proposal for a voluntary adjustment left me no other course but to invite the mine operators to return to their mines and resume activities. I trust you will find it consistent to second this invitation, if you have not already done so, with the invitation to all miners and operators to resume their work. This invita- tion should be accompanied by such assurance of main- Letters and Telegrams 285 tained order and the protection of lawful endeavor as will give assurance to everybody concerned. I want to convey to you in this message the assurance of the prompt and full support of the Federal government whenever and wherever you find your own agencies of law and order inadequate to meet the situation. Your State government and the Federal government are jointly responsible for maintaining conditions under which freemen willing to work may work in safety. We are responsible for the production and the transportation of a fuel supply ample for the necessities of the American people and the public utilities which serve them, particularly the railways engaged in interstate commerce. We must have ample coal to maintain industrial activity. We must have coal necessary to the health, security and activity of all the people. I recite to you these details because it is important to have it understood how far the Federal government has gone in seeking a voluntary adjustment. Thus far there has been no challenge of the right of workers to decline employment or the right of the employers to hire as they elect. Our present duty is to guarantee security in the exercise of these rights, security In all lawful operations, and afford a safe opportunity for that production and dis- tribution demanded by the necessities of the American people. There has been no government assumption of a part In the dispute between organized workers and organized employers. I did offer the only available agency which I know to effect a settlement, and these good offices have not availed. It becomes necessary therefore In the name of common wel- fare to invite production in the fulfillment of that obligation which attaches to any American industry engaged in providing any public necessity and to afford security to all men alike who are ready and willing to work and serve the common need. No cause is as important as that of common welfare, and there must be the suppression of every unlaw- 286 Papers of Cameron Morrison ful hindrance to the service of that cause. To the task of lawful protection and the maintenance of order the Federal government pledges to you every assistance at its command. Warren G. Harding. [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, July 19, 1922. His Excellency, Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, Washington, D. C. Your wire of yesterday received last night. There is very little mining in this State and so far as I know there are no strike troubles in this industry. It would be a vain thing for me to invite coal miners to return to work in this State, but I would not do so any way. I am truly sorry that a judgment long formed and repeatedly expressed hereto- fore in my State prevents my agreeing with your position, as set forth in your telegram. I deem the whole policy of national and state governments trying to adjust labor disputes unwise. It always forfeits the confidence of the side to such a controversy finally decided against by the government and creates suspicion of the impartiality of its exercise of police power. I believe the full duty of the government and the part of wisdom is to uphold the law with fearless impartiality and permit parties in industrial disputes to fight the economic battle to a finish. Your position is practically to use the power of the government against the strikers, and in the enforcement of police regula- tions and the upholding of the law the strikers will naturally have little confidence in the impartiality or fairness of soldiers or other agencies of force directed by a government which has taken a decided stand against them, however good the reasons for such a stand may be. I will elaborate my views in a letter mailed today which I earnestly hope you will do me the honor to read. There will be no trouble in North Carolina in upholding the law in this or any other controversy, and I am quite sure I will not need Federal forces to aid me in the position Letters and Telegrams 287 I have taken of non-interference with either side in such controversies except to uphold the law and keep the peace and protect every would-be worker, union or non-union, from menace, insult and violence. In this position I have the united support of practically the entire citizenship of the State. I deeply sympathize with the great burden of respon- sibility upon your shoulders and truly regret that I cannot join you in an invitation to the miners to return to work, which is practically taking sides in the controversy. I hope under no circumstances in this or any other controversy you will use military force in this State until after con- ference with me. We will not need it as the forces at my command are adequate, and will be used, to protect the humblest laborer, union or non-union, in this State in his every legal right. If I should be mistaken in this, although I am sure I am not, I will instantly call upon you for aid. With high respect and every good wish, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina. Aberdeen, N. C, July 19, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C. Dear Sir: Early yesterday morning, July 18, a company of armed men, eight or ten in number, in two cars drove into the town of Aberdeen from the direction of Hamlet. They seized and carried off by force one Mr. Stubbs, chief elec- trician of the Norfolk Southern Railroad, who was per- forming duty for that road in the capacity of car inspector at Aberdeen. Upon his return to Aberdeen several hours later, he reported that he was carried some ten miles in the direction of Carthage, that he was told by these men that they had intended beating him to death and that they refrained from doing him bodily harm only because they found that he was a fellow-member of some of them in some lodge or union. They warned him that they would 288 Papers of Cameron Morrison kill him if he returned to his work at Aberdeen, etc. He left on the first train thereafter. I am advised by the Norfolk Southern Railroad that they are unwilling and unable to send car inspectors to Aberdeen unless protection is provided for them We are just at the beginning of the peach movement from this section and within the next two weeks six hundred to eight hundred cars of peaches should be delivered to the Sea- board Air Line by the Norfolk Southern Railroad at Aber- deen. They also advise me that inspection of these cars at Aberdeen is an absolute necessity, without which this whole movement will break down and cease. In such case, the loss of the entire crop would ensue, amounting in money to one and a half million dollars, and a vital blow be given to the future development of one of the largest and most interesting industries in our State. It is altogether impossible for the town of Aberdeen to cope with such a situation. I, therefore, request that you exercise your authority and send a sufficient force of the State Guard to Aberdeen at once to protect these car in- spectors. I beg to call your attention to the fact that peaches are the most highly perishable of all products, and delay or interference with normal movement for even one day results in total loss. Very sincerely yours, Henry A. Page, Mayor of Aberdeen. [Telegram] Wilmington, N. C, July 19, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Raleigh^ N. C. Situation of this company's terminal at Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has become so acute due to interference by former employees who are now on strike that unless we are given protection by properly constituted authorities con- tinuance of our operation will soon become impossible. The police force of the city of Rocky Mount is confessedly unable Letters and Telegrams 289 to give us this protection since the beginning of the strike on July first. This company has been able to continue its operation through efforts of its loyal employees who have volunteered to leave other posts and to perform necessary work in Rocky Mount terminals. At the outset of this, work was conducted by these employees who were protected by private guards. By threats, by intimidations, by kid- naping, by bodily harm and beatings the large number of strikers and their sympathizers have greatly reduced and depleted these forces until at the present time our shops are closed down, our electric power plant idle, and we have in the shops only five men, all of whom are officers of the company. The strikers have made it impossible to coal our engines at Rocky Mount and we have been forced to coal engines at Fayetteville instead of from Rocky Mount terminals. Two of our employees who volunteered for service at Rocky Mount from other posts were demanded by strikers and we have only been able to prevent their capture by keeping them locked in a room at one of the hotels at Rocky Mount. The strikers or their sympathizers in large numbers have demanded the surrender of these men and have threatened and sought by intimidation to learn their whereabouts from hotel employees and others. The small remaining force of loyal employees who have volunteered for the service of making up and inspecting trains is reduced to a point where physical endurance can- not last much longer. We have alreay placed an embargo on all freight shipments moving to and through Rocky Mount with the exception of perishables, livestock, food for human consumption and coal. If we could get proper protection from duly constituted authority there would be no difficulty in securing the return of our foremen, who are now held out by intimidation, and necessary number of workers to secure the performance of our obligations as a common carrier for the people of this and other states. Unless we can get such protection it now seems probable that we will have to close this important terminal and will be prevented from moving all necessary commodities for 19 290 Papers of Cameron Morrison our patrons. I therefore appeal to you as Governor of the State to give us necessary protection to enable those loyal employees who desire to work to continue to serve the company in its operation, and thus to enable It to continue its public service to the people of this State, J. R. Kenly, President A. C. L. Railroad Co. Raleigh, N. C, July 21, 1922. His Excellency, Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. President: After reflection I have decided to invite your attention to a proclamation and an address which I delivered on the occasion of having sent troops to Concord in my State to keep peace. I have marked the more pertinent parts of the speech. I cannot ask you to read all of this speech, as busy as you are, but I do hope you will do me the honor to glance at It sufficiently to see that my wire of yesterday was based on the principles therein declared. I would not have you think that my wire of yesterday was captious or partisan In any sense, for I have the very highest respect for the motives actuating you, and realize that you are but carrying out the pohcy which the country has adopted. I think the policy long pursued, not by your administra- tion alone, but by previous administrations as well, has been a failure. I earnestly believe the very foundations of liberty are In danger by adherence to a policy which makes the government, Federal or State, undertake to adjust these disputes. I believe the sound policy Is to stand for absolute liberty of contract, and to protect it by a sufficient exercise of the police power of the government; but please be assured that I only dlifered with you to the extent my wire does through deep conviction upon the subject. I verily believe that the fact that our country from one end to the other Is almost an armed camp today, full of Letters and Telegrams 291 riot, bloodshed and lawlessness, is due to the efforts of the government to adjust the industrial controversies out of which that trouble grows, instead of bringing disorderly people to order with such force as is necessary. With high esteem and great respect, I am, Very truly yours, Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina. [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, July 24, 1922. J. F. Barrett, Charlotte, N. C. Your wire received. Never made any statement that I wanted to debate with anybody, but did say my position forbade my entering into controversy with anybody, and therefore I could not debate the matter involved in my telegram to President Harding with the Raleigh News and Observer and the Greensboro News. The question you refer to is not a debatable question. If the troops are deny- ing you or those you represent the right to do anything you want to do, please let me know at once what it is, and if it is not against the law, I will see that they are required to let you do it. Cameron Morrison, Governor. Washington, D. C, July 24, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor of the State of North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina. Dear Sir: I am deeply indebted to you for your courte- ous compliance with my request for copies of your recent communications to President Harding and your proclama- tion and address to the people of Cabarrus County on August 19, 1921. Permit me to assure you of my great appreciation of your stand in this matter and also my appreciation of your 292 Papers of Cameron Morrison attitude as regards the rights of the workers as set forth in your proclamation and address of August 19, 1921. The workers ask no other right. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. Washington, July 24, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Governor Morrison: The President asks me to acknowledge your letter of July 20th, and to say that he has very hastily read the copy of the address which you enclosed, particularly the marked portions thereof. I am sure he would want me to say that he has no disposition to argue with any one about the method of settling indus- trial troubles. What the President sought to do in his telegram to the governors of the coal producing states was to convey to them a recital of what he had sought to do in the way of arbitrating the coal dispute at a time when the entire Nation is menaced by a lack of fuel. You can be very sure there will be no trespass on the rights of your State in dealing with the matter. The President has tried to be helpful, but he does not expect everybody to be in complete accord with his views. Yours sincerely, Geo. B. Christian, Jr., Secretary to the President. Raleigh, N. C, July 31, 1922. Hon. Herbert Hoover, Secretary of Commerce, Washington, D. C, I have been away from my office. This and great reluctance to assume any responsibility in the matter of coal distribution as mentioned in your message* of a few *This letter is probably a reply to a telegram found on page 309 and arranged as undated material. Letters and Telegrams 293 days ago caused the delay. After full reflection I see noth- ing to do except to assume without any possible warrant of law the power to comply with your request, and I hereby designate the members of the State Corporation Commis- sion to represent North Carolina in so far as you require representation by the State to direct the distribution of North Carolina's allotment of coal. The members are W. T. Lee, chairman, A. J. Maxwell, George P. Pell, and their address is Raleigh, North Carolina. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina. [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, August 18, 1922. Fairfax Harrison, President Southern Railway, Washington, D. C. Your wire of yesterday received promptly. I post- poned sending troops to Spencer because under all cir- cumstances I believe it was the best course. I notified all parties there that orderly conditions must be preserved and the rights of your company and of all others respected or I would promptly send troops. You may be assured the state of North Carolina will protect the property of your company and its other rights in this State, but I believe conditions could be so improved that it would be unnecessary. If I find I am mistaken I shall act promptly and with ample forces to control the situation. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina. [Telegram] October 22, 1922. Governor Cameron Morrison, State Capitol, Raleigh, N. C. I am appointing you one of a committee of distinguished citizens selected from every state to cooperate with the 294 Papers of Cameron Morrison American Red Cross and the Near East Relief and with the coordinating committee made up of the heads of the organi- zations interested in relief work in the Near East, of which Mr. Will H. Hayes is chairman, in making known to all of our countrymen the great call which has come out of the Near East to the heart of the American people. More than a half million suffering human beings, the majority women and children, are dependent on the benevolence of America. The Red Cross and Near East Relief Committees, working in harmony and supported by all benevolent organi- zations, are responding to the call. The coordinating com- mittee is helping develop the money raising campaign and bringing into concerted action all the forces possible. You will not be burdened with the details, but the association of your name will be a great influence in their work in your community. Warren G. Harding. [Telegram] [October 23, 1922.] To His Excellency, Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, Washington, D. C. It will give me great pleasure to serve on the committee as per your telegram of October twenty-second. Cameron Morrison. [Telegram] New York, November 20, 1922. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor, Raleigh, N. C. In connection with Governor Parker's appeal for our aid in controlling Ku Klux Klan, will you please wire collect at your earliest convenience the situation in your State and whether you will respond to his plea for cooperation of all governors in suppressing the Klan. New York Tribune. Letters and Telegrams 295 [Telegram] [November 21, 1922.] To THE Managing Editor, New York Times, New York, N. Y. Speaking for myself and over two and a half million North Carolinians, I desire to express to you my heartfelt appreciation of the magnificent article on page twelve of the special features section of Sunday's Times headed "Prosperity Reigns in North Carolina." The author, Mr. James Arthur Seavey, by no means overstated North Carolina's progress, and I want to convey to him personally my congratulations on what I regard as probably the most valuable and serviceable industrial article on North Carolina ever printed outside of this State. You have thousands of readers in North Carolina and I am sure every one of them will appreciate your article. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina. [Telegram] Raleigh, N. C, November 22, 1922. New York Tribune, New York City. Your wire received. Answer delayed because I was out of my office when it came. I have no intention of cooper- ating with the governors of other states in suppressing the Ku Klux Klan, as you say Governor Parker has suggested. I have had no such plans suggested to me from any other governor. I do not expect any trouble in this State from this source, but in the event any should arise organized government will be able to handle any difficulty which we may have. Cameron Morrison. 296 Papers of Cameron Morrison [Telegram] New York City, February 10, 1923. Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. Whereas, we the University of North CaroHna Alumni Association of New York City, at our meeting on February 9, discussing the educational progress within the state of North Carolina, are greatly Impressed with the results. And whereas, we, realizing the necessity of continuing such progress and firmly believing in the permanency of the recent great growth and in the future leadership of the state of North Carolina, do hereby resolve that we express our hearty endorsement of the legislative program of the 1921 session of the State legislature for the upbuild- ing of education in the State, and do respectfully and heartily memorialize the present session of the State legis- lature to continue this same constructive and forward look- ing program. George Gordon Battle, Chairman. David Brady. Herman H. Horne. Victor E. Whitlock Dr. I. F. Harris. Raleigh, N. C, March 6, 1923. Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. Dear Governor: Permit me to extend to you the thanks of the members of the Labor Legislative Committee for your kindness and courtesies shown them during the meeting of the General Assembly. I heartily join them in both thanking you for your kindness and in extending best wishes. Yours very truly, W. F. Moody. Letters and Telegrams 297 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America* Whereas, the preservation of our forests, Federal, State and private, is essential to our industrial and commercial life, to our strength as a nation, and to our individual well- being, and Whereas, forest fires, which are largely the result of carelessness or thoughtlessness, continue to do great damage, threatening to deplete and reduce our forests to the point at which they can not longer serve the nation adequately as a source of timber supply or for watershed protection and recreation, and Whereas, the annual observance of Arbor Day in the states, and the interest in fire prevention which has resulted from Forest Protection Week heretofore, have done much to awaken the people to the importance both of planting trees and of perpetuating the forests that are already established. Therefore, I, Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, do urge upon the governors of the various states to designate and set apart the week of April 22-28, 1923, as Forest Protection Week, and wherever practicable and not in conflict with State law or accepted custom, to make Arbor Day fall within the same week; and to urge citizens, teachers, officers of public instruction, commercial and other associations, and the press to unite in thought and effort for the preservation of the Nation's forest resources by conducting appropriate exercises and programs and by publishing information pertaining to the waste from forest fires and ways of preventing or reducing such losses, in order that out forests may be conserved for the inestimable service of mankind. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. *This proclamation was enclosed to Governor Morrison in a letter dated March 22, 1923, from C. W Pugsley, Acting Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 298 Papers of Cameron Morrison Done at the city of Washington this fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred [seal] and twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and forty-seventh. Warren G. Harding, By the President: President. Charles E. Hughes, Secretary of State. Washington, D. C, March 22, 1923. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Governor oj North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina. Dear Governor Morrison: The President has again issued a Forest Protection Week proclamation,* and has this year designated the week of April 22-28 for its observ- ance. May I ask, in view of the vital importance of this move- ment, that you give whatever assistance you can toward securing in the schools and elsewhere throughout your State a general observance of this week.? Both the plant- ing of trees and the prevention of fires are necessary to the perservation of our forests, which are essential to the public welfare. Fires, which are largely the result of human agencies, continue to make great inroads into the remaining timber stands, and the planting of trees is still lamentably below our reforestation needs. It is of little use to plant if we do not keep fires out. The two ideas should be taught together. Therefore, I suggest the combining of the Arbor Day and Forest Prevention Week programs wherever it is at all possible. A copy of the President's proclamation is enclosed. Sincerely, C. W. PUGSLEY, Acting Secretary, •This proclamation is the one preceding Letters and Telegrams 299 Raleigh, N. C. March 23, 1923. Hon. C. W. Pugsley, Acting Secretary of Agriculture, Wash 'ngton, D. C. Dear Sir: The Governor directs me to say that he has Issued an appeal to the people of North Carolina to observe Forest Protection Week, in response to the request made by the President In his proclamation of March 5. With much respect, I am. Yours very truly, Wm. H. Richardson, Secretary to the Governor. Raleigh, N. C, May 11, 1923. Mrs. Kate Burr Johnson, Commissioner of Public Welfare, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Mrs. Johnson: I desire to withdraw my request for an investigation by your board Into prison conditions in the State. I have decided that my own official responsibility about this matter is greater than I had at first realized. I have, therefore, determined to assume full responsibility in the matter and to take far- reaching action without delay. Your board, under the law, can only make a report to me for submission to the next General Assembly, or for my own guidance and assistance. I have decided that I do not desire a report from you for the purpose of Influenc- ing my own action, and as the General Assembly will not meet for some time, I am unwilling to wait until that time for action. I have been giving serious study to the whole subject, and feel that I have both the legal power and the disposi- tion to take action In the premises. ^ Circumstances are such that I really think your investiga- tion and report would embarrass me rather than aid me In the course I have firmly fixed my mind upon. I am thoroughly In accord with modern and progressive thought upon the subject of prison reform, and under the 300 Papers of Cameron Morrison law as it is now written, I am satisfied the whole system can be put in modern and up-to-date shape. I am going to exercise all the power I have, and I am quite sure it is sufficient to bring this about. Very truly yours, Cameron Morrison, Governor. (Copy to members State Board of Charities). Raleigh, N. C, May 11, 1923. Hon. James S. Manning, Attorney General of North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Judge : I will thank you to get in touch with the solicitors of the State at your earliest convenience and request them to cooperate with you in an investigation of the county prisons and camps in which prisoners are kept when being worked. I desire the most thorough investigation made through regular government channels. I want you to assist personally in the prosecution of any breach of law, or inhuman or cruel treatment of prisoners. If your force, together with the solicitors, is not sufficient to vindicate the law and punish any failure of duty, I will be glad to consider a request from you for the employment of special counsel to assist. Very truly yours, Cameron Morrison, Governor. [ Telegram ] Raleigh, N. C, May 26, 1923. Hon. Heriot Clarkson, Law Building, Charlotte, N. C. I have the honor to send you by today's mail a commis- sion for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, to succeed Associate Justice Walker, deceased. Cameron Morrison, Governor. Letters and Telegrams 301 Charlotte, N. C, May 26, 1923. Hon. Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. I am deeply appreciative of the honor you have con- ferred upon me, and more especially as coming from you; and with the help of a kind Providence, I will ever strive to justify the trust and confidence you have placed in me. Heriot Clarkson. Raleigh, N. C, May 26, 1923. Hon. Heriot Clarkson, Charlotte, N. C. My dear Clarkson: Reposing great confidence in your exalted character and devotion to the great principles upon which human rights are based, and confident of the competency of your knowledge of the law, I desire to con- firm my telegram of this morning tendering you the position as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, to fill the unex- pired term of Justice Walker, deceased. The personal satisfaction in tendering you this high honor is very great. With assurances of my highest esteem and respect, I am. Very truly your friend, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, June 9, 1923. Hon. a. T. Allen, Raleigh, N . C. My dear Professor Allen: Confirming a recent conversation with you, I have the honor to tender you the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to succeed the Honorable E. C. Brooks, until the next general election. It gives me great pleasure to tender you this appointment in appreciation of the great service you have already rendered the cause of education in the State, and because 302 Papers of Cameron Morrison of my confidence in your ability to discharge the duties of this high position. Very truly yours, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, June 11, 1923. Honorable Cameron Morrison, Governor, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Governor: I hereby hand you my resigna- tion as Superintendent of Public Instruction. It is my desire that you accept it at once in order that I may assume my new duties as President of the North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering. I wish to take this opportunity to express to you my very high appreciation of your leadership and cooperation during the time that I have been associated with you as a member of the State Board of Education and the State Council. Your leadership in the great social and industrial develop- ment through which our State has been passing is exciting the admiration of all progressive, patriotic citizens, and your vigorous support of the State public school system has made it possible for North Carolina to give to its children a new and richer opportunity. I consider it has been a rare privilege for me to be associated with you in the great undertakings of your administration, and at the time when I am leaving the State Council and the State Board of Education, I wish you to know in what high esteem I hold you and what respect I have for you. Very sincerely yours, E. C. Brooks, State Superintendent Public Instruction. Raleigh, N. C, June 11, 1923. Hon. E. C. Brooks, State Superintendent Public Instruction, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Dr. Brooks: I accept your resignation as State Superintendent of Public Instruction with regret; Letters and Telegrams 303 but I rejoice in the fact that you are to be transferred to a position from which your great abiHty will continue to give strength to the educational life of the State. It would be mpossible for me to measure with words the very great service which you have rendered North Carolina as Superintendent of Public Instruction, and as a Councilor of State. You have been a source of strength and help to me in all the high responsibilities my administra- tion has had to meet. Although you are not to continue to be technically a Councilor of State, I shall continue to seek the benefit of your good judgment and high ideals when State emergencies arise I thank you most sincerely for your kind references to me. S'ncerely and cordially your friend, Cameron Morrison, Governor. Raleigh, N. C, June 15, 1923. To His Excellency, Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Governor: I wish to express to you my gratitude for the very great honor which you have just conferred on me by appointing me State Superintendent of Public Instruction. I am especially proud of the fact that I am thus permitted to become a part of your adminis- tration. I know that there is nothing in my record that warranted such dist'nguished consideration at your generous hand. I assure you, however, that I shall earnestly strive at all times to conduct this great office, under your leadership, in such a way that you may have no cause for regret at your action in this matter. Again thanking you, I am, Yours very sincerely, A. T. Allen, State Superintendent Public Instruction. 304 Papers of Cameron Morris Raleigh, N. C, June 15, 1923. Hon. Cameron Morrison, President ex officio, Dr. Clarence Poe, Chairman Executive Committee, Board of Trustees of N. C. State College of Agriculture and Engineering. Dear Sirs: At a meeting o^^ the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina, held at Chapel Hill, June 12, the Secretary was requested to extend hearty congratulations to your Board of Trustees on the election of Dr. E. C. Brooks as President of the North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering, We feel that the election of Dr. Brooks is a matter of congratulation not only to your Board but to the entire State, and we wish to assure you of the good will and friendly feeling which our Board entertains towards the newly elected President of your institution. Very truly yours, Henry M. London, Secretary. Raleigh, N. C, July 19, 1923. I want to say to you, Mr. Chairman* and gentlemen of the committee, that I recognize in this report, which you have presented, and the study and analyses and audit of our State's financial affairs upon which it is based, the first comprehensive, thorough and complete study, analyses and audit of the financial affairs our State ever made. I feel quite sure that an intelligent citizenship will approve the necessary expenditure to have this work done. Immediately after becoming acquainted with the report and the recommendations accompanying it, the Council of State was called in formal meeting, with Major Durham, our State Auditor, and Mr. Lacy, our State Treasurer, present, and we unanimously agreed that the recommenda- *Statement by ttie Governor to the Joint Legislative Committee, upon their presentation of the report of the auditors, Price, Waterhouse & Co., on the financial affairs of the State. Letters and Telegrams 305 tions for changes In the manner of keeping the accounts of the State's financial transactions would be approved and put in operation at the earliest possible date it could be done. The system of bookkeeping and auditing which we have had is that which the State has followed through a long period of time. It is established, beyond any question, by your report and the audit behind it, that it was suffi- cient to keep the revenues of the State without loss, because, although our State Treasurer has been in office for twenty-three years, and did not have to settle with anybody during that long period of time, that his whole cash receipts and disbursements being checked by this great auditing firm balances to a dollar. I want to congratulate the State and this Committee that our Treasurer had In hand every dollar he belonged to have; but the system was inadequate to keep the necessary accounts and give the people and the General Assembly the information absolutely necessary for proper legislation. I am quite sure that both Major Durham and Mr. Lacy, in the best of good humor, will promptly install the im- provements and new systems suggested, and that this part of the report is well worth the cost of it, in addition to the audit. I want, in conclusion, to thank you for the very impartial and intelligent manner in which you have dealt with a very important phase of our State's life. July 24, 1923. Resolved, That we, the members of the Local Board of Fire Underwriters of Wilmington, N. C, representing the insurance companies doing business in North Carolina, In meeting assembled, believe that the development of the state of North Carolina depends largely upon lower freight rates and competitive freight conditions, endorse fully the action of the Chamber of Commerce in seeking to impress 20 306 Papers of Cameron Morrison upon the State Ship and Port Commission, the need for a State port, and in favoring its location at Wilmington. We take this opportunity of commending Governor Cameron Morrison upon the broad vision which has characterized his road building and transportation policy and express the hope that the recommendations of the State Port Commission will enable him to crown his efforts to give North Carolina efficient and cheap transportation. Resolved, therefore, that copies of the above resolution be given to the Governor, and the chairman of the State Port Commission. Passed this 24th day of July, A. D. 1923, at the city of Wilmington, in the county of New Hanover. Clayton Giles, President. S. C. PuLLiAM, Secretary. [ Telegram ] Raleigh, N. C, August 3, 1923. Governor Cameron Morrison, Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N. C. At a conference between Hon. W. N. Everett, Secretary of State; Hon. B. R. Lacy, the State Treasurer; and Hon. Baxter Durham, the State Auditor, held this morning, it was ordered that, out of respect for the memory of President Harding and as a fitting tribute to him, all flags on State buildings be placed at half mast and that the Capitol and public buildings be closed officially today and again at the hour of the President's funeral. William H. Richardson, Private Secretary. [ Telegram ] Asheville, N. C, August 4, 1923. Mrs. Warren G. Harding, White House, Washington, D. C. The people of this State without regard to party, class or color, recognize the great loss to our whole country in Letters and Telegrams 307 the death of our beloved President and feel the deepest sympathy for you in your great bereavement. Cameron Morrison, Governor of North Carolina. Raleigh, N. C, January 21, 1924. Mr. John A. Park, President, The Raleigh Rotary Club, Raleigh, N. C. My dear Mr. Park: I am indeed gratified to learn that the Rotary District Conference is to be held in the city of Raleigh, April 3-4; and I wish, through you, to extend to all Rotarians in this district, a cordial invitation to attend. I hope this conference will be a success from every standpoint. The spirit of "Rotary" carries with it an aggressiveness that is beneficial to any community. I am informed that the Raleigh Club is one of the finest in America and one of the oldest, and I am sure it will make a graceful host. With my best wishes for you, personally, and congratulat- ing "Rotary" for the part it has taken in building up com- munity. State and National pride, I am. Sincerely, Cameron Morrison, Governor. March 24, 1924. [The Public]: The Road Building and Maintenance Demonstration and Road Machinery Exhibit which is to be held in North Carolina June 4th to 10th, inclusive, under the auspices of the American Road Builders Association and the North Carolina State Highway Commission, will be well worth while. As Governor of the State I wish to extend to all the people interested in road construction and maintenance a most cordial invitation to attend this demonstration. Especially do I hope the State and county officials will honor us with their presence and join with us in making this the most beneficial road conference ever held. Cameron Morrison, Governor. 308 Papers of Cameron Morrison [ Telegram ] Raleigh, N. C, June 2, 1924. Major George Butler, Clinton, N. C. I thank you for your speech in Goldsboro advocating the development of North Carolina's water commerce. I appreciate the fact that you rose above partisanship and took this position. Cameron Morrison, Governor. [ Telegram ] Raleigh, N. C, June 9, 1924. Mrs. Locke Craig, Asheville, N. C. I am deeply grieved over the death of your great husband. You have my deepest sympathy. The State has suifered an irreparable loss. Cameron Morrison, Governor. [ Telegram ] Washington, D. C, — 26, — . Governor Cameron Morrison, Raleigh, N. C. Attitude of Federal government seems to be that a solution of coal strike rests with State authorities. Would you be good enough to telegraph three hundred words telling what per cent of normal production is being pro- duced in coal mines today in your State, and what your idea is as to the best means of settlement.? We are planning to use this material in Sunday newspapers from coast to coast, etc. Consolidated Press Association. Letters and Telegrams 309 [ Telegram ] Washington, D. C, — 26, — . The Honorable Governor* of North Carolina, Raleigh^ N. C. In order that the Federal government may do its part In the distribution of coal supplies over the present very difficult situation, the President has appointed a committee on coal distribution comprising representatives of depart- ments of Justice, Interior, Interstate Commerce Commis- sion and Department of Commerce, under my chairmanship, for the purpose of securing coordination of Federal agencies in the best distribution of the available coal supplies. Certain priorities have been established in necessary com- modities by the Interstate Commerce Commission who have asked your State Public Utilities Commission if the Interstate Commission may have Its active assistance in the distribution and transportation of coal by public utilities and governmental institutions. If necessary. Beyond this, the Presidential Committee on coal distribution are co- operating with coal operators and with the Interstate Commerce Commission in an endeavor to secure that coal shall be sold from the mines at a fair price. The agencies and present authority of the Federal government, of course, do not enable it to protect the ultimate consumer of coal f within the boundaries of a state further than such pro- tection can be secured by the above means that coal sold in interstate commerce shall be sold to the original purchaser at a fair price and that fair distribution between the states be obtained. The problem of securing that the ultimate consumer shall be protected In securing coal now In circula- tion, and on resale of coal distributed as above, and that equitable distribution shall be carried out must rest within the authority of each state. I am sending this telegram at the request of the President to learn if you can undertake to operate a state organization under your direction to secure that this shall be done and with which we can cooperate. Herbert Hoover. •A letter found on page 292 \3 very probably a reply to this telegram. MISCELLANEOUS MATERIAL PUNISHMENT ADMINISTERED PRISONERS OF THE STATE PRISON APRIL 17, 1923 We, the undersigned members of the Board of Directors of the State Prison, respectfully submit to the people of the State the following statement: We do not think the statement so sensationally given the press by one E. E. Dudding, styling himself President of the Prisoners' Relief Society, requires any investigation on our part or on the part of any other body of officials representing the state of North Carolina for the following reasons: Dudding is not a citizen of this State, and ought not to be heard in Interference with our governmental affairs; further, his record is notoriously bad. We are of the opinion that no investigation should be made for the further reason that each and all of us know his statement to be untrue and scurrilous. During the last two years, or since the assumption of control at the Penitentiary by the present Board, seven persons have been whipped at the Central Prison. The whipping was done strictly under the law, as enacted by the General Assembly of the State. None of these parties were Injured. The prison physician and witnesses were present in each instance. The record was made, as required by law, in each case. This record Is open to the lawful officers of the State or any interested citizen of North Carolina. One of these persons was a colored girl. We hereto attach the affidavit of Mrs. I. H. Rogers, the white matron in charge of the women prisoners of the institution, in which the reasons for the whipping of this woman are set forth with particularity, and the attention of the public is especially directed thereto. It may shock some at first thought that this female was whipped, but unless some protection can be given Mrs. Rogers and other white women whose services are necessary for the proper care of 314 Papers of Cameron Morrison the female prisoners, then none can be employed. She Is the only female whipped during our administration. The six males whipped were whipped because the circum- stances In each case, in the opinion of the Warden and officers, made It necessary In order to preserve discipline, prevent demoralization and endanger the safety of even the prisoners themselves. It would make this statement too long to set forth the particulars In each case, but they were shocking In character, and made punishment necessary. Corporal punishment has been Inflicted at some of the camps, but In each and every Instance, It was inflicted strictly In accord with the act of the General Assembly on the subject, a report of the same made to the Central Prison, and the records are available to any citizen of the State or any officer of the law who may desire to Investigate any of the cases. Nothing in the nature of permanent injury resulted from the punishment inflicted at any of the camps. Physical punishment has been reduced to the lowest possible minimum, but the General Assembly of the State, In the modern and up-to-date statute on the subject, enacted during the administration of the humane Governor Bickett, recognized that some punishment was necessary In some cases. In order to prevent such demoralization as would result in escapes, and to prevent the prisoners from doing violence to each other. In spite of our best efforts, they frequently do this. One of these whippings at one of the camps was inflicted upon seven men who assaulted and almost killed a guard; another whipping was because the man punished cut a fellow prisoner nearly to death with a knife, which he had In some way secreted about him, and the doctor had to take forty-eight stitches in his body. We have set up officers of the law, solicitors, prosecuting attorneys, grand juries, an Attorney General, and a Com- missioner of Public Welfare to represent the people and Investigate alleged criminality on the part of officers, as well as on the part of private citizens. We do not propose Miscellaneous Material 315 in any way to encourage setting up somebody to have a sensational and useless investigation of slanderous charges against our management of the institution; but if any solicitor, grand jury, welfare commissioner or other officer of the law, wants to make any investigation of any act or anything done at the State Prison under our management, it will be the pleasure of the Superintendent and other officers in charge to expedite the investigation and courteous- ly assist therein at any time. Very truly yours, Jas. a. Leak, Chairman. W. M. Sanders. A. L. Bullock. R. M. Chatham. Geo. Ross Pou, Superintendent. Hugh A. Love, Clerk. Jas. H. Norman, Jr., Physician. S. J. Busbee, Warden. AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING THE CONDUCT OF ADA ADAMS This is to certify that Ada Adams, a fifteen year old negro girl, was placed under my charge at the State's Prison on or about the 15th day of December, 1919, having been convicted of larceny and sentenced to the State's Prison for a term of two years. That upon her commitment to the State's Prison the rules and regulations of the institution were fully explained to her, and she was placed at work with the other women prisoners. That soon after Ada Adams was placed under my charge she became disobedient. I warned her and she was con- tinually disobedient and insulting, not only to me, but to the women prisoners. She used vile, indecent and insulting language which I would not think of attempting to repeat. She was continually bringing about unrest and turmoil. 316 Papers of Cameron Morrison She fought, destroyed property, was insulting and refused to work. After finding that I could not control the woman, I called upon Captain Busbee, the Warden. Captain Busbee had her placed in a dark cell in the Woman's Building. When released, she continued her meanness. Several times more she was placed in the dark cell, but it seemed to have no effect. I had called Captain Busbee in several times, and he had warned her that unless she behaved it would become necessary to whip her. She continued her insulting, disobedient, destructive con- duct, and on May 10, 1921, Captain Busbee had the girl dressed in a man's heavy winter union suit and in the presence of the prison physician, gave the woman twelve straps. He did not strike her upon the naked flesh. Neither did he strike her on the back. The punishment was given as a last resort, and was neither cruel nor inhuman. The woman suifered no ill effects from the punishment. The public must remember that I have women under my control who have been convicted of various crimes. Some for murder of people in cold blood, some for infanticide, one for actually placing a child in a cave and letting it slowly starve to death; and also for other crimes. I have under my control over forty women prisoners. As a general rule these women are obedient and respect- ful, but now and then one becomes so vile, vulgar, insulting and obnoxious and disobedient that it is necessary for punishment. No men are in charge of women prisoners, other than the Warden and Superintendent. Mb-S. I. H. Rogers, Matron in Charge. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 17th day of April, 1923. Josephine Rand, N. P. Miscellaneous Material 317 OFFER OF 3400 REWARD Raleigh, N. C, May 17, 1923. A reward of four hundred (^400) dollars will be paid for evidence sufficient to convict any employee of the North Carolina State Prison Board for whipping any State con- vict, and failing to report such action, as required by the State law, to the Superintendent of the State's Prison, or for whipping one contrary to the provisions of the statute regulating the same and without the presence of the witnesses required by law, or any cruelty or inhumanity to any prisoner in the State prior to this date. Cameron Morrison, Governor. By the Governor: Wm. H. Richardson, Private Secretary. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE STATE PRISON MAY 17, 1923 To His Excellency, The Governor of North Carolina, and the Honorable Board of Directors of the North Carolina State Prison As Superintendent of the North Carolina State's Prison I have the honor to submit the following observations and recommendations : Since my appointment on May 10, 1921, I have given my entire time and energy to the business of the State's Prison. Until recently the Superintendent of the State's Prison had under his supervision approximately eight hundred inmates, which were distributed in four or five road camps, one farm, and at the Central Prison at Raleigh, N. C. During this administration the number of inmates has increased more than fifty per cent in numbers, and today 318 Papers of Cameron Morrison we have approximately 1,200 population. These prisoners are distributed in eleven road camps, two immense farms and at the Central Prison, a total of fourteen different places in the State, as compared with the former five or six places. The supervision of these camps and farms calls for travel of more than 1,500 miles, traversing forty-three of the one hundred counties in the State. I mention this fact that you may realize the difficulty which has been experienced in giving the prisoners under our control con- stant supervision, and the increase in the duties of him who occupies the place of superintendent, as compared with the duties of former superintendents. The superintendent also attends, as you know, to all executive duties. Upon my appointment the Governor requested me to study and experiment to ascertain if the use of corporal punishment could be abandoned. With this in view I have made a thorough investigation and study of prisoners and prison conditions under our supervision. I have studied the system used in our Federal prisons and other State prisons, but the bulk of my knowledge has been received by hard study, close observation and personal contact with the prisoners themselves, which in my opinion is the only way to ascertain and determine what system can best be adopted, and what Is best for the prisoner during his confinement and upon his release. It has been uppermost in my mind to give to North Carolina a humane, modern and up-to-date prison system. Prison conditions have greatly improved over a period of two years. Prison conditions should be remedied by prison ofliiclals, legislative action should be unnecessary except In certain instances, such as our recent recommendations to the General Assembly relative to the establishment of a Tubercular Colony for tuberculous state and county convicts, and the abolition of the Criminal Insane Depart- ment of the State's Prison. These two laws which were passed by the last General Assembly will live as monuments to the Prison Board of Directors. At this same General Assembly a bill was proposed pro- hibiting corporal punishment at the State's Prison and Its Miscellaneous Material 319 camps. No constructive practical idea as to what form of discipline would replace corporal punishment was offered or suggested by the proponents of the bill. I offered to withdraw my opposition to the "Anti-flogging Bill" if the proponents would give some practical form of punishment to replace corporal punishment with which to maintain necessary discipline. No plans were submitted. The bill was voted down unanimously. I regretted at the time that some one could not offer a substitute form of punishment. I had not completed my study of prisoners and prison con- ditions and was not satisfied I could offer a practical plan. Prison conditions are peculiar to the locality or state in which they are situate. Concentration of prison units, form of work provided and climatic conditions must be con- sidered. A system which may work well in New York, Minnesota or California may be worthless in North Caro- lina, and vice versa. In March 1922, more than fourteen months ago, we began an experiment at one of our camps. The experiment was a success and this camp has gone for more than four- teen months without corporal punishment. Corporal punishment has been abolished at a majority of our camps for several months. One supervisor who had a reputation of inflicting corporal punishment more than the others is now entering his tenth month, nearly a year, with- out corporal punishment. In others it has been necessary, but corporal punishment has been, I believe, reduced to a minimum under the present system of discipline. The foundation for the new system which I shall propose is the use of the indeterminate sentence. With the entire prison population serving indeterminate sentences it is discretionary with this Board of Directors as to whether the prisoner shall be discharged at the expiration of his minimum sentence, at the expiration of his maximum sentence or between such, according to the prisoner's behavior. This gives those in direct charge of the prisoners an opportunity to appeal to the sense of honor and manhood of the prisoner. It gives to the prisoner hope of reward for good behavior, far more than the gain time for good behavior, now allowed 320 Papers of Cameron Morrison by law. This law teaches the prisoner self-restraint, even more than the confinement, and it was from lack of self- restraint the prisoner became involved in the crime for which he was sentenced. It creates in the prisoner a desire to do right, and by so doing to cut his sentence. I therefore respectfully recommend to your Excellency that you change to an indeterminate sentence the sentence of every prisoner in the State's Prison, now serving a fixed sentence. You have such authority. I would also respectfully recommend to the Attorney General of the State that he advise and confer with our honored Superior Court Judges and the Emergency Judges with a view of securing their cooperation, which I am sure they will gladly give. I recommend to this Honorable Board as follows: 1. All prisoners now confined under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina State's Prison be as soon as practicable reclassified, this reclassification subject to the approval of this Board. Class "A" to be excepted. Class "B" shall be composed of all prisoners who have been of good conduct for the past sixty days or who have been in the State's Prison for less than sixty days and have been of good behavior. Class "C" shall constitute all prisoners whose conduct within the past sixty days has been bad. That those prisoners who may be retained in "C" grade be pro- moted to "B" grade should they remain of good behavior for a period of sixty consecutive days after the reclassifi- cation. 2. After a prisoner be hereafter placed in "C" grade as punishment shall not be promoted until after he has re- mained of good behavior for sixty consecutive days. 3. Before a prisoner be demoted he shall be granted an impartial investigation of the charges against him. Due consideration shall be made of the mental condition of the prisoner and the provocation under which the act was com- mitted, disposition or temperament of the prisoner, past prison record and general attitude before he be demoted or otherwise punished. Miscellaneous Material 321 4. Class "A" prisoners shall be granted the following privileges: freedom of the yard on Sundays and recognized holidays and after work, conditions permitting; to attend any form of prison entertainment and to play games which may be allowed; to receive mail in the discretion of the Superintendent; write not more than three letters in any one week; see his family or friends at place of confinement in discretion of Superintendent; one ration of smoking and chewing tobacco each week; privilege to receive one daily or weekly newspaper subject to approval of the Superin- tendent; privilege to receive from friends or relatives photographs, plain white towels, horn comb, hair brush, tooth soap (not powders), tooth brush, small hand mirror, suspenders, plain white handkerchiefs and black ties. Privileges of class "B" prisoners to be same as class "A" except those in this grade will be permitted to write only one letter each week, to receive visitors only twice monthly. Prisoners of "C" grade will have no privileges other than yard privileges, to write one letter each month and to receive visitors once each month. 5. These rules shall not be construed to preclude special permission in extreme cases to be given by the Super- intendent to see a particular prisoner of any grade at any time. 6. The above are privileges and not mandatory by statute. Prisoners will be punished according to offense in the following manner: a. Reprimand b. Loss of one or more privileges c. Reduction in grade d. Addition of time to minimum sentence e. Double shackles f. Confinement in solitary cell and hard labor g. Confinement in solitary cell on restricted diet after examination by physician. Diet to be approved by Secretary of State Board of Health. No prisoner to be confined longer than 48 hours except by authority of the Superintendent. 21 322 Papers of Cameron Morrison 7. That no prisoner in grade "C" be recommended for parole or pardon. 8. Conduct cards shall be kept at each place of confine- ment of prisoners upon which any notation of good or bad conduct must be made, together with any punishment administered and such cards shall be forwarded on the first day of each month to the Superintendent. It is my observation that the first principle for disciplining prisoners is to get it into the minds of those employees in charge of prisoners that in so far as possible prisoners should be accorded the same treatment as any free worker. Prisoners are merely ordinary humans, just as you and I; they have temperaments, inclinations and aspirations just as other human beings. The fewer rules adopted the better you can regulate discipline as it seem^s human for some of us to do those things we are specifically prohibited from doing. It is necessary to have the prisoners realize they have trust and dependence within themselves. It is my opinion that with the adoption of the above suggestions that this Board of Directors may authorize me to abandon the use of corporal punishment until at least the ideas presented have proven a failure, and I so recom- mend. I also recommend the abolishment of the use of dark cells, which I have always questioned. But as before stated, I do not claim the system proposed to be perfect in every respect. It can be improved from time to time and that is my desire. These suggestions are the fruit of my study of other prison systems and personal contact with prisoners and prison conditions. They are based on experience of myself and others and not on theory. I have recently visited every camp with one exception, which was visited by Major Hugh A. Love. At each camp I requested each prisoner having a complaint of any kind to come to me with such complaint. These com.plaints were few. Only five or six claimed they had been mistreated when given corporal punishment. In each instance I con- ferred with the physician who witnessed the infliction of the punishment, according to law, and in each instance the physician advised that no inhuman or cruel punishment Miscellaneous Material 323 had been Inflicted. I know there has been no inhuman or cruel treatment practiced in the convict camps under the supervision of the State's Prison officiais. I am not responsible for what takes place in the county jails and convict camps and know nothing of them. Respectfully", George Ross Pou, Superintendent. RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE STATE PRISON MAY 17, 1923 Be it resolved by this Board of Directors that the Governor be and he is hereby requested to offer the maximum reward as authorized by law for sufficient evidence to convict any employee of the North Carolina State's Prison Board of having whipped any State convict unlawfully, or not having reported any legal whipping as required by law. SERVICE RENDERED BY THE SHIP AND Wx\TER TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MAY 23, 1924 Mr. Chairman, and Gentlemen of the Ship and Water Transportation Commission: You have rendered the state of North Carolina a great service. I am quite certain the whole State will appreciate the sacrifice and labor given by you to an investigation and study of the great subject committed to you, and I believe the people will approve the judgment arrived at by you. |. The development of the waterways of North Carolina ^ was one of the objects which influenced me to defy many obstacles and seek the high office which I now hold. I had become so dominated by the thought that North 324 Papers of Cameron Morrison Carolina was not meeting in a high and full way the entire responsibility of a great state that I made bold to seek political power and high public position in order that I might help carry through a program which looked to a tremendous augmentation of our educational program, the better care of our defectives and unfortunates of every description, the stronger and more up-to-date protection of the health of the people, a more vigorous enforcement of the law, greater attention to our agricultural life, the con- struction of a great system of modern highways, the strengthening of our fish and oyster industry, and the animating of all our State activities, including the develop- ment of our waterways for transportation purposes. The program has all been put through, except the develop- ment of our waterways, about which your report is made. I am deeply thankful to a kind Providence that I have been permitted by the people of North Carolina to help do the great things which this State has done in the last few years. But the program for the further progress and greater strengthening of this State will not be complete until our unrivaled navigable waterways are utilized by the people of this State as an additional means of transportation, as well as a competitive means for the railroads in transporta- tion. Your report will be submitted to the General Assembly and to the people of the State. I know I have not embarrassed you during your delibera- tions by importunities or any improper effort to influence you. You were selected for this great service to the State because I believed you loved it; that you were high above any improper influence, and that you would render a con- scientious and just conclusion. I know you have done so. Personally, I find in your conclusion possibly the greatest satisfaction in quite a long and active participation in public affairs. I believe that the adoption of this report of yours in regard to the development of our waterways will do more to make this State strong and great than any other thing the government can do. I thank each of you from my very heart for the patriotism and wisdom you have displayed. APPOINTMENTS* (1921-1925) Adjutant General J. Van B. Metts Wilmington Commissioner of Revenue Col. A. D. Watts Statesville R. A. Doughton Sparta Secretary of State W. N. Everett Rockingham Commissioner of Agriculture W. A. Graham, Jr Iron Station Superintendent of Public Instruction A. T. Allen Raleigh Chief Justice Supreme Court W. A. Hoke Raleigh Supreme Court Judges W. J. Adams Carthage Heriot Clarkson Charlotte Geo. W. Connor Wilson Superior Court Judges Walter E. Brock Wadesboro Thomas M. Pittman Henderson Garland E. Midyette Jackson M. V. Barnhill Rocky Mount Michael Schenck Hendersonville Superior Court Emergency Judges C. C. Lyon Elizabethtown O. H. Allen Kinston George H. Brown Washington Garland S. Ferguson Waynesville *This list of appointments was compiled from the General Commission Book in the Governor's office. 326 Papers of Cameron Morrison Solicitors M. W. Nash Hamlet Francis O. Clarkson Charlotte Donnell Gilliam Tarboro J. W. Pless, Jr Marion R. H. Parker Enfield Minority Member of Budget Commission T. M. Jenkins Robbinsville Appalachian and Western North Carolina Railroad Company W. D. Turner Statesville Active State Chairman Harding Memorial J. Elwood Cox High Point Trustees Stonewall Jackson Training School Chas. A. Cannon Concord P. C. Whitlock Charlotte Dr. W. P. Few Durham Rev. T. P. Jirnison Spencer Washington Memorial Committee at Valley Forge Mrs. S. Westray Battle Asheville Dr. S. West ay Battle Asheville Mrs. Theodore Davidson Asheville Samuel Nash Tarboro J. G. M. Cormick Wilmington Mis i Mary H. Hinton Raleigh A. B. Andrews Raleigh Mrs. C. W. TiUett Charlotte James A. Gray, Jr Winston-Salem State Geologist Brent S. Drane Charlotte Cotton Commission R. O. Everett Durham A. W. McLean Lumberton C. B. Williams Raleigh L. J. Baker Palmyra Miscellaneous Material 327 Geological Board John H. Small Washington C. C. Smoot Wilkesboro Dr. S. Westray Battle Asheville Directors State School for Deaf and Blind at Raleigh R. S. Busbee Raleigh Dr. W. A. Rogers Franklin A. L. McNeill Sanford John A. Oates Fayetteville Chas. W. Home Clayton J. F. McMahon Raleigh John T. Finley North Wilkesboro Col. Jos. E. Pogue Raleigh R. S. Taylor Warsaw Board of Agriculture J. J. Harris Macon R. W. Scott Mebane W. B. McLelland Statesville W. A. Brown Rocky Point Dr. J. Vance McGougan Fayetteville O. Max Gardner Shelby Mrs. Edith Vanderbilt Biltmore Directors State Sanatorium Dr. T. W. M. Long Roanoke Rapids R. K. Blair Charlotte J. C. Thomas Raeford John R. Jones Sanford Union L. Spence Carthage W. E. Harrison Rockingham Jonas Oettinger Wilson Dr. Wm. P. Holt Duke Dr. J. C. Braswell Whitakers Col. Wiley M. Person Louisburg Members Fisheries Commission Robert Lassiter Charlotte H. V. Grant Sneads Ferry Frank Stedman Fayetteville M. B. Hart Tarboro E. S. Askew Windsor Santford Martin Winston-Salem H. C. Wall Rockingham 328 Papers of Cameron Morrison George Hampton Canton F. S. Worthy Washington J. K. Dixon Trenton J. C. Baum Poplar Branch W. O. Saunders Elizabeth City Directors Eastern Carolina Training School for Boys Dr. J. C. Braswell Rocky Mount R. T. Fountain Rocky Mount Dr. C. F. Strosnider Goldsboro Wilson Lamb Williamston S. C. Sitterson Kinston Stone Mountain Memorial Association Gen. Julian S. Carr Durham Maj. Z. B. Vance Asheville Gen. A. L. Cox Raleigh Dr. D. H. Hill Raleigh Col. A. H. Boyden Salisbury Col. Bennehan Cameron Stagville WTTtT T? 11 Briarcliff Manor, . W. I" uller N. Y. O. L. Barringer Charlotte Gen. W. A. Smith Ansonville Mrs. Philip Holt Rocky Mount Mrs. Junius D. Grimes Washington Judge W. A. Hoke Raleigh Geo. E. Ransom Weldon W. N. Everett Raleigh Col. Don E. Scott Graham Maj. Chas. M. Stedman Greensboro North Carolina Historical Commission Col. J. Bryan Grimes Raleigh Heriot Clarkson Charlotte W. N. Everett Raleigh Directors State School for Deaf and Dumb, Morganton Jas. F. Barrett Asheville Dr. Jenniss Morrill Falkland A. C. Miller Shelby Mrs. I. P. Jeter Morganton Dr. Howard E. Ronthaler Winston-Salem Miscellaneous Material 329 Commissioners Navigation and Pilotage Dr. Jas. Sprunt Wilmington C. C. Chadbourn Wilmington T. F. Wood Wilmington H. C. McQueen Wilmington Richard Dosher Southport Directors Old Soldiers' Home Miss Martha Haywood Raleigh Mrs._ R. E. Little Wadesboro Armistead Jones Raleigh Gen. Julian S. Carr Durham. Mrs. H. M. London Raleigh State Board of Charities W. L. Hutchins Lexington Wm. A. Blair Winston-Salem A. W. McAlister Greensboro Mrs. Walter F. Woodard Wilson Directors State Hospital, Goldsboro C. P. Aycock Pantego R. T. Wade Morehead City L. V. Bassett Rocky Mount John D. Robinson Wallace State Ship and Water Transportation Commission R. M. Miller, Jr Charlotte W. A. Hart Tarboro A. M. Scales Greensboro Chas. S. Wallace Morehead City Dr. D. D. Carroll Chapel Hill Emmett H. Bellamy Wilmington Jos. A. Brown Chadbourn Dr. J. Y. Joyner Raleigh Chas. E. Waddell AsheviUe Port Commission J. A. Brown Chadbourn A. J. Draper Charlotte Wallace B. Davis AsheviUe Emmett H. Bellamy Wilmington 330 Papers of Cameron Morrison George Butler Clinton A. M. Scales Greensboro Chas. S. Wallace ■. Morehead City Directors N. C. College for Women Mrs. R. J. Reynolds Winston-Salem Miss Easdale Shaw Rockingham Mrs. Geo. W. Watts (now Mrs. Cameron Morrison) . . Durham Trustees A. and E. College E. R. Johnson Currituck W. S. Lee Charlotte Junius F. Diggs Rockingham Chas. F. Tomlinson High Point Directors State Hospital, Raleigh Jos. G. Brown Raleigh J. H. Briggs Henderson Mrs. Marshall F. Williams Faison Dr. L. B. Evans Windsor J^ Felix Harvey Kinston W. L. Parsons Rockingham L. R. Varser Lumberton John F. Wily Durham George Howard Tarboro Mrs. Willie Green Cohen Weldon Directors State Hospital, Goldsboro C. P. Aycock Pantego Claiborne M. Carr Durham Dr. John D. Robinson Wallace Capt. Nathan O'Berry Goldsboro Dr. H. M. Horton Winston-Salem F. B. McKinne Louisburg H. M. Blue Laurinburg Directors State Prison James A. Leak Wadesboro E. B. Ficklen Greenville A. L. Bullock Rowland R. M. Chatham Elkin W. M. Sanders Smithfield Miscellaneous Material 331 Directors State Hospital, Morganton C. E. Brooks Hendersonville J. H. Giles Glen Alpine Dr. G. S. Kirby Marion C. C. Cranford Asheboro John M. Scott Charlotte Mrs. E. E. Stafford Asheville Sloan M. Robinson Gastonia A. M. Scales Greensboro J. R. Boyd Waynesville E. P. Wharton Greensboro Dr. P. R. Bennett Bryson City Directors Caswell Training School Mrs. L. P. Best Warsaw Charles Dewey Goldsboro Dr. J. L. McMillan Red Springs Mrs. S. C. Sitterson Kinston Dr. M. R. Stephenson Seaboard A. B. Croom, Jr Wilmington J. P. Bunn Bailey W. P. Anderson Wilson Dr. I. W. Faison Charlotte W. P. Parsons Wadesboro J. R. Baggett Lillington James F. McMahon Raleigh Directors Home and Industrial School for Girls and Women AT Samarcand R. N. Page Aberdeen C. H. Ireland Greensboro Mrs. W. N. Everett Raleigh Mrs. J. R. Page Aberdeen Dr. A. A. McGeachy Charlotte State Board of Vocational Education Lenoard Tufts Pinehurst W. F. Carr Durham State Board of Health Dr. A. J. Crowell Charlotte ' Chas. E. Waddell Asheville Dr. J. Howell Way Waynesville Jas. P. Stowe Charlotte 332 Papers of Cameron Morrison State Training School for Negro Boys M. B. Hart Tarboro W. N. Everett Raleigh L. R. Varser Lumberton Thad Tate (col.) Charlotte S. G. Atkins (col.) Winston-Salem Library Commission' Mrs. W. C. Leak Rockingham Directors Confederate Women's Home A. H. Boyden Salisbury Chas. G. Rose Fayetteville J. W. McLaughlin Raeford W. H. White Oxford T. T. Thorne Rocky Mount Thos. A. Marshall Wadesboro Mrs. Hunter Smith Fayetteville Spencer T. Thorne Rocky Mount Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Investigating Committee T. C. Bowie Jefferson J. G. McCormick Wilmington E. B. Jeffries Greensboro Frank Armfield Concord E. W. Timberlake Wake Forest Commission to Investigate, Etc., North Carolina and Atlantic AND North Carolina Railroads Col. Bennehan Cameron Staggville Maj. W. C. Heath Monroe C. D. Bradham New Bern T. C. Bowie Jefferson A. J. Draper Charlotte Board of Elections Clarence Call Wilkesboro R. T. Claywell Morganton W. J. Davis Hendersonville Wilson G. Lamb Williamston B. S. Royster Oxford Col. P. M. Fearsall New Bern Walter H. Neal Laurinburg Miscellaneous Material 333 '^ Orthopedic Hospital, Gastonia J. Lee Robinson Gastonia R. R. Ray McAdenville Geo. Blanton Shelby R. B. Babington Gastonia P. C. Whitlock Charlotte Jas. Gordon Hackett North Wilkesboro Morgan B, Speir Charlotte Visiting Surgeons at Hospital, Morganton Dr. A. G. Brenizer Charlotte Dr. H. F. Long Statesville Dr. W. F. Griffith Asheville Dr. J. S. Stokes Salisbury Dr. J. T. Burrus High Point Dr. Henry Norris Rutherfordton Dr. Alonzo Myers Charlotte Visiting Surgeons at Hospital, Raleigh Dr. J. F. Highsmith Fayetteville Dr. T. M. Green Wilmington Dr. Foy Roberson Durham Dr. J. P. Monroe Sanford Dr. C. A. Woodard Wilson Dr. Hubert A. Royster Raleigh Visiting Specialists at Morganton Hospital Dr. H. H. Briggs Asheville Dr. J. P. Matheson Charlotte Dr. R. V. Brawley Salisbury Dr. T. W. Davis Winston-Salem Dr. C. W. Banner Greensboro Dr. J. W. McConnell Davidson Internal Medicine Dr. B. R. Smith Asheville Dr. L. B. Newell Charlotte Dr. H. B. Hyatt High Point Dr. S. F. Pfohl Winston-Salem Dr. H. H. Dodson Greensboro Dr. Henry Glenn Gastonia Visiting Committee of All State Hospitals Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll Raleigh 334 Papers of Cameron Morrison Visiting Physicians Hospital, Raleigh Dr. W. W. Green Tarboro Dr. Hubert Royster, Jr Raleigh Dr. T. C. Johnson Lumberton Dr. C. O'H. Laughinghouse Greenville Dr. W. B. McNider Chapel Hill Dr. E. J. Wood Wilmington Visiting Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, Raleigh Dr. R. S. Beam Lumberton Dr. J. G. Murphy Wilmington Dr. S. P. McPherson Durham Dr. Jas. M. Parrott Kinston Dr. Jno. B. Wright Raleigh Dr. Louis N. West Raleigh Trustees A. and T. College, Greensboro Dr. M. C. S. Noble Chapel Hill A. M. Scales Greensboro C. M. Vanstory Greensboro Dr. Wm. L. Poteat Wake Forest Text Book Commission T. Wingate Andrews Salisbury T. R. Foust Greensboro Miss Mary O. Graham Charlotte Miss Celeste Henkel '. Statesville N. F. Steppe Marion Miss Jane C. Sullivan Asheville C. S. Warren Hamlet Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad C. D. Bradham, President-Director New Bern W. Stamps Howard, Secetary-Treasurer Tarboro W. F. Evans, Attorney Raleigh W. C. Petty, Proxy Charlotte Chas. V. Webb, Auditor Morehead City T. Boddie Ward, Expert Wilson H. D. Bateman, Director Wilson T. Austin Finch, Director •. Thomasville Courtney Mitchell, Director Kinston W. H. McElwee, Director Raleigh David F. McKinne, Director Louisburg ,,,, Miscellaneous Material 335 Dr. Jas. F. Patterson, Director New Bern Dr. Jas. F. Patterson, President New Bern L. W. Tucker, Proxy Greenville Ernest M. Green, President New Bern Walter D. Siler, Attorney Pittsboro W. B. Blades, Director New Bern Mrs. Palmer Jerman, Director Raleigh J. M. Carraway Merrimon M. L. Jones Goldsboro Finance Committee, Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad Jno. S. Weskett Bayboro W. M. Webb Morehead City J. Y. Joyner LaGrange Ben E. Smith Charlotte President and Directors North Carolina Railroad Wade H. Harris, President Charlotte Archibald Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer Thomas ville Chas. F. Dalton, Expert Charlotte Ben. J. Smith, Proxy Charlotte Richard N. Hackett, Attorney North Wilkesboro Jno. F. Bowles, Director Statesville W. T. Brown, Director Winston-Salem C. W. Johnston, Director Charlotte Robt. Lassiter, Director Charlotte R. W. H. Stone, Director Greensboro William Weill, Director Charlotte Gilbert C. White, Director Durham W. B. Drake, Proxy Raleigh Wm. H. Maslin, Director Winston-Salem Julius A. Rousseau Wilkesboro Highway Commissioners John S. Hill Durham William A. Hart Tarboro John McBee BakersviUe Rufus A. Doughton Sparta James A. Stikeleather Asheville J. Elwood Cox High Point William A. McGIrt Wilmington W. C. Wilkinson Charlotte A. M. Kistler Morganton A. S. Hanes Winston-Salem J. E. Cameron Kinston 336 Papers of Cameron Morrison Wreckage Commissioners M. S. Willard Wilmington Jodie Styron Portsmouth, Va. W. L, Gaskill Hatteras Luther Y. Gray Sylva H. F. Miller Buxton Russell J. Austin Hatteras Ira Midgett Rodanthe A. D. Willis Morehead City Frank M. Longest Beaufort Members of State Board of Architectural Examination and Registration W. C. Northrup Winston-Salem W. H. Lord Asheville James B. Lynch Wilmington Members of North Carolina State Board of Pharmacy E. V. Zoeller Tarboro Dr. L W. Rose Rocky Mount F. W. Hancock Oxford C. P. Greyer Morganton Members of State Board of Chiropractic Examiners Dr. C. L Carlson Greensboro Dr. W. P. Love Charlotte Dr. Eugene L. Cox Winston-Salem Members of State Board of Dental Examiners Dr. J. S. Spurgeon Hillsboro Dr. J. H. Wheeler Greensboro Dr. J. S. Betts Greensboro Dr. C. A. Thompson Wilson Dr. W. T. Martin Benson Dr. J. M. Fleming Raleigh Dr. F. L. Hunt Asheville Members of State Board of Osteopathic Examiners Dr. W. E. Crutchfield Greensboro Dr. M. J. Carson Wilmington Dr. Frank R. Heine Greensboro Dr. T. T. Spence Raleigh Dr. S. W. Hoffman Statesville Miscellaneous Material 337 ^^ State Board of Veterinary Examiners Dr. R. H. Parker Gastonia Dr. Wm. Moore Raleigh Dr. A. C. Jones High Point Dr. M. J. Ragland Salisbury State Board of Accountancy R. C. Birmingham Charlotte S. G. Gardner Raleigh John E. Wilson Asheville George Adams Charlotte Wright Dixon Raleigh J. D. Hightower Greensboro State Board of Registration of Engineers and Surveyors P. H. Daggett Chapel Hill Harry St. George Tucker Raleigh N. S. Mullican Mocksville Chas. E. Waddell Asheville Gilbert C. White Durham State Board of Examiners in Optometry Dr. W. W. Parker Lumberton Dr. Robert N. Walker Winston-Salem Dr. Sam Levy .- Charlotte Dr. A. P. Staley High Point Trustees of Moses G. Cone Memorial Hospital Hugh G. Chatham Elkin J. Elwood Cox High Point J. L. Patterson Winston-Salem Commissioners of Affidavits for State of North Carolina in District of Columbia Pearce Home Washington, D. C. Isaac R. Hitt Washington, D, C. Commissioners of Affidavits for the State of North Carolina IN Maryland Chas. Henry Hesse Baltimore William E. Schull Baltimore 22 338 Papers of Cameron Morrison Commissioners of Affidavits for the State of North Carolina IN Virginia D. D. Morrisette Norfolk Mrs. B. E. Pollard Suffolk T. N. Stephenson Norfolk J. L. Bagby Danville E. G. Bagley Danville S. B. Parkinson Norfolk Charles Alfred Smith Norfolk Wm. T. Shannonhouse Norfolk J. Walter Hosier Suffolk Commissioners of Affidavits for the State of North Carolina IN State of Pennsylvania Walter Bell Smith Philadelphia Thomas J. Hunt Philadelphia Commissioner of Affidavits for State of North Carolina in South Carolina J. F. Richardson Pageland Commissioners of Affidavits for the State of North Carolina IN the State of New York Chas. E. A. McCarthy New York Ella F. Braman New York George H. Corey New York Game Wardens W. C. Lawson Hurdle Mills T. R. Parker Buncombe County W. A. Underwood New Hanover County H. A. Fetner Wake County Walter E. Storey Alamance County Samuel Oliver Person County Isaac Fields Moore County J. F. Paxton Mecklenburg County Commissioner to Investigate Cotton Conditions in Egypt AND India Philip S. Henry Asheville Cotton Cooperative Association U. B. Blalock Raleigh Miscellaneous Material 339 State Constabulary John Hall Manning Raleigh J. D. Langston Goldsboro J. E. L. Wade Wilmington G. Roberts Asheville Gordon Smith Raleigh Officers for the Town of Pembroke* Mayors Neill McEnniss M. H. Bidden D. B. McQueen C. E. McDaniel Commissioners William M. Lowrey R. H. Liverman J. Q. McCormick A. M. Breece J. L. Thaggard William Lowry • The officers of Pembroke are appointed by the Governor annually. During his term of office ?fThe'oo°LSon:r^''^ "°' "^P""* ""^ '""" *° ^"°^^^^ ^'°^^^" ^' '«^^°^' ^-t did rea^poTnt sevfral INDEX A. and T, College, Greensboro, trustees of, 334. Aberdeen, car inspector at, 287. Adams, Ada, in State Prison, 315. Dan W., telegram to, 255. George, appointment of, 337. W. J., appointment of, 325. Adjutant General, 325. Agricultural and Engineering College, must be made adequate, 7; trustees of, 330. Agricultural Department, 144, 159. Albemarle Sound, 41. Allen, A. T., appointment of, 301, 325; letter to, 301; letter from, 303. O. H., appointment of, 325. Alumni Association of New York, endorse University program, 296. Amendment and Water Transportation, 63. Amendment, 64. State Ship and Water Transportation Commission, 65. Cape Fear ana Yadkin Valley Railroad, 67. Consignor's Right to Route his Freight, 71. Establishing a great Commercial City, 72. May not Build Cities, 73. Water Transportation, 74. Freight Rates, 75. Recommendations of the State Ship and Water Transportation Commission, 85. Recommendations for necessary Legislation, 94. American Federation of Labor, 292 American Legion, 170; membership campaign, 141. Red Cross, 294. Road Builders Association, 307. Anderson, W. P., appointment of, 33, 331. Andrews, A. B., appointment of, 326. T. Wingate, appointment of, 334. "Angel Dream," 187. Appalachian Training School in Boone, 199; and Western North Caro- lina Railroad, 326. Appointments, 97, 325. Appropriation Committees, 20. Appropriations Committee, 56; action of, 248. Arbor Day,. mentioned, 133, 297. Armfield, Frank, appointment of, 332. 342 Index Armistice Day, 107, 119, 127, 134. Asheville, 69, 88, 105; conference at, 161. Askew, E. S., appointment of, 327. Atkins, S. G., appointment of, 332. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, 70, 279, 280. Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, 174; directors of, 334; members of Finance Committee, 335. Auditing Committee, 249. Austin, Russell J., appointment of, 336. Aycock, Charles B., leadership of, against ignorance, 6. C. P., appointment of, 32, 329, 330. B Babbington, R. B., appointment of, 333. Baggett, J. R., appointment of, 331. Bagby, J. L., appointment of, 338. Bagley, E. G., appointment of, 338. Bailey, J. W., letter from, 270. Baker, L. J., appointment of, 326. Baltimore, 77. Barnhill, M. V., appointment of, 325. Bank Commissioner, 23. Banking Department, 47. Banner, C. W., appointment of, 333. Barrett, Jas. F., appointment of, 328; telegram to, Barringer, O. L., appointment of, 328. Bassett, L. V., appointment of, 329. Bateman, H. D., appointment of, 334. Battle, George Gordon, signed telegram, 296. Battle, S. Westray, appointment of, 34, 326, 327. Mrs. S. Westray, appointment of, 326. Baum, J. C, appointment of, 328. Bay River, 41. 283, 291. Bay River, 41. Bayboro, need to assemble products at, 92. Beam, R. S., appointment of, 334. Beaufort, 50, 174. Belhaven, 50; need to assemble products at, 92. Belk, J. M., appointment of, 31; resigned, 35. Belk, W. H., appointment of, 33. Bellamy, Emmett H., appointment of, 329; member c 264. Bennett, P. R., appointment of, 331. Best, Mrs. L. P., appointment of, 331. Betts, J. S., appointment of, 336. Bickett, Governor T. W., administration of, 242, 314. Index 343 Biddell, M. H., appointment of, 339. Birmingham, R. C, appointment of, 337. Blades, W. B., appointment of, 335. Blair, Wm. A., appointment of, 60, 329. R. K., appointment of, 327. Blalock, U. B., appointment of, 338. Blanton, Geo., appointment of, 333. Blue, H. M., appointment of, 330. L. M., appointment of, 33. Board of Agriculture, members of, 327. Board of Charities and Public Welfare, request withdrawn from, 242. Education, 145; estimate of, 226; of State, 221. Elections, members of, 332. Geological and Economic Survey, 257. Boll weevil, must fight him with food, 144. Bostic, 72. Boston, 51, 77. Bowie, T. C, appointment of, 332. Bowie's railroad propositions, 237. Bowles, Jno. F., appointment of, 335. Boyden, A. H., appointment of, 328, 332. Boyd, J. R., appointment of, 35, 331; director, 204. Boyette, J. M., presidential elector, 137. Bradham, C. D., appointment of, 332, 334. Brady, David, signed telegram, 296. Bragg, a Democrat, 89; days of, 88. Braman, Ella F., appointment of, 338. Branson, E. C, mentioned, 269. Braswell, J. C, appointment of, 327, 328. Brawley, R. V., appointment of, 333. Breece, A. M., appointment of, 339. Brenizer, A. G., appointment of, 333. Bridges, James H., appointment of, 32. Briggs, J. H., appointment of, 330. H. H., appointment of, 333. Brock, Walter E., appointment of, 325. Brooks, A. L., associated with Manning, 260. C. E., appointment of, 331; director, 204. E. C, elected president, 304; letter to, 302; letter from, 302; succeeded, 301; Superintendent of Public Instruction, 206. Brown, George H., appointment of, 325. Jas. A., appointment of, 329; member of commission, 264. . Joseph G., appointment of, 32, 330; director, 204. Joseph A., member of commission, 90. W. A., appointment of, 327; presidential elector, 137. W. T., appointment of, 335. 344 Index Buchanan, C. C, presidential elector, 137. Budget Commission, 17, 20, 43, 56, 57, 59; estimate, 215; minority member of, 326; recommendation of, 55, 238, 248, 249; statement to, 252. Building Commission, 26, 27. Bullock, A. L., appointment of, 330; director, 204; signed report, 315. Bulwinkle, Major A. L., record of, 210. "Bundle Day," 122. Bunn, James P., appointment of, 33, 331. Bureau of Child Welfare, 142. Burns, Robert, 189; birth, 188; patriotism of, 190; poetry of, 191, 192. Burrus, J. T., appointment of, 333. Busbee, R. S., appointment of, 33, 327. S. J., signed report, 315; warden, 316. > Butler, George, appointment of, 330, telegram to, 308. Byron, genius of, 189. C Cabarrus County, address to people of, 291; industrial forces of, 164; people must respect laws of, 104; troops sent to, 165. California, prison system in, 319. Call, Clarence, appointment of, 332. Caldwell, Dr. David, dream of, 87. Cameron, Bennehan, appointment of, 328, 332. John E., appointment of, 60, 335. Camp McClellan, 124. Cannon, Chas. A., appointment of, 326. Felix, telegram to, 282; telegram from, 280. Cape Fear basin, a city in, 73; River, 42. Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad, 67, 69, 71, 259; Investigating Committee, members of, 332. Cape Lookout, a city at, 73. Carey, George H., appointment of, 338. Carlson, C. I., appointment of, 336. Carolina Central Branch of the Seaboard Air Line, 69. Carolina Central Railroad, 80. Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio, 70. Carr, Claiborne M., appointment of, 32, 330. Julian S., appointment of, 328, 329. W. F., appointment of, 331. Carraway, J. M., appointment of, 335. Carroll, D. D., appointment of, 329; member of commission, 90, 264; of University, mentioned, 269. Delia Dixon, appointment of, 333. Carson, M. J., appointment of, 336. Carteret County, 43. Index 345 Carthage, Stubbs, carried towards, 287. Caswell Training School, directors of, 331. Central North Carolina, fish hatcheries in, 45; fish in streams of, 212; streams of, 176, 177; waterways in, 241. Chadbourn, C. C, appointment of, 329. Chamber of Commerce, action of, 305; of Charlotte, 258. Charleston, 70, 72, 81. Charlotte, 69, 80, 83, 88, 174. Chatham, R. M., appointment of, 330; director, 204; signed report, 315. Hugh G., appointment of, 337. Chesapeake Bay, oysters planted in, 42. Chicago, 70; Great Fire of, 118. Chief Justice of Supreme Court, 325. Chowan River, 41. Christian, Geo. B., Jr., letter from, 292. Christmas, 186. Citizens Military Training Camp, 124, 278. Civil War, 170, 182. Clark, Judge, chief counsel, 52. Clarkson, Francis O., appointment of, 326. Heriot, appointment of, 300, 301, 325, 328; letter to, 301; letter from, 301 ; telegram to, 300. Claywell, R. T., appointment of, 332. Clean-up Week, 121. Clement, Miss Exum, appointment of, 31. Cochrane, Sheriff W. O., 165. Cohen, Mrs. Willie Green, appointment of, 330. College, girls and boys sent to, 6. Commissioner of Agriculture, 325. of Banks, 22. of Revenue, 325. of Taxation and Revenue, 21, 23. Common schools, 6. Concord, 103; Morrison's speech at, 283; troops at, 290. Confederate soldiers, receives help, 202. Woman's Home, directors of, 332. Congress, Democrats in, 236. Congress of United States, 209. Connor, H. G., issued injunction, 112, 231. Geo. W., appointment of, 325. Constitution, 61, 93, 171, 226; amendment to, 40, 62, 63, 64; makers of, 25; places executive power in Governor's office, 23; provided for special session, 28; of North Carolina, 157; of United States, 157, 170. Consolidated Press Association, telegrcmi from, 308. Cornwell, J. L., letter from, 280. 346 Index Corporation Commission, 21, 272, 273, 274; composed of splendid gentlemen, 48; duties exercised by, 22; duty of, relative to banks, 47. Cotton Commission, members of, 326. Cotton conditions in Egypt and India, commissioner to investigate, 338. Cotton Cooperative Association, member of, 338. Council of State, 225, 260, 261, 304; advice of, 29, 61. Councilors of State, 206, 207. County commissioners, 21. Cox, Albert L., appointment of, 328; State Civilian Aide, 125. Eugene L., appointment of, 336. J. Elwood, appointment of, 326, 335, 337; on Highway Commission, 208. Craig administration, 82. Craig, Mrs. Locke, telegram to, 308. Cranford, C. C, appointment of, 31, 331; director, 204. Criminal Insane Department, establishment of, 318. Cripple Census Week, 142. Croatan Sound, 41. - Croom, A. B., Jr., appointment of, 331. Crowell, A. J., appointment of, 331. Crutchfield, W. E., appointment of, 336. Currituck Court House, 74; Sound, 41. D Daggett, P. H., appointment of, 337. Dalton, Chas. F., appointment of, 335. Daniels, Josephus, State Chairman, 102. Dare County, 92. Davidson, 179. Davidson, Mrs. Theodore, appointment of, 326. Davis, Wallace B., appointment of, 329. T. W., appointment of, 333. W. J., appointment of, 332. Dayton, T. W., telegram to, 255. Deaf and Dumb Institute, 198. Declaration of Independence, 170, 171. Democrats, 218. Democratic Party, 196, 197, 235, 239; record of, 195. Department of Agriculture, 46. Department of Banking, recommended, 45. Department of Commerce, 258, 309; and Industry, recommended, 45; of University of North Carolina, 37. Department of Education, 144, 145. Department of Health, 5, 146. Department of Justice, 68; to provide inspectors, 10. Index 347 Department of Labor, 46. Department of Taxation and Revenue, 21. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, 142. Department of Water Transportation, recommended, 46. Dewar, R. A., mentioned, 56. Dewey, Charles, appointment of, 33, 331. Diggs, Junius F., appointment of, 330. Directorate for Institutional Appropriations, 26. Division 435, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 283; telegram from, 281. Dixon, J. K., appointment of, 328. Wright, appointment of, 337. Doane, 187. Dodson, H. H., appointment of, 333. Dosher, Richard, appointment of, 329. Doughton, R. A., appointment of, 325, 335; Chairman Finance Com- mittee, 55; mentioned, 56, 245, 265. Drane, Brent S., appointment of, 258, 326. Drake, W. B., appointment of, 335. Draper, A. J., appointment of, 329, 332. Dudding, E. E., statements in press by, 313. Durham, Baxter, attend conference, 306; State Auditor, 206. Duplin County, 265. E Eastern North Carolina, inlet to the fisheries of, 45; sounds and rivers in, 177; waterways, 270. East Carolina Training School at Greenville, 199. Eastern Carolina Training School for Boys, directors of, 328. Edenton, 50; need to assemble products at, 92. Edgecombe County, sheriff of, 231, 279. Education, 6. Educational institutions of North Carolina, additional bonds for, 39. Elkhorn, 70. Elizabeth City, 50, 199. Elon College, 179; burned, 147. England, 51. Eutsler, Roland B., 68w. Evans, Leslie B., appointment, 32. L. B., appointment of, 330. W. F., appointment of, 334. Everett, R. O., appointment of, 326. W. N., 55; appointment of, 325, 328, 332; attend conference, 306; mentioned, 56. Mrs. W. N., appointment of, 331. 348 Index Faison, I. W., appointment of, 34, 331. Farrar, Roach, wages per week, 61. Fayetteville, 74. Federal court, 260. Federation of Labor, 160. Ferguson, Garland S., appointment of, 325. Fetner, H. A., appointment of, 338. Few, W. P., appointment of, 326. Ficklen, E. B., appointment of, 330; director, 205. Fields, Isaac, appointment of, 338, Finance Committee, 20. Finch, T. Austin, appointment of, 334. Finley, John T., appointment of, 327. Fire Prevention Day, 105, 106, 117, 118, 132. Fire Underwriters, Local Board of, 305. Fisheries Commission, 46; members of, 327. Fleming, J. M., appointment of, 336. Florence, 70. Ford, Henry, not allowed to reduce rates, 50. Foreign Wars, Veterans of, 148. Forest Protection Week, 147; North Carolina to observe, 299; proclama- tion, 298; set apart, 297. Fort Barancas, 124. Fort Bragg, 124. Fountain, R. T., appointment of, 328. Foust, T. R., appointment of, 334. France, 51. Freight rates, 73. Fuller, A. N., telegram to, 255. W. W., appointment of, 328. Funeral services of President Harding, 125. G Game Wardens, list of, 338. Gardner, O. Max, appointment of, 327; mentioned, 267. S. G., appointment of, 337. Gaskill, W. L., appointment of, 336. Gay, C. L., letter from, 280. Geological Board, members of, 327. General Assembly, 23, 25, 225, 240; acts passed by relative to corporal punishment, 314; authorizing the great sum of money, 9; committees of, 9; contest before, 201; dominated by will and determination, 37; Finance Committees of, 20; members of, 6G; of 1921 levied ample Index 349 taxes, 217; providing for a completed system, 11; recommendation to, 45, 94; special session of, 61, 64, 233; taxes levied by, 239; thanked, 3; to address on subject of taxation, 12; to ascertain revenue needed, 18; urged to establish Department of Commerce, 47; urged to set up water competition, 51; work of, 26. Germany, 51. Giles, Clayton, signed resolves, 306. D. F., presidential elector, 137. J. H., appointment of, 31, 331, director, 204. Gilliam, Donnell, appointment of, 326. Glenn, Henry, appointment of, 333. Goldsboro, 11^ 88, 174; Insane Asylum at, 214; institution for insane at, 202. Gompers, Samuel, letter from, 292. Good roads, 7. Governor, expressions of good will on election of, 3 ; power to appoint, 23 . Graham, Alexander, leadership of, against ignorance, 6. Miss Mary O., appointment of, 334. W. A., Jr., appointment of, 325. Grand Army of the Republic, 170. Grant, H. V., appointment of, 327. Gray, James A., Jr., appointment of, 326. Luther Y., appointment of, 336. Greece, 237. Greene, Ernest M., appointment of, 335. T. M., appointment of, 333. W. W., appointment of, 334. Greensboro, 74, 83, 88; Female College, 179; News, 291; News, head- lines in, 250; Record, mentioned, 263. Greyer, C. P., appointment of, 336. Griffith, W. F., appointment of, 333. Grimes, J. Bryan, Secretary of State, 206; appointment of, 328. Mrs. Junius D., appointment of, 328. Grove Park Inn, Cameron Morrison at, 243. H Hackett, Jas. Gordon, appointment of, 333. Richard N., appointment of, 335. Hamlet, trains run out in dangerous condition, 281. Hampton, George, appointment of, 328. Hancock, F. W., appointment of, 336. F. W., Jr., presidential elector, 137. Hanes, A. S., appointment of, 335. Hardaway Construction Company, 229. Harding, Warren G., a memorial for, 148; death of, 249, 254; letter to, 350 Index 295; memory of, 306; President, 297; proclamation by, 298; telegram to, 279, 286, 294; telegram from, 278, 286, 294. Harding, Mrs. Warren G., telegram to, 306. Harding Memorial, active State Chairman, 326; Association, 148; Week, 148. Harding's administration, 236; Republicans heartbroken over, 209. Harper, Dr. W. A., President, 147. Harris, J. J., appointment of, 327. J. T., electrocution of, 229. Dr. T. F., signed telegram, 296. Paul, 229. Wade H., appointment of, 335. Harrison, Fairfax, telegram to, 293. W. E., appointment of, 327. Hart, M. B., appointment of, 327, 332. William A., appointment of, 329, 335; member of commission, 90, 264; on Highway Commission, 208. Harvey, Felix, appointment of, 32, 330; director, 204. Hayes, Will H., chairman, 294. Haywood, Miss Martha, appointment of, 329. Health Department, 144. Heath, W. C, appointment of, 332. Heine, Frank R., appointment of, 336. Henkel, Miss Celeste, appointment of, 334. Henry, Philip S., 262; appointment of, 338. Hertford, need to assemble products, 92. Hesse, Chas. Henry, appointment of, 337. High Point, 263. Hightower, J. D., appointment of, 337. Highsmith, J. F., appointment of, 333. Highway commissioners, 335. Hill, John Sprunt, appointment of, 60, 335; on Highway Commission, 208. D. H., appointment of, 328. Isaac, appointment of, 337. Hindenburg line, 168. Hinton, Mary H., appointment of, 326. Hoffman, S. W., appointment of, 336. Hoke, W. A., appointment of, 325, 328. Hollenga, Dan S., American Legion, 141. Holmes, J. S., State Geologist, 257. Holt, Mrs. PhiHp, appointment of, 328. Wm. P., appointment of, 327. Home Demonstration Agents, 143. Home and Industrial School for Girls and Women at Samarcand, directors of, 331. Index 351 Hoover, Herbert, letter to, 292; telegram from, 309, Home, Charles W., appointment of, 33, 327. Herman H., signed telegram, 296. Pearce, appointment of, 337. Horton, H. M., appointment of, 32, 330. '--' Hosier, J. Walter, appointment of, 338. House of Representatives, members of, 62. Howard, George, appointment of, 330; director, 204. W. Stamps, appointment of, 334. Hoyle, K. R., presidential elector, 137. Hunt, Thomas J., appointment of, 338. F. L., appointment of, 336. Hunter, Carey J., appointment of, 31; mentioned, 60. Hutchins, W. L., appointment of, 60, 329. Hyatt, H. B., appointment of, 333. Illinois, food supplies purchased in, 184. Inaugural Address of Governor Morrison, 3. Law enforcement, 4. Health, 5. Education, 6. Good roads. 7. Cost of the entire program, 11. Taxation, 12. Other subjects, 13. As to entire program, 13. Increased Food Production, 143. Fight weevil with food, 144. Departments cooperating, 144. We must increase our home supply of meat, 145. Appeal to all the people, 145. Indian Normal School at Pembroke, 199. Indianapolis, 70. Insane Asylum, 198. Interstate Commerce Commission, 22, 48, 51, 53, 62, 68, 76, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 270, 309. Interstate Commerce Act, 83. Institutions for the unfortunate, 5. Iowa, food supplies purchased In, 184. Ireland, C. H., appointment of, 331. 352 Index J Jackson County, 199. Japan distressed, 126. Japanese Disaster, 126. Jeffries, E. B., appointment of, 332. Jefferson, Thomas, statesmanship of, 192. Jenkins, T. M., appointment of, 326. Jerman, Mrs. Palmer, appointment of, 335, Jeter, Mrs. I. P., appointment of, 328. JewishRelief Week, 110. Jimison, T. P., appointment of, 326. Johnson, Archibald, appointment of, 335. Mrs. Clarence, 199. Hiram, representing populistic Republicanism, 210. Kate Burr, letter to, 299. E. R., appointment of, 330. T. C, appointment of, 334. Mrs. J. Edward, thanked, 221. Johnston, C. W., appointment of, 335. Jones, Armistead, appointment of, 329. A. C, appointment of, 337. John R., appointment of, 327. M. L., appointment of, 335. Joyner, J. Y., appointment of, 329, 335; member of commission, 90, 264. Justice, E. J., mentioned, 271. Just Freight Rates Association, 267. K Kenly, J. R., letter from, 290. Kinston, 77, 174; feeble-minded children at, 214; institution for feeble- minded children at, 202. Kirby, G. S., appointment of, 31, 331. Kistler, Andrew M., appointment of, 59, 335. Kitchin, Claude, 210. Kiwanis Clubs, 159. Ku Klux Klan, aid in controlling, 294; mentioned, 295. L Labor Legislative Committee, mentioned, 296. Lacy, B. R., attend conference, 306; State Treasurer, 206; mentioned, 56. LaFollette, representing populistic Republicanism, 210. Lamb, Wilson, appointment of, 328. , Wilson, G., appointment of, 332. j Langeston, J. D., appointment of, 339. Index 353 Langston, John B., appointment of, 97. Lassiter, Robert, appointment of, 327, 335. Robert G., resigned, 35. Laughinghouse, C. O'H., appointment of, 334. Law and order in Cabarrus County, 103. Law enforcement, 4. Lawson, W. C, appointment of, 338. League of Nations, 262. Leak, James A., appointment of, 330; director, 204; signed report, 315. Mrs. W. C, appointment of, 332. Leary, Herbert R., presidential elector, 137. Lee, W. S., appointment of, 330. Legislative department must provide courts, 4. Levy, Sam, appointment of, 337. Library Commission, member of, 332. Little, Mrs. R. E., appointment of, 329. Liverman, R. H., appointment of, 339. Local Board of Fire Underwriters, 305. London, Henry M., letter from, 304. Mrs. H. M., appointment of, 329. Long, H. F., appointment of, 333. T. W. M., appointment of, 327. W. L., mentioned, 243. Longest, Frank M., appointment of, 336. Lord, W. H., appointment of, 336. Louisville and Nashville, 70. Love, Hugh A., mentioned, 322; signed report, 315. W. P., appointment of, 336. Lowry, William, appointment of, 339. Lowrey, William M., appointment of, 339. Lumberton, 77, 83. Lynch, James B., appointment of, 336. Lyon, C. C, appointment of, 325. M Manning, Attorney-General James S., 206, 261; directed to bring suit, 259; letter to, 300; prepare an act, 268. John Hall, appointment of, 97, 339. I. M., received thanks, 277. Maslin, Wm. H., appointment of, 335. ^ Massachusetts, 51. Marshall, Thos. A., appointment of, 332. Marion, 70. President Harding interred at, 125. 23 354 Index Martin, Santford, appointment of, 327. W. T., appointment of, 336. Matheson, J. P., appointment of, 333. Matthews, J. H., presidential elector, 137. Mauney, R. S., telegram from, 280. Maxwell, A. J., press reports by, 54; his statement, 54; work on revenue bill, 244, 245. Meredith College, 179. Medical Society of North Carolina, 277. Medicine, Internal, members appointed, 333. Mendenhall, Senator O. E., discussion between, 263. Message to the General Assembly, 1923, 36. Institutions for defectives and unfortunates and for higher learn- ing, 37. Road program, 39. Constitutional amendments limiting the State's indebtedness, 40. Completed program for the continued progress of the State, 41. Game and Commercial Industry, 41. Department of Commerce and Industry, 46. A Banking Department, 47. Ship and Port Commission Department of water transportation, 48. Metts, General J. Van B., 231; appointment of, 325; directed to with- draw troops, 232; dispatched, 255; to order forces to Rocky Mount, 112; troops under, 167. Midyette, Garland E., appointment of, 325. Ira, appointment of, 336. Miller, A. C, appointment of, 328. H. F., appointment of, 336. R. M., member of commission, 90. R. M., Jr., appointment of, 329. T. M., member of commission, 264. Minnesota, prison system in, 319. Missouri, food supplies purchased in, 184. Mitchell, Courtney, appointment of, 334. Monnish, F. W., killed, 229n. Monroe, J. P., appointment of, 333. Moody, of Treasury Department, 55. Moody, W. F., letter from, 296. Moore County, 198. Moore, Wm., appointment of, 337. Morehead City, 42, 43, 50, 51, 69; a city at, 73 ; need to assemble products at, 92. Morehead, John M., a Whig, 89; days of, 88; dream of, 87. Morganton Hospital, visiting specialists at, 333; visiting surgeons at, 333. Morganton, Insane Asylum at, 214; institution for insane at, 202. Morrill, Jenniss, appointment of, 328. Index 355 Morrisette, D. D., appointment of, 338. Morrison, Cameron, 29, 30, 63, 236, 266; commended, 306; favors an amortization fund, 268; issue proclamation, 61; letter to, 277, 279, 287, 291, 292, 298, 301, 302, 303, 304; letter fro^n, 291, 293, 294, 300, 302, 303, 307; made announcement, 267; offered reward, 317; proclamation by, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136; Port Bill, 263; salary of, 61; telegram to, 278, 280, 281, 284, 288, 294, 296, 306, 308; telegram from, 255, 279, 282, 283, 287, 291, 293, 295, 300, 308. Moses G. Cone Memorial Hospital, trustees of, 337. Mothers' Day, 101, 111, 123, 130. Mount Airy, 71. MuUican, N. S., appointment of, 337. Municipal Finance Act, 225, 226; unconstitutional, 29. Murphy, J. G., appointment of, 334. Myers, Alonzo, appointment of, 333. Mc McAllister, A. W., appointment of, 60, 329. McBee, John, appointment of, 335. John C, resigned, 59. McBrayer, L. B., application for pardon, 256; letter from, 111 , 21S. McConnell, J. W., appointment of, 333. McCoin, R. S., mentioned, 56; on committee, 56. McCormick, J. G., appointment of, 326, 332. J. Q., appointment of, 339. McCarthy, Chas. E. A., appointment of, 338. McDaniel, C. E., appointment of, 339. McDowell County, 70. McEnniss, Neill, appointment of, 339. McGirt, W. A., appointment of, 60, 335. McGeachy, A. A., appointment of, 331. McGougan, J. Vance, appointment of, 327. Mclver, Charles Duncan, 181; leadership of, against ignorance, 6. McKinne, David F., appointment of, 334. F. B., appointment of, 33, 330. McLaughlin, J. W., appointment of, 332. McLean, A. W., appointment of, 326. McLelland, W. B., appointment of, 327. McElwee, W. H., appointment of, 334. McMahon, James F., appointment of, 327, 331. McMillian, J. L., appointment of, 34, 331. McNeill, A. L., appointment of, 33, 327. McNider, W. B., appointment of, 334. 356 Index McPherson, S. P., appointment of, 334. McQueen, D. B., appointment of, 339. H. C, appointment of, 329. McRoberts, Tenn., 70. N Nash, M. W., appointment of, 326. Samuel, appointment of, 326. Nash County, sheriff of, 231, 279. National Coal Commission, questions of dispute before, 284. National Committeeman for North Carolina, Dan S. Hollenga, 141. National Defense, 131. National Memorial Day, 148. Naval Academy, 56. Navigation and Pilotage, commissioners of, 329. Neal, Walter H., appointment of, 332. Near East Clothing Warehouse, 123. Near East, people of, 122. Near East Relief, 102, 237, 238, 294. Nebraska, food supplies purchased in, 184. Newell, L. B., appointment of, 333. New Bern, 50, 69, 83; a city at, 73; need to assemble products at, 92. Neuse River, 41, 42, 43. New York, 51, 77; prison system in, 319. New York State, 233. New York Times, telegram to, 295; Tribune, telegram to, 295; telegram from, 294. Noble, M. C. S., appointment of, 334. Nominations and appointments, 59. Norfolk, 80, 81. Norfolk Southern, 69, 80; Railroad, 287. Norfolk and Western, 70. Normal Training School at Cullowhee, 199. Norman, Jas. H., Jr., signed report, 315. Norris, Henry, appointment of, 333. North Carolina and Atlantic and North Carolina Railroads, commission to investigate, 332. North Carolina College for Women, directors of, 330. North Carolina, a commissioner for, 262; attracted attention, 96; basic freight rate points in, 49; business and trade taxed in, 19; com- missioners of affidavits for, in District of Columbia, 337; in Mary- land, 337; in New York, 338; in Pennsylvania, 338; in South Carolina, 338; in Virginia, 338; Congressional District, 210; Cor- poration Commission, 53; cost of government of, 85; cotton and tobacco in, 184; could be made strongest and happiest democracy in world, 4; created no public debt, 12; development of waterways of, Index 357 323; Division of the Near East Relief, 122; failed to levy taxes, 250; farmers of, 159, 160, 166; fisheries in, 42; Governor of, elected, 18; her position among the states of the Union, 143; Historical Com- mission, members of, 328; hostility of press of, 54; income of, 17; inland waters, 41; increased property and strength to industries in, 7; issued bonds, 197; labor in, 162; men and women in, will serve on boards, 27; must build highways, 153; navigable water towns in, 11 \ navigable waters of, 87; need of basic points in, 236; new day in, 17; no murmur of opposition throughout, 20; no trouble in, 286; people in complete accord in, 3; people should be educated, 6; property lost by fire in, 121; Railroad, 174; Railroad, builded, 88; Railroad, direc- tors of, 335; revenue from oyster industry in, 43; rich enough to care for defective, 12; Ship and Port Commission, 52; State Board of Phar- macy, members of, 336; State College of Agriculture and Engineer- ing, 304; State College of Agriculture and Engineering, E. C. Brooks, president of, 302; State Highway Commission, 307; State Prison Board, 317; system of highways in, 19; the results of program to, 13; to be stronger, 235; to do duty of great state, 36; to observe Forest Protection Week, 299; to progress, 178; to supervise banks in, 22; Treasurer of, 54, 173. North Carolina Historical Review, 68«. North Carolina's income to be determined, 20. Northup, W. C, appointment of, 336. O Oates, John A., appointment of, 327. O'Berry, Nathan, appointment of, 32, 330. Oettinger, Jonas, appointment of, 327. Oliver, Samuel, appointment of, 338. Onslow County, 43. Orthopedic Hospital at Gastonia, 198; members of, 333. Overman, Senator Lee S., record of, 210. Page, Frank, on Highway Commission, 208. Henry A., mayor of Aberdeen, 288. Mrs. J. R., appointment of, 331. R. N., appointment of, 331; mentioned, 264, 267. Pamlico River, 41; Sound, 41. Park, John A., letter to, 307. Parker, John J., chairman, 148. R. H., appointment of, 326, 337. T. R., appointment of, 338. W. W., appointment of, 337. Governor, mentioned, 295. 358 Index Parker's, Governor, appeal, 294. Parkinson, S. B., appointment of, 338. Parrott, Jos. M., appointment of, 334. Parsons, Walter L., appointment of, 32, 34, 330, 331; director, 204. Pasquotank County, 18. Patterson, Jas. F., appointment of, 335, 337. Paxton, J. F., appointment of, 338. Pfohl, S. F., appointment of, 333. Philadelphia, 11 . Pitt County, 199. Pittman, Thomas M., appointment of, 325. Pless, J. W., Jr., appointment of, 326. Plymouth, need to assemble products at, 92. Peace Institute, 179. Pearsall, P. M., appointment of, 332. Pembroke, officers, 339. Person, Wiley M., appointment of, 327. Peterson, Charles A., telegram to, 255. Petty, W. C, appointment of, 334. Poe, Clarence, letter to, 304. Pogue, Jos. E., appointment of, 327. Pollard, Mrs. B. E., appointment of, 338. Port Commission, members of, 329. Port and Water-carried Commerce Development Bill, defeated, 266. Poteat, Wm. L., appointment of, 334. Pou, George Ross, report by, 323; signed report, 315. Powell, A. H., appointment of, 33. Pratt, Joseph Hyde, maps prepared by, 44; resigned, 257. Presidential electors, 136. Press reports by A. J. Maxwell, 54. Proclamation, calling special session, 29. Proclamation by Cameron Morrison, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136. Proclamation by President, 147, 297. "Prosperity Reigns in North Carolina," 295. Public Welfare, Commissioner of, 314. Pugsley, C. W., letter to, 299; letter from, 298. Pulliam, S. C, signed resolves, 306. Pungo River, 41. Q Queen's College, 179. Queen, H. C, appointment of, 32. R Ragland, M. J., appointment of, 337. Index 359 Raleigh, 101, 106, 107, 109, 110, 113, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 127, 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, 134; General Assembly called to meet at, 29; Hospital, visiting physicians of, 334; Hospital, visiting surgeons at, 333; Insane Asylum at, 214; institution for insane at, 202; News and Observer^ 291; Nevjs and Observer, headlines in, 250. Rand, Josephine, oath taken before, 316. Rankin, Dr. W. S., mentioned, 200. Ransom, Geo. E., appointment of, 328. Ray, R. R., appointment of, 333. Red Cross, 237; appeal, 126. Republicans, 218; Party, 235; State Platform, 259. Revenue bill, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 254. Reynolds, R. J., life of, 218; monument to, 219. Mrs. R. J., appointment of, 330. Richardson, J. F., appointment of, 338. Richardson, Wm. H., Private Secretary, 30, 63, 101, 102, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 113, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137; salary, 61; letter from, 299; telegram from, 306; signed reward, 317. Richmond County, law-abiding, 281. Road Building and Maintenance Demonstration and Road Machinery Exhibit, 307. Roanoke River, 41; Sound, 41. Roberson, Foy, appointment of, 333. Robeson County, 71, 199. Roberts, Gallatin, appointment of, 97, 339. Robinson, John Daniel, appointment of, 32, 329, 330. J. Lee, appointment of, 333. Sloan, M., appointment of, 31, 331; director, 204. Rocky Mount, 113; business men of, 241; mayor of, 231, 279; no coaling at, 289; outrage reported at, 232; strike, 112, 113. Rogers, W. A., appointment of, 33, 327. Mrs. I. H., affidavit of, 313; signed affidavit, 316. Rpndthaler, Howard E., appointment of, 328. Rose, Chas. G., appointment of, 332. I. W., appointment of, 336. Rotary Clubs, 159; District Conference, 307. Rousseau, Julius A., appointment of, 335. Rowan County, sheriff of, 233. Royster, B. S., appointment of, 332. Hubert A., appointment of, 333; telegram from, 27S. Hubert, Jr., appointment of, 334. Ruffin, Thos. W., presidential elector, 137. Rutherfordton, 69, 80. Ryan, J. T., signed telegram, 263. 360 Index at, 233. lirector, 204. Saint Mary's, 179. Salisbury, tense situation at, zjj. Samarcand, girls at, 175; girls provided for, 198. Sanatorium provided for, 198. Sand Hills section, 211. Sanders, W. M., appointment of, 330; director, 205; signed report, 315. Sanford, 11 . Saunders, W. O., appointment of, 328. Savannah, 80, 81. Scales, A. M., appointment of, 31, 329, 330, 331, 334; member of com- mission, 90, 264; resigned, 35. Schenck, Michael, appointment of, 325. School, inadequate funds to maintain six months, 28; provide funds for six months, 30. Schull, William E., appointment of, 337. Scotland County, 71, 265. Scott, Don E., appointment of, 328. John M., appointment of, 31, 331; dii R. W., appointment of, 327. "Sculptor," 187. Seaboard Air Line, 69, 80; peaches delivered to, 288. Seavey, James Arthur, wrote article, 295. Secretary of State, 325. Shannanhouse, Wm. T., appointment of, 338. Shaw, Miss Easdale, appointment of, 330. Siler, Walter D., appointment of, 335, presidential elector, 137. Simmons, Senator F. M., record of, 210. Simonton's, Judge Charles H., decree, 68, 259. Sinclair, Judge N. A., his judgment, 256. ■ Sitterson, S. C, appointment of, 328. Mrs. S. C, appointment of, 33, 331. Small, John H., appointment of, 327. Smith, Charles Alfred, appointment of, 338. Gordon, appointment of, 97, 339. Ben E., appointment of, 335. Ben J., appointment of, 335. B. R., appointment of, 333. Mrs. Hunter, appointment of, 332. Walter Bell, appointment of, 338. W. A., appointment of, 328. Smoot, C. C, appointment of, 327. Smyrna, massacre at, 237; refugees from, 238. Soldiers' Home, directors of, 329. Solicitors, appointments of, 326. Index 361 Southbound Railroad, 70. Southern Railroad, 232. Southport, 50, 72; a city at, 73; need to assemble products at, 92; port at, 71. South Rocky Mount, Emerson Shops at, 279. Spartanburg, 70. Spence, T. T., appointment of, 336. Union L., appointment of, 327. Spencer, strike, 115; tense situation at, 233. Spier, Morgan B., appointment of, 333. Spruce Pine, 70; situation at, 255. Sprunt, Jas., appointment of, 329. W. H., appointment of, 32, 34. Spurgeon, J. S., appointment of, 336. Stafford, Mrs. E. E., appointment of, 331. Staley, A. P., appointment of, 337. State Board of Accountancy, members of, 337; of Architectural Examina- tion and Registration, members of, 336; of Charities and Public Wel- fare, appointments to, 31, 60; of Charities, members of, 329; of Chiropractic Examiners, members of, 336; of Dental Examiners members of, 336; of Education, 302; of Examiners in Optometry, members of, 337; of Health, members of, 331; of Health, Secretary of, 321; of Osteopathic Examiners, members of, 336; of Registra- tion of Engineers and Surveyors, members of, 337; of Veterinary Examiners, members of, 337; of Vocational Education, members of, 331; College of Agricultute and Engineering, 144, 145, 175, 198; Constabulary, members of, 339; commission to investigate, 97; Constitution, amended, 17; Department of Public Instruction, 142; Department of Public Welfare, 142; Department of Revenue, trans- fer duties and powers to, 34; Geologist, 44, 326; Geological Board, appointment of member of, 35; Highway Commission, assisting in making maps, 44; Highway Commission, appointment to, 59, 60; Highway Commission, appointment of members of, 35; highway system to be built, 8; Hospital, appointments of directors of, 31, 32, 34, 35; Hospital, Goldsboro, directors of, 329, 330; Hospital, Morgan- ton, directors of, 331; Hospital, Raleigh, directors of, 330; hospitals, visiting committee of, 333; Insurance Department, 106, 122; main- taining public roads, 8; Prison, Board of Directors of, 313; Prison, directors of, 330; Prison, number of camps of prisoners, 318; Prison, reclassification of prisoners in, 320; Public indebtedness of, 12; Public Utilities Commission, 309; Sanatorium, directors of, 327; School for Deaf and Dumb, Morganton, directors of, 328; School for Blind and Deaf, appointments of directors of, 33; School for Deaf and Blind at Raleigh, directors of, 327; Ship and Port Commission, 306; Ship and Water Transportation Commission 62, 65, 73, 85; Ship and Water Transportation Commission, members of, 329; Ship and Water 362 Index Transportation Commission, men composing it, 90; Ship and Water Transportation Commission, recommendations of, 67; Superintendent of Public Instruction, 301, 302, 303; Training School for Negro Boys, members, 332; Treasury, 239; Treasurer's account, 253. Staters bonds, a sale of, 12; indebtedness, 268; power to contract debt, a limitation on, 40; Prison Board, reward offered by, 323; University, must be made adequate, 7. Stedman, Chas. M., appointment of, 328. Frank, appointment of, 327. Stephenson, M. R., appointment of, 33, 331. T. M., appointment of, 338. Steppe, N. F., appointment of, 334. St. Mihiel, battle of, 131. Stokes, J. S., appointment of, 333. Stone, R. W. H., appointment of, 335. Stone Mountain Memorial Association, members of, 328. Stonewall Jackson Training School, 175, 198, 214; trustees of, 326. Storey, Walter E., appointment of, 338. Stowe, Jas. P., appointment of, 331. Stikeleather, James A., appointment of, 335. Strosnider, C. F., appointment of, 328. Stubbs, chief electrician, 287. Styron, Jodie, appointment of, 336. Sullivan, Miss Jane C, appointment of, 334. Superintendent of Public Instruction, 325; estimates of, 226. Superior Court Judges, 325; Emergency Judges, 325. Supreme Court, 226; action pending before, 67; Chief Justice of, 325; Judges, 325; to try case, 260; State lost suit before, 68w. Swain County, 18. Swain, J. E., 229. Tate, Fred N., signed telegram, 263. Thad, appointment of, 332. Taxation, 12, 15, to raise road construction money, 10. Taxation; Department of Revenue; Commissioner of Banks, 15. Taxation, 15. Revaluation, 21. Recommendation, 21. Appointments to fill offices created, 23. Taylor, R. S., appointment of, 327. Teacher Training School, 175; must be made adequate, 7. Text Book Commission, members of, 334. Thaggard, J. L., appointment of, 339. Thanksgiving Day, 108, 119, 128, 135, 186. Index 363 "The Cotter's Saturday Night," 189. The Old North State, 220. Thirtieth Division, 168. Thomas, J. C, appointment of, 327. J. W., letter from, 280. Thompson, Cyrus, offered resolutions, 277. C. A., appointment of, 336. Thorne, Spencer T., appointment of, 332. T. T., appointment of, 332. Thrace, 237. Tillett, Mrs. C. W., appointment of, 326. Timberlake, E. W., appointment of, 332. Tomlinson, Chas. F., appointment of, 330. Treasurer of North Carolina, 54. Treasury Department, 58; Mr. Moody of, 55. Trinity, 179. Tubercular Colony, establishment of, 318. Tucker, Harry St. George, appointment of, 337. L. W., appointment of, 335. Tufts, Leonard, appointment of, 331. Turkish victory, 237. Turner, Mamie C, salary of, 61. W. D., appointment of, 326. U Underwood, W. A., appointment of, 338. United Mine Workers, proposal of Federal Government to, 284. United Soldiers of the Armies of the Confederacy, 170. United States, 81, 82; aids college, 178; Attorney-General of, 259; bonds, investing sinking fund in, 41; Congress of, 209; democracy of, 193; District Court, 112, 231; fire loss in, 132; functions of govern- ment in, 156; funeral services of President of, 125; government collect- ing tax, 18; government's Revenue Act, 246; President of, 131, 147, 148, 237, 297; richer than any two countries, 14. University, 175, 179; boys at, 198; girls and boys sent to, 6; necessary improvements at, 12; of North Carolina, Board of Trustees of, 277, 304; of North Carolina, New York Alumni Association of, 296; of State, 258. V Vance, Z. B., appointment of, 328. Vanderbilt, Mrs. Edith, appointment of, 327. Vanstory, C. M., appointment of, 334. Varser, L. R., appointment of, 32, 332; director, 204; mentioned, 55, 56. Virginia cities, freight rates to, 49. 364 Index W Waddell, Chas. E., appointment of, 329, 331, 337; member of commission, 90, 264. Wade, J. E. L., appointment of, 97, 339. R. T., appointment of, 329. Wake Forest, 179. Walker, Murchison, presidential elector, 137. Robert N., appointment of, 337. Associate Justice, Piatt D., deceased, 300. Wall, H. C, appointment of, 327. Wallace, Chas, S., appointment of, 329, 330; member of commission, 90, 264. Wallgren, cartoonist, 141. Ward, T. Boddie, appointment of, 334. War Department, 131. Warren, C, S., appointment of, 334. Washington, 50; need to assemble products at, 92. Washington City, Woodrow Wilson died in, 129. Washington Memorial Committee at Valley Forge, members of, 326. Watauga County, 199. Watts, A. D., appointment of, 34, 270, 325; taxation under administra- tion of, 38; mentioned, 271. Mrs. Geo. W., appointment of, 330. Way, J. Howell, appointment of, 331. Webb, Chas. V., appointment of, 334. W. M., appointment of, 335. Weill, William, appointment of, 335. Weskett, Jno. S., appointment of, 335. West, Louis N., appointment of, 334. Western North Carolina, fish hatcheries in, 45; fish in streams of, 212; streams of, 176, 177; waterways in, 241, Wharton, E. P., appointment of, 35, 331; director, 204. Wheeler, J. H., appointment of, 336. White, Gilbert C, appointment of, 335, 337. W. H., appointment of, 332. Whitlock, Victor E., signed telegram, 296. P. C, appointment of, 326, 333. Wily, John F., appointment of, 32, 330; director, 204. Wilkinson, William C, appointment of, 35, 335; on Highway Commis- sion, 208. Williams, C. B., appointment of, 326. Mrs. Marshall P., appointment of, 32. Mrs. Marshall F., appointment of, 330. WilHard, M. S., appointment of, 336. Willis, A. D,, appointment of, 336, Index 365 Willis, Margaret V., salary of, 61. Wilmington, 50, 69, 72, 80, 83; a city at, 73; need to assemble products at, 92; port at, 71. Wilson, Geo. W., presidential elector, 137. John E., appointment of, 337. Woodrow, 210; administration of, 236; died, 129; memory of, 130. Winston-Salem, 70, 199, 220; assemblage at, 265. Woman's College, 179; girls provided for, 198. State College, 175. Wood, E. J., appointment of, 334. T. F., appointment of, 329. Ward H., appointment of, 35. Woodard, C. A., appointment of, 333. Mrs. Walter F., appointment of, 31, 329. Woodrow Wilson Memorial Sunday, 130. Woodrow Wilson's death, 129. World War, 148, 182; hostilities of, end, 135; soldiers of, 169; taught tolerance, 141. Worthy, F. S., appointment of, 328. Wreckage commissioners, 336. Wright, Jno. B., appointment of, 334. Zoeller, E. V., appointment of, 336.