A U.S. Congressman from N.C., Thomas H. Hall, called for government transparency as early as the 1830s. In an 1834 Congressional speech, Hall urged Tar Heels to demand public officials to maintain records of
?credit and debit, showing precisely what they pay for the article and
what it yields.? Read more about this understudied politician in the NC History Project’s commentary section.
by Locker Room contributor