The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-08-22
Wednesday. August %, 1888
Is this State Under the Control OF
MOnied Corporations:

We believe the laws of South Carolina per-
nit greater cruelties to children in factories
than is allowed in any other State In the
Union. Some time ago it was proposed TO re-
duce the hours of labor from twelve TO ten.
The Bill met with favor at first, but the fac
tory owners from every section rushed to the
capitol. and after lobbying with the country
delegates they voted almost solidly for the
perpetuatlon of law which is disgrace to
the humanity and to the christian civiliza-
ton Of any respectable State. Children OF
tender years are forced by cruel parents and
heartless corporations to work for twelve
hours day.
Some time ago the Auditor of Aooeville
raised the point that the surplus money I'D
banks should be taxed. Immediately Charles
ton made her boast that she would pay none
OF It. We learn that the bankers OF Charles
ton have, SO far, made good their threat.
It will be noticed that the Commission
which fixes the valuation Of railroads, nave
twice reduced the assessed valuation on our
railroads. This in the face OF the fact that
increased profits are reported every month,
while the improvement In the road-bed, roll
ing stock and depots is apparent.
ASS''1
were rendered by railroads and other tax
payers in bills of the Bank of the State. AL
though we have made diligent effort to ascer.
tain, We have not been able to find out II
single dollar Of that money has been account
ed for-except that which was accounted for
by the Treasurer of Abbeville.
A rich old tax-dodger In Oconee died re-
Gently, leaving a hundred thousand dollars
with which to make his name immortal.
Upon enquiry 1t Is learned that he paid taxes
only on about 8, 100 of real estate-the remain
der, about 100000, was not listed on the tax
books. He had absolutely evaded the pay
ment OF any State, county and school taxes,
and vet we learn that no determined effort
is being made to bring this colossal tax.dodger
up to the point, where he shall pay. Since
the death of this old tax-dodger Aobeville
county has thrust some OF her poor white
men 10 jail because Of their inability to pay
their poll tax. Do you see any difference IN
the treatment OF the rich and the poor?
Again, 1t is notorious fact partly through
the influence OF Charleston, that debts secured
by mortgage reseldom returned for taxation
While many q rich mans thousand dollar
mortgage escapes taxation, yet every poor
mans one-eyed mule Is registered IN the
Auditors Office for taxation.
We should have men in office who have
the courage to make the rich citizens pay
their share of the taxes, and we should
have men in Office who are neither afraid te
assess the property Of the railroads, nor feai
to bring county treasurers to on account
ability.
- II any member of the commission which
fixes the valuation Of railroads should seek
denomination, then he or they should be al
lowed to go before the convention and justify
their conduct, or show what influence moVeo
them to reduction of the railroad taxes.
fthe Comptroller-Gererals should seek a re
nomination, then let him explain what NJ
has done toward recovering the $4,000 nc"
supposed to be In the hands Of various county
treasurers. Let him explain why he has no
had the bank surplus taxed. Let him alse
tell what he is doing in the matter of the grea
old tax-dodger In Oconee.