The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-12-09
IHoIsLArIyE coRRgsporpENoE

HOUSE, OF REPRESENTATIVES,, Coiumoi
Dec. 5.-Sinoe my last. the Lsgislaturs has
moved on very rapidly with its business,
end considering the great number Of Biils
which have bsen iutrod 10 about ~ far
advanced, or perhaps farther thau ususl.
Several very important Bills havo been
considered, the moro important OF which II
the great prohibition Bill AS informed
yon in my last q committee Of one from each
County was raised to whom was referred all
the Bills on this subject. That committee
tackled the pondereus documents with COED
deal of energy, aud after n lsng discussion
agreed to report unfavorably on all except
the oae known rs tho Childs Bill This Bill
was formulated by the Ex-Committeo of the
Prohibition Party, and is considered iron
clad. After It, thorough discussion, it was
decided to appoint sub-committse Of Ave to
thoroughly consider this Bill, and report it
back 20 the large committee With proper
amendments, (your humble Representative
was placed on that committss) Our prohlbi-
ton brothers in the house were so fearful
that the committee would delay time in re-
porting that they passed resolution to
require us to report by Friday noon. which
was done. and ii was made q special order
for Wednesday next, otter third reading
Bills, and from day to day until disposed of.
This Bill is looked upon with suspicion by
some Of the strongest friends of Prohibition
as not the measure that the people want, and
| as not being compstent, from its provisions,
to bring the rel Of asked for by tho people.
1t is very ponderous, embracing thirty
seven long sections, and comprshe euds q very
| complicated system for managing this evil,
and the chances are that it will be cut up
aud amended so much that It may loose its
dispensary feature before it 10 enactsd into
| law, and il may be killed entirely, aud q
shorter and more simple one taken up.
The Governors idea, ss recommended in
his annual message, seems to be very popu-
lar, and is gaining daily rs bring the best
| way of disposing Of this harrassing measure.
| His plan is to issue high licenses in incorps-
rated towns aud cities, as At present, but let
tho Revenue 60 into the State aud County
Treasures, leaving the corporations to take
| care of the drunkards, and meet exposes Of
| the business in some other way than by using
| the funds derived from this business as they
| do now. 1t is known that many towns actu-
| ally charge such high license that the rove
nue. derived in this way pays all the Town
Taxes. This seems hardship that our fsl.
| low citizens should pay the Corporation
Taxes on property that was obtained, in
many instances by sItortion and high prices
| for the necessares oflife.
Another very important Bill will be dis
to require and authorize the State Treasurer
| 10 publish that all bonds not met at maturity
| will be extended for the term Of four years,
| at the same ratio Of interest as they now bear
This Bill will provoke long. aud perhaps
bitter discussion.
| An,thsr measure is meeting with great
deal Of opposition by insurance companies,
is to require them, before commencing busi-
ness, to deposit with State Treasurer $685.
600 in State bonds. This measure is 60 to
tend to work q hardship on Insurance COM
psnics, and cause thsm to raise rate, upon
those who Indulge in the luxury of insu-
rance.
The Salary Bills in both House and SEN
ate are creating a great deaf Of conjecture,
and feeling is increasing TO do somethlug
towards reducing same.
The Clemson College appropriation asked
for by the Board Of Directors passed 10 its
third reading and will perhaps meet with
no opposition. 1t appropriates $4,000 aud
provides for its completion by May, 1898.
This appropriation was asked for on the
grounds that the funds aooruing from the
Clemson bequest, the Hatch fuud and the
privilege Tax, which are alreldy subject to
use for building and completing this far
mers college, cannot be utilized as promptly
M tho n.osssi'ies Of the institution require
al this time. This, perhaps, will be the
last appropriation asked for, as the rss,ur-
ces OF the College will be sufficient to keen
1t mp, when once un Ter way.
Our colleague, Col. Il. c. Duncan, has
introduced bill to repeal the Free pass
Act. 1t docs not meet with much favor.
and the prophecy is that it will be defeated
and leave the law as it now stands.
! Our delegation are all in their seats,
ready and willing to look after the interests
nd
health. The Personnel Of the present
| House, is said 10 be ahead of the last. and
| spirit Of conoiliation is manifest, that We
hope may work for the 60 ID Of ali our pso.
pie, occasionally little tilt takes place,
ana little ambition exhibits itself as in
the ease now pending in reference to put
ting Charleston in tho Seventh or Black
District. 1t is b,ing strenuou,ly opposed
by the Charleston Dslsgi alton, but a CREST
many are favorable to the scheme, as q
Rnd OF punishment to the old "City by the
oea' fDr the manner in which she cast
her vote In the last general election. II 10
said that she cast 6O0O votes in the primary
Tor Mr.. Brawley AMI only 1900, for Clsye.
land, and again it meets with favor vbsn
we Consider the ability of Charleston TO
carry the district In any elsstion for the
Democracy.
since my last the Governor has bsen
installed The afir was CONDUCTED in .
very quiet way, Only requiring ten minutes
10 administer the oath of Office TO the Gov
srnor and Lieut.. Governor, and to hear the
speeches. Wv
Bills are still pouring in, and appearances
NJ present indicate that eur session will be
prolonged to the holidays.
Thanks for your kindness to us.
Respectfully.
JOHN II. JEpPERIEs.