The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-12-12
THE LEGISLATURE.
The Work Nears Completion as
Christmas Approaches.


The work OF the Legislature Is progressing
smoothly, with little TO disturb the routine
work.
Quite q number OF "fool bills" have already
been killed, among which Was the bill TO re.
duce interest on money to seven per cent. un.
der heavy penalties for charging more. II
this bill had become a law the great mass OF
people would have been shut of from the
privilege Of borrowing; Merchants and and
other business men would have disregarded
the law.
The consideration Of the bills for the forma.
ton OF new counties has been postponed until
the Legislature 1t is quite likely that the for
| nation of new counties VIII De again post
poned next year, until the TO llowihg year.
Ben Perry wrote q letter last week TO Josh
been % made against Governor fillman In the
campaign in reference 10 bis control and
management OF the dispensary., Ashley rose
TO question OF privileges In the House and
denounced the latter, insinuating that Sem
ator Butler was at the back OF II.
In the discussion before the joint commit.
tee on new counties, we learn That learn that
Senator McCalla. made strong and convine-
ing speech against the formation Of Green
wood county. He had been elected on that
very question, and represented majority OF
Lhe people OF Abbeville county. He was
elected with his opposition TO the q ew county
we'll known to everybody, and had received
the support OF Greenwood.
The work Of passing bill regulating the
marking Of cotton, progresses most satisiae-
The prisoners in our jalls will have an
easier job in the future. Instead Of having 10
eat thirty cents worth OF provisions daily.
they will henceforth be let Off by consuming
twenty-five cents worth. This Is In keeping
ing with the shortening Of the hours OF labor
in the factories. Justice deserves q like re-
duction in behalf of prisoners.
This legislature seems TO be drifting TO em.
inent piety. or TO notable and distinguished
aesthetics. They want to raise revenue by fin
ing persans for profanity and drunkenness.
they would better secure their object by cut.
ting off the supply Of liquor, or else charging
q higher price for the intoxicant.
We believe Abbeville is included among the
counties which may be allowed TO borrow
money at seven per cent. interest to pay cur
rent demands.
The Constitutional Convention bill is re-
ceiving much attention. The election, 1t is
thought, will take place In August, and the
Convention may meet in September.
Among the bills that are dead is numbered
that one which would abolish the three days
OF grace on bank notes.
The dispensary law has several proposed
amendments. Some Of them have been laid
the back OF the dispensary and II is quite
probable that the advocates Of the bar rooms
must "bide vice."
The Legislature has been conservative.
that nothing OF disturbing nature will be
done. The mem bers seem willing to walt for
the action of the Convention.
The election OF Judges seems to give gen.
eral satisfaction. The new Judges will COM
pare favorably with others. Hon. Joseph E.
Earl takes the place now held by Judge Nor
ton. Attorney General Buchanan Will sue
ced Judge Frazier. The old time officers are
being suppanted by new men In nearly every
place. The dominent element seem TO be
impressed with the Idea to the victors belong
the spoils, and are helping themselves as fast
rs vacancies occur. Only few OF the old
tha ,,nt, rI 10 10 n,,lx n
question OF time when the sweep will be clean.
Applications have gone Onward for appoint
ments OF Trial Justices at AbbeViIle, with
chances in favor OF the old appointees hold
a bill has been introduced by Senator Stan.
yarne Wilson authorizing the organization OF
q metropolitan police force for cities OF 2.5OO
population. This is Intended to insure the
enforcement OF the dispensary law. The
measure Is considered harsh one, but II the
city authorities refuse TO enforce the wlskey
laws Of the state. then the responsibility rests
not exercise more force than Is necessary but
the law should be enforced.
The Legislature has on Its passage bill to
Jefine the law as TO mortgages on personal
A bill has been introduced TO aboli sh the
Charleston Citadel Academy.
Another bill Is on Its passage to reduce the
$500 to $50. If that Institution was sold out
Tor q cotton factory, aud the library sent to
Clemson, D better disposition would be made
Of the whole matter.
II is proposed to raise fund In Anderson
county. with which TO buy books for children
attending public schools. The bill ought TO
be amended SO as TO include beefsteak and
sWeetmeats for the children.
The Legislature will likely pass law
igainst ordinances which prohibit the sale OF
fresh meats without license. We believe the
proposedlaw Is good one A man ought 70
nave as much right to sell fresh meat and
other products as he has to sell his cotton.