The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1896-02-18
LEGIsLATlyED0INGs

asting matters since last we wrote was
the action of the House OF Representa-
tiyes in reference to the seats OF
Messrs. Duncan Of Newberry, Town
send OF Marlboro and CASTOR OF Aiken,
all holding seats in the body and other
lucrative offices with salaries into the
thousands; thus while Illustrating in
the positions of honor and four dollars
q day and mileage, like John Gilpin's
wife (of frugal memory they had
thrifty minds and held to the offices
with thousands attached as we'll as the
dignities. Townsend, who was o. Judge
In Isreael in the days OF good stealing
and Franklin j. Moses held the lucra-
tive Office of assistant District Attor-
ney, but being old, foxey, and wiley he
had the cunning to resign the as
sistant ~Attorneyship on the LIST day OF
January, 1896, when the new constitu-
ton went into effect, and is thus en-
abled to serve Gov. Evans on the floor
OF the House. When the Legislature
adjourns and the 81, per day likewise
departs and he has done the work Of
his master, he car resign and the At
t0rney General re-appoint him assist
ant at $500 per day; and then when his
term Is up and he has shuffled Off this
mortal coil, for the monumental brass
he has exhibited here below q brazen
monument can be raised to perpetuate
his memory. The House decided very
properly that Messrs. CASTOR and Dun
a were not entitled to their seats and
declared them vacant. 1t Is very pro-
bable these gentlemen were conscien-
tious in believing they were legitimate
members, but the House acted wisely.
There was o great debate on Tuesday
last upon the question Of reduction of
salaries in which, that prince Of re-
formers, l.. j. Williams, of old Edge
field, led the reform columns, backed
by the ecitizen" Ashley, and Burns, as
able ~lieutenants, and we can see no
reason in the world why Williams
should not be made Governor at least,
Or sent to Washington with a pitchfork
to stand by Tillman. "Citizen" Ashley
remembered Captain Tillman's old
argument that the purchasing power
OF money was much greater than for
merly and piled on the agony, but at
this distance we remember that a
bushel of sweet "taters' fetches near
on to q Ground white circle" commonly
called O dollar and o fat hen has cost q
quarter, boy and man with the writer.
But there was a mighty ado when Ba,
cot of Charleston proposed to reduce
the pay of q member to $500 per day;
u hero Of Old Agefield, Williams, in
sisted on S4.00, the debate grew fast
and furious and when the vote came
1t counted out overwhelmingly for the
snug little sum Of 81 and mileage, only
nine members showing faith in reform
by their votes. Three dollass was the
right thing, of course. The Governors
message upon the Dispensary Bill was
read to both Houses and we have given
this choice State paper the compliment
OF separate mention. The effort at re-
form In the matter of reducing salaries
was very like the energy of a
suchiNg dove and the reduction eff
fected still leaves the State officers of
South Carolina. drawing larger sums
than those Of the wealthy unreformed
State Of Georgia.
The Bill to pay Sheriff McCravy $500
for his experience in making a levy
ordered by Gov. Tillman has passed the
House conditioned to be paid if the
rail road wins and does not have to
pay, the case now hanging up in the
Supreme Court. AS touching Laurens
the following House Bill has favorable
report; To provide for the reissue Of
bonds; the. following without recon-
%mendation; to authorize commissioners
to issue bonds for indebtedness. Dis
cussing new counties Bill Citizen Ash
ley drew blood in the following col
loquy:
Josh Ashley said that he did not con-
slider q man who lived 40 miles away
from him his neighbor.
MI. Bowman-Mr. Ashley, can you
tell me what neighbour means.
MI. Ashley-Yes; tits a man I neigh
Dor with. (Laughter.)
The Clerk OF the House is to have q
new gown to cost only $50 as q robe of
State. This is certainly in the role of
economy for the taxpayers. An exam
pie In simplicity in attire in our public
servants is good and fine raiment
should be left to be INDUCED by Gov.
Evans Jehu.
A great effort was made on Thurs
day last by a few Reformers and Con-
servatiyes to dispose of important leg
islation and fix o day for adjournment
an overwhelming majority ~clinging
like leeches to the flesh pots of Column
bia and $4.00 peSrday. There was u hot
debate on repealing the privilege tax,
jt-being finally defeated. Wolff and
5 Williams voted to keep the tax, q sem
sible vote The argument was that
The farmers paid 1t and 1t oughtto go,
but there is no question but that the
small tax Is not felt and that 1t is the
easiest way to support tho Clemson
College, otherwise O direct a%ppropria.
tion of 100000 must be made for the in
stitution. We are for o liberal support
OF Clemson; we are for organizing It'll
such o way as to make 1t specially