The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-02-19
Wasting Time and Money.
The Legislature Still a Long
Ways From Adjournment.

Columbia, Feb. l4.-The house of
representatives spent most of yesrer-
day in dealing with the annual ap-
propriation bill. having previously
discussed the bill dealing with the
magistrates, and during the day Re-
fermer Williams, of Edgefeld, came
TO the front again in his capacity Of
watchdog of the treasury, as ex-
pressed by Mr.. Floyd a few nights
ago. This time Mr. Williams gave
his attention to the action Of the
Governor of the State borrowing
$4,000 with which to give South
Carolina a suitable exhibit at the
Atlanta exposition, which he says
was made without authority of law.
He also paid his respects to the
action of the board of trustees Of the
Winthrop Normal College in spend
ing without authority some $4,000
more than the appropriation given
them and to the Clemson
trustees in taking $4,000 more than
was allowed to them. His speech
on the subject was pointed and pre-
sented the matter in clear cut man.
ner. lie expressed regret that he
had to bring the matter up, but, nav
ing done so. he went at it in a fear
less manner. Then Mr.. Patton
raised the point that the new Consti-
tuition plainly prevented the payment
of the $4,000 aud the question was
referred to the attorney general for
his legal opinion Mr. Williams
seems determined to call halt on
the expenditure of public funds ex-
cept by prior appropriation from the
general assembly. Quite wave Of
patriotism was rolling over the house,
called forth by Dr.. Wyche's motion
to reduce the pension appropriation
from $1,000 to $4,000, when the
hour for recess arrived Aside from
these matters, and the introduction
at the last minute of the day ses-
sion of bill to repeal the anti-free
pass act, the proceedings of the day
were of little or no public interest
It may be mentioned, however, that
during the day safety valve was
placed on the pipe through which the
funds of the State run to pay the
public printer.
THE SENATE.
The senate yesterday practically
filed a resolution to kill all unconstl-
tutional bills, so if the house takes
the hint, both branches will be saved
much unnecessary labor, the house
much gas and the people thousands
of dollars Those who devote time
to debating bills known to be uncon-
stitutiona!, are making the people
pay dearly for their services. All it
costs is about S1,100 day By at.
tending to it's business with fair
degree of intelligence, the senate has
been keeping ahead of the house and
yesterday, having cleared up every
thing, and with no prospect OF the
house sending over anything to-day
to keep them busy, The senate adj
journed till 8 p M Monday, thus
ending the fifth week Of its sitting
During the day Mr. Pettigrew's bill
to close stores at 8 p m. Saturdays
was killed !; also the bill to prevent
railroad employees working over IL
hours day also the bill to prevent
armed organizations drilling, unless
in compliance with the militia law.
Several other measures Of minor i'm.
portance fell by the way side. The
bill to separate ClaAin college from
Clafin university was made special
order for next Tuesday at l p. m.